Program Speakers

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ATG Staff – Current

Christopher M. Burhans, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Chicago | Chris 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 | Augie 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 | Karen 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 18 years of experience in real estate law and title insurance, Karen has a deep understanding of residential and commercial real estate transactions, insurability, and risk assessment. Karen has served as an Advisory Member of the Forms Committee of the American Land Title Association since 2020, 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, 2021). Prior to joining ATG, Karen 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 | Tom is a Wisconsin real estate attorney with decades of experience, both in private practice and as in-house legal counsel for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). In his role at ATG, Tom is responsible for all aspects of ATG-Wisconsin's business operations, including managing direct operations surrounding settlement services and title insurance matters. His responsibilities also include underwriting counsel, agency support coordinator, and manager of business development. Tom served on the Wisconsin Land Title Association (WLTA) Board of Directors (2009-2015) and is a WLTA Past-President (2014). He received the WLTA Service Award in 2016 and the Michael F. Wille Leadership Award in 2018. He is a frequent lecturer on title insurance, real estate law, and is a CE instructor for the WRA. Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, J.D. 1986; University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, B.S., cum laude, 1982.

Sean P. Dillane, Vice President and Information Security Officer, Chicago, Illinois | Sean is part of ATG's Information Technology Department. His primary responsibilities are to design and enforce policies and procedures that protect our organization's computing environment from all forms of security threats and to report risk to senior leadership. As a long-time employee of ATG, Sean has been instrumental in architecting and supporting the technology solutions that ATG agents and employees have relied on to conduct business for many years. He is a 2018 graduate of the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where he earned a Master of Science in Information Systems Management. Before joining ATG, Sean worked for Arthur Andersen in infrastructure and operations. Before that, he served in the United States Navy. Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification 2021; W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., M.S. in Information Systems 2018.

Dawn Efflandt, ATG Vice President - Chicago Metro Operations, Chicago | Dawn joined ATG in 2020 and brings more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of mortgage, title, and escrow operations as well as implementing and administering the ResWare production system. She oversees day-to-day operations for ATG's Chicago Metro division in compliance with established procedures and implements policies and processes designed to maximize efficiency and quality production. Dawn is an Illinois Escrow Professional designee and member of the Education and Settlement Services Committees for ILTA as well as president of her local homeowner's association board.

Elizabeth L. Faber, Escrow Department Manager and Claims Counsel, Chicago | Elizabeth (Beth) investigates and resolves title insurance claims for ATG. She has worked at ATG since 2015 and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. She is also involved in the American Land Title Association's Title Counsel Committee and the Illinois Land Title Association's Title Counsel Committee. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 2011; Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois, B.A. (with honors) 2008.

Deborah Frank Feinen, Vice President - Downstate Operations, Champaign, Illinois | Deb 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.

Sophie T. Kabbes, Underwriting Attorney, Champaign | Sophie joined ATG in 2021. She played a vital role assisting with the implementation of the 2021 ALTA forms for use at ATG. Her previous experience includes creating an education program on investing, accounting, and legal resources for women in business. Prior to joining ATG, Sophie practiced in Effingham, Illinois, where she focused on real estate, estate planning, and estates. Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D. 2018 (Dean's Honors), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, B.S. 2015 (Bronze Tablet Recipient - top 3% of graduating class).

Lowell B. Krahn, Senior Underwriting Attorney, Chicago | Lowell has worked for ATG since 2002, first as a law clerk and then as an attorney for the Commercial Department. He currently works with ATG member attorneys, lenders, closers and non-ATG attorneys in underwriting all aspects of both commercial and residential transactions. Lowell also works closely with parties on post-foreclosure transactions and has experience underwriting properties that have been through the foreclosure process. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and is 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 | Elizabeth investigates and resolves title insurance claims for ATG. She has worked at ATG since 2015. Prior to coming to ATG, she 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.

Gregory J. Miely, Senior Managing Attorney and Corporate Counsel, Champaign, Illinois | Greg 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 32 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, Greg 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 | Arden returned to parent company ATG in 2018 after spending the prior 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 Arden's direction ATG LegalServe acquired a local process-serving company, added new services, relocated, and almost doubled in size during 2016. Arden has strong problem-solving, customer relations, and long-term planning skills. She 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. Arden 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 | Ryan 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..

Traci E. Nally, Senior Manager - Claims and Litigation, Champaign, Illinois | Traci heads the ATG Claims Department out of the Champaign office. Her duties include investigating and resolving title insurance claims. Her experience prior to joining ATG includes Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the News-Gazette, Champaign's newspaper, where she provided in-house representation, and nearly 30 years in private practice (17 of which at her own law firm). Traci has been an ATG member agent since 2004, is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Champaign County Bar Association, and East Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association. She has been recognized with the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, the Women of Distinction Award from the Central Illinois Girl Scout Council, and as a Distinguished Alumnae by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Law School. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, J.D., B.A.

