Christopher J. "Chris" Bannon

Stephen D. Phillips is the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices in Chicago . Mr. Phillips was the 2013 President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the largest association for trial lawyers in the state of Illinois, and he remains a current executive committee member . He also was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers – limited to 500 attorneys worldwide – in 2011 as well the International Society of Barristers from 2020 to the present day. Stephen e...

Howard has always understood that business involves risk. Howard works with his clients to understand their business, their goals, and their level of risk tolerance. That understanding enables him to craft solutions that work for his clients. It is one reason why he has represented many of his clients for decades. For more than 40 years, Howard has served as a trusted lawyer and adviser to clients ranging from some of the world’s largest and best-known real estate, tech, software, and o...

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.

Ricardo E. Ugarte is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of International Arbitration - Commercial and International Arbitration - Governmental. Ricardo E., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ricardo E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John A. Ybarra is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. John A., 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 John A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As a real estate partner, Brett has more than 20 years of diverse experience advising clients with respect to sophisticated real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development, financings, and joint ventures. Brett is a trusted strategic advisor who maintains a deal-oriented approach with a goal of understanding and achieving his client’s goals in an efficient manner. Brett is thoughtful and highly cost-effective as he concentrates on the material issues...

Stephanie advises on complex tax issues, investment structures, acquisitions and sales of special assets, trust and probate administration and charitable giving. She serves as a fiduciary consultant on litigation matters for corporate fiduciaries and interfamily disputes. Stephanie also represents taxpayers on contested tax matters, including federal and state audits and administrative appeals. Stephanie’s clients include high net worth individuals, family offices and corporate fiduciar...

Brian J. Tiemann counsels public and private companies on a broad range of employee benefit matters, including matters related to pension plans, 401(k) plans and executive and incentive compensation. He advises plan fiduciaries with respect to their fiduciary duties, investment policies and alternative investments. He also advises multinational clients on global employee benefits matters, particularly with respect to global incentive compensation plans. Brian has extensive experience negotiat...

Jeffrey L. Rudd is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Jeffrey L., 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 Jeffrey L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephanie Samz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Stephanie, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephanie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.