Jeffrey N. Smith

Kristen Laughridge Gale is a partner in the environmental law firm of Nijman•Franzetti LLP, in Chicago. She has broad experience in litigation and enforcement-related issues, including private cost recovery, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, underground storage tanks, CERCLA, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Ms. Gale has successfully represented clients in regulatory disputes and negotiations with both state and federal agencies, including defending enforcement acti...

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.

A skilled negotiator and litigator, partner Michael F. Koenigsberger focuses his practice on family law- related matters. Recognized as one of Chicago’s leading lawyers in family law, he has represented hundreds of clients in complex custody and financial issues, prenuptial agreements, paternity cases and domestic relations. Particularly adept at dealing with high-asset, complex cases, Michael takes pride in working with clients through all phases of the issues they face, from litigatin...

Richard L. Sevcik concentrates his practice in exempt organizations and health care law. He has extensive experience in the representation of public charities, tax-exempt health care systems, private foundations and charitable trusts. He is a member of the firm's Pro Bono Committee.

Gil Soffer, managing partner of Katten's Chicago office, has made his mark on both sides of white-collar actions. As a former federal prosecutor and senior Department of Justice (DOJ) official, he thoroughly understands the government's enforcement strategies and tactics. As an experienced white-collar defense lawyer and national co-chair of the firm's litigation practice, he devotes his practice to keeping clients out of trouble and navigating them safely through government investigations an...

Janet Davis concentrates her practice in the areas of insurance coverage, professional liability, and construction litigation. She represents and counsels insurers on a wide range of issues and policies including errors and omissions, directors and officers coverage, employment practices liability, life sciences, and general liability. She represents architects, engineers, surveyors, lawyers, and accountants in litigated and arbitrated matters and also provides design professionals with gener...

Sorinel Cimpoes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Sorinel, 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 Sorinel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James J. Mazza, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. James J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff is an experienced trial lawyer and business advisor in the area of labor and employment law. Jeff advises clients on wage and hour compliance, reductions in force, enforcement of restrictive covenants, employment contracts and separation agreements, employee selection and discipline, WARN compliance, employment policies, internal investigations and business transactions. He has spoken on several employment-related topics, including effective employment documentation, joint employer liabi...

Barry A. Hartstein has earned a national reputation for a career that includes more than 30 years of counseling and representing employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters. He is a frequent writer, commentator and lecturer on workplace issues. He also has extensive experience as a litigator and has defended employers nationwide in individual and class action claims and wage and hour collective actions. He has particular expertise dealing with the EEOC on both a local and natio...