James B. Sowka

Joseph R. Lanser is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Joseph R., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Everett S. Ward is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Everett S., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Everett S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Approachable, yet candid in his counsel, Kurt Rohde provides an objective analysis of the issues tied to his clients’ intellectual property assets and best courses of action. In particular, with over 14 years focused in complex patent litigation and large patent portfolio management, Kurt regularly serves as patent trial counsel for multibillion dollar corporations. Kurt helps his clients keep the bigger picture at the forefront by advising on obtaining, evaluating, and enforcing their ...

Mark E. Schmidtke represents clients in ERISA and Non-ERISA employee benefits matters in state and federal courts throughout the United States for nearly 30 years. He has been lead or co-lead counsel in ERISA litigation matters pending in the courts of 49 states. He has argued appeals in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits, as well as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Minnesota Suprem...

Brandon applies his extensive litigation experience to help his clients reach resolutions that advance their business interests. From advising motor vehicle manufacturers on disputes with their distribution networks to counseling real estate clients on disputes concerning properties they own or lend against, Brandon seeks to understand what drives his clients’ businesses and lets that guide his approach in the conference room or the courtroom. Brandon regularly counsels motor vehicle an...

Jeremy is a real estate attorney with nearly 25 years of experience who acts as a true counselor to his clients. Learning first the business and objectives of his clients, Jeremy utilizes his broad wealth of legal and market knowledge to aid his clients in the successful structuring and execution of their transactions and business goals, balancing strong advocacy with measured deal-making spirit. Ultimately, Jeremy’s goal is to be a long-term strategic partner to his clients. Jeremy is ...

Earl is chair of the firm’s Corporate & Securities practice group. He has extensive experience representing public and private companies and individuals in corporate, partnership and joint venture transactions. His experience includes complex mergers and acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers, restructurings, spin-offs, and divestitures. He regularly advises family offices regarding governance, succession planning, optimal investment structure, tax planning and executive...

Mark Grossmann is global chair of Katten's Corporate practice. Mark knows how to make deals happen. For more than 20 years, he has guided principals and finance sources alike through critical transactions that have helped them grow, compete and realize value. He is known for a refreshingly direct approach that cuts away extraneous issues and gets to the heart of what the parties need. Mark knows that lawyers are often seen as obstacles who can bury the deal in the legal details. He takes a di...

Julia Mano Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Julia Mano, 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 Julia Mano is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel Schwartz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Patent. Daniel, 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 Daniel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.