Program Speakers

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Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. Staff:

Christopher M. Burhans, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Chicago | Mr. Burhans oversees all areas of technology including support, development, and infrastructure for ATG and its subsidiaries. He is also responsible for providing ATG agents with software and other technical solutions to support their title insurance agency and real estate closing activities. Before joining ATG in 2017, Chris was information technology manager and assistant vice president with Fidelity National Title. He spent more than ten years in the successful development and management of business-critical systems security, integrated software solutions, hardware components, mobile apps, and automated sales solutions. DePaul University, Chicago, M.A. - Data Security (with honors), 2010; St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, B.S. - Computer Networking Administration, 2005; Certified Systems Security Professional (CISSP); Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+ Certification (Sec+), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

August R. Butera, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Chicago | Mr. Butera is the manager of the ATG Legal Department, oversees the management of the ATG Escrow and Commercial Departments, and handles title insurance claims and litigation. He is also Senior Vice President of The Judicial Sales Corporation, a subsidiary of ATG. He has served on the Board of the Illinois Land Title Association and is a former President. He is currently on the Board of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. Mr. Butera has been part of the ATG legal staff since 1986 and has considerable background in title searching and closing problems. His experience includes eight years as an employee at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. DePaul University, Chicago, J.D. 1985; B.S. 1982.

Karen G. Courtney, Commercial Underwriting Attorney, Chicago, Illinois | Ms. Courtney joined the ATG Legal Department as a Staff Attorney in 2005. In her current position as a Commercial Underwriting Attorney, she works with attorneys and lenders in underwriting all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. With more than 15 years of experience in real estate law and title insurance, she has a deep understanding of residential and commercial real estate transactions, insurability, and risk assessment. Ms. Courtney served as a member of the ISBA Real Estate Law Section Council from 2016-2018 and is also a contributing author to the IICLE's Commercial Real Estate: Financing and Transactional Issues (IICLE, 2017). Prior to joining ATG, Ms. Courtney practiced law as an associate attorney with the Law Offices of Smith, Rickert & Smith (now Smith & Smith). University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, Little Rock, Arkansas, J.D. 2002; University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, B.A. 1996.

Thomas G. Cullen, Vice President - Wisconsin Operations, Waukesha, Wisconsin | Mr. Cullen is a Wisconsin real estate attorney with more than thirty years of legal experience, both in private practice and as in-house legal counsel for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. Since 2009, Mr. Cullen has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Land Title Association (WLTA) and is currently serving as President. He is also the Co-Chairman of the WLTA's Legislative Committee. Mr. Cullen is a frequent lecturer on title insurance, real property law, and real estate transactional matters. Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, J.D. 1986; University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, B.S., cum laude, 1982.

Deborah Frank Feinen, ATG Vice President - Downstate Operations, Champaign, Illinois | Ms. Feinen joined ATG in the spring of 2019, bringing with her more than 25 years' experience in the profession, including a decade as an active ATG agent. Her experience includes real estate, estate planning and administration, guardianship, business law, and school law. She has an impressive history of service in Champaign County (Champaign City Council, Champaign County Board, and other areas of civic involvement) and currently serves as Mayor of the City of Champaign. Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1991; Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass., B.A. Psychology and Education, 1989.

Sharon T. Glavin, Construction Escrow Administrator – Commercial Title and Escrow, Chicago | Ms. Glavin is responsible for all of ATG's construction escrow projects as well as working with ATG members approved to handle construction escrows. She has 30 years of experience in the title industry, working closely with builders, lenders, and attorneys on construction escrows. She has handled projects ranging from small single family homes and rehabs to subdivisions and national commercial projects. She was also part of a team that implemented the new construction manual to include the construction escrow forms and procedures. Prior to ATG, Sharon was part of a team that centralized First American's construction escrow services to include 20 branch offices and staff. She served on the Board for the Southwest Suburban Home Builders Association receiving several awards. Recent projects Sharon has administered for ATG include a suburban shopping center ($34M), a downstate bank ($17.5M), and The Jesse White Foundation Community Center in Chicago ($11.5M).

Jerry T. Gorman, Director, ATG Legal Education, Champaign, Illinois | Mr. Gorman, who joined ATG in 1982, retired in 2019 as ATG Senior Vice President - Downstate Operations. During his long tenure, he oversaw all aspects of ATG's downstate operations and played a major role in underwriting, technology, and corporate legal matters. He continues his role leading ATG Legal Education, a division of Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. that provides quality programs for attorneys to expand their knowledge of real estate, title insurance, estate planning, and related legal skills. He has been the driving force behind ATG Legal Education since its 2007 inception. Indiana University, Bloomington, J.D. 1977; University of Colorado, Boulder, B.A. 1974.

Lowell B. Krahn, Senior Underwriting Attorney, Chicago | Mr. Krahn has worked for ATG since 2002, first as a law clerk and then as an attorney for the Commercial Department. Lowell currently works as an attorney underwriter for residential transactions. Lowell, along with Alisa Swerdlove and ATG Sales Staff, has also taken on a significant role in the training and helping to facilitate the transactions of new and re-activated ATG member attorneys. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and is also a licensed attorney in the State of Florida. Lowell also enjoys playing the violin and viola in his spare time. The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 2004; The John Marshall Law School, L.L.M., Real Estate Law, with honors, 2004; University of Colorado, Denver, B.A., with distinction, 2000.

Elizabeth L. Lazicki, Claims Attorney, Legal - Claims, Chicago | Ms. Lazicki investigates and resolves title insurance claims for ATG. She has worked at ATG since 2015. Prior to coming to ATG, Ms. Lazicki was a Residential Underwriter at Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 2011; Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois, B.A. (with honors) 2008.

