Downs Lawyers

Maxine Weiss Kunz is a Founding Member and Partner of Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC and has been practicing 100% family law since 2005, including traditional litigation, adoptions, and collaborative law. She is certified for appointment as a Child Representative or Guardian ad Litem in Cook County. She is also certified to practice collaborative law in Illinois. Maxine is on the board of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and a certified mediator through the Center for Conflict Resolution and the Cook County courts.

Maxine received her undergraduate degrees from Indiana University-Bloomington, where she double-majored in Psychology and Telecommunications. She earned her...

Lance D. Northcutt joined Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in 2020 as a Partner, specializing in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, civil rights, and mass tort cases. Over his time at the firm, he has recovered over $500 million for his clients. He played a key role in a landmark $363 million toxic tort case where a woman developed breast cancer from exposure to emissions from a sterilization plant. This verdict set a record as the largest awarded to an individual plaintiff in Illinois history at the time. Northcutt also helped negotiate a global settlement for over 800 other victims....

RESULTS We have a 99% winning percentage. We have secured millions of dollars for our clients. We know how to fight and we know how to win. AVAILABILITY Access to your attorney is important. Whether you call Michael at the office, on his cell, through text, or email, availability is never an issue. Nothing is more frustrating to a client than being unable to speak with their attorney. COMMUNICATION Fancy legal talk is annoying. Nobody outside the law understands it. Michael explains complex legal issues in plain English, and provides step-by-step guidance...

Christopher Johnson has spent a significant part of his career obtaining compensation for the harms and losses suffered by workers on the job. He has litigated across the State of Illinois against various employers such as: AT&T; Chicago Transit Authority; City of Chicago; Cook County; State of Illinois; Johnson Controls; Tyson Foods; Lowe’s; Home Depot; and Walmart. He has also represented nurses who were hurt on the job. While many of the injury cases that he has litigated have involved torn ligaments and tendons in the shoulders and knees, he also has years of experience handling cases involving disc injuries...

Shawn Kasserman is a founding member of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC. Prior to founding TKK, Shawn was a partner with the Chicago Personal Injury law firm of Corboy and Demetrio.

Shawn’s success as a leading Chicago personal injury attorney has earned him many honors and great recognition. Shawn has been named one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Illinois on multiple occasions, and in 2009, was the youngest of only 17 personal injury lawyers to be named to the list of the Top 100 Super Lawyers. In 2013 Shawn was inducted as Fellow into the American College of Trial...

Emily T. Art became an associate attorney at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in 2023, after serving as a law clerk since 2022. She focuses on personal injury, medical negligence, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases. In her first trial with the firm, Ms. Art and the trial team secured a $12.2 million jury verdict for a tractor-trailer driver injured in a crash on I-70. During her time as a law clerk, she assisted in a landmark $363 million jury verdict against medical sterilization plant Sterigenics and contributed to a $32.7 million medical negligence case, the highest verdict on record for...

Joseph Curcio was raised in Chicago in the old Italian neighborhood along Grand and Damen Avenues on Chicago’s West Side. The son of a shoemaker, Mr. Curcio learned very early the importance of hard work and paid his own way through college at DePaul University and law school at John Marshall working various night jobs, including repossessing cars. Upon his graduation from law school in 1956, Joe had a very brief stint as a claims adjuster for an insurance company before striking out on his own as a solo practitioner. From the beginning of his career, he had a passion and...

Michael J. Schostok joined Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in 2019, focusing on catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has secured significant verdicts and settlements, including a $15 million personal injury settlement and a $3.9 million medical malpractice settlement. Early in his career with the firm, Mr. Schostok achieved a $3.73 million verdict for a pedestrian struck by a drowsy driver. Before becoming an Associate, he served as a law clerk at the firm, contributing to numerous high-profile cases. He also gained experience as a law clerk at another Chicago personal injury firm. Mr. Schostok earned his Juris Doctor...

Robert J. Curcio (R.J.) became a partner in 2022 after joining Curcio Law Offices during his time in law school. R.J. focuses his practice on personal injury, wrongful death, trucking accidents, automobile accidents, and premises liability litigation. R.J. has also worked for another prominent plaintiff’s firm in the Chicago area and was a judicial extern to the Honorable Edward Harmening (Ret.) during law school. These experiences provides him with a unique, insider advantage in representing personal injury clients. In his time as a plaintiff’s attorney, RJ has had numerous newsworthy results including a $30 million settlement on behalf of a...

