Karen N. Brandon

Described as "an absolutely first-class lawyer" with "tremendous expertise in fund formation and joint ventures" by industry publications such as The Legal 500 US, Alvin Katz has been helping real estate investors and developers close their most important deals for more than 40 years. Alvin is consistently ranked in the top tier of Chicago real estate lawyers by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, which quotes clients praising his "exceptional intelligence" and describe him ...

Phillip L. Durham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aviation Law and Banking and Finance Law. Phillip L., 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 Phillip L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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. ...

Kim Nemirow is a partner in the Government & Internal Investigations Group in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Kim has nearly 20 years of experience advising multi-national organizations advising clients on highly sensitive and complex matters, including U.S. DOJ and SEC investigations, internal investigations and compliance matters. She had led countless investigations for private equity, pharmaceutical, medical device, technology and other clients into potential violation...

William J. Serritella, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. William J., 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 William J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristen Laughridge Gale is a partner in the environmental law firm of Nijman•Franzetti LLP, in Chicago. She has broad experience in litigation and enforcement-related issues, including private cost recovery, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, underground storage tanks, CERCLA, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Ms. Gale has successfully represented clients in regulatory disputes and negotiations with both state and federal agencies, including defending enforcement acti...

Justine Young Gottshall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Advertising Law. Justine Young, 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 Justine Young is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chuck is a pragmatic, solution-oriented real estate attorney whose clients rely upon to handle their most complex and high-priority transactions. He is analytical, strategic, and creative. Chuck is a skilled negotiator, with a deep understanding of his clients’ goals and the experience and business acumen necessary to help them achieve those goals. As a partner in Barack Ferrazzano’s Real Estate Group, Chuck’s practice focuses primarily on real estate finance, and the acquis...

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

Scott is a trial lawyer who concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on class actions. He was formerly managing partner of the firm, and served on its Executive Committee. Scott has considerable jury and nonjury trial experience, and represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He has advocated for clients in a broad range of matters, including antitrust, fraud and business torts, health care, breach of contract and...