James M. Marlin, Underwriting Attorney (Retired) – Wisconsin Operations, Waukesha, Wisconsin | Mr. Marlin was with ATG from 2011 - 2015 and was a 35+ year veteran of the title insurance industry. He began as a title examiner in 1978 and has also held the positions of Agency Counsel and State Counsel for both Wisconsin and Minnesota during his career. Mr. Marlin has taught the Title Examiner Certificate Course V (Conveyances by Legal Entities, Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights) three times per year since 1999. He was a frequent guest speaker for various Marquette Law School real estate-related courses. Prior to that, he taught "Real Estate Conveyancing" while an Adjunct Professor of Law (1996 - 2000). Mr. Marlin has also taught many CLE courses on real estate, title insurance, and construction law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee and Waukesha County Bar Associations. He was also a very active member of the Wisconsin Land Title Association, where he served many years on the Board of Directors and as President (2001 - 2002), and a former member of the Minnesota Land Title Association. Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, J.D. 1986; Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, B.A. 1975

Katharine "Kate" Marlin, Underwriting Counsel and Operations Manager - Wisconsin Operations, Waukesha, Wisconsin | Ms. Marlin is responsible for all matters pertaining to underwriting and title operations for the Wisconsin office and agents. She has been instrumental in developing a Closing Department in Wisconsin, as well as the member-based Clerical Assistance Program. Prior to joining the ATG underwriting staff, Ms. Marlin worked as a Title Examiner for a Milwaukee-based title agency and as Underwriting Counsel for a national title insurance company. She is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Land Title Association (where she is Vice Chairperson of the Convention Committee), and WLTA Waukesha Bar Association. Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, J.D. 2012; Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, B.A. 2005.

Gregory J. Miely, Senior Managing Attorney - Underwriting and Corporate Counsel, Champaign, Illinois | Mr. Miely handles legal and underwriting questions as well as closing problems for Illinois and Indiana. He has a broad base of knowledge concerning title insurance matters, closing problems, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and other areas of real estate law. His more than 20 years of experience at ATG include underwriting attorney and corporate counsel, plus five years as a software developer. He is also the editor of Casenotes and Underwriters’ Bulletin, one of ATG’s monthly electronic publications. Prior to ATG, Mr. Miely was in private practice in Chicago. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 1981; Pennsylvania State University, University Park, B.S. 1976 (Delta Tau Kappa).

Arden K. Miner, Vice President – Underwriting, Support and Development, Chicago | Ms. Miner returns to parent company ATG after having spent the last five years in the top position at ATG subsidiary, ATG LegalServe, where she oversaw the management of day-to-day operations, defined the overall corporate mission, and developed new directions for the business. As an example of the latter, under Ms. Miner's direction ATG LegalServe acquired a local process-serving company, added new services, relocated, and almost doubled in size during 2016. Ms. Miner has strong problem-solving, customer relations, and long-term planning skills. Ms. Miner also has significant experience in the real estate closing process, title insurance underwriting, title operations, and agent support from her past roles at ATG. In the late 1990s she was an Independent Closer for ATG and joined the staff in 2002 as an attorney in the Underwriting Department, which she later managed along with the Escrow Department. She served on the board of directors of the Illinois Land Title Association, is a member of the Illinois State and Chicago Bar Associations, and is a licensed Private Detective. Ms. Miner is also a past chairperson for the CBA Real Property Law Committee and Vice Chair of the UPL and Multi-Disciplinary Law Committees. She is a frequent speaker for IICLE and ATG Legal Education seminars. Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan, J.D. 1995; Keller Graduate School of Management, Chicago, MBA 1992; Loyola University of Chicago, B.S. 1986.

Ryan Murphy, Manager, Training and Procedures, Chicago | Mr. Murphy is part of ATG's Training and Procedures Department. He is a 2013 graduate of Saint Xavier University where he received his M.B.A with an emphasis in financial fraud. Mr. Murphy became a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in 2012 and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Greater Chicago Chapter, 2016; Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, C.F.E. 2013; Saint Xavier University, Chicago, Illinois, M.B.A. 2013; Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, B.A. 2006..

John G. O'Brien, Vice President and Counsel to the President, Chicago | Mr. O'Brien is an experienced speaker with expertise in many topics related to real estate. He has practiced real estate law since 1972, successfully running Law Offices Of John G. O'Brien, Ltd. from 1976 to 2012 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where he focused on real estate and estate planning. He became a member agent of ATG in 1984, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2002, and accepted his current position with ATG in 2012. His career includes the founding and chairing of IRELA; the presidency of the ISBA; lecturing for the ISBA, the ABA, numerous bar associations throughout the state, and the IICLE; and serving on the board of Managers of the Chicago Bar Association. Mr. O'Brien is also a member of the MCLE Board of the Supreme Court. Loyola University, Chicago, J.D. 10972; University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, B.A. 1968.

Henry L. Shulruff, Senior Vice President - Business Development, Chicago, Illinois | Mr. Shulruff is responsible for business development for both ATG’s core title insurance business as well as certain ATG subsidiaries. Additionally, he maintains supervisory responsibility for ATG's Corporate Communications and event planning departments. He also is active in ATG’s legislative efforts, and serves on several committees of various trade organizations and bar associations. He was instrumental in starting ATG’s Indiana and Wisconsin operations, which he oversees. Mr. Shulruff was an ATG law clerk for one year prior to being admitted to the bar in 1988. He is also past president of the National Association of Bar-Related Title Insurers (NABRTI) – 1999-2001. DePaul University, Chicago, J.D. 1988; University of Iowa, Iowa City, B.A. 1985.

Christine Sparks, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chicago | Ms. Sparks was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in March 2017. She brings a deep understanding of ATG operations, agent operations, risk assessment, and compliance to the position due to her experience in the Training and Procedures, Support and Development, Claims, and Underwriting Departments. She is well versed in title insurance and lending industry practices and the regulatory environment. Prior to joining ATG in 2003 as a Staff Attorney, she was an associate at the law firm of Jump & Associates, P.C. She is a past president of the Illinois Land Title Association and has also chaired various committees there, including the Title Counsel Committee. She has obtained the designation of Illinois Title Professional from the Illinois Land Title Association and the designation of National Title Professional from the American Land Title Association. She is a member of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Ms. Sparks is a frequent speaker for ATG Legal Education and other groups within the real estate and title insurance industries. She is also a recipient of the Stanley W. Marion Real Estate Law Fellowship. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Master of Laws in Real Estate 2004; DePaul College of Law, Chicago, J.D. 2002; Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, B.S. (with honors) 1999.

