“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” -- Sun Tzu
The Litigation and Dispute Resolution team at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP successfully handles matters of sensitivity and importance in state and federal courts throughout the country, resolving them through trial, arbitration, and negotiation to make our clients’ business objectives a reality.
Here is what sets SFGH’s litigation attorneys apart from their peers:
Focus on resolving your dispute
We have extensive experience in state and federal courts throughout the country, and we will aggressively pursue your case through trial and appeal, if that is the best solution. But many times, it isn’t. We know that there are frequently better tools available to resolve our clients’ disputes, and help our clients make wise choices by correctly evaluating the advantages, costs, and risks of their many alternatives.
Your case is an investment
We use our knowledge of the tools provided by the legal system and our understanding of the economics of trial preparation to help our clients achieve the resolution that best justifies their investment of legal fees, considering:
- The opportunities and risks that disputes present to their personal and business lives;
- An appropriate return on the investment of our clients’ time and money;
- The need to balance our zealous pursuit our clients’ interests with their desires to preserve personal, family and business relationships;
- Value that may be gained by a quicker, more inexpensive resolution; and
- The significance of reducing exposure to risks and disruption.
Counselors at law
We are more than just trained fighters. We believe a good litigator is a valuable counselor who demonstrates a combination of thoughtfulness, intelligence, wisdom, insight, and creativity in devising a strategy that:
- Leverages the challenges facing the other side, including their risks, expenses, business and personal pressures;
- Does not prolong a dispute that could have been quickly resolved by fighting unnecessary battles; and
- Avoids spending more in legal fees than can be afforded.
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Christopher J. Horvay
- (312) 704-2173
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David M. Madden
- (312) 704-2177
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John C. Martin
- (312) 704-2172
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Mark S. Melickian
- (312) 704-2174
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Kathryn Nadro
- (312) 704-2773
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Matthew B. Schiff
- (312) 704-2171
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Publications
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08/04/2020
Lisa Vandesteeg and Katie Nadro publish article entitled “Information Security and Privacy Best Practices in the Age of Pandemic” in the Journal of Corporate Renewal, the official publication of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA)
Lisa Vandesteeg and Katie Nadro publish article entitled “Information Security and Privacy Best Practices in the Age of Pandemic” in the Journal of Corporate Renewal, the official publication of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA).
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02/25/2020
John C. Martin Published in Bloomberg Law - "Access to Justice Benefits From ‘Lawyer-Directed’ Litigation Finance"
SFGH partner John C. Martin joins with Parabellum Capital’s Dai Wai Chin Feman to discuss charging liens and litigation finance.
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06/20/2019
SFGH partner Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg quoted in article titled “Litigation Funders Become the Litigants as Industry Grows”
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger partner Lisa Vandesteeg was recently quoted in the American Lawyer Magazine for the article "Litigation Funders Become the Litigants as Industry Grows." In this article, Lisa Vandesteeg provided commentary on recent litigation over its permitted use.
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06/17/2019
Matthew Schiff & Kathryn Nadro co-author "Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Guide for Plaintiff and Defense - Chapter 4: Responding to the Charge and the Complaint"
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger partner Matthew Schiff & associate Kathryn Nadro recently co-authored a chapter in the book "Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Guide for Plaintiff and Defense." This is the fourth edition of the book published by the American Bar Association. In this book, Matthew and Kathryn guide how to respond to a charge and complaint when handling claims alleging harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. This much-needed resource provides critical background and best practices for attorneys who litigate cases on behalf of plaintiff/employees and defendants/employers.
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06/03/2019
SFGH partners Henry C. Krasnow and Michael A. Brandess publish article in Family Business Magazine entitled “Helping Your Family and Business Through Challenging Economic Times”
The May/June 2019 issue of Family Business Magazine featured an article written by SFGH partners Henry C. Krasnow and Michael A. Brandess entitled “Helping Your Family and Business Through Challenