Nicole O'Toole Peterson

As a real estate attorney with more than 40 years of experience, Suzanne is deal-driven, meticulous, practical, straight-forward, and a fierce advocate for her clients. She understands her clients’ businesses and proactively anticipates their needs as her clients evolve. As co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano’s Real Estate Group, Suzanne concentrates her practice on commercial real estate and related corporate, securities, and business planning matters. Suzanne has significant experienc...

Scott Seaman Scott is a commercial litigator and trial and appellate lawyer with more than 37 years of experience. Scott is widely regarded as one of the leading attorneys in the United States representing insurers and reinsurers in property and casualty matters. He is known for employing his deep knowledge of the law and insurance and financial industries, strategic thinking, and honed trial and appellate advocacy to produce creative solutions and outstanding results for clients on a cost-ef...

Todd Schafer is recognized as one of the best trial lawyers of his generation. As the son of founding partner Timothy Schafer, Todd was immersed in the courtroom at an early stage of his career and was given an opportunity to try many cases at a young age. Demonstrating exceptional skill and tenacity, he quickly earned a reputation for winning challenging cases and achieving remarkable results, even in conservative jurisdictions. At just 30 years old, Todd secured a landmark $32.5 million ver...

Gretchen Scavo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions. Gretchen, 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 Gretchen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ian D. Wagreich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Ian D., 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 Ian D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tom is a litigator who represents property taxpayers throughout the country, ensuring their tax liabilities are secured at the lowest level allowable under the law. He represents clients spanning numerous industries, ranging in size and complexity from those with large, sophisticated real estate portfolios to those with just one building critical to their operations. Tom sets his clients’ expectations regarding measurable results in every property tax appeal. Before filing, he provides ...

Peter M. Siavelis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Peter M., 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 Peter M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices, comes with a great deal of experience in the law since he was sworn in Illinois in 2012. He formerly was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney and served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Department of Justice at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony offenses in federal court. He also previously served as chief of federal litigation for the 101 st Airborne Division while serving as an attorney...

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...

Samuel K. Skinner has had a career in both the governmental and private sectors. As Of Counsel to the firm, he consults with clients in a variety of areas, including strategizing on complex litigation matters, state and federal regulatory matters, governmental matters, transportation issues, and corporate governance. Mr. Skinner is the retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of USF Corporation, one of the nation's leading transportation and logistics companies. During each yea...