Tania M. S. Stori, Vice President – Claims and Litigation, Champaign, Illinois | Since 2015, Ms. Stori has been transitioning from her long-term role in Underwriting, most recently as Senior Managing Attorney, learning all aspects of claims analysis, settlement, and litigation. Due to her own long-term service at ATG (having started as a law clerk in 1996) and extensive service in the Underwriting and Claims Departments, Ms. Stori is well versed in all aspects of the real estate transaction, insurability and risk assessment, and the regulatory environment. She also has a deep understanding of our services, title operations, staff, and attorney agents. Ms. Stori is a contributing author to the IICLE's Commercial Real Estate and IICLE's Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Practice. She currently serves on the Illinois Land Title Association Board of Directors and is a past chair of its Title Counsel Committee. Ms. Stori is a frequent speaker for ATG Legal Education seminars. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Law, J.D. 1998; University of Chicago, M.A. 1994; Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, B.A. (summa cum laude) 1993.

Alisa L. Swerdlove, Underwriting Attorney, Chicago | Ms. Swerdlove joined ATG as an underwriting attorney in 2017. She advises member attorney agents, closers, lenders, and non-member attorneys on residential underwriting issues, drawing on nearly twenty years' experience in all aspects of the closing process as an ATG independent closer. Vermont Law School, South Royalton, Vermont, J.D., M.S.E.L (Environmental Law); DePaul University, Chicago, M.A. (Voice); Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, B.A.

Kathy H. Xiahou, Underwriting Attorney, Chicago | Ms. Xiahou handles underwriting matters for both residential and commercial transactions. She has worked at ATG since 2011, starting as a law clerk in the Champaign office before transitioning to the Chicago office in 2012. University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign, J.D. 2012; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, B.A. 2006.

ATG Trust Company Staff:

Nathan Beemster, Trust Officer, ATG Trust Company, Chicago | Mr. Beemster joined ATG Trust in 2016. His work focuses on IRAs, Inherited IRAs, fiduciary taxation, and estate and gift taxation. His experience includes three years at FNBC Bank and Trust (formerly First National Bank of LaGrange), where he was involved with all aspects of trust administration, estate settlement, and guardianship. Mr. Beemster has volunteered with Wills for Heroes which is an organization that works one-on-one with police officers and firefighters to create wills and powers of attorney. University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, J.D. with concentration in Estate Planning; University of Wisconsin, Madison, B.A. Legal Studies.

Christine Campbell, Vice President of Administration, ATG Trust Company, Chicago | Ms. Campbell joined ATG Trust Company in 2015. Her skills include managing IRAs, SNTs, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and investment accounts. Prior to ATG Trust, Ms. Campbell was a Cook County State's Attorney, a trust officer with FNBC Bank and Trust, and J.P. Morgan Chase. She worked nearly 20 years in private practice where she concentrated in probate, estate, litigation, and social security. She currently serves on the DuPage Estate Planning Council and CBA Judicial Evaluation Committee. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. with High Distinction; Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois, B.A. Urban Studies/Sociology.

Shannon James, Trust Officer, ATG Trust Company, Chicago | Before joining ATG Trust, Ms. James served as a public guardian for the Adult Guardianship Division of the Cook County Office of the Public Guardian. She devised detailed case plans for clients, which involved developing long-term individualized budgets, evaluating the sale of real and personal property, planning for public benefits, identifying investment needs, and assisting in the creation of special needs trusts. Prior to that, Ms. James was an attorney and guardian ad litem in the Juvenile Division. Her work experience includes Family Medical Leave Act Specialist with the ComPsych Corporation. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D.; Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, B.A.

Christopher J. LaPorta, AFIM, CTFA, Vice President of Investments and Senior Trust Officer, Chicago, Illinois | Mr. LaPorta has been in the trust industry for more than ten years. He joined ATG Trust Company in 2008. In his current position, he manages ATG Trust Company's investment process. This involves creating investment solutions for individuals, trusts, decedent estates, and guardianships that fall under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court (read his full biography). Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin, Business Administration (B.A.) 2005; Cannon Financial Institute, Athens, Georgia, Accredited Fiduciary Investment Manager (AFIM) 2009; The Institute of Certified Bankers, San Diego, California, Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) 2012.

Maura E. Mannix, Vice President of Marketing and Development, ATG Trust Company, Chicago | Ms. Mannix began her career with ATG Trust in 2007 overseeing Land Trust services. She was promoted to Attorney Relations Manager in 2010, then to vice president in 2016. Her prior experience includes ten years as an independent real estate closer with Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc., and many years of management and sales experience that helps Maura create positive experiences for clients. She is an associate member of the Lake County Bar Association and serves on the Trust and Estates Committee Group. Maura also sits on the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council and the Greater North Shore Estate Planning Council. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.S. in Advertising, 1987.

Cynthia F. Tolan, Trust Officer, ATG Trust Company, Chicago | Ms. Tolan joined ATG Trust Company in 2017. As a Trust Officer, she works closely with families, using her extensive experience administrating decedent estate and with trusts and guardianships for minor children and disabled adults to guide them through the process. Before coming to ATG Trust, Ms. Tolan was in private practice, concentrating in estate and trust administration, estate planning, and elder law. Her past positions include Iowa Assistant Attorney General and a Human Rights Officer for the Missouri Commission of Human Rights. She has frequently spoken on issues related to estate planning, powers of attorney, and transfers of assets at death. University of Iowa, Iowa City, J.D., B.A. (Sociology).

Kathryn Van Eeuwen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chicago | Ms. Van Eeuwen took on the role of ATG Trust president in 2015. During her career, she has served as a trust manager and client advisor at leading financial institutions that include BMO Private Bank, JPMorgan, and Citigroup, where she assisted high net worth and ultra-high net worth families achieve their wealth transfer goals. She is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the Chicago Estate Planning Council, and the DuPage County Estate Planning Council. Ms. Van Eeuwen currently serves on the board of trustees for KidsMatter and on the board of directors for Loaves & Fishes Community Services. She also is a volunteer for the Naperville Educational Foundation and DuPagePads. University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, J.D. 1993; Hope College, Holland, Michigan, B.A. (Business Administration) 1993.

