The Bar News

Bar News Sections

People

  • January 15, 2013 | People
    Schiller Ducanto & Fleck welcomes new associate Caroline Poduch

    The law firm of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is proud to announce the hiring of Caroline E. Poduch as a new associate. Previously, Poduch worked at a law firm in Madison, Wisconsin where she practiced in the areas of family law and estate planning. Poduch handles complex cases involving child custody, maintenance, child support, and property division. She also has extensive experience with trusts and estate planning.   

    “For many people, family law issues expose them to the court system for the first time. My goal is to provide clients with a clear understanding of the proceeding and to be compassionate throughout the entire process,” said Poduch. “Schiller DuCanto & Fleck has an established reputation of legal excellence, professionalism and innovation in the practice of family law. Through their lens, they pay thorough attention to every case and work as a team to achieve the desired result. I am thrilled to become a member of this prestigious firm.”

  • January 14, 2013 | People
    William P. Novick 1952-2012

    William Paul "Bill" Novick, 60, passed away at on Dec. 16 at his home.

    He was born Wednesday, July 23, 1952, in Carbondale, the son of William J. and Clara Ruth (Paul) Novick.

    Bill attended school in Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1968. He continued his college education by attending at the University of Illinois in Champaign, and later at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he received his Law degree.

    Most of his working career was with his law practice in Marion. He was in partnership with his father under the law firm name of Novick Law Office, until his father retired in 2011. The only time he practiced law outside of Marion was when he was a corporate attorney in Texas for three years.

    Bill was united in marriage to Paula Anne Cox on Friday, Nov. 16, 2001, in Marion, and together they have shared the last 11 years of mar-riage.

    He was of Baptist faith.

    In his spare time, he enjoyed barbequing and spending time with his many friends that meant a lot to him; playing the guitar and singing many of his own songs that he had written and he was an avid sports fan. He also will be remembered for the many donated hours of legal advice and work he did for those who had a need.

  • January 14, 2013 | People
    Hoeppner Wagner & Evans adds Shelbie Byers as associate

    Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP is pleased to announce that Shelbie J. Byers has joined the firm as an associate. 

    Ms. Byers, who is located in the firm’s Merrillville office, focuses her practice on Labor & Employment Law and Litigation. Prior to joining Hoeppner Wagner & Evans, Ms. Byers was an associate at the Chicago office of Proskauer Rose LLP where she represented clients before the state and federal courts and administrative agencies in a variety of labor and employment matters. Previous to her employment with Proskauer, she was employed as an Associate attorney in the Employment and Labor Group of Sidley Austin LLP. 

    Ms. Byers received her law degree summa cum laude from Valparaiso University School of Law in May 2008 where she was a member of the Hispanic Law Students Association, a member of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity and an Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity Fellow (one of thirty in the State.) Shelbie was the Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Valparaiso University Law Review.

    Ms. Byers is licensed to practice in the States of Indiana and Illinois. 

    “We are excited that Shelbie has chosen to join our firm,” noted William F. Satterlee, III, Managing Partner of Hoeppner Wagner & Evans. “Shelbie has a solid educational background and experience in the legal field that will lead her into a successful career as a member of our team.” 

  • January 11, 2013 | People
    Julia Jensen Smolka promoted to Partner at DiMonte & Lizak, LLC

    DiMonte & Lizak, LLC announced today that Julia Jensen Smolka has been elected to partner. As a Commercial and Bankruptcy Litigation Attorney, she defends preference actions, prepares consumer bankruptcy petitions, under Chapters 7 and 13, and business petitions under Chapters 11 and 7. Julia advocates Creditors Rights in Bankruptcies, as well as, prosecuting and defending breach of contract suits. She has extensive litigation and collection experience and considerable experience in perfecting, prosecuting and defending mechanic liens and construction litigation claims.

    "Julia is an accomplished lawyer, capable of vigorously representing her clients without losing sight of their overall business objectives. We are delighted to welcome her to the partnership and look forward to her future," said David T. Arena, Member at DiMonte & Lizak, LLC.

    Julia received her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and her B.A. from The University of Illinois at Chicago. Julia is also an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Harwood-Heights Norridge Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Assistance Center and is active in the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

  • January 10, 2013 | People
    Foley adds experienced Real Estate Attorney Joel Solomon

    Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Joel C. Solomon has joined the firm’s Real Estate Practice as of counsel in the Chicago office. Prior to joining Foley, Solomon was general counsel with ST Residential, LLC.

    Solomon has extensive experience in a wide range of real estate matters, including project development and management, work outs and restructuring, foreclosure, litigation and bankruptcy, and loan originations. In his previous position as chief legal officer of ST Residential, Solomon directed all legal issues stemming from the $4.5 billion public-private partnership between the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and a consortium of private equity investors, including Starwood Capital, TPG, Richard LeFrak and Richard Perry Capital. He managed more than 40 large commercial foreclosures and deed in lieu transactions, all legal matters for approximately 45 for sale condominium projects and all aspects of portfolio litigation, while also directing the company through multiple complex bankruptcies.

    “Joel’s sophisticated knowledge of both the real estate and banking fields, gleaned from his many years serving as general counsel for companies, will provide our clients with unique and valuable perspective into a myriad of complex legal issues,” said Fred Ridley, national chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice. “The depth and breadth of his experience complements our already talented team and will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate an industry with numerous challenges and opportunities.”

