JohnFranco G. Joyce

Laura Balson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Laura, 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 Laura is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Attorney – Jason Williams biography Jason Williams is a Chicago personal injury attorney at Smith LaCien LLP, concentrating in catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. He joined the firm in December 2021 after eight years as a solo practitioner, litigating cases at the trial and appellate levels on complex computer matters, medical malpractice, healthcare, antitrust and commercial work, and trusts and estates. The firm regularly confronts powerful corporatio...

Gary D. Blachman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Gary D., 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 Gary D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group, provides strategic counsel to established enterprises and entrepreneurs concerning the development and protection of extensive global intellectual property portfolios. He represents clients from a wide range of industries, including consumer electronics, restaurants, retail housewares, beverage manufacturing, software, entertainment and a variety of technology-focused industries. Michael has served as lead counsel in tri...

Chair of the firm’s Associations and Foundations group, Paula Goedert represents nonprofit organizations, including professional societies, trade associations, public charities and private foundations. Paula offers a depth of experience in guiding nonprofits through the challenges they face, and appreciates the opportunity to help make a difference. Paula serves as general or lead counsel for many national associations that represent prominent economy-drivers, industries and professiona...

Michael Carrillo advises individuals and businesses on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret matters, as well as on foreign and domestic patent and trademark protection. Michael navigates clients through and beyond developing, managing and policing small and large IP portfolios, creating practical strategies that leverage his clients’ assets while safeguarding their bottom line. A member of the firm’s Management Committee, Michael is listed among The Best Lawyers in Americ...

Sarah is a trusted strategic advisor to motor vehicle manufacturers, guiding them through the distribution of their products within the extensive state and federal regulatory landscape. Her significant business law & transactional background make her uniquely positioned to find creative solutions to solve complex business problems for her clients. Sarah is a co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano’s Motor Vehicle Group and leads the Group’s transactional practice. With over a decade of ...

Ivan M. Poullaos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice. Ivan M., 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 Ivan M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Allan Muchin co-founded the law firm that bears his name. What began in 1974 as the 24-attorney firm Katten Muchin Zavis has today become Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, with more than 600 attorneys worldwide. Allan began his legal career as a trial attorney for the Internal Revenue Service. When he helped launch Katten Muchin Zavis, he and his partners set out to create a law firm that was innovative, specialized and entrepreneurial. His practice concentrated on advising corporations, partnershi...