Edward J. "Ed" Chester

A partner with Langer & Langer, Steven L. Langer represents the rights and interests of people living in Valparaiso, Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana and other parts of Indiana. He focuses his practice on personal injury, medical malpractice, complex litigation, car and truck crashes, and wrongful death. After graduating from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977, Mr. Langer decided to pursue a career in law. He went to Valparaiso University Law School and earned his Juris Doc...

Tim is the Managing Partner of SouthBank Legal. A key member of the firm’s Chambers-ranked commercial litigation team, Tim concentrates his practice in complex business litigation. While companies in the recreational vehicles/manufactured housing and orthopedics/medical device industries regularly engage Tim, he represents a variety of international and regional businesses in matters involving intellectual property, products liability, class actions, real estate and construction, and fi...

John is a founder of SouthBank Legal and his practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and serving as a mediator to help litigants resolve commercial disputes without incurring the time, expense, and uncertainty of modern litigation. He is a key member of the firm’s commercial litigation team ranked in Chambers in 2023. In more than 30 years of practice, John has represented individuals and companies in state and federal courts around the country ...

Jeanine M. Gozdecki, a partner in the firm's Labor & Employment Department, has spent more than 25 years representing, counseling, and advocating for her business clients in virtually all aspects of the employment relationship. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, including as a Best Lawyers Women in the Law for her employment law work, and as "Lawyer of the Year" in 2013, Jeanine works collaboratively with her clients to pre-empt and minimize legal risks, and improve productivity and b...

Douglas Sakaguchi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Douglas, who practices law in South Bend, Indiana, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Education Trine University f/k/a Tri-State University (B.A. Psychology, 2001) The John Marshall Law School (J.D., Cum Laude, December, 2004)The John Marshall Law Review Member and Associate Justice of The John Marshall Law School Moot Court Honors Board Member of The John Marshall Law School Trial Advocacy Honors Council Phi Delta Phi Honors Fraternity. Admissions Indiana Supreme Court; Illinois Supreme Court; U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana; U.S. District Court for t...

Paul E. Harold is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Paul E., who practices law in South Bend, Indiana, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas J. Hall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. Thomas J., who practices law in South Bend, Indiana, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Timothy Maher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Timothy, who practices law in South Bend, Indiana, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ed Murphy is known for his intense advocacy, determination and thorough preparation on behalf of his clients. Most of Ed’s work has been on behalf of insurance companies and their insureds. His clients have included major retail chains, trucking companies, construction companies, Indiana businesses and individuals. Over two decades ago, Ed broke into the practice of defending hospitals and doctors in medical malpractice claims. Ed became passionate about defending medical malpractice ca...