  • January 9, 2013 | People
    Much Shelist promotes O'Hara, Shaw to equity principal

    Chicago-based law firm Much Shelist recently announced the elevation of Martin J. O'Hara and Michael B. Shaw from principal to equity principal.

    Martin J. O'Hara serves as vice chair of the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group. He has over two decades of experience in commercial litigation and defense of professionals in malpractice actions. O'Hara received a J.D. from John Marshall Law School and a B.A. from Illinois State University.

    Michael B. Shaw, co-chair of the firm's Business & Finance practice group and head of the Private Equity group, counsels clients ranging from large proprietorships and companies to start-ups and other smaller privately held companies. He received a J.D. (cum laude) from Northwestern University School of Law, an M.B.A. in Finance, Accounting and Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and a B.A. with honors in Economics from Northwestern University.

  • January 9, 2013 | People
    Marvin S. Helfand 1936-2012

    Marvin S. Helfand, 76, attorney, world traveler and avid golfer passed away Dec. 21. He married Myrna, nee Resnik, in 1959.

    For 53 years, they loved each other and traveled the world - from Russia to China to Romania to Mexico. A trusted adviser and counselor to many, he retired after a long career as partner at Defrees & Fiske.

    He is survived by Myrna; daughters Lauren "Lori" Helfand (Frank Alkyer) and Cindy Helfand; granddaughter Sarah Alkyer; brother Joel (Anna) Helfand; sister-in-laws Sherry Azaria and Elayne (Phil) Dauber.

    In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marvin's name can be made to LUNGevity or American Cancer Society . Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals 630-MITZVAH (648-9824), or WWW.MITZVAHFUNERALS.COM

  • January 9, 2013 | People
    Charles E. Hussey II 1933-2012

    Former Wilmette resident Charles Hussey II died peacefully on Dec. 13 in Dover, NH. Mr. Hussey was born March 6, 1933, in Presque Isle, ME to Frank Washburn and Serena Wood Hussey.

    He graduated from the University of Maine, and the University of Chicago Law School and married Barbara Olson of Winnetka. Chuck practiced international tax law for over 40 years with McDermott, Will & Emery in Chicago, became Capital Partner and greatly expanded the role of the tax law practice as he developed new opportunities and started up offices for the firm in the US and throughout the world.

    Chuck was a devoted husband, father and outdoor enthusiast with a love for people and had infectious energy and personality. He is survived by his brother, Gorham of Calgary, Canada; sons, Tom of San Diego, CA, Jeff of Longmeadow, MA, and daughters, Melissa Snow of Rye, NH, and Jennifer of Hillsborough, NH.

    A family service was at the Winnetka Congregational Church on January 5 where he and Barbara were married in 1957. Chuck has donated to the Harvard Brain Bank for Parkinsons-Alzheimers research.

  • January 9, 2013 | People
    Mary Teresa Schroeder 1954-2012

    Mary Teresa Schroeder, nee Balestri, 57, of Mascoutah, IL born Dec. 2, 1954 in LaSalle, IL, died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cookeville, TN.

    Mary was an attorney for the Schroeder and Schroeder Law Firm in Mascoutah for 32 years. During her years of service, Mary took a particular pride in ensuring the well-being of all her clients. She graduated in 1972 from LaSalle-Peru High School. Continuing her education she graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL where she majored in history. She was in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in 1980. She was a member of Holy Childhood Catholic Church, Holy Childhood Church Board, Mascoutah Lioness Club, Main Street Mascoutah and Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce. Serving all these organizations, Mary held many official capacities.

    She was preceded in death by her father Aldo J. Balestri, father-in-law, Meryl T. Schroeder, sister-in-law, Diane Balestri and a brother-in-law, Robert Connolly.

  • January 9, 2013 | People
    Hon. Rosaland M. Crandell 1923-2012

    Rosaland M. Crandell, nee Guy, age 89, of Wilmette and most recently Lynwood, Illinois passed away peacefully on December 21, 2012.

    Rosaland was born on February 1, 1923 and, as a child, first lived with her mother in Hillsboro, Illinois, and then with relatives in Chester, England until 1939. Following her return to Illinois, she enlisted in the Navy WAVES, serving as an aviation machinist’s mate and torpedo inspector.

    After the war, Rosaland received a degree in chemistry from Northwestern University and a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1958. She was in private legal practice in Evanston for 23 years until her appointment as an Associate Judge of Cook County in 1982. Rosaland served on the bench until her retirement at age 75 in 1998.

    She also was the President of the Evanston Zonta Club and was active in the International’s activities and affairs. In her later years, she was a devoted grandmother, spending family vacations in Door County, and making Christmas a wonderful time of the year. Rosaland will be fondly remembered for her commitment to education, her generosity, her patriotism and her love for animals, especially her cats and dogs.

    She was the loving mother of Margaret Anne (Carl) Toren, Christopher William Crandell, and Catherine Elizabeth Crandell; dear grandmother of Daniel Chester Toren, Erica Rosaland Toren, Craig Benjamin Toren, Caroline Kate Toren, and Victoria Marie Crandell.