William J. Bettman

Biography: Todd A. Smith, Founding Partner, Smith LaCien LLP Making Access to Justice a Personal Crusade A native of Evanston, Ill., and with a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Todd A. Smith, a founding partner with Brian LaCien of Smith LaCien LLP, has practiced law for over 40 years. He has won some of the largest multi-million dollar jury awards and settlements in serious personal injury, product liability, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases in Illinois. ...

Christopher Butler is a nationally recognized corporate partner who concentrates his practice in the area of debt financing transactions with an emphasis on acquisitions and highly leveraged financings. He represents private equity groups, private and public companies and lending institutions across a broad spectrum of industries. He also represents debtors in loan workouts and restructurings, including debtor-in-possession and exit financings. The transactions that Chris has led include majo...

Brian L. Shaw is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Brian L., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Frank A. Sommario is a Partner at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC in Chicago, where he practices as a petitioner's workers' compensation lawyer. Frank was admitted to the Bar in Illinois (2000), Minnesota (2001), and District of Columbia (2001). He received his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 2000. He is a Certified Public Accountant (1998), who received his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce/Accounting from DePaul University in 1997. He became a Registered Investment A...

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...

Michael J. Hanahan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Michael J., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Justine Young Gottshall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Advertising Law. Justine Young, 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 Justine Young is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Known for her diplomacy and practical problem-solving, Jessica Lingertat approaches each transaction with a steady, collaborative hand. Her clients—including large-scale developers entering competitive markets and construction lenders funding varied projects—value her ability to balance risk and reward, structure creative solutions, and help deals cross the finish line with minimal friction. Jessica steers financings and other transactions related to the construction, development ...

Judith (Judy) Conway represents victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death, from the initial client introduction through trial and appeal. She focuses on representing victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos related diseases. During her career, Ms. Conway has successfully represented hundreds of clients and their families in recovering for their personal injury or death. She has secured tens of millions of dollars in settlements for wrongful death and su...

John F. Kinney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Antitrust. John F., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.