Joseph Balesteri

Michael R. Strong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law. Michael R., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Terrence M. Quinn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Terrence M., 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 Terrence M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Known for her diplomacy and practical problem-solving, Jessica Lingertat approaches each transaction with a steady, collaborative hand. Her clients—including large-scale developers entering competitive markets and construction lenders funding varied projects—value her ability to balance risk and reward, structure creative solutions, and help deals cross the finish line with minimal friction. Jessica steers financings and other transactions related to the construction, development ...

Philip A. Bareck has been with Katz Friedman since 1991, became a partner in 2003, and a shareholder in 2007. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law teaching Workers' Compensation Law, has been selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer (5% of the attorneys in Illinois), included in Best Lawyers in Workers’ Compensation Law, awarded inclusion in Top Trial Lawyers (American Trial Lawyers Association top 100 Trial Lawyers for Illinois), Top Attorneys in Illinoi...

Mercedes Badia-Tavas provides legal and business guidance to clients on a broad range of immigration law cases, with focus on Fortune 500 and small companies alike. Mercedes supports her firm’s offices and clients across various states on immigration employment transfers and up-to-date compliance. As an immigrant herself, Mercedes finds particular fulfillment in helping companies and individuals immigrate to the United States and participate in the American dream through startups and bu...

Seth Jacobson is the leader of the banking practice in the Chicago office. He represents lenders and borrowers in connection with various types of sophisticated financing transactions in a wide variety of industries. Typical transactions include asset-based loans, leveraged term loans, other secured financings, leasing arrangements and complex intercreditor arrangements. Mr. Jacobson has extensive experience advising both borrowers and lenders in connection with secured credit facilities and ...

Annemarie Tarara is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law Mediation. Annemarie, who practices law in Lake Forest, Illinois, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Annemarie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David C. McLauchlan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. David C., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Welke focuses his practice on the tax aspects of complex business transactions and entities, including: mergers, acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts; venture capital and other private equity investments; formation of private equity funds; joint ventures and partnerships; workouts and restructurings; tax contests and controversies. Described as having “encyclopedic knowledge of tax structuring strategies” and “adept at cross-border international tax planning in the conte...