A trial lawyer since 1998, Tom Mulroy joined Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in January of 2018. Tom brings a unique perspective to the firm, having extensive experience conducting trials by jury on behalf of defendants in negligence cases. As such, he has inside understanding and mastery of the strategy and tactics used by our opponents. In fact, during his two decades as a defense trial lawyer, Tom never lost a single trial. He brings that same level of intensity and competitiveness to the firm, and he also brings in-depth knowledge in the fields of general personal liability, medical negligence, and...

As a Chicago criminal defense attorney, I am equipped to provide the necessary representation and legal support, regardless of the complexity of your case. If you are dealing with a DUI charge, theft crime, drug offense, or any other criminal charge, it is crucial to consult with an attorney whom you can trust. It's important not to be taken advantage of by the court system. Instead, hire a legal advocate who will fight on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. I also assist clients with personal injury cases, civil litigation, and divorce cases. Contact my firm to schedule a consultation...

I provide immigration solutions to corporate clients including foreign investors, domestic businesses hiring foreign workers, and multinational companies transferring foreign employees to the United States. I also represent individual executives, professionals, researchers, scientists and artists regarding their specific immigration-related needs. My practice comprises all aspects of nonimmigrant visas, permanent residence, citizenship and worksite enforcement, including Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and E-Verify compliance.

I try to anticipate my clients’ needs by making every effort to consider cost, timing and longer-term issues at stake, as immigration decisions can have a reverberating impact even decades into the future. By understanding what is important...

After completing his term of service with the United States Army’s 24th Infantry Division, Matt went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by a law degree from The John Marshall Law School. Matt’s practice is focused on protecting the rights of injured workers throughout the State of Illinois. He has argued cases before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate Court. Matt also represents clients before the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

Matt is a member of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, and the...

Olga is an experienced litigator, representing individuals and businesses in business disputes, tort litigation and complex commercial litigation matters. She has seen cases through to successful resolution in trials, arbitrations, mediations, settlements and appeals. Her experience includes handling a wide variety of cases including, breach of contract, employment disputes, personal injury, insurance disputes, copyright, patent and trademark infringement, corporate governance and shareholder disputes, and more. Olga is a highly responsive, efficient and result-oriented attorney who strives to develop creative solutions to her clients’ legal problems.

Previously, Olga devoted her practice to international law, using her knowledge of common law and civil...

Jack Terran is a skilled personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Levin & Perconti in Chicago. He began his career at the firm as a law clerk in 2018 while attending The John Marshall Law School, and joined as a full-time associate in 2019 after earning his J.D. Jack is passionate about advocating for individuals and families harmed by negligence, particularly in cases involving nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. He plays a hands-on role in every phase of a case, from investigation and litigation strategy to negotiation and resolution. Before joining Levin & Perconti, Jack clerked at...

Nicholas Emerson is a passionate and determined trial attorney at Levin & Perconti. He represents victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice, and other catastrophic personal injury matters. His mission is to help clients hold wrongdoers accountable and obtain justice after preventable harm. Before joining Levin & Perconti, Nicholas worked at a Chicago law firm handling personal injury cases on both the plaintiff and defense sides. This experience gave him unique insight into how defendants and insurance companies approach claims—and how to effectively counter those tactics. He uses this knowledge to advocate strongly for his clients and build persuasive,...

Paul Connery, a Partner at Levin & Perconti, is a dedicated trial attorney who fights for justice on behalf of injured individuals and their families. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law (J.D., 2013) and the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (B.A., 2010), Paul brings a sharp legal mind and a deep commitment to advocacy. He began his legal career at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, first as a 7-11 Law Clerk in the Traffic and Felony Trial Divisions, where he litigated over 100 motions and bench trials. After law school, he became an Assistant State’s Attorney in the...

Teresa Ryan (Tess) joined Levin & Perconti as a law clerk in April of 2023 and was hired as an associate attorney after graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Law, and passing the bar exam in 2024. She focuses her work on probate and settlement matters in order to achieve the best possible outcome for clients, in a timely manner. As a proud Irish American, Tess was the president of the Celtic Law Association at the University of Illinois Chicago, School of Law, and was heavily involved with the Celtic Legal Society in Chicago in addition to...

Jenna L. Ewing is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in the areas of medical malpractice and birth injury litigation. With a strong background in insurance defense law, Jenna brings a unique perspective to her work as an associate attorney at Levin & Perconti. Prior to joining Levin & Perconti, Ewing held key positions at renowned insurance defense firms and has successfully handled a wide range of complex medical malpractice cases, representing both insurance companies and large corporations. Jenna’s analytical mindset and meticulous approach to her casework ensures no detail is overlooked. With a passion for helping people who have suffered due...

