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  • May 3, 2012 | People
    Alexis Backs Joins Quarles & Brady's Labor & Employment Group

    The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Alexis Renee Backs has joined the Firm's Chicago office as an associate in the Labor & Employment Group.

    Backs' practice focuses on employee benefits and executive compensation. She advises employers and plan sponsors on the design and administration of qualified and nonqualified retirement plans and welfare benefit plans. She routinely counsels clients on regulatory compliance with ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code and represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service in connection with determination letter applications and voluntary compliance program submissions under the Employee Plan Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS). Backs is also actively involved in assisting clients sponsoring group health plans prepare for, and comply with, regulatory changes under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) as well as maintain compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA).

    Backs also advises employers on the design and implementation of various non-qualified compensation programs (including Section 409A compliance issues) and has experience negotiating and drafting employment agreements, change-in-control agreements, severance agreements and separation and release agreements.

    She received her law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Southern California.

    Quarles & Brady LLP

  • May 3, 2012 | People
    Kim L. Kirn joins volunteer mediation force to help soldiers with employment issues

    Kim L. Kirn, Attorney and Mediator, has recently been approved as an Ombudsperson with US Department of Defense, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (“ESGR”). Ms. Kirn will mediate workplace conflicts between service members and their private sector employers.

    ESGR’s mission includes promoting employer support for US service members by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members. Federal law, known as the Uniformed Services Employment And Reemployment Rights Act Of 1994 (“USERRA”), provides workplace protection for service members throughout their military career.

    Ms. Kirn has been trained on USERRA and her volunteer work will include mediating USERRA disputes in Missouri, as well as employment counseling and USERRA education. Ms. Kirn works as a mediator and arbitrator with United States Arbitration & Mediation Midwest, Inc. (USA&M) in St. Louis, MO.

  • April 30, 2012 | People
    Franklin M. Hartzell 1923-2012

    Franklin M. Hartzell, 88, a lifelong resident and prominent Carthage attorney, died Tuesday evening in his home.

    He was born on Aug. 24, 1923, in Carthage, a son of Franklin M. Sr. and Mary Ferris Hartzell. On May 18, 1946, he was married to Eleanore Gaebe at her family's farm in Addieville. Ellie preceded him in death on Aug. 12, 2006.

    Franklin lived his entire life in Carthage, attending Carthage schools, graduating from Carthage High School and then obtaining his undergraduate in 1948 and LLB degree in 1950 from the University of Illinois. Franklin served his country during World War II and was later recalled to serve in the Korean Conflict, during which times he was the recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Carthage, where he currently served as chairman of the Endowment Committee. Over the course of his lifetime he has served in nearly every office of the church and was a deacon and elder. In his youth he was a Boy Scout, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.

  • April 23, 2012 | People
    Lorraine Cavataio joins Sandberg Phoenix as Shareholder

    Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. welcomes Lorraine Cavataio to the firm as a new shareholder. Lorraine’s practice focus is business law, estate planning, estate and trust administration, litigation and real estate.

    Lorraine has more than 17 years experience in representing a wide range of clients. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has effectively resolved numerous estate tax issues over the years. Her proficient knowledge of the Illinois and Missouri state court systems has time and again proven beneficial in providing superior legal counsel to her clients.

    Lorraine’s in-depth experience in the estate planning practice has elevated her stature in the legal community and made her a well-respected and sought after lecturer, including being contracted by the state of Illinois to conduct a series of estate planning presentations. She has also authored chapters for the Illinois Institute of Continued Legal Education.

    About Sandberg Phoenix
    At Sandberg Phoenix, our culture sets us apart from other firms. Guided by strength, character and personality, we believe that collaboration and mutual respect are essential to the success of our firm and our clients. This commitment has positioned our firm as one of the premier full-service law firms in Missouri and Illinois, with 81 attorneys and nearly 100 staff. As we continue to grow, so will our commitment to delivering superior client service. 

  • April 19, 2012 | People
    Richard J. Smith 1939-2012

    Richard J. "Dick" Smith, 72, of Wadsworth, IL, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Gurnee, IL.

    Dick was born July 10, 1939 in Freeport, IL, and graduated from Freeport High School in 1957. He went on to earn an Undergraduate Degree from Augustana College, a Masters Degree from Purdue University and a Law Degree from the University of Michigan. Dick married Nancy Coomber on May 21, 1966, in Freeport. In 1966 he moved to Waukegan to practice law and eventually retired from the firm of Sullivan, Smith, Hauser, and Noonan. He was a long-time active member of Immanuel Church in Gurnee.

