Jeffrey A. "Jeff" Risch

You often hear about small-town values from big-city attorneys in commercials, but Jim McPhedran, who grew up on a farm outside Oglesby, took his small-town values to Chicago and brought back his law degree to help the people of the Illinois Valley. He remains as committed to his community today as he was as a new lawyer over three decades ago. "I learned a long time ago that you treat all clients the same," said Jim McPhedran. "Each deserves the same level of respect, consideration, and hard...

Alan R. Greenfield is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Franchise Law. Alan R., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alan R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clients are not in the business of litigation, which is why in his over 25 years of practice, Steve has developed an approach that is more akin to a business counselor who helps clients favorably resolve disputes and, when necessary, will take a tough case to trial. Steve’s clients know he will bring creative solutions to help them avoid disputes, counsel them on the risks and potential benefits of litigation when a dispute is unavoidable, and maintain the kind of professional relations...

Phil Comella is a partner in Taft’s Environmental group. His practice spans both regulatory counseling and environmental-based litigation. With over three decades of experience in environmental law and a focus on the solid and hazardous waste industry, he regularly counsels owners and operators of landfills, treatment facilities, recycling operations, and waste generators on compliance, enforcement, and litigation matters arising under environmental laws.

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.

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

Tom is a litigator who represents property taxpayers throughout the country, ensuring their tax liabilities are secured at the lowest level allowable under the law. He represents clients spanning numerous industries, ranging in size and complexity from those with large, sophisticated real estate portfolios to those with just one building critical to their operations. Tom sets his clients’ expectations regarding measurable results in every property tax appeal. Before filing, he provides ...

Patricia Brown Holmes is a highly respected and accomplished lawyer who focuses her practice on high-stakes, “bet-the-company” commercial disputes and litigation; class actions; investigations and white collar criminal defense; environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG) such as diversity audits; and risk, reputation, and crisis management counseling for her wide range of public and private corporate clients. She is the first Black woman to lead and have her name on the doo...

Sondra A. Hemeryck is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Sondra 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 Sondra A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bradley M. Cosgrove is a Chicago medical malpractice attorney, personal injury attorney, and partner at Clifford Law Offices. He is an experienced trial attorney in the areas of medical malpractice, trucking accidents, automobile collisions, personal injury, and wrongful death who believes that results speak for themselves. As a young Chicago personal injury attorney, Brad began his career as a trial lawyer. As a matter of fact, he undertook his first jury trial just one day after he received...