Paulina Starostka

Recognized for his national reputation and success as a child advocate, Dov Apfel has investigated and litigated birth trauma and obstetrical malpractice claims involving children with cerebral palsy and other neurological and intellectual disabilities throughout the United States for over forty years. Those in the legal profession who have worked with Mr. Apfel consider him to be the premier “lawyer’s lawyer” in the area of birth trauma litigation. When families and lawyers...

As a trial lawyer, Jim’s philosophy on litigation is based on integrity and hard work for his clients. True to his roots as a prosecutor, Jim values fighting for justice on behalf of those people harmed and always acts with a sense of urgency to hold wrongdoers accountable. While at Clifford Law Offices, Jim has worked on behalf of many individuals and families whose lives have been forever impacted. As the youngest of six children born and raised on Chicago’s Southside, Jim learn...

Rachel Cantor’s practice focuses on the tax aspects of complex business transactions including domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts, as well as joint ventures, recapitalizations and debt and equity restructurings.Rachel has worked on numerous private equity, LBO and merger and acquisition transactions ranging from several million dollars to several billion dollars for clients including: Madison Dearborn Partners, Audax Group, Wind Point Partners, Levine...

Leslie Smith is a litigation partner and was a long-time member of the Firm’s Global Management Committee. She concentrates her practice in the areas of antitrust, class action, and consumer fraud litigation. The Legal 500 stated that Leslie has a ‘good strategic approach’, ‘demonstrates personal commitment to the company’s cause’ and ‘acquires and deploys the best firm talent appropriately’. Leslie is highlighted as “2017 Life Science Sta...

Kim R. Walberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law. Kim 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 Kim R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Holby is a strategic intellectual property advisor who focuses on the creation, development, protection and enforcement of numerous sophisticated global patent and trademark portfolios. His practice encompasses all aspects of patent and trademark development, including prosecution, licensing, opinion work, counseling and due diligence. Holby provides legal services with a full appreciation of the perspectives of in-house counsel, management and technical staff, routinely advising them regardi...

Over the past 25 years, Brian Heidelberger has represented a multitude of the nation’s most revered brands and agencies in the marketing of their products and services. Recognized as Chicago “Lawyer of the Year” in Advertising Law by Best Lawyers and cited by Chambers USA as a “practical solutions-oriented lawyer” and an “expert in the field of advertising,” Brian is sought after by clients for his cutting-edge legal and industry knowledge, responsive...

Former Illinois Director of Insurance Nat Shapo litigates, argues and briefs cases in federal and state appellate and district courts throughout the country for a variety of clients. He represents insurers, licensees and insurance trade associations in regulatory and public policy matters in dozens of states and with federal agencies and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). During his four years as Illinois insurance commissioner, Nat was elected to the NAIC Executive C...

Household names in the technology and entertainment sectors and famous brands in all areas of consumer products and services rely on Kristin as an advocate and trusted advisor on IP, general advertising and competition issues. She has counseled multinational clients in multiple high-profile disputes involving novel ecommerce issues. She also gives strategic advice to clients on exploiting their copyrights and trademarks over social media, and on how to best protect their IP rights in software...

David represents management nationwide in virtually all areas of labor and employment law. David’s goal is to identify what each client seeks to achieve and then realize that end. David’s dedication to service is manifest in his accessibility to the clients he serves. A direct communicator, David is valued by clients and colleagues alike for providing practical and on-point legal advice, clear answers to complex questions, and workable business solutions. With more than 30 years o...