Martin L. Stern

Catherine (Cate) A. Battin represents clients in state and local tax controversies at the audit, administrative and judicial levels in numerous jurisdictions. She provides national state tax strategies for clients on a full range of state tax issues, including income tax apportionment, nexus, combination and sales tax characterization of products and services. She has defended numerous internet sellers in cases brought under the Illinois False Claims Act alleging fraudulent failures to collec...

A highly skilled civil, criminal, and appellate litigator, Joel Bertocchi handles appeals in state and federal courts and represents clients in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, providing counsel on compliance policies and related issues. He has argued cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal Circuits and state appellate courts, and served as Illinois’ Solicitor General, the chief appellate lawyer for the State. A former federal prosecut...

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...

Sarah Engle focuses her practice on employee benefits matters. She counsels clients regarding a variety of issues, including the design, drafting and operation of tax-qualified pension and profit sharing plans, health and welfare arrangements, and deferred compensation plans. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/engle-sarah/

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

Stephanie S. McCann focuses her practice on corporate finance. She represents private equity groups, commercial lending institutions and major public and private companies in connection with the structuring, negotiation and documentation of domestic and international secured and unsecured financing transactions, including senior, mezzanine and subordinated debt transactions, acquisition financings, recapitalizations, loan workouts and restructurings. Stephanie is the chair of the Firm’s...

Robert J. Cooney, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Robert J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Terence M. Dunleavy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law. Terence M., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Terence M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Filip, a former federal judge and high-ranking Justice Department official, helps to lead Kirkland’s government enforcement defense and internal investigations group, and serves as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. As a partner in the Firm’s Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices, Mark has successfully guided numerous Fortune 100 companies and financial institutions through complex mission-critical moments, counseling leaders and Boards of Directors on high-stak...

Attorney, Financial Specialist for Collaborative Divorce, and Mediator From a very young age I always played the role of mediator in my family and with my friends. That is because I have always been able to understand the experiences of both sides and I have always been able to determine what is important to people in order to resolve issues peacefully. Today I use those skills as a financial specialist for collaborative divorce, as a mediator, and as an attorney. With my financial background...