People

Governor Bruce Rauner announced the 2017 recipients of the Order of Lincoln, which is the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. The list includes a Central Illinois man, who was born in Sullivan. This year's recipients include Hon. James Holderman.

The Honorable James Holderman received his J.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Was appointed to serve on the United States District Court. Served as Chief Judge from 2006 to 2013. Initiated innovations to improve the jury trial system. Expanded the Settlement Assistance Program and renovated the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. Earned the U.S. Department of Justice Aware for Distinguished Service and the American Inns Court Award for Professionalism and Ethics.

Brennan Burtker is pleased to announce that Jonathan E. Cavins and Rachel S. Stern have been named partners at the firm.

Jonathan E. Cavins concentrates his practice in civil litigation, with an emphasis on medical liability defense and commercial litigation. He has extensive experience representing hospitals, medical groups, and physicians in all phases of litigation, including pre-suit investigation, all aspects of discovery, dispositive motion practice, and multiple jury trials to verdict.  He has won summary judgment or dismissal for his clients on numerous occasions. He also has extensive experience representing large and small businesses as both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial litigation and employment disputes dealing with issues of breach of contracts, tortious interference with business relationships, failure to pay wages, breach of restrictive covenants including non-disclosure, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Additionally, Mr. Cavins counsels his commercial clients regarding the drafting and implementation of business and employment agreements. 

David J. Slawkowski, 66, of Fairhope, Ala. and formerly of Arlington Heights, Ill., passed away on December 1, 2016 in Mobile, Ala.

David was born in Chicago to Loretta (Guminski) and Edward Slawkowski on September 18, 1950. He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago in 1968, and from the University of Notre Dame in 1972. He married his wife Penny (Al-Greene) in 1972, and they resided in Cambridge, Mass. while David completed law school at Harvard University, graduating in 1975. After law school, they moved to Arlington Heights, Ill. which remained their home until 2010, when they moved to Fairhope, Ala.

Jack Samuel Ring died peacefully in Chicago on November 20, 2016, surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of Hazel Gitlitz Ring and was predeceased in 2001 by his late wife, Susan Ring; loving father of Joshua (Melissa), Scott (Marina), step-father of Scott (Angela) and Jamie Gitlitz; cherished grandfather of Sydney, Jolie, Alex and Levi Ring, and Rachel and Jessica Gitlitz; loving brother of Miriam (late Walter), Norman (Bea) and the late Ida and Leonard; devoted son of the late Abe and the late Rose Ring.