People

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of a new member, Abad Lopez, to its Labor & Employment Practice Group in the firm’s Chicago office. Prior to joining Dykema, Lopez practiced at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago.

Lopez focuses his practice on representing management in litigation in federal and state courts and other tribunals throughout the United States. He has represented employers, including multiple Fortune 50 companies, in a wide array of matters, including litigation of wrongful discharge claims, various tort based common law claims, harassment claims, and discrimination and retaliation claims brought pursuant to Title VII, the FMLA, the ADA, the ADEA and various other state and local statutes. Lopez also focuses on defense of complex wage and hour claims, including collective actions under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and class actions under the law of many different states.

Hinshaw Chairman Kevin Joseph Burke announced several new leadership appointments to the Firm's Management Committee, Practice Group and Partner-In-Charge positions.

"We are in a time of fundamental changes in the legal services market and these appointments bring in fresh thinking and build upon our diversity. They reflect Hinshaw's tradition of developing talent and these new leaders will advance our focus on collaboration, innovation and efficiency in all that we do," said Mr. Burke. He added, "Bob and the other new leaders embody Hinshaw's culture and its values. Each of them has shown that they have the talent and commitment to lead as we continue to provide outstanding service and pursue strategic initiatives to grow our national business, consumer financial, professional and insurance industry practices."

James Kosmond, born in Chicago February 7, 1935, passed into eternal peace April 16, 2016. 

James grew up on Chicago's South Pulaski Street in the formerly Czechoslovakian neighborhood, attending Farragut High School with his cousins and sister. He attended Bradley University and graduated at the top of his class at Northwestern University School of Law ('59). James specialized in civil defense but was an outstanding litigator in a broad spectrum of law. James learned from his mentor the great Chicago attorney Barnabas Sears as well as from his dear friend and assistant Sandra Wasinski. A tenacious opponent, he felt strongly that no person should be wrongfully maligned. He was a compassionate, tough attorney, settling or winning what many considered futile cases. He had a special place in his heart for his peers in the legal profession, but especially Anthony Madormo and Gretchen Cepek.

Chicago trial attorney Michael J. Sorich has joined Cavanagh Law Group after working 13 years at the Cook County State’s Attorney's Office, most recently as a Supervisor in the Civil Division. Michael’s primary areas of practice are in personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice litigation.

While at the State’s Attorney's Office, Michael tried more than 50 criminal and civil cases in state and federal courts and argued before the Illinois State Appellate Court. He was the youngest supervisor in the office there. His unique  and successful experience in both criminal and civil law serve his clients well.