Chicago Area

Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP (“SFGH”), announced on Wednesday that Michael H. Traison has joined its corporate restructuring and creditor’s rights practice as a partner.

Michael has been a pillar in the global restructuring community for the past 35 years—during which time he has represented debtors, creditors, creditors’ committees and asset purchasers in deals throughout the United States and around the world. His client-centric and leveled approach to solving complex financial problems has made him a considerable asset to his clients and peers alike. Michael’s desire to help people extends well beyond the office doors and into the global community. For decades, Michael has served as a tireless civic leader and advocate for human rights, with a special focus on Poland, the Jewish people and Israel. He was awarded The Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for his civic leadership by its President in 2012.

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes a lateral associate and two recent law school graduates to the firm’s Chicago office.

Jack A. Gould joins the firm from Matushek, Nilles & Sinars, L.L.C., where he was also an associate. He focuses his practice on Asbestos Litigation, Product Liability and General Trial Practice. Mr. Gould received his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2011 and his B.A. cum laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2008.

Associate Ryan J. Devall focuses his practice on Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes, Environmental Law, and Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy. Mr. Devall received his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2015 and his B.A. from the University of California at San Diego in 2011.

Associate Lena M. Shapiro focuses her practice on Medical Negligence and Healthcare, Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes, Product Liability, and Intellectual Property Litigation and Transactional Services. Ms. Shapiro received her J.D. from the University of Illinois in 2015 and her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012.

J. Robert "Bob" Murphy passed away peacefully at home in Geneva on November 18, 2015, just days before his 92nd birthday. He was born November 26, 1923 in Chicago, to William and Louise (Florence) Murphy. 

Bob graduated from West Aurora High School in 1941 and received a scholarship to Harvard University. While at Harvard, in 1943, Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Army Air Force for three years before returning to Harvard to resume his education, entering and attending Harvard Law School from 1946 to 1948. Bob then returned to Aurora, where he opened his law practice in 1949. 

Bob married Teresa (Chambers) on September 4, 1950, and together, they had six children. 

The law firm of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is proud to announce the promotion of Gregory C. Maksimuk to partner. Having joined the firm in 2011, Maksimuk has devoted his entire professional career to helping clients involved in complex divorces move their cases efficiently toward resolution. He concentrates on complicated, high-net-worth financial matters for C-suite executives, business owners, and their spouses.

“Schiller DuCanto & Fleck has an established reputation as the leader in family law,” said Maksimuk. “I am truly honored and grateful to be named partner at a firm with so many highly skilled and competent attorneys.”

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is the largest family law firm of its kind in the country. It is internationally recognized as a model for firms that practice family law and focus to achieve the best possible results for affluent clients. Its mission to ensure quality, knowledge and experience to clients is evident through numerous award recognitions, including being named as one of the best law firms by U.S. News & World Report from 2011-2015. Schiller is also recognized as having outstanding lawyers according to peer-rating based publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Law Dragon Top 500.