Founding partner Michael Cogan is a key player at Cogan & Power, P.C. as well as an active professional in the legal community altogether. As a compassionate and aggressive advocate for personal injury victims, Michael has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements totaling more than $220 million combined. These substantial outcomes are due, in part, to Michael’s hands-on approach and personalized representation for every client he advocates for. Michael is co-chair of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s medical negligence committee and serves on the Board of Directors of Cornerstones, a non-profit organization that supports underserved communities. He is also an adjunct...

Founded and leads the nations most experienced BitTorrent copyright infringement defense practice. We represent people accused of online downloading of movies by Strike 3 Holdings LLc, Malibu Media LLC, Venice Pi LLC, UN4 Productions, ME2 Productions, Bodyguard Productions, Headhunter LLC, POW Nevada LLC, Rightscorp, Rightsenforcement, and others.

Nationwide help to nearly 2,000 clients against more than 50 movie companies' copyright infringement claims.

Founded and leads pioneering Drone Law practice, helping companies of every size access the national Airspace through FAA approvals, FAA defense, business advice, litigation, and public advocacy.

If you’re facing criminal charges, we encourage you to contact our Chicago criminal attorneys. We truly care about you, and your family. We are a family oriented law firm – and treat every client with passion, and a desire to truly help them. Sometimes innocent people get accused of a crime with no evidence. Prosecutors want to look good – and will do everything possible to make you admit you did something wrong. Prosecutors will push trumped up charges in order to get you to plea guilty. Our Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer understands the pressure you are facing – and...

With nearly 25 years of legal experience, I am a knowledgeable and zealous advocate. I am a graduate of DePaul College of Law and have lived in Illinois since 1996. I am licensed by the Illinois Supreme Court and am a member of the Federal Trial Bar as well. I work throughout the State of Illinois, though I have the most experience in Lake and Cook Counties. My practice is primarily devoted to defending clients charged with serious felony offenses, ranging from murder to high-level drug offenses and sex crimes. I have extensive litigation...

Stephen D. Phillips, past President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, is known statewide for his tenacity, persistence, and skill in the courtroom. His reputation includes an unbridled passion for serving and obtaining justice for injured people who have faced or are facing difficult situations resulting from the negligence and wrongdoing of others. In 2011, Steve was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which is made up of lawyers elected worldwide and limited to 500. Mr. Phillips is frequently asked by both lawyers who have opposed him and even opposing parties to represent their families and friends in...

Dedicating more than 25 years to representing victims in personal injury and wrongful death cases, Larry R. Rogers Sr. has had a prolific career as one of the top litigators in Chicago. A graduate of St. Xavier College and DePaul University College of Law, Mr. Rogers has spent years handling medical malpractice, aviation accident, wrongful death, and motor vehicle negligence cases. For his achievements over the years, he has been awarded many accolades including The DePaul University College of Law Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to the Legal Profession, The Best Lawyers in America, and “Lawyer of the Year” in...

I have been the founding partner of the Kameli Law Group, since 1996 and focuses on immigration and corporate law. I am also a strong advocate for international business and have devoted myself over the course of my career to the problems in our contemporary era of globalization. I am a proud member of the bar of Washington D.C., New York, the U.S. Supreme Court, and Illinois. Since 2009, I have been facilitating the creation of sustainable jobs in the United States with over 100 million foreign investments by the designated USCIS Regional Centers, under the EB-5 program. With creative solutions,...

Daniel A. Klein is a partner at Kurasch & Klein, Chicago Accident Lawyers. Following graduation from Ohio State University College of Law, Dan was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990, and the Florida bar in 1994. He practices primarily in plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice litigation. His practice includes a wide range of cases including wrongful death, nursing home negligence, auto accidents, premises liability, construction accidents, FELA, products liability, and wrongful discharge. He has tried hundreds of jury cases and arbitrations to successful verdicts. Dan has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. Recently...

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009. Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years. Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits. His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland...

David Porter, Esq. is an experienced, dedicated, and effective advocate for Chicago’s workforce.

Mr. Porter received his B.A. degree from the University of Michigan in 1982 and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University in New York in 1985.

After law school Mr. Porter practiced law in New York for 10 years. Then he and his family moved to Illinois (to be closer to their family members), where he has been in private practice since 1995 (all at his current location).