Guest Speakers:

Justin Ailes, Senior Vice President of Policy, American Land Title Association (ALTA), Washington, D.C. | Mr. Ailes joined ALTA in 2008. He serves on the the Executive Team and leads its advocacy on behalf of ALTA members' interests. Known for its collaborative, inclusive, and visible approach, his team is responsible for the title industry’s federal and state government affairs, including legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy, as well as ALTA's political action committee (TIPAC) and its grassroots engagement through the Title Action Network (TAN). His past experience includes federal government liaison for former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and serving in the Indiana state legislature. University of Indianapolis, B.A. 2001, International Relations and Political Science.

David E. Andrews, Andrews and Wirtz Law Office, LLC, Plymouth, Wisconsin | Mr. Andrews' practice is primarily real estate and estate planning based, which includes all phases of real estate development, real estate purchase and sale, business planning, trust and estate administration, and personal income tax planning and preparation. He speaks frequently on wealth creation and retirement planning. Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, J.D. cum laude, 1978; University of Wisconsin — River Falls, 1970.

Jordan Born, Associate General Counsel, Accruit, LLC, Chicago | Mr. Born concentrates primarily in real estate law. He currently works for Accruit, LLC, a financial technology company specializing in 1031 exchange and escrow services. Prior to his current position, he was in private practice where he advised and represented individuals, business entities, lenders, borrowers, landlords, and tenants in all matters related to commercial and residential real estate. The John Marshall School of Law, Chicago, J.D. 2005, LL.M. 2006; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. Economics 2002.

John R. Cesario, Senior Counsel, Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), Chicago | Mr. Cesario is responsible for representing the Administrator in proceedings in which the ARDC is appointed Receiver pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 776. He also assists private attorneys who act as receiver by court order. Over the course of his career, Mr. Cesario has investigated thousands of charges of lawyer misconduct as attorney in the Intake Group, and has represented the Administrator as receiver in several receiverships. He worked as a Special Public Defender in Jefferson County and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Kane County. Mr. Cesario has also written articles that have appeared in the Illinois Bar Journal. Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, J.D.; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A.

Darcy Chamberlin, Attorney at Law, Chamberlin Law Group, Oak Brook, Illinois | Ms. Chamberlin has more than 30 years experience as a trust and estate planning attorney. The Martindale-Hubble peer review guide has given her its highest rating, AV Preeminent, for her highly-regarded legal skills and professional ethics. Her professional associations include Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), a worldwide nonprofit association of more than 2,600 trust and estate lawyers who meet rigorous eligibility critera in the active practice of probate, trust law and estate planning. She has been named a Five-Star Wealth Manager in the area of Estate Planning. Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., J.D. 1979, B.A. 1976. See her full bio.

Joel L. Chupack, Partner, Heinrich & Kramer, P.C., Chicago, Illinois | Mr. Chupack concentrates in commercial and real estate litigation. He is a past Chair of the ISBA’s Real Estate Law Section Council and currently serves as Secretary of the ISBA’s UPL Task Force. He is on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association and is a past President of The Decalogue Society of Lawyers. He is currently the Vice-Chair of the Real Property Committee of the Chicago Bar Association and has served as its legislative liaison for several years. He has authored articles on restrictive covenants, distressed real estate, tenants by the entirety, condominium law, and landlord-tenant law and has been engaged in drafting legislation to amend the Condominium Property Act. He is associate editor of Real Estate Law Section Council Newsletter, was a contributing editor to the ISBA’s Disaster Legal Services Manual, and has been a panelist in several ISBA cable TV programs. Mr. Chupack sits on the Commercial Panel of the American Arbitration Association where he has presided over a myriad of commercial disputes ranging in amount of less than $10,000 to $20,000.000, involving such diverse areas as condominiums, commissions, valuation, reciprocal cost-sharing agreements, leases, to name a few. He graduated with honors from IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for Civil Procedure and had an externship with Federal District Court Judge Milton I. Shadur. He resides in Northbrook, Illinois with his wife, Sarah and their three children.Joel is currently running for the vacancy opened by the retirement of William O. Maki in the 12th Judicial Subcircuit. For more information about his candidacy please visit the Chupack for Judge Facebook page.

Guy R. DeFrances, Jr., Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Connecticut Attorneys' Title Insurance Co. (CATIC), Rocky Hill, Connecticut | Mr. DeFrances oversees the CATIC Underwriting, Compliance, Regulatory and Claims departments. He is a member of the ABA's Title Insurance Litigation Committee, and is currently chairing the American Land Title Association's Claims Administration Committee. He is frequent speaker on title insurance topics. His experience includes 13 years in private practice, concentrating in commercial transactions and land use matters, and serving on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Bar Association. University of Connecticut School of Law, Mansfield, Conn., J.D. 1986; Connecticut College, New London, Conn., B.A., Political Science and Government, 1983.

Martin S. Edwards, JD, CES, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Accruit, LLC, Skokie, Illinois | Mr. Edwards joined Accruit, LLC, in October 2011 through the company's acquisition of North Star Deferred Exchange LLC, an exchange company that he and a few others founded in 1998. He is a Certified Exchange Specialist through the Federation of Exchange Accommodators with more than 30 years in the field of tax deferred exchange and land trust administration. Mr. Edwards writes and speaks extensively on the subject of tax deferred exchanges. His experience includes current member and past board member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators. He is also a long standing member of Attorneys' Title (read more). American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C., JD, 1977.

Michael J. Elliott, Partner, Elliott & Associates Attorneys, P.C., Des Plaines, Illinois | Mr. Elliott concentrates his practice on representing community associations, hotels, and commercial properties in tax appeal matters. Since 1984, he has represented thousands of property owners before local assessors, county Boards of Review, the Property Tax Appeal Board and the Circuit Court of Cook County. A prominent figure in the property tax community, he has written articles and presented at seminars on tax-related issues for organizations that include the Illinois Bar Association, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, and the Illinois Real Estate Tax Lawyer’s Association. Mr. Elliott is also involved in the legislative process and has frequently testified before committees of the Illinois Legislature, providing insights into the impact of pending real estate tax legislation. He is a founding member of the Illinois Property Tax Lawyers Association (IPTLA). Loyola University, Chicago, J.D., Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, B.A..

