Kathryn H. Mickelson

Veteran attorney Michael Elam brings more than three decades of experience in environmental, energy, infrastructure and natural resource law in both the private and public sectors. He structures creative agreements and helps secure approvals and financing for complex national and international agreements involving the development, remediation and financing of environmentally challenged or controversial projects surrounding energy and sensitive water bodies or sources. Michael represents busin...

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

A former chief patent counsel to a Fortune 500 communications company with deep first chair trial experience, Thomas Pasternak focuses his practice on patent, trademark, and trade secret litigation, licensing, and prosecution. He protects and defends his clients’ intellectual property rights in district courts throughout the United States, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and the Federal Circuit and Seventh Circuit Courts of Appeal. He ...

Patty advises employers, fund sponsors and investors on compliance with the legal rules that regulate benefit plans and funds in which benefit plans invest. Patty advises employers on the full spectrum of employee benefit matters, with a particular focus on the design, implementation and administration of broad-based pension and retirement plans, health and other welfare benefit plans, and executive compensation programs. She has extensive experience in assisting employers with unionized and ...

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

As an advisor and counselor to entrepreneurs, closely held businesses, and wealthy families and their family offices, Steve Gustafson draws upon multiple disciplines to provide integrated tax, business and financial advice. Steve’s practice has a substantial emphasis in the areas of tax and financial transactions, including structuring corporate, joint venture, commercial and real estate transactions, as well as assisting family businesses with tax and financial planning matters. He als...

Leonidas L. Bezanis II , a partner at Beermann LLP , brings extensive experience in litigation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution to help clients navigate a wide range of family law matters. Whether representing high-net-worth individuals, high-profile clients, or families facing life’s challenges, Mr. Bezanis approaches each case with the same dedication, ensuring that every client feels understood and supported. His ability to handle complex financial estates and intricate...

Kristofer S. Riddle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs and Qui Tam Law. Kristofer S., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristofer S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill provides strategic counsel to numerous clients regarding the development, protection and monetization of sophisticated global intellectual property portfolios. His practice includes a wide array of intellectual property matters with a particular emphasis portfolio management and long-term portfolio strategy development, management of defense and enforcement actions, infringement and clearance analyses, technology agreements, licenses and transfers, and strategic guidance on significant c...

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...