Nicholas Pesavento

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, John grew up working in his family’s restaurant and then stayed local attending both Northwestern University (B.A.) and Notre Dame Law School (J.D.). As a first generation Greek American, John witnessed the difficulties that immigrants can experience while adapting to a new culture. He also experienced the importance of community in helping people to assimilate and understand how to become part of that new culture. He is fluent in Greek and has b...

A practitioner in the area of family law for over 30 years, Dean Dussias has built his reputation by representing entrepreneurs, executives and other prominent clients in high profile and financially complicated cases with a careful, discreet approach that solves problems and mitigates risks. While there are some cases involving children or unforeseen financial roadblocks that present unavoidable delays, Dean has learned from his vast experience that in most cases, the best approach is a prag...

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009. Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years. Jonathan has grown his firm to include 4 other attorneys, an excellent staff and an additional office location in the suburbs. Jonathan has a great deal of e...

Chad Vance is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Reinsurance Law. Chad, 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 Chad is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Margaret H. (“Peggy”) MCCORMICK is a principal of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C., and has been practicing exclusively in the field of immigration law for over thirty years. From 1999 until 2003, she served as national President of the American Immigration Law Foundation, and during her tenure, she established the Immigration Policy Center to increase public understanding of immigration. She is past national President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (1997-98). She curre...

Ziemowit T. Smulkowski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Ziemowit T., 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 Ziemowit T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Adam Damerow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Adam, 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 Adam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For more than 30 years, Craig Tobin has been recognized for his precedent-setting civil and criminal trial work and is nationally recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in America, regularly voted by his peers to “The Best Lawyers in America,” “Leading Lawyers” and “Leading American Lawyers.” . Throughout his career, Mr. Tobin has guided many clients through high-profile cases which attract intense media attention and have either changed or defined the...

Charles Helsten is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. Charles, who practices law in Rockford, Illinois, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Catherine Basque Weiler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Catherine, 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 Catherine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.