Anthony B. Ferraro, BS, MS Tax, CPA, JD, The Law Offices of Anthony B. Ferraro, LLC — The Elder Law, Estate & Trust and Asset Protection Law Firm, Rosemont, Illinois | Mr. Ferraro is an elder law attorney focusing in traditional and "senior" estate planning as well as long-term care planning issues. His practice serves seniors, boomers, and people with disabilities. Being both an attorney and a CPA gives him a unique insight and enables him to provide his clients with a variety of services. Mr. Ferraro lectures frequently on elder law and related issues. Read more. DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, JD, 1983; Graduate School of Commerce, MS Taxation, 1976; and College of Commerce, BS Accountancy, 1973.

Elizabeth A. Garlovsky, Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd., Chicago, Illinois | Ms. Garlovsky has spent the bulk of her career as a trusts and estates attorney. She advocates for her clients, empowering them to take control of their pre- and post-death planning and administration needs to ensure a smooth transition of their wealth. She represents individuals and families, as well as executors, trustees, and beneficiaries as fiduciaries in court when necessary. Ms. Garlovsky's experience includes customizing advice-based solutions for banking, investment and fiduciary clients for a global private wealth management firm. She is a regular speaker for the IICLE Estate Planning Short Course and has also spoken before the American Law Institute, Chicago Bar Association, Lake County Bar Association, and the National Business Institute. Her memberships include the Chicago Estate Planning Council and the Trusts and Estates Section of the Illinois State Bar Association. Loyola University School of Law, Chicago J.D., 1996; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.A. 1993.

Paul B. Garver, Partner, Hawbecker & Garver, LLC, Hinsdale, Illinois| | Mr. Garver started his practice with his partner, Tom Hawbecker, in 2003. His practice focuses on real estate and estate planning. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association, and is on the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association’s (IRELA’s) Board of Directors. Mr. Garver was the DuPage County Representative to the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract Drafting Committee, and is a member of the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors® Affiliate and Broker/Lawyer committees. Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, J.D.; Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, B.A.

Lawrence "Larry" Gregory, Attorney, Estate & Business Law Group, P.C., Libertyville, Illinois | Mr. Gregory practices primarily in the areas of business and estate planning, counseling clients on corporate governance, ownership, transactions, estate planning, wealth preservation, wealth transfer, and succession planning. As an attorney and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he can "see the whole picture" from a legal standpoint as well as from a financial and tax perspective, which allows him to provide his clients with concrete action steps toward achieving their specific goals. Mr. Gregory is on the vanguard of strategic tax planning as the chair of his local bar association's tax law committee. His experience includes publishing several articles on tax-related issues and presenting seminars for other attorneys and CPAs on estate and trust tax issues. The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. (2007); Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, B.S. (Accountancy) 2003; B.S. (Computer Science, with honors) 2003.

Nathan B. Grzegorek, Associate, Plunkett Cooney, Chicago | Mr. Grzegorek is a member of Plunkett Cooney's Title Insurance Practice Group. He focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, title insurance defense, and real estate law. His responsibilities include litigating for lenders and property owners in complex matters such as commercial and residential foreclosures, mechanic's liens claims, quiet title actions, eviction proceedings, and other claims seeking both legal and equitable relief. He also represents lenders in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcy proceedings. Mr. Grzegorek also has extensive experience representing victims of fraudulent wire transfer schemes. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 2011 (cum laude); University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, B.A. 2008.

Michael Patrick Hannigan, Partner, Konicek & Dillon, P.C., Geneva, Illinois | Mr. Hannigan is an accomplished attorney adept at managing all aspects of complex state and federal litigation from inception to completion. His 30+ years of litigation experience focuses on the areas of legal malpractice, medical malpractice, and accountant negligence. Mr. Hannigan is licensed to practice in Illinois and Michigan. Illinois Institute of Technology, Kent College of Law, Chicago, J.D. (cum laude) 1985; Parks College of Saint Louis University, School of Aeronautical Technology, St. Louis, Mo., B.S. (cum laude) 1979.

Carrie A. Harrington, Trusts & Estates Group, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, Chicago | Ms. Harrington helps individuals, families, and privately-held businesses protect wealth and transfer assets in the most effective way. She works one on one with each client to fully understand their situations before applying the proper tools to meet each client's unique goals. She also assists financial institutions with trust and estate administration and controversy matters. Her prior work experience includes matters related to trusts and estate planning and administration as well as succession planning for closely-held businesses. Ms. Harrington serves on the Chicago Estate Planning Council and was named a 2017 Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star. University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, IA, J.D., 2012; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, B.S., 2007.

Shane Hartzler, Director for eMortgage Strategy and Operations, Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Washington, D.C. | Mr. Hartzler leads strategy execution in the design, development, and improvement of eMortgage offerings as part of Fannie Mae's broader digital mortgage efforts. He partners with customers and industry stakeholders to evaluate market needs and identify opportunities to drive eMortgage adoption and support eMortgage deliveries. Prior to his current position, Mr. Hartzler was a member of one of Fannie Mae's Customer Delivery Teams where he worked with internal stakeholders and customers, including three of Fannie Mae's top six customers, to manage and improve performance and to introduce several new strategic priorities. He has held several positions with Fannie Mae in his career, including Director, Product Management and Servicer Operations, for the Department of Treasury's Making Home Affordable program. Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., M.B.A. 2000; Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana, B.A. 1990, Business Communications.

