Karen M. Schetz

Carla Colaianni is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Carla, 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 Carla is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard “Rush” Howell is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Chicago office. Recognized as a trial lawyer companies call when the issues are too important not to fight, Rush has significant experience serving as trial counsel for companies in high-profile restructuring and product liability cases and representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in a wide array of business disputes. His practice spans commercial litigation, restructuring, data security an...

Marc S. Silver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Marc S., 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 Marc S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Partner Ryan T. Johnson concentrates his practice in the areas of construction law, professional liability, and complex commercial litigation. Ryan has over 15 years of experience successfully representing clients in construction related matters in Illinois and nationally, including jury and bench trials in state and federal courts as well as arbitration proceedings. In addition to dispute resolution, Ryan also engages in contract negotiations, contracting drafting and business counseling on ...

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

Monique Howery is a skilled litigator whose practice encompasses a range of complex intellectual property matters involving the development, registration, licensing, and enforcement of trademarks. Valued for her experience across a range of industries, Monique offers strategic guidance to advance her clients’ long-term business goals while protecting their legal interests. Monique is highly regarded for her ability to develop nuanced litigation strategies tailored to the unique needs of...

Jon Ballis is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s leading law firms with 6,500 professionals (including more than 3,000 attorneys) around the world committed to the highest quality legal advice and unparalleled client service. In his role, Jon is responsible for establishing and executing upon Kirkland’s strategic priorities, including advancing business initiatives and promoting a culture of performance, collaboration and collegiality. ...

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...

Partner at McDermott Will & Emery -- 1991 - present Co-chairman at McDermott Will & Emery -- 2010-present Previously, head of Trial Department and head of White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group. Served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois from 1986-1991 focusing on the prosecution of white-collar crime.

James C. Franczek, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. James C., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.