John Halstead

Biography: Todd A. Smith, Founding Partner, Smith LaCien LLP Making Access to Justice a Personal Crusade A native of Evanston, Ill., and with a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Todd A. Smith, a founding partner with Brian LaCien of Smith LaCien LLP, has practiced law for over 40 years. He has won some of the largest multi-million dollar jury awards and settlements in serious personal injury, product liability, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases in Illinois. ...

Mr. Leavitt is a Founding Partner with Grund & Leavitt. He has litigated a number of high profile trials and appeals in both federal and state courts.Before becoming a partner in the firm, he served as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois and as a justice on the Illinois Appellate Court. This followed 20 years in a successful private practice. The Chicago Bar Association remarked when evaluating him that "he enjoys impeccable credentials" and the Chicago Council of Lawyer...

Samantha Maxfield Lerner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Samantha Maxfield, 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 Samantha Maxfield is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric S. Rein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Commercial Litigation. Eric S., 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 Eric S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David represents management nationwide in virtually all areas of labor and employment law. David’s goal is to identify what each client seeks to achieve and then realize that end. David’s dedication to service is manifest in his accessibility to the clients he serves. A direct communicator, David is valued by clients and colleagues alike for providing practical and on-point legal advice, clear answers to complex questions, and workable business solutions. With more than 30 years o...

Nicole Berg is a Partner at Keller Postman LLC. She combines an analytical approach to the practice of law with expertise in legal strategy and briefing critical motions to deliver exceptional advocacy on behalf of plaintiffs. At Keller Postman, Nicole’s practice focuses on product liability matters. She sits on the Law & Briefing Subcommittee in the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs MDL—one of the largest group litigation matters in the United States—and is a member of the Plaint...

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

Tom represents clients in patent and trademark prosecution, intellectual property litigation, and post-grant patent challenges before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Tom has a broad base of experience in various technological and business areas, particularly in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical and medical device inventions. He drafts invalidity opinions, investigates freedom to operate, counsels on strategic portfolio management, and conducts due diligence investigations prio...

Eric builds sophisticated estate planning strategies for families and individuals, including business owners and executives. He also counsels clients on the legal and business implications of major life events, including premarital planning, relocating to a new jurisdiction, appointing short-term guardians for vacationing relatives and loved ones and designating agents for health care decisions. Eric represents clients spanning numerous industries and backgrounds, including traders, doctors, ...

Jeffrey A. Hechtman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Jeffrey A., 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 Jeffrey A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.