John G. O'Brien, Vice President and Counsel to the President, Chicago | John 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. 1972; University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, B.A. 1968.

Henry L. Shulruff, Senior Vice President - Business Development, Chicago, Illinois | Hank 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. Hank 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.

Alisa L. Swerdlove, Underwriting Attorney, Chicago | Alisa 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.

ATG Staff – Former

Sharon T. Glavin (ATG 2010-2020), Construction Escrow Administrator – Commercial Title and Escrow, Chicago | Sharon handled all ATG's construction escrow projects and worked with ATG member agents approved to handle construction escrows. She started in the title industry in the 1990s, working closely with builders, lenders, and attorneys on construction escrows. She 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. Projects Sharon 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 | Jerry started at ATG as a Staff Attorney in 1982 and retired in 2019 as 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 served on the American Land Title Association's Forms Committee for many years and was an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Law from 2012 - 2017. 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.

Gina Llanas (ATG 2016-2020), Commercial and Residential Underwriting Attorney, ATG Commercial Title and Escrow Department, Chicago, Illinois | Gina has more than 20 years of experience as a real estate attorney, concentrating on commercial transactions. She used her broad knowledge of commercial real estate transactions as well as residential transactions on behalf of ATG agents and their clients during her tenure.

James M. Marlin (ATG 2011-2015), Underwriting Attorney (Retired) – Wisconsin Operations, Waukesha, Wisconsin | Jim 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. He taught the Title Examiner Certificate Course V (Conveyances by Legal Entities, Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights) three times per year from 1999 - 2015. 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). Jim 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 (ATG 2014-2019), Underwriting Counsel and Operations Manager - Wisconsin Operations, Waukesha, Wisconsin | Kate was responsible for all matters pertaining to underwriting and title operations for the Wisconsin office and agents. She was instrumental in developing a Closing Department in Wisconsin, as well as the member agent-based Clerical Assistance Program (CAP). Prior to joining the ATG underwriting staff, she 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 (past Vice Chairperson of Convention Committee), and WLTA Waukesha Bar Association. Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, J.D. 2012; Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, B.A. 2005.

Christine Sparks, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chicago | Christine 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, Christine 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. Christine is a frequent speaker for ATG Legal Education and other groups within the real estate and title insurance industries, and was 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 (ATG 1996-2020), Corporate Counsel, Champaign, Illinois | Tania's role as Corporate Counsel included legislative and regulatory matters, lobbying, claims handling and other litigation matters. Due to her long-term service at ATG (having started as a law clerk in 1996) and extensive service in the Underwriting and Claims Departments, she 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. Tania is a contributing author to the IICLE's Commercial Real Estate and IICLE's Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Practice, served on the Illinois Land Title Association Board of Directors, and is a past chair of its Title Counsel Committee. Tania was 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.

Kathy H. Xiahou (ATG 2011-2019), Underwriting Attorney, Chicago | Kathy handled underwriting matters for both residential and commercial transactions during her years with ATG. She started at ATG as a law clerk in the Champaign office in 2011 before transitioning to the Chicago office as an underwriter in 2012. University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign, J.D. 2012; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, B.A. 2006.

ATG Trust* Staff:

*acquired by Midland Trust June 2021 (read more)

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.

Guest Speakers:

Kendra Abercrombie, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Chicago | Kendra leads the Commission's educational and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal and justice systems. As DEI Manager, she develops and delivers legal education on DEI and other professionalism topics to lawyers, judges, and law students, and performs outreach across the state on behalf of the Commission. Her experience includes Associate Director of Admissions and Diversity Recruitment and Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Initiatives at Indiana University's Maurer School of Law. Arizona Summit Law School, Phoenix, Ariz., J.D.; Kogod School of Business at American University, Washington, D.C., M.B.A.; University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., B.A.

Jordan Born, Senior Director, Accruit, LLC, Skokie, Illinois | Jordan concentrates in facilitating reverse exchanges and those involving property construction or improvements. He frequently speaks to groups and presents webinars to audiences interested in tax-deferred exchanges. His company, Accruit, LLC, specializes in 1031 exchange services. Jordan is also on the Board of Directors of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, serves as Chair of its Ethics Committee, and is active on its Government Affairs and Education Committees Prior to joining Accruit, Jordan 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. He is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. The John Marshall School of Law, Chicago, J.D. 2005, LL.M. 2006; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. Economics 2002.