David T. Holtermann, Associate Director & General Counsel, Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, Chicago | Mr. Holtermann joined Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois in 2007, where he is involved in IOLTA operations, grant making, and initiatives to improve the legal aid system in Illinois. His past positions include assistant staff counsel with the American Bar Association and former chair of the Chicago Bar Association Legal Aid Committee. He began his legal career as a legal aid attorney at Prairie State Legal Services in Rockford, Illinois. Currently, Mr. Holtermann is chair of the Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee on the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and serves on the ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services. He has written and presented on ethics issues related to client trust accounts (including IOLTA) and limited scope legal representation. University of Washington, Seattle, J.D.; Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, B.A.

Kirsten L. Izatt, Attorney, The Estate Planning Law Group, Wheaton, Illinois | Ms. Izatt has considerable legal expertise in estate planning from a parent's perspective, special needs planning, guardianship, and Medicaid eligibility planning for seniors and disabled adults. Her estate planning practice focuses on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures for tomorrow by guiding them through the maze of financial and legal decisions to create plans that achieve their goals and protect their families. Her experience includes judicial clerk to the Honorable Senior Judge Harriett Lansing and the Honorable Chief Judge Edward Toussaint of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, J.D. 1996; Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, B.A. 1989.

Laurie Kaplan, Senior Manager, MichaelSilver, Skokie, Illinois | Ms. Kaplan, a Certified Public Accountant, is a tax manager at MichaelSilver, which provides accounting and assurance, tax consulting and compliance, and business advisory services to a broad range of local, national, and international clients. She has more than 25 years of experience dealing with tax and accounting issues facing a variety of industries. Her clients include real estate professionals and service providers. Laurie also has extensive experience in the estate and gift tax area as well as expertise regarding like-kind exchanges. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business.

Melissa Kaplan, Vice President of Claims and Underwriting, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Chicago | Ms. Kaplan oversees the claims and underwriting departments. She began at ISBA Mutual in 2000 and has over 30 years of insurance experience. Her previous experience includes Assistant Director at a national insurer. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D.

Sue Koch, Social Media Speaker and Consultant, Chicago, Illinois | Ms. Koch, a sought-out leader in her industry, founded her private Social Media education firm in 2009. She guides companies of all sizes through the complexities of social media marketing and aids them in developing the strategies they need to thrive in an intensely competitive business environment. Her unique ability to make social media easy to understand allows her to connect and engage at all levels of an organization and across generations. Ms. Koch's clients include Oracle, Accenture, and The American Marketing Association. Certified Professional Coach, IPEC, 2009. See her full bio.

Brian K. LaFratta, Attorney at Law, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, Illinois | Mr. LaFratta is an experienced speaker on employment law topics. He practices in all areas of employment law, including employment litigation, employment contracts and covenants not to compete, and employment law counseling and compliance issues. He represents employers in federal and state courts in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and breach of contract lawsuits. In addition, Mr. LaFratta counsels employers on compliance with employment laws and represents buyers and sellers with respect to employment law issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Law, J.D. 2001 (magna cum laude); Boston University, Boston, Mass., B.A. 1997 (cum laude).

James A. Larson, Partner, Plunkett Cooney, Chicago | Mr. Larson, a member of Plunkett Cooney's Title Insurance Practice Group, is an accomplished real estate and commercial litigation attorney whose practice extends throughout much of the state of Illinois. He focuses his practice in the areas of property development, sales/acquisitions, leasing, title insurance defense and other real estate litigation. Mr. Larson is a sought-after speaker on his various areas of expertise. He also maintains an extensive lender services practice focused on foreclosures, evictions, REO closings, bankruptcy, lender liability and real litigation involving municipalities. University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, Ia., J.D. 1987; Iowa State University, Ames, Ia., B.A. 1982.

Samuel H. Levine, of Counsel, Miller Canfield, Chicago | Mr. Levine has experience in a broad spectrum of activities in the area of real estate litigation, including mechanic's liens, bond claims and construction disputes, mortgage foreclosures, commercial landlord-tenant cases and title disputes. His clients include major financial institutions, developers and contractors. Mr. Levine has written and spoken extensively on a variety of topics relating to mechanics liens, mortgage foreclosure and other real estate topics. His publications include "Defense of Mortgage Foreclosures" in The Real Estate Litigation Practice Handbook, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) and "The Residential Real Estate Disclosure Act" and "Perfecting Mechanics Liens - The Contractor's Duty After Matesa", Illinois Bar Journal. Mr. Levine has lectured on construction law, mechanic's liens, bankruptcy, and more. He has also been a featured panelist for the cable television program Landlords and Tenants as part of the "Illinois Law: Legal News You Can Use" series. Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1981; Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, B.A., 1978 (see full bio).

Jennifer Lindsley, Director of Training and Staff Attorney, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Madison, Wisconsin | Ms. Lindsley is the Director of Training for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). She participates as an attorney on the WRA Legal Hotline and serves as a liaison between the WRA and the Wisconsin Technical College System. Her responsibilities include drafting education materials, developing pre-licensing and continuing education resources, and teaching WRA pre-license and continuing education courses. University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, J.D.; Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, B.A.

Rita E. Luce, Partner, Harrison & Held, LLP, Chicago | Ms. Luce has practiced estate planning, estate and trust administration and business law for many years, creatively applying estate and gift tax laws to achieve clients' objectives while minimizing transfer taxes and maximizing asset protection. She has authored several works in her field, including articles for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and chapters of retirement law texts for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. Ms. Luce has made numerous presentations on multiple aspects of trusts and estate planning to industry professionals, bar associations, and more. Chicago Kent College of Law, Chicago, J.D., cum laude with honors; Michigan State University, East Lansing, B.S.

Samuel J. Manella, Attorney at Law, Chicago | Mr. Manella is a visiting professor at De Paul University and concentrates his practice in the area of representing attorneys on legal ethics and professional responsibility issues before the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois. DePaul University, Chicago, J.D. 1985; B.S., Finance.

Joseph R. Marconi, Chair - Business Litigation and Professional Liability Groups, Johnson & Bell, Ltd., Chicago | Mr. Marconi handles and supervises complex civil litigation, including real estate and commercial disputes, professional liability and employment law. He is a member of the Lawyers Committee of the National Center for State Courts, which works to improve the administration of justice through leadership and service to the state courts. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Mr. Marconi to be an adviser to the Judicial Conference Committee on discovery, which worked on the E-discovery amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules. His numerous accolades include The John Marshall Law School "Distinguished Service Award," Illinois Super Lawyers in Business Litigation, and the “Excellence in Business Litigation” honor from Chicago Magazine. The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 1976; Iowa State University, Ames, B.S. 1972.

