William R. Tapella

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 ...

You often hear about small-town values from big-city attorneys in commercials, but Jim McPhedran, who grew up on a farm outside Oglesby, took his small-town values to Chicago and brought back his law degree to help the people of the Illinois Valley. He remains as committed to his community today as he was as a new lawyer over three decades ago. "I learned a long time ago that you treat all clients the same," said Jim McPhedran. "Each deserves the same level of respect, consideration, and hard...

Jeremy D. Margolis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Jeremy D., 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 Jeremy D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nader Boulos concentrates his practice on the preparation and trial of complex commercial cases involving a wide range of substantive issues, including insurance coverage, commercial litigation, environmental torts and product liability. He has served as lead counsel in significant actions in state and federal courts across the country, representing clients in diverse industries including aerospace, manufacturing, telecommunications, energy, consumer products and pharmaceuticals. In the insur...

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

Larry Hepler, Partner larry.hepler@heplerbroom.com www.heplerbroom.com Practice Description: Mr. Hepler focuses his practice on the defense of complex, multiparty civil cases and class actions involving a wide range of subjects, including all aspects of consumer fraud, personal injury, products liability, pharmaceutical, commercial, toxic torts, construction and insurance litigation. Mr. Hepler has represented clients in numerous jurisdictions, with primary emphasis in Illinois and Missouri. ...

Joseph has close to 20 years of experience advising financial institutions on corporate and securities matters. Joseph uses a practical and efficient approach to help clients achieve their goals and has successfully completed over 100 M&A and capital market transactions. He also actively serves as outside corporate counsel for bank clients, including publicly traded companies. Joseph is co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano's Financial Institutions Group. He is a frequent speaker at industry conf...

Martin (Marty) Tish offers strategic counsel regarding asset ownership and structure, retirement planning and charitable planning for business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, traders, charities, family offices and individuals. He has administered estates and trusts ranging in size from $500,000 to more than $100 million. Clients rely on his aptitude for minimizing their tax burdens combined with the tact and discretion he employs in managing the sensitive human concerns that often arise du...

Ross Emmerman is a broad-based transactional lawyer focusing on domestic and cross-border middle- market mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and other financings and joint venture arrangements. He counsels public and private companies, family offices, and other buyers and sellers of businesses on structuring and negotiating complex business transactions, including purchases and sales of distressed businesses, executive compensation and general corporate matters. Ross also regularly rep...

Fredric P. Andes is a partner in the Chicago and Washington, D.C., offices of Barnes & Thornburg and the leader of the firm's water team. Fred is involved in counseling and litigation on issues arising under various federal and state environmental laws, with a special emphasis on Clean Water Act matters. Fred is also advising trade associations, industries, and municipalities on TMDLs, permits, and other water quality matters on the state and federal levels, including development of water...