Jeffrey H. Bunn, Founder, The Mindful Law Coaching and Consulting Group LLC, Chicago | Jeff is an experienced international presenter and leader of meditation sessions for law firms and groups including the ABA Women in Litigation section, the State Bar of Nevada, and the American Association of Law Schools. He co-moderated and spoke at the National Conference on Lawyer Well-Being. His prior experience includes nearly 40 years as a litigation attorney, Vice Chair of the Lawyers’ Assistance Program, and guest on several legal podcasts. The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D., 1980; Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., B.A., 1975.

Aimee E. Delaney, Partner, Hinshaw and Culbertson LLP, Chicago | Aimee counsels employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Aimee has also been an adjunct professor at her alma mater for more than a decade, where she teaches Employment Law and Employment Discrimination. At Hinshaw, Aimee is a member of both the Executive and Management Committees and led of Labor and Employment Practice Group from 2014 – 2019. She is passionate about working with her clients to provide strategic, tailored solutions for their employee-related issues. Aimee has assisted human resources professionals, managers, and in-house counsel on matters spanning hire through termination. Her traditional labor law practice includes representing management in labor negotiations, grievances and labor arbitrations, and labor board proceedings. Recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer from 2014-2023 and a Notable Gen X Leader in the Law by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2019 among other notable achievements, Aimee is an active presenter and author who regularly shares her knowledge and expertise in employment law. When she isn’t working, writing, or presenting you can find Aimee volunteering her time for Voices for Illinois Children as pro bono counsel.

Matt Difanis, Team Lead & Company Broker-Owner at RE/Max Reality Associates Champaign IL. | Matt Difanis, Team Lead & Company Broker-Owner at RE/Max Realty Associates, Champaign IL.  Matt is Broker-Owner of RE/MAX Realty Associates with more than 20 years of full-time real estate experience.  Matt earned his B.S. in psychology from the University of Illinois. After starting his real estate career Matt earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law. Matt served as 2020 Chair of NAR's Professional Standards Committee, where he advanced a series of proposals that ultimately resulted in the addition of Standard of Practice 10-5 to the NAR Code of Ethics, a prohibition against REALTORS® engaging in discriminatory hate speech. Matt was the 2021 Chair of the Professional Standards Interpretations and Procedures Advisory Board. He served as 2018 President of the Illinois REALTORS®. During his four years on his state leadership team, he gradually became aware of the industry’s persistent shortcomings in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and he committed himself to improving it. Matt has since won numerous awards for his work on fair housing and inclusion in the industry. Matt works full-time with clients in his home market of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where he leads a high producing team and is broker-owner of RE/MAX Realty Associates. 

Matthew Douglas, Senior Director and Staff Attorney at Accruit, a leading national 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary. Matt applies his extensive knowledge of IRC 1031 rules and structures to help property owners defer tax liability from the sale of business or investment real property. An experienced attorney and former college-level instructor, Matt uses his sharp presentation skills to educate realtors, attorneys, and other exchange professionals on a variety of exchange topics, from basic rules to the more nuanced and complex issues that frequently arise under IRC 1031. Matt concentrates much of his professional time handling reverse and construction exchanges and advising on complex exchange structures.

Martin Edwards, Managing Director and In House Counsel at Accruit, a leading national 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary, Marty utilizes his many decades of exchange experience, to help train and support staff and to advise clients and their advisors with regard to conventional exchanges and ones that are reverse in nature or require ground up construction or the addition of improvements to the target property. Marty has written and spoken extensively on 1031 Exchange transactions under Section 1031 of the Code and related Treasury Regulations and on the subject of “title parking” arrangements under IRS Rev. Proc. 2000-37. His writings include “Tax-Free Exchanges of Real Estate” (Real Estate Financing, Matthew Bender & Company), Land Trust Handbook (IICLE), The Complete Lawyer (ABA), ISBA Real Property Newsletter, Chicago Bar Assoc. Real Property Law Communicator and DuPage County Bar’s DCBA Brief.

Lawrence "Larry" Gregory, Attorney, Estate & Business Law Group, P.C., Libertyville, Illinois | Larry 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. Larry 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.

R. Kymn Harp, Shareholder, Robbins, Saloman, and Patt, Ltd., Chicago | Kymn has over 40 years of experience representing investors, developers, business owners, and other stakeholders in all aspects of commercial real estate. He focuses on representing clients in all aspects of complex commercial real estate transactions for both ground-up projects and existing properties, with substantial experience handling acquisitions and financing of condominium properties for deconversion through bulk purchase, including pursuant to Section 15 of the Condominium Property Act. The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D., 1978; Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind., B.A., 1975.

