Ridge Farm Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

Jennifer M. Cascio joined Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in 2020, focusing on personal injury, medical negligence, product liability, and mass torts. Since joining the firm, she has helped recover over $400 million for her clients. Notably, she was part of a trial team that secured a record-breaking $363 million jury verdict for a Willowbrook woman who developed breast cancer due to emissions from Sterigenics, the largest individual verdict in Illinois history. She also contributed to a $32.7 million verdict for a man who lost his leg due to a medical oversight, marking the highest verdict for a leg or...

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...

Mr. Houlihan was admitted to the State Bar of Illinois in 1986. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois as a member of the trial bar. He has been admitted to the Capital Litigation Trial Bar of the State of Illinois to represent criminal defendants in death penalty cases. Mr. Houlihan is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, where he has served as Co-Chairman of the Younger Members Committee (1988-1989); Chairman of the Criminal Law Committee (1990-1991); and Chairman of the Membership Committee (2000-2001). He is...

John A. Mennie was named an associate at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., in 2016 after working at the firm as a staff attorney since 2014. He concentrates his legal practice on catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death and mass tort cases. In his first trial with the firm, Mr. Mennie obtained a $1.6 million verdict in a wrongful death case, the highest recorded verdict in Stephenson County. In recognition for his outstanding work on the trial, Mr. Mennie was honored with a Trial Lawyer Excellence Award presented by the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Law Bulletin Media. Mr. Mennie...

I feel that my expertise in each of these areas compliment the other. For example, complex divorces often involve real estate or business holdings, with the accompanying valuation and ownership issues. Sometimes, a trust for the benefit of children is appropriate. In doing estate planning, there is often the need to plan appropriately for the second marriage situation. Real estate clients also often need to appropriately plan their estates, and to take title to their home in a manner that is consistent with their ultimate estate desires. I was admitted to practice in the courts...

Salvi is recognized as a one of the top 10 lawyers in America by the American Institute of Legal Counsel, and a top 100 lawyer by the American Society of Legal Advocates in 2016. Additionally, the Trial Lawyers Board of Regents presented Salvi with the Litigator Award. Further, he has also earned a spot among the "Top One Percent" of attorneys from the National Association of Distinguished Counsel from 2015-2016 and AVVO named Salvi a "Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney" based on exceptional client reviews and peer recommendations Al Salvi has lived in Lake County his whole life. He was...

Now located in Kensington, London, UK. Specializing in consular processing for marriage based immigration (green cards), investment in the US (E-2 and EB-5), multi-national business managers and specialists (L visas), waiver and citizenship applications.

While working full time, and raising his two children, Justin started college in pursuit of becoming an attorney. His dream has been brought to fruition as he is ready and able to tirelessly represent his clients. He considers his role as an attorney to not only be an advocate for his clients, but also for the community. Justin brings passion and strong ethical fortitude to the practice of law. When not practicing law, Justin enjoys spending time coaching youth football and baseball.

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D. & Certificate in Civil Advocacy, 2016

DePaul University, B.A. Philosophy &...

James is the principal attorney at the Law Office of James C. Siebert & Associates, P.C. / Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorneys, P.C. The Office provides legal services throughout the Chicago area concentrating in Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Asset Preservation, Medicaid Application Representation, Child Caretaker Agreements, Appeals of Medicaid Denials or unfavorable decisions, Nursing Home Contract Review, Nursing Home Injuries and Abuse, Estate Planning, Revocable Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Planning, Parkinson’s Planning, Addicted Beneficiary Planning, Special Needs Trusts, Special Needs Planning, Probate Administration, Trust Administration, Guardianship and Real Estate. James C. Siebert is one...

Marcia Gerber Cotler, Principal and Founder of Cotler Law LLC, received her Juris Doctor of Law from Georgetown University Law Center (cum laude) in 1989. In addition to her J.D., Ms. Cotler holds two certifications in mediation, one from the Center for Conflict Resolution (2002) and another from DePaul University College of Law (2004). Ms. Cotler has both litigated and settled hundreds of cases for clients ranging from multi-national corporations to individuals. She practices before the state courts of Cook, Lake and DuPage County Illinois, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the United States District Court...

Michele is an accomplished litigation and litigation management attorney with a proven track record of winning results at trial, arbitration and administrative hearings. She is known for her creative litigation strategies and communication skills. Result-oriented.

Michael Rada is the owner and sole practitioner in the Law Offices of Michael Rada, LLC located in Barrington, Illinois. Michael’s practice serves clients with matters in estate planning, probate, elder law and business law. Michael has served clients ranging from mid-sized companies to individuals.