    Dick was an avid fisherman, reader, and Chicago sports fan. He loved to sing, study history, and teach about the Bible, which he did for many years as a Sunday school teacher and small group leader at Immanuel. He was passionate about justice, and saw the law as a means to protect those who couldn't stand up for themselves. Most of all, he was a faithful husband, father, and friend, who loved God and served others generously.

    Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Nancy; son Erik (Christi) Smith of Carmel, IN; daughter, Melissa (Joseph) Smith of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Malachi, Simon, Ferris, and Caide; and sister, Dorothy (Richard) Pyle of San Diego, CA.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Smith.

    A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. Memorial donations are suggested to Immanuel Church or the Alzheimers Association.

  • April 19, 2012 | People
    Andrew Dystrup 1945-2012

    Andrew "Andy" Dystrup passed away on April 3 due to complications following a lung transplant on March 1st, related to pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Joliet on June 27, 1945.

    Andy was a graduate of Lockport schools and the University of Illinois, receiving a BS in chemical engineering and a JD degree. He practiced law in Joliet for 41 years and was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. Andy was a proud board member of the Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, ATG Trust Company, Lincolnway Community Bank, and The Will County Community Foundation. He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Chancel Choice and the Joliet Breakfast Lions Club.

    Andy was extremely proud of his daughters and delighted in being Papa to Marlowe, Colin, Garrett and Lauren. Andy and his wife Carolyn treasured traveling around the world together, noting their hiking trips in the national parks as their favorites.

  • April 18, 2012 | People
    Reichardt to receive Chicago-Kent's 2012 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award

    James Reichardt will receive Chicago-Kent College of Law's 2012 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award at the 2012 Public Interest Awards Night.

    Jim operates a solo practice in Villa Park, concentrating in civil matters such as real estate, probate and estate planning and trust administration for individuals and families. He has dedicated countless hours during his legal tenure to numerous bar associations and their activities as well as DuPage County legal organizations.

    • Thursday, April 26, 2012
    • Awards: 5 p.m.
    • Networking reception to follow
    • IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
    • Governor Richard B. Ogilvie Auditorium

    The Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award was created to recognize a Chicago-Kent alumnus/a who has demonstrated a strong commitment to pro bono throughout his or her career.

    For more information on the Public Interest Awards and a complete listing of award recipients, visit www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/publicinterest.

    1 comment (Most recent April 19, 2012)
  • April 12, 2012 | People
    Cross joins Holmstrom & Kennedy in Rockford

    Thomas R. Cross joined Holmstrom & Kennedy as an associate attorney. The Naperville native graduated magna cum laude in May 2011 from the University of Iowa College of Law and earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2008 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    He was admitted to the Illinois State Bar law year and is a member of the Winnebago County and Illinois State Bar Associations. His concentration is business transactions, commercial litigation and employment and labor law. The firm is at 800 N. Church St., Rockford and can be reached at (815) 962-7071.

    1 comment (Most recent April 12, 2012)
  • April 4, 2012 | People
    George Swaim 1922-2012

    George Tupper Swaim, 90, of Manteno, died peacefully at home, in the company of his loving wife, Alice, March 16, 2012. Cremation rites were accorded and memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, the YMCA, or to St. Mark United Methodist Church in Kankakee.

    George was born Jan. 5, 1922, in Gibson City. He graduated from Kankakee High School in 1939 and continued his education at the University of Illinois, where he graduated first with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1943. That same year, he joined the U.S. Navy and attended the Columbia University’s Midshipmen’s School. Upon completion, he received the commission of ensign. He proudly served his country for three years, spending 18 months overseas and was involved in the securing of the Solomon Islands and two invasions of the Philippines. While in the Navy, he was commissioned to lieutenant commander. Upon graduation from the University of Illinois in 1950 with a Master of Arts degree, he attended Tulane University Law School, graduating in 1953 with a Juris Doctor degree. While at Tulane, he was elected student body president.

  • April 4, 2012 | People
    William J. McGann 1949-2012

    Lemont attorney William J. McGann passed away on March 26. He was bron on Dec. 19, 1949.

    Mr. McGann was a graduate of Brother Rice High School, University of Dayton, and DePaul Law School.

    He was the son of Patrick and Mary McGann (deceased); Loving husband of Susan E. McGann (Doherty); Devoted Father to William Jr, Brian, and Kerri. Brother to Honorable Patrick McGann (Kathy), Timothy (deceased), Edward, Ginny, and Dr. John McGann (Marie). Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st, Orland Park. (708) 857-7878 or www.sheehyfh.com.