Timothy S. Midura, C.P.A., J.D., LL.M., Attorney, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, Illinois | Mr. Midura is a member of Huck Bouma’s estate planning group and chairs the firm’s the estate administration and contested estates and family conflicts groups. Generally, Tim’s practice is oriented toward complex estate and trust planning and administration, including disputed and conflicted matters. It also includes modifying irrevocable trusts, facilitating charitable gifts, and as well as tax, financial, and business matters. He is a frequent author and speaker on estate planning and related topics. Midura has served on a number of not-for profit and corporate boards and professional committees during his career, among them the Illinois CPA Society's Estate and Gift Tax Planning Committee, the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, and the Spectrios Institute for Low Vision. DePaul University, Chicago, LL.M., Taxation 1983; Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, J.D., 1979, B.S. 1976.

Richard J. Milton, CFA, Managing Director, MainStreet Advisors, Chicago | Mr. Milton is responsible for relationship management, portfolio management, and new business development at MainStreet Advisors where he is a founding partner. He shares his investment insight with trust and wealth management professionals at conferences across the country. Prior to joining MainStreet Advisors, he served as a Portfolio Manager at Feldman Securities Group where he was responsible for the management of individual and institutional portfolios. Mr. Milton began his career at Bank One in Chicago as an Investment Officer. He later accepted a position as a Senior Analyst in the Private Equity Valuation Group at KPMG LLP. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Chicago. University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, BA - Finance and Economics.

Brian Olson, Director of Member Services, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Chicago | Mr. Olson is a creative, customer-focused professional with over 20 years' direct experience in sales for service and financial organizations. He is regarded as a successful sponsor of ideas for helping clients build efficiency and loss prevention practices into their organizations. Brian uses a consultative approach to facilitate discussions and explore unique avenues for outreach to educate partners and clients. Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri, B.A. Psychology.

Patrick D. Owens, Partner, Attorney at Law, Di Monte & Lizak, LLC, Park Ridge, Illinois | Mr. Owens joined Di Monte & Lizak, LLC in 2011. His experience includes speaking frequently on various trust, estate, and tax matters; and the administration and supervision of numerous estates — small non-taxable to very large taxable, probate and non-probate — from start to finish, including all income, gift, and estate tax returns. He represents clients in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. He currently serves on the ATG Trust Company Board of Directors and sits on its Audit and Trust and Investment Review Committees. Mr. Owens also works with many new and existing business ventures, helping in their formation, structuring, business, tax planning, and buy-outs. Prior to joining Di Monte & Lizak, LLC, Mr. Owens practiced with his father, Denis, and his uncle, Jack, in the firm of Owens, Owens & Rinn, Ltd. He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council, and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association, where he served as Probate Practice Committee Co-Chairman from 2006-2012. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, LL.M. (Taxation) 2002; DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, J.D. 1996; University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, B.A. (Business Administration) 1993.

Mark C. Palmer, Professionalism Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Champaign, Illinois | Mr. Palmer leads professionalism programming through the statewide mentoring program, collaborating with stakeholders from Galena to Cairo. As Professional Counsel, he supports the development and delivery of educational programming to lawyers and in law schools, as well as performing outreach across the state on behalf of the Commission. Mr. Palmer also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign. The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D., 2005; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., 1999.

Scott Renfroe, Chief of Supreme Court Practice, Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois, Chicago | Mr. Renfroe supervises a group of attorneys and handles a caseload that includes matters involving allegations of conversion, billing fraud, and conflicts of interest. He has taught deposition and trial skills as a faculty member of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Mr. Renfroe is currently a member of the Illinois State Bar Association's Standing Committee on Professional Conduct. He has spoken on issues of attorney discipline and professional responsibility before law firms, bar associations, law schools, the National Organization of Bar Counsel, and the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers. University of Illinois College of Law, Urbana-Champaign, J.D. 1985.

Sara Riechert, Attorney at Law, Chamberlin Law Group, Oak Brook, Illinois | Ms. Riechert concentrates in the areas of estate planning, probate, and guardianship. Her past experience in family law enables her to understand the often complex nature of modern families with adoptions, blended families, and same-sex marriages. She is passionate about providing high-quality legal services to clients through exceptional service, communication, and compassion to face any concern a client may have. Ms. Riechert is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Ohio. Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Highland Heights, Kentucky, J.D. 2007; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, B.B.A. 2003.

Kathleen R. Ryding, Director and Attorney at Law, Huck Bouma, PC, Wheaton, Illinois | Ms. Ryding is a trial attorney and focuses her practice on business litigation, contested estates, trust litigation and contested guardianships. Since joining Huck Bouma in 1999, she has engaged in business as well as estate and trust litigation, including cases involving breaches of fiduciary duties by administrators and trustees. Her prior experience includes breach of contract disputes, covenant not to compete litigation, accounting and legal malpractice claims, and partnership disputes. Ms. Ryding is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association, and the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Law, J.D. with Honors in 1981; College of Commerce and Business Administration, B.S. in Finance with High Honors in 1978.

Joseph Scally, Clinical Intern, Illinois Lawyers' Assistance Program, Chicago, Illinois| | Mr. Scally completed an internship in psychology at the Institute for Juvenile Research, College of Medicine at the University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC) and is recertifying as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Joe served as clinical co-director of the Clinical Evaluation and Services Initiative, a MacArthur Foundation joint project of Northwestern University Law School and the University of Chicago Hospital based in the Juvenile Court of Cook County. He has taught Mental Health Law, Ethics, and Assessment at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. His experience also includes the Counseling Center at DePaul, the Parenting Assessment Team at UIC, the ASSETS clinic at University of Chicago, and St. Raymond's Psychological Services. University of Illinois-Chicago, J.D.; DePaul University, Chicago, M.A., Clinical Psychology.

