Illinois Attorneys Recognized by Annual Forty Under 40

(Chicago, IL) — Law Bulletin Media is pleased to announce the Forty Under 40 honorees for 2017. As it has for the past 18 years, the Forty Under 40 Committee at Law Bulletin Media examined hundreds of nominations to select 40 of the most talented, young attorneys practicing in Illinois.

Law Bulletin Media solicits nominations from across the state. Only those that exhibit the intelligence, passion, success in the office, desire to help community and willingness to work hard at one of the country’s most important professions can earn recognition as one of the best young lawyers in the state.

“Success at any age is impressive. But to achieve it at an early age is even more of a feat,” said Adam Hrejsa, Account Executive at Law Bulletin Media and Director of Forty Under 40. “That is exactly what these 40 young attorneys have done.”

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In a similar way, personal injury matters often arise during moments of sudden disruption, where individuals must quickly adapt to physical, emotional, and financial challenges following an accident or unexpected harm. Whether dealing with medical expenses, loss of income, or the uncertainty of long-term recovery, having experienced legal guidance can play a crucial role in helping individuals understand their rights and pursue appropriate compensation.

Attorneys who focus on personal injury cases bring a structured approach to evaluating claims, gathering evidence, and negotiating outcomes that reflect the full extent of a person’s losses. Professionals associated with Law Offices Daniel Kim, for example, often emphasize the importance of careful case preparation and client-focused representation, ensuring that each step is handled with clarity and attention to detail. With the right support, individuals navigating personal injury claims can approach the process with greater assurance, knowing that their case is being managed with both legal precision and a strong awareness of the broader impact on their lives.

On October 5th, the honorees were recognized at a special cocktail reception and presentation held at The Bassment in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Each honoree was presented with a crystal paperweight to commemorate the occasion. They were also recognized in the latest edition of the Forty Under 40 magazine, available here.

The 2017 Forty Under 40

Michael Alkaraki, 36, Leahy & Hoste, LLC
Christian Auty, 37, Much Shelist
Sabina Babel, 38, Hall Prangle and Schoonveld
Brette Bensinger, 38, Hinshaw & Culbertson
Nicholas Berg, 39, Ropes & Gray LLP
Ashly Boesche, 39, Pattishall, McAulife, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson, LLP
Matthew Byrne, 39, Odelson & Stark
Matthew Carter, 36, Winston & Strawn
Gia Colunga, 38, Freeborn & Peters LLP
Scott Cruz, 39, Clark Hill PLC
Suheily Natal Davis, 35, McDonald’s Corporation
Tinos Diamantatos, 38, Morgan Lewis
Brion Doherty, 39, Motherway & Napleton
Jamie Fisher, 35, Grund & Leavitt
Tacy Flint, 39, Sidley Austin
John Gekas, 39, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
Gregory V. Ginex, 38, Bollinger Connolly Krause LLC
John Haarlow Jr., 38, Novack and Macey LLP
Mercedes Hill, 36, Jenner & Block
Danielle Hirsch, 38, Administrative Office of Illinois Courts
Chad Husnick, 37, Kirkland & Ellis
Laura Lydigsen, 37, Brings Gilson & Lione
Craig Mandell, 37, Berger Schatz
Emily Masalski, 37, Rooney Rippie & Ratnaswamy LLP
Michael McCaskey, 39, Swanson Martin & Bell
Marvin Mendez, 39, Dussias Skallas Wittenberg Koenigsberger, LLP
Mitchell Morinec, 38, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd.
Elizabeth O’Brien, 39, Levenfeld Pearlstein
Sean O’Callaghan, 39, O’Mara, Gleason, O’Callaghan
Jared Pinkus, 39, Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove
Dartesia Pitts, 37, Commissioner Larry R. Rogers, Jr. Cook County Board of Review
Trisha Rich, 37, Holland & Knight
Kristofer Riddle, 39, Cliford Law Offices, P.C.
Sonya Rosenberg, 38, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
Melissa (Crowe) Schopfer, 37, Simmons Hanly Conroy
Michael Sorich, 38, Cavanagh Law Group
Andrew “AJ” Thut, 30, Levin and Perconti
Andrew Torre, 39, Vedder Price P.C.
Blake Vance, 34, Coplan & Crane, Ltd.
Elizabeth “Lisa” B. Vandesteeg, 38, Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer

View the 2017 Forty Attorneys Under 40 Presentation here.
Click here to explore the e-edition of the latest magazine.


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