Joseph M. Burns

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

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

Stephanie advises on complex tax issues, investment structures, acquisitions and sales of special assets, trust and probate administration and charitable giving. She serves as a fiduciary consultant on litigation matters for corporate fiduciaries and interfamily disputes. Stephanie also represents taxpayers on contested tax matters, including federal and state audits and administrative appeals. Stephanie’s clients include high net worth individuals, family offices and corporate fiduciar...

Louis S. Harrison has long been recognized as one of the premier estate planning attorneys in the country. A founding partner of Harrison & Held, LLP – one of the nation’s most elite estate planning firms – Lou’s practice encompasses all aspects of trust and estate planning, including estate and business planning for closely held companies. In addition to individuals in need of sophisticated planning, Lou represents numerous family offices, public figures, CEOs of ...

Gregory E. Spitzer is a partner in the Real Estate practice of the Paul Hastings Chicago office. He represents public and private companies and private equity firms in connection with acquisition, disposition, and financing transactions. Mr. Spitzer’s practice includes all aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions, development, leasing, financing, and re-structuring matters. Mr. Spitzer has a particular focus in the areas of real estate restructurings and structure...

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.

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

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

Ben Whiting is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Ben, 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 Ben 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...