William K. Merkel

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...

Kelly Koss focuses her practice in domestic and international construction and commercial litigation and arbitration. She is respected by clients for her counsel regarding litigation avoidance techniques and her willingness to work collaboratively to seek early resolution to disputes. When litigation is unavoidable, Kelly is prepared to advocate zealously for her clients to achieve desired results. Kelly represents owners, developers, contractors and design professionals in disputes related t...

Steven Grimes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Steven, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marcelo Halpern is a partner with the firm's Business practice and a member of the Technology Transactions & Privacy group. Marcelo's practice focuses on transactional, strategic and corporate representation of global "FORTUNE 100" companies, start-up and emerging growth companies, as well as U.S.-based and international governments and non-profits. His experience includes structuring and negotiating technology and intellectual property-oriented strategic alliances and joint ventures; sof...

Darren M. Mungerson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Darren M., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Darren M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas A. Reynolds, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Thomas A., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Valentina Famparska concentrates her practice on the federal income tax aspects of complex business transactions and entities, including mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, private equity investments, formation of private equity and real estate funds, formation of joint ventures and partnerships, and management compensation. Valentina also works with the firm's health care practice, sports and sports facilities practices, financial services practice and the trusts & estates practice...

Stephen Reynolds (CIPP/US, CISSP) advises some of the largest companies in the world on complex data security and privacy matters. A former computer programmer and IT analyst, Stephen is uniquely able to use his computer background to the advantage of his clients in matters involving data security, privacy, artificial intelligence and computer forensic investigations. He assists with responding to cybersecurity incidents, such as ransomware attacks, fund transfer fraud, data breaches and busi...

Andrew S. May is a seasoned securities and commodities partner with decades of experience in navigating complex compliance issues, regulatory enforcement actions, and customer disputes, as well as industry disputes. As a true counselor to his clients, he prioritizes understanding their unique operations and challenges alongside the laws and regulations governing them. With over 25 years of experience in serving participants in the securities and futures industries, Andrew is well-equipped to ...

Maria A. Diakoumakis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Maria A., 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 Maria A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.