For the last 30 years Mr. Porter has devoted himself to the practice of employment law primarily on behalf of employees....

Curtis Bennett Ross is a Cook County attorney who concentrates his practice on divorce and family law. Mr. Ross's background is in the business and financial sector. Mr. Ross obtained his CPA (certified public accountant) license in 1977 and is currently registered as a CPA in Illinois. Mr. Ross received his license to practice law in 1980. The combination of financial and legal education has served Mr. Ross well in that he has been recognized by the Court for his specialized business and financial knowledge by appointment of the position of a receiver and expert in family law matters. This...

I focus my practice on patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and trademark and trade dress infringement. I also have experience in handling matters before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Some of the technologies I have worked with have concerned mobile applications, tracking systems, lighting and laser systems, blockchain applications, IoT devices, secure connections, and medical devices. Prior to joining Nixon Peabody, I worked for a Fortune 500 automotive company, drafting utility patent applications and office action responses. I also volunteered for the Chicago-Kent Patent Hub, drafting utility patent applications for low-income inventors.

Receiving his B.A. from Cedarville University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Jonathan Thomas is an integral part of the legal practice at Power Rogers. Mr. Thomas often handles cases concerning product and premises liability, automobile liability, and aviation litigation. His dedication to his practice warranted selection to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40. Mr. Thomas is also an active member in the legal community, and is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, Illinois Bar Association, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Joseph A. Power Jr. is one of the founding partners at Power Rogers & Smith. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Loyola University, Mr. Power has practiced law for almost 40 years. He has worked on groundbreaking cases throughout his fruitful career in law, and at 28, he became the youngest lawyer in the nation to obtain a million-dollar-plus verdict for his client. He has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America every year since 1987, was named one of the “Top Personal Injury and Consumer Lawyers” by Leading Lawyers Magazine, and is a member of...

Joseph W. Balesteri is a partner at the Chicago-based plaintiff’s law firm Power Rogers. He joined the firm in 2000, and since that time, has handled many cases successfully, resulting in more than $400 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients, an average of $25 million per year. In recognition of his dedication to plaintiffs and achievements in the field, Mr. Balesteri has been awarded with honors such as “Super Lawyers” and “Leading Lawyers” by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company.

Thomas G. Siracusa is a partner at Power Rogers & Smith and has been with the firm since 1996. He earned his B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago and his J.D. from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. Since his admission to the Illinois Bar in 1986, Mr. Siracusa has obtained many multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in cases involving medical malpractice, birth trauma, and other serious injury cases. When not staunchly advocating for his clients, Mr. Siracusa publishes articles about medical malpractice and product liability in the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education publications.

As a partner at Power Rogers & Smith, Larry R. Rogers Jr. has dedicated his professional career to helping victims obtain the justice they deserve. Mr. Rogers is of the belief that society today places an emphasis on profits over people, which results in the suffering of countless innocent people. As a plaintiff’s lawyer, he dedicates his practice to righting those wrongs and affecting change so that the same acts of negligence never happen again.

Don Kurasch was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1972, following his graduation from the University of Illinois College of Law. He limits his practice to civil litigation, including plaintiff’s personal injury, medical malpractice, corporate litigation, nursing home negligence, auto accidents, premises liability, FELA, products liability, and wrongful discharge.

Don has won many millions of dollars for his clients over the years, including two recently litigated cases resulting in settlements of 7.5 million dollars and 4.8 million dollar, in addition to a trial verdict of $4.8 million. He has been a frequent speaker in the field of injury law over the...

John F. Winters, Jr. is the founding member of the firm Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC. The firm was formed in 1997. John has successfully settled or tried to verdict a variety of cases including medical negligence, police misconduct, VA Hospital negligence, automobile/trucking negligence, premises liability negligence and defamation cases, obtaining multi-million dollar results for his clients against defendants and their insurance companies.

John has been involved in a number of high-profile matters, including his current representation of former NFL players against the NFL in the CTE brain injury cases. Also, John served as lead counsel in the wrongful death...

Attorney Charles (Chuck) Adler has been fighting for the rights of his clients his entire career. He had only been an attorney for just 30 days when he stepped into the courtroom to try his first case defending a small business owner. Chuck has maintained a litigation practice since then. Early on in his career, Chuck represented clients in construction litigation and took numerous cases to trial both prosecuting cases on behalf of his clients or defending his clients' rights. The construction claims involved numerous industrial, commercial, and shopping center properties. In taking a number of those cases to trial, Chuck...