Michael J. Word

Nicole Berg is a Senior Partner at Keller Postman LLC. She combines an analytical approach to the practice of law with expertise in legal strategy and briefing critical motions to deliver exceptional advocacy on behalf of plaintiffs. At Keller Postman , Nicole’s practice focuses on product liability matters. She sits on the Law & Briefing Subcommittee in the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs MDL—one of the largest group litigation matters in the United States—and is a member of th...

Patricia Brown Holmes is a highly respected and accomplished lawyer who focuses her practice on high-stakes, “bet-the-company” commercial disputes and litigation; class actions; investigations and white collar criminal defense; environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG) such as diversity audits; and risk, reputation, and crisis management counseling for her wide range of public and private corporate clients. She is the first Black woman to lead and have her name on the doo...

Steve Napolitano is a corporate partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Steve represents private equity funds, family offices and public and private corporations in connection with leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, going private transactions, growth equity financings, senior and mezzanine debt financings, joint ventures, recapitalizations and restructurings. He also has substantial experience representing private equity sponsors, corporations and senior managemen...

Barry A. Hartstein has earned a national reputation for a career that includes more than 30 years of counseling and representing employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters. He is a frequent writer, commentator and lecturer on workplace issues. He also has extensive experience as a litigator and has defended employers nationwide in individual and class action claims and wage and hour collective actions. He has particular expertise dealing with the EEOC on both a local and natio...

Steven A. Block is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Steven A. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Steven A. Block since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Steven A. Block is held by other lawyers.

Ron E. Meisler is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law. Ron E. practices law in Chicago, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Ron E. Meisler since 2015. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ron E. Meisler is held by other lawyers.

Jason Williams is a Chicago personal injury attorney at Smith LaCien LLP. His practice includes catastrophic personal injury, Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, medical malpractice , and wrongful death matters. Jason joined Smith LaCien LLP in December 2021 after practicing as a solo attorney for eight years. He has litigated matters at the trial and appellate levels involving complex computer issues, medical malpractice, healthcare, antitrust, commercial disputes, and trusts and esta...

Eric builds sophisticated estate planning strategies for families and individuals, including business owners and executives. He also counsels clients on the legal and business implications of major life events, including premarital planning, relocating to a new jurisdiction, appointing short-term guardians for vacationing relatives and loved ones and designating agents for health care decisions. Eric represents clients spanning numerous industries and backgrounds, including traders, doctors, ...

Neil's practice is focused on both domestic and international transactions, including outsourcing (business process and information technology), software development, software, data, trademark, patent and technology licensing, telecommunications, commercial agreements (supply, distribution, development), joint ventures, and strategic alliances. In addition, Neil advises clients on the intellectual property and technology issues that arise in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizati...

Howard has always understood that business involves risk. Howard works with his clients to understand their business, their goals, and their level of risk tolerance. That understanding enables him to craft solutions that work for his clients. It is one reason why he has represented many of his clients for decades. For more than 40 years, Howard has served as a trusted lawyer and adviser to clients ranging from some of the world’s largest and best-known real estate, tech, software, and o...