Brian A. Cohen

Biography: Todd A. Smith, Founding Partner, Smith LaCien LLP Making Access to Justice a Personal Crusade A native of Evanston, Ill., and with a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Todd A. Smith, a founding partner with Brian LaCien of Smith LaCien LLP, has practiced law for over 40 years. He has won some of the largest multi-million dollar jury awards and settlements in serious personal injury, product liability, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases in Illinois. ...

Deborah A. Laughton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Deborah A., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Deborah A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nicole Berg is a Senior Partner at Keller Postman LLC. She combines an analytical approach to the practice of law with expertise in legal strategy and briefing critical motions to deliver exceptional advocacy on behalf of plaintiffs. At Keller Postman , Nicole’s practice focuses on product liability matters. She sits on the Law & Briefing Subcommittee in the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs MDL—one of the largest group litigation matters in the United States—and is a member of th...

Monique Howery is a skilled litigator whose practice encompasses a range of complex intellectual property matters involving the development, registration, licensing, and enforcement of trademarks. Valued for her experience across a range of industries, Monique offers strategic guidance to advance her clients’ long-term business goals while protecting their legal interests. Monique is highly regarded for her ability to develop nuanced litigation strategies tailored to the unique needs of...

John is a nationally recognized banking attorney who advises financial institutions on regulatory, governance, and investigative matters. He regularly provides focused training sessions to boards and management on a wide range of legal and risk management topics. Working at the forefront of banking law and regulation, John is a thought leader in the field, primarily through teaching, writing, and frequent media interviews. As the Regulatory Section Leader of Barack Ferrazzano’s Financia...

Megan Thibert-Ind is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Megan, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Megan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jared Staver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jared, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jared is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chair of the firm’s Environmental Department, Erika Powers’ practice is totally focused on nationwide water quality issues. Her ability to understand the most complex details of a matter without losing sight of the macro agenda and big-picture client objectives is critical when analyzing the intersection of science and law surrounding water quality regulation. Notably, Erika provides veteran legal counsel regarding regulatory matters involving state and federal environmental agenc...

Todd A. Rowden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Todd A., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Todd A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jon Ballis is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s leading law firms with 6,500 professionals (including more than 3,000 attorneys) around the world committed to the highest quality legal advice and unparalleled client service. In his role, Jon is responsible for establishing and executing upon Kirkland’s strategic priorities, including advancing business initiatives and promoting a culture of performance, collaboration and collegiality. ...