Knowing that the law is not a “one size fits all” proposition, Michael applies his wealth of experience dealing with people and complex problems in finding the right solution for each individual client. He believes that listening to the client and fully understanding the desired outcome is an essential part of the legal process. In addition,...

Megan M. Nolan was born in 1983 in Belleville, Illinois. Ms. Nolan received a B.A., Honors Diploma, from Murray State University, in 2006, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice. Ms. Nolan received her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2009, where she pursued a concentration in Civil Litigation. She was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2009, and the Illinois Bar in 2010.

Makedonka “Miki” Baloski is a highly accomplished attorney with extensive experience across a wide range of legal disciplines, including estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate transactions, and contested guardianships. With over two decades of legal expertise, she is a trusted advocate for individuals, families, and businesses navigating complex legal challenges. At Kelleher + Holland, LLC, Miki focuses on estate and trust administration, delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to her clients’ unique needs. Miki’s experience spans litigation and transactional law, having defended multinational corporations in toxic tort and product liability cases, assisted clients with business disputes, handling probate matters,...

You believe you deserve an attorney who focuses on his client's needs, rather than on his bottom line. So do we. Ask our clients, and they’ll tell you that we take the time to get to know our clients to understand their particular situation to give them the most practical and effective legal solution. And, many of our services are provided based on a flat-rate arrangement.  It helps us to earn our clients' trust and lifetime relationship.

Mr. Feldman provides legal assistance to clients concerning a broad range of business and estate planning matters, including business formation and organization, contract review,...

Attorney Botto has successfully litigated complex Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation cases. If you are the victim of another person's negligence, or you are an injured worker, you face many financial challenges while trying to recover from your injuries. Attorney Botto recognizes your suffering extends beyond the physical wounds. He and his team of attorneys and paralegals will work diligently to maximize the greatest compensation allowable under the law for you and your family.

Mr. Botto's legal experience extends to the criminal field. He has tried successfully numerous cases to verdict, ranging from simple battery cases to serious felony charges of...

I am a former prosecutor for the Williamson County State's Attorney. I am proud to dedicate my life to defending the US and IL Constitutions and fighting for our rights. I am devoted to the prosecution of the wrongdoers in the practice of personal injury. I promise to do everything I can to get you the best possible outcome no matter how big or small your case may seem. Schedule a time to talk and I would be happy to give you a free consult, regardless of your legal issue.

Donald J. Cosley has practiced law since 1994 and is admitted to practice in Illinois, the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Donald Cosley assisted many clients in divorce and related family law, criminal defense, DUI, traffic violations, and drivers' license reinstatements. He prides himself on his firm's ability to provide aggressive and personable service to clients from all walks of life. Mr. Cosley belongs to several professional associations. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers....

As an attorney licensed in Illinois and Indiana, my practice involves working with individuals and businesses to address their legal questions. In my practice, I typically assist and address legal issues regarding business formation, corporate issues, and general business. I work directly with my clients to address their legal matters. My goal is to become a trusted advisor to assist clients in addressing their legal needs.

A Chicago native, Mr. Ferris graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Law, earning his J.D. in 1985. He has served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) as a prosecutor.

With over 30 years experience in personal injury law, Mr. Ferris is not afraid to take a case to trial and fight for his client's rights. He thrives on helping clients who have been treated unfairly by the insurance companies with unreasonable settlement offers.

Mr. Ferris successfully argued before the Illinois Supreme Court Estate of De Boer v. Voykin, which changed 40 years of personal injury law in the...

Jennifer L. Ashley joined Salvi, Schostok & Prichard P.C., in 2012 and was named partner in 2014. She focuses her practice on the areas of personal injury and wrongful death law including cases that involve car accidents, premises liability and products liability. Ms. Ashley has been selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer every year since 2016, has been listed among the Top 100 Super Lawyers every year since 2021, and has been listed in the Top 50 Female Super Lawyers in the state of Illinois every year since 2019. She has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America in the...

About Attorney J. Witherspoon A native of Chicago's south side, J. Witherspoon witnessed both sides of the justice system and its ability to impact lives. This inspired her to pursue a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and later obtain her Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Over the last 25 years, she has held an array of positions and sat on numerous boards all centering around assisting others and improving their quality of life through the utilization of her knowledge of the judicial system. ? J. Witherspoon regularly attends trainings and seminars to ensure that she remains current on knowledge and...

