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Chicago-based law firm Much Shelist has named Mitchell S. Roth Chair of the firm’s Management Committee, a position in which he will oversee all firm operations. David T. Brown, who previously held the position, will continue as firm Chairman. In addition, all current members of Much Shelist’s Management Committee have been re-elected to serve another year-long term beginning June 1. Along with Roth and Brown, this includes Steven L. DeGraff, Steven Schwartz and Anthony C. Valiulis. Also joining the Committee is Glenn D. Taxman, head of Much Shelist’s Orange County, CA, office and principal in the firm’s Real Estate practice group. 

Roth takes the helm of a thriving, full-service firm that serves clients ranging from startups to multinationals.  Recognized as a leader who balances innovation with tradition, Roth will continue to deliver the highest levels of service to his clients while fulfilling his new duties as Chair of the Management Committee.

“This is a very exciting time for our firm as we implement the succession plan we have been working on for some time,” said Brown. “Mitchell brings both passion and exceptional leadership qualities to this role, combined with an unwavering commitment to client service and deep legal and business experience.  He shares the immutable core values that have made Much Shelist the firm that it is today, and he is the right leader to build on the firm’s past successes while shaping the future.”

Donald L. Mrozek has been re-elected to serve a three-year term as the Chairman of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a 500 attorney firm with 24 offices in 12 states. Mr. Mrozek has filled the role of firm Chairman since 1989.

“The partners voted overwhelmingly to re-elect Don to this post, reflecting their confidence in the firm and it’s future,” said firm Managing Partner J. William Roberts. 

Significant accomplishments in recent years include moving to a practice-based leadership, implementation of a vibrant diversity initiative, and the establishment of a consulting practice – Hinshaw Consulting LLP.

“During Don’s tenure, Hinshaw has become a national law firm providing a wide range of litigation, transaction, and advisory services to a broad range of clients” said Hinshaw’s Vice Chairman, Kevin J. Burke. “More importantly, as the firm and the industry emerge from the financial challenges of recent years, Hinshaw partner earnings have increased and debt is down.”

“I am enthusiastic about serving as Chairman for another three years,” said Mr. Mrozek. “We have come a long way, but like law firms everywhere, face many issues as we embrace the future. We look forward to the challenge.”

During Mr. Mrozek’s tenure, revenue has increased fourfold; the number of lawyers has risen from 285 to 500; and the number of offices has gone from 11 to 24.

Gregory L. Shevlin, a partner at Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer & Shevlin in Belleville, will be installed as the 59th President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) on Friday, June 8, 2012, at its annual convention. Shevlin received his Bachelor’s degree in 1985 from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. In 1988, Shevlin earned his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka Kansas and was admitted to the Illinois Bar shortly thereafter.

Shevlin began his legal career at the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office where he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney until 1989. While serving in that office he gained significant trial experience prosecuting various types of cases. After leaving that position, Shevlin entered private practice, eventually becoming a partner at his firm. 

Currently, Shevlin focuses his practice representing plaintiffs in products liability, motor vehicle accidents, construction injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation and medical malpractice cases.

Shevlin is involved in many professional organizations. He has been an active member of ITLA since 1990, having served on the Executive Committee and the Board of Managers before becoming president. He is a former member of the board of directors and past president of the St. Clair County Bar Association. He has served as president of the East St. Louis Bar Association. Shevlin is also currently a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, American Association for Justice, National Trial Lawyers Association, and Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.

Richard W. Hall, attorney, a long-time resident of Park Forest, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2012. He was born on June 3, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Hubert and Almeada (Eardley) Hall.

He received a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Arizona in 1945, and during the late 1940s, Mr. Hall worked as an analytical chemist for the USDA, a control chemist for Lever Brothers in Whiting, IN, and William E. Thompson Company, in Los Angeles, an instructor in Biochemistry Lab Technique at the University of Utah, and a research chemist in insulin production at Armour Pharmaceuticals in Chicago. He received several patents in chemistry and was involved in the development of the compound 2-4-D.

Mr. Hall attended John Marshall Law School at night and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1951. As he began his law practice, he also taught Chemistry at the Chicago Technical College from 1951-55. Mr. Hall served as the village prosecutor in Park Forest from 1961 to 1987.