Tiffany Jacobelli, EVP Closing Operations Guaranteed Rate | Tiffany drives the success of the Closing, Disclosure Desks’, and Insurance teams. She exemplifies the company’s core value “We put the customer first” every day as she delivers white glove service to internal and external stakeholders alike. Implementing strategic decisions on the daily, Tiffany joins forces with Compliance leadership to formulate best practices that consider all departments’ objectives and works with the Technology team to streamline processes and communications. Her comprehensive insights are the fruitful results of her former industry experiences as a closer and as a Closing and RESPA VP who ensured alignment with the Processing, Underwriting, Secondary, Post Closing, Quality Control, and Compliance departments. Tiffany’s positive and people-centric leadership style has cultivated a culture of collaboration and excellence that has spread throughout the company and its divisions. Truly championing GR’s powerful “Believe You Will” message, Tiffany both leads her team to achieve organizational goals and empowers everyone to set their own goalposts for success.

David A. Kahn, Kahn and Kahn, Attorneys, Libertyville, Illinois | Mr. Kahn has been in private practice since 2003 with his father and mentor, Donald Kahn, concentrating primarily on residential real estate. Formerly a closer for ATG while in law school and now running a high-volume practice, Mr. Kahn’s depth of experience in transactional real estate allows him to balance efficiency with customer service to achieve a successful law practice. He is a former member of the ISBA Construction Law Council and frequent speaker to local community groups. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. 2003; University of Colorado, Boulder, B.A. Economics, 2000.

Henry Kaskov, Founder, Kaskov Valuations, Inc., St. Charles, Illinois | Henry has spent his entire career in business valuation and financial consulting. He has been a consultant for multinational corporations and financial institutions as well as managing director for a boutique business evaluation firm. With more than ten years' experience as a foundation, Henry launched his own successful company in 2020. Its focus is providing business clients with trusted resources and advice vital to their business decisions from initial start-up to eventual exit or sale. University of Illinois, B.S. in Finance.

Samuel H. Levine, of Counsel, Miller Canfield, Chicago | Sam 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. Sam 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. Sam 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).

Samuel J. Manella, Attorney at Law, Chicago | Samuel 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, Illinois, Law, J.D. 1985; B.S., Finance.

Maura E. Mannix, Trust Officer, Midland Trust Company, Chicago | Maura serves as Trust Officer and has over 20 years of experience in trust and real estate. Throughout her career she has held a variety of positions with a common theme of creating a positive client experience. In her current role, Maura is responsible for business development, marketing, networking and cultivating relationships with attorneys and other professionals. Her personal mission is to help the advisor help the client. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.S. (Advertising) 1987.

Patrick D. Owens, Partner, Attorney at Law, Di Monte & Lizak, LLC, Park Ridge, Illinois | Patrick 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. Patrick 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, Patrick 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.

Tony Pacione, Clinical Intern, Illinois Lawyers' Assistance Program, Chicago, Illinois| | Tony is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and a Certified Supervisor Addiction Counselor. As the Deputy Director for the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program, he provides behavioral health and addiction services to attorneys, judges, and law students. He began his career in the addiction and behavioral health field in 1982, gaining a wealth of experience, including as a clinician and program director, an American Bar Association Presidential appointment to the Advisory Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs in 2014, and publishing articles on addictions for academic and trade association journals. Tony has provided training on addiction treatment and stress management to health care professionals, attorneys, and others at venues that included the Illinois Psychological Association, the ABA, and the Chicago and Illinois Bar Associations. Washington University, St. Louis, Mo, M.S.W.; M.A., Education.

Mark C. Palmer, Professionalism Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Champaign, Illinois | Mark 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. Mark 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.

Elizabeth A. Rodriguez, Partner, Rodriguez Law Office, Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Elizabeth has been practicing law for approximately 15 years. Prior to law school, she was employed by Chicago Title, working in the Residential Closing Department. During law school, she worked as a residential closer for ATG. Beth joined her father’s practice in 2007. Their firm concentrates on residential and commercial real estate and estate planning. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons and jogging in her spare time. Northern Illinois University College of Law, Dekalb, J.D. 2007; University of North Carolina at Asheville, B.A. 2002.

Mark T. Rodriguez, Partner, Rodriguez Law Office, Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Mark has been in practice for over 45 years, the last 15 with his daughter, Elizabeth. Their practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate and estate planning. Over the years, he has lectured and chaired seminars for realty offices throughout the western suburbs, discussing issues relating to the role of the professional participating in the real estate transaction. He has been an ATG member since 1983. Loyola University of Chicago Law School, J.D. 1976; College of Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts, B.S. 1973.