Patrick Brady is a criminal defense attorney based in Gurnee, IL. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, he has handled criminal cases as both a defense attorney with Brady Cole Trial Attorneys and as a prosecutor for the Lake County States Attorney. Because of that, Attorney Brady has developed a seasoned understanding of how to anticipate and approach the prosecution's arguments. He has represented clients in many areas of criminal defense including Multiple DUIs, Drug Possession, Sexual Assault, Orders of Protection, Murder, and more. He promises to fight fearlessly for you. To schedule your free consultation with the Gurnee,...

Mr. Justen has been representing severely injured persons since 1998 - involved in a variety of causes, including, trucking, electrical injuries, construction injuries, slip and falls, work injuries and auto accidents. Mr. Justen also represents family members and estates in wrongful death and survival claims. Mr. Justen held various electrical engineering positions with a major Northern Illinois Electric Utility Company prior to becoming licensed to practice law. His background in electrical engineering provides the ability to formulate an analytical approach and focus on the details of your case. Mr. Justen is recognized in the nationwide Million Dollar Advocates Forum for...

Craig Mannarino has consistently obtained significant jury verdicts and settlements for his clients in lawsuits involving medical malpractice, automobile negligence, pharmaceutical mass torts, and other catastrophic injury & wrongful death cases. His record of success includes over $50 million in jury verdicts to date. In 2015, he was one of a small group of lawyers leading the consolidated Cook County, Illinois pharmaceutical litigation involving the diabetes drug Actos® which resolved $2.4 billion, one of the largest pharmaceutical settlements ever.

In 2016, Craig was accepted as a Fellow into the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which is limited to 500 U.S....

Zachary Townsend is licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin and focuses his practice in divorce and family law. His firm, Pro Legal Care LLC, has offices in Rockford, IL and Freeport, IL.

Cynthia Rote spent 14 years litigating in Chicago before returning to her hometown and opening her own practice. During her time in Chicago Cynthia honed her litigation, family law, business law, real estate and appellate skills and looks forward to using those skills on behalf of her clients at Integrate Legal.

Cynthia is authorized to practice law in both Illinois and Wisconsin and is a member of the federal trial bar.

Why Integrate Legal? Cynthia believes that the key to legal success requires the integration of experience with effective and efficient legal solutions. This is what Cynthia will bring to...

Before I became an attorney, I worked for a retirement plan sponsor, learning the ins and outs of ERISA and investments in retirement plans. As part of my duties, I worked with the legal department to qualify QDROs. As an attorney, I have drafted and entered hundreds of QDROs, QILDROs and other orders dividing pensions and 401a, 401k, 403b, 457b and TSP accounts for over 23 years. I have been qualified as an expert witness in retirement plan divisions, and I have successfully litigated many retirement plan division issues. I can draft orders for you to enter or...

PASSION - INTEGRITY - TRUST - RESULTS "Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe." -Sir Winston Churchill Philip Berenz is a Chicago trial attorney truly committed to assisting individuals and businesses with securing all available remedies and compensation for injuries and disputes and defending them when necessary. His passion for his beliefs of aggressive and zealous representation and true empathy for his clients' situations, circumstances, life-altering events and suffering shines through at trial time before a jury, in everyday conversations with...

Attorney Charles Armbruster has 25 years of experience traveling the country and representing the rights of injured individuals. His outstanding track record includes 17 cases that reached a recovery of at least $1 million. He has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts for personal injury clients in 22 different states. Other law firms have asked him to serve as lead trial counsel in their cases due to his extensive and successful skills and experience inside the courtroom. Attorney Charles Armbruster has 25 years of experience traveling the country and representing the rights of injured individuals. His outstanding track record includes 17...

I look for ways to win your case! My practice is for people who want the best chance to win. I began practicing as a student lawyer when the Illinois Supreme Court gave me a special license when I started my last year of law school.

Mariam is an experienced trial attorney who has spent her entire legal career fighting for plaintiffs and their families in personal injury and wrongful death matters. Her philosophy is that the clients come first and justice must prevail to the fullest extent possible for every client. Communication is paramount between the clients and the law firm team. Vigorous representation is necessary in all parts of a case, but it must be done right and with integrity. If those are at the forefront of the representation, the results will come. In her early years, she practiced at a firm that only focused on...

Seth A. Albin focuses his practice on the areas of Bankruptcy, including representing individuals and businesses, Creditor’s Rights, Family Law, including all aspects of divorce and adoption, including child custody, child support, maintenance, spousal support, and modifications, Enforcement and Collection of Judgments including replevin, garnishments and executions, Secured Transactions, Arbitration, Litigation, and Municipal Law.

Before joining Summers Compton Wells, Seth worked at one of the largest law firms in St. Louis and served as in-house counsel for a commercial lender. He has represented secured and unsecured creditors and debtors in all aspects of the debtor-creditor relationship, including work outs, debt...