David R. Schlueter, Law Office of David R. Schlueter, Ltd., Itasca, Illinois | Mr. Schlueter has practiced law for 28 years. Dave lectures on behalf of Bar associations, title companies, civic groups, and the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. He is also a frequent guest on the Townstone Financial radio show, heard weekly on various Chicago media formats. Dave is a member of the Illinois State, Northwest Suburban, and DuPage County Bar Associations. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, J.D. 1986. Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois, B.A. 1983.

Ralph J. Schumann, Law Offices of Ralph J. Schumann, Schaumburg, Illinois | Mr. Schumann is a sole practitioner concentrating in real estate law and estate planning. He is a title examiner and agent for Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. His law firm provides residential and commercial real estate, estate planning and administration, corporate and business law, and litigation services. Mr. Schumann is currently a member of the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract Drafting Committee, the ISBA Real Estate Law Section Council, and the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors® Broker/Lawyer Committee. He is past president of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association (IRELA) and past chair of the ISBA Real Estate Law Section Council. Mr. Schumann has been a panelist at numerous IICLE, ISBA, and CBA seminars on real estate issues, and has authored numerous articles on real estate issues. He has spoken at numerous bar association and other real estate programs. Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D. (with honors).

John Sinitz, III, Attorney at Law, Sinitz Law Firm, Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Mr. Sinitz has practiced law in Wisconsin since 1996. He represents buyers or sellers in residential, commercial, multi-family, and For-Sale-by-Owner real estate transactions. Mr. Sinitz is a licensed Title Insurance Agent and provides title insurance services as an agent of Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. He also represents estate planning and administration clients. His prior experience includes Title Examiner for a title insurance company. Drake University, Des Moines, IA, J.D. and M.P.A., 1993; University of Wisconsin – Lacrosse, B.S., 1990.

Thomas J. Sisul, Manager, Sisul & Germanier, LLC, Downers Grove, Illinois | Mr. Sisul focuses his practice in business law, commercial and residential real estate, probate and estate planning. The Illinois State Bar Association honored him as a Distinguished Counselor for 50 years of practice. His experience includes USMC 1968-71 active duty as Judge Advocate Trial-Defense Counsel, Chief Defense Counsel, Major retired 1988. Mr. Sisul served on the Downers Grove Plan Commission (1988) and was elected Village Council 1993-2003, mayor pro tem. DePaul University Law School, Chicago, J.D. 1967; B.A. 1964.

Melissa Smart, Litigation Group Manager and Senior Counsel, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois (ARDC), Chicago | Ms. Smart supervises a group of litigation attorneys and staff, investigates charges of lawyer misconduct and prosecutes disciplinary cases. A member of the Commission's staff for over fifteen years, she has investigated thousands of charges of professional misconduct and has been responsible for over 100 different formal disciplinary proceedings filed in the Supreme Court of Illinois or before various Commission Boards. She has tried dozens of matters before the Commission Hearing Board. The John Marshall Law School, J.D., cum laude; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A.

Professor R. Dennis Smith, Adjunct Professor - Pro Bono Law Clinic, John Marshall Law School and Attorney at Law, Chicago | Professor Smith works at the John Marshall Law School Pro Bono Clinic where he supervises law students with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 law licenses who represent clients in the Cook County Circuit Court as well as the Federal District Courts of the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois. He is also the project manager of the law school’s Fair Lending/Home Preservation Law Project under a grant from City of Chicago, which focuses on reverse mortgages. Professor Smith placed and supervised law students in internships with numerous HUD-approved housing counseling agencies throughout the Chicago metropolitan area as part of a JMLS course on predatory consumer lending. His previous experience includes president and general manager of a Chicago-based multi-trade commercial construction company and senior consultant (providing project management services for commercial, industrial, and heavy highway projects) for an international consulting firm. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. (with Certificate in Elder Law); University of Oklahoma, Norman, M.P.A.; University of Colorado, Boulder, M.B.A.; University of Utah, Salt Lake City, B.S.

Jeffrey B. Strand, President and CEO, ISBA Mutual, Chicago | Mr. Strand has been in the insurance industry since 1987. In 1991, he began providing professional liability insurance and risk management services to lawyers in Illinois as the CFO and Senior Vice President of ISBA Mutual Insurance. Mr. Strand joined ISBA Mutual in its infancy and provided leadership in developing risk management products for lawyers and law firms. He has been a leader in implementing technological innovation to better serve lawyers, while always keeping the focus on ISBA Mutual's relationship with its insureds. University of North Dakota.

Ryan B. Werner, Attorney at Law, Law Office of Ryan B. Werner, Arlington Heights, Illinois | Prior to attending law school, Mr. Werner was employed in the banking industry, initially working in public finance and subsequently in commercial lending. He was an Associate with Stuart H. Wolf, Ltd., in Arlington Heights from 2002 to 2012, when he opened his own practice. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, has trouble avoiding a good barbeque, and is an avid student of history. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 2003; Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, B.S. (Management with a Concentration in Finance) 1997.

Melanie L. Witt, Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Melanie Witt, PC, Barrington, Illinois | Ms. Witt is a frequent speaker on various issues related to estate planning and business succession. She has been a well-known estate planning and business succession attorney for over 20 years. She represents corporate fiduciaries and individuals in estate planning, philanthropic planning, and trusts and estates. Melanie has extensive experience advising entrepreneurs on business succession planning and estate structuring. She also advises clients on premarital agreements as well as estate and tax issues raised by divorce or separation. Melanie co-authored a chapter on income taxation of trusts in the IICLE on Trust Administration. Prior to establishing her own firm, Melanie was a partner in a large Chicago law firm and Vice President and Trust Counsel at BMO Harris Bank, where she addressed trust and estate litigation, risk management, and fiduciary responsibilities. She received the Martindale-Hubbell highest Peer Review Rating of AV Preeminent and has been included in their Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers each year since 2010. DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, LL.M (Taxation); University of Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana, J.D.; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michican, B.A. (with high honors).

[Last update: 12-19-19]

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