Aaron E. Ruswick, Shareholder, Huck Bouma, P.C., Wheaton, Illinois | Aaron represents attorneys and estates of deceased attorneys in developing succession planning techniques to transition a law practice in a sale or merger transaction His experience includes representing larger businesses on their transactional, contractual and operational needs to representing families in their legacy succession, including wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, and more. Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago, Ill., LMM in Tax Law; Valparaiso School of Law, Valparaiso, Ind., J.D.; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, B.S. in Accounting.

Melissa Smart, Litigation Group Manager and Senior Counsel, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois (ARDC), Chicago | Melissa 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.

David R. Schlueter, Law Office of David R. Schlueter, Ltd., Itasca, Illinois | Mr. Schlueter has been practicing law for more than 37 years. His practice is concentrated in residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, and representation of small- and medium-size businesses and their owners. Dave is a board member of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyer’s Association and is a frequent lecturer for title companies, bar associations, and civic groups, and is a faculty member of IICLE. He enjoys spreading accurate information about the legal aspects of real estate and does so by being a frequent co-host of Home Sweet Home Chicago, a weekly radio show on WGN 720 on Saturday mornings. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D. 1986. Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois, B.A. 1983.

Ralph J. Schumann, Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Ralph J. Schumann, Schaumburg, Illinois | Ralph is a sole practitioner, concentrating his practice in residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, probate administration, litigation, and business law. He currently serves as President of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, as Ex-Officio Chair of the ISBA Real Estate Law Section Council, and as a member of the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract Drafting Committee. 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.

Cynthia F. Tolan, Trust Officer, Midland Trust Company, Chicago | Cindy serves as Trust Officer and works closely with families, guiding them through the estate and trust administration process. She has extensive experience with the administration of decedent estates and trusts created for the ongoing benefit of beneficiaries, as well as guardianships for both minor children and disabled adults. Before joining MTC, Cindy worked in private practice in the areas of estate and trust administration, estate planning, and elder law. In addition, she represented clients in the areas of real estate, land use and general corporate transactions. During her time in private practice, Cindy was the co-chair of the firm’s Elder Law Group, where she advised families on proper planning for assisting elders in health care decision-making, helped families navigate adult guardianships, and provided guidance in protecting and preserving their assets. She has been a frequent speaker on issues relating to estate planning, powers of attorney and transfers of assets at death. Cindy is a former Iowa Assistant Attorney General and worked as a Human Rights Officer for the Missouri Commission of Human Rights. She also has experience as in-house counsel for a real estate development company and was an instructor at Durham Technical Community College in the Paralegal Technology program. University of Iowa, Iowa City, J.D., B.A. (Sociology).

Kathryn Van Eeuwen, Senior Trust Officer, Midland Trust Company, Chicago | Kathy serves as Senior Trust Officer and has over 25 years of trust and estate experience servicing attorneys, advisors and their clients. During her career, Kathy has assisted high and ultra-high net worth families achieve their wealth transfer goals. She has held various leadership roles and managed an extensive team of trust and investment professionals. In addition to her many responsibilities, Kathy recognizes that each individual or family has different trust needs and enjoys helping find unique and creative solutions to their particular situations. University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, J.D. 1993; Hope College, Holland, Michigan, B.A. (Business Administration) 1993.

Whitney Vogt, Director Strategic Initiatives at Guaranteed Rate | Whitney joined Guaranteed Rate in 2017 to lead strategic programs and projects. One of her primary initiatives is the implementation of hybrid and full eClose products across all GR companies nationally. She is also the program administrator for GR’s national mortgage sales training program (excelRate) focused on training the next generation of Loan Originators. Prior to joining Guaranteed Rate, Whitney held several leadership roles in Financial Services including SVP, Strategic Risk (Northern Trust); Director, Financial Services Advisory (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and Six Sigma Black Belt (GE Capital Consumer Finance). Whitney earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as Captain, US Army before transitioning to a career in financial service.

Heather E. Voorn, Partner, Delaney, Delaney, & Voorn, Ltd., Chicago, Illinois | Heather joined her firm as an associate attorney in 2007 and made partner in 2012. She devotes her practice to elder law and is board certified as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation. See her full bio. John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D. magna cum laude; Florida State University, B.A. magna cum laude..

Ryan B. Werner, 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 2003 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. The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D., 2003; Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, B.S. Management with a Concentration in Finance, 1997.

[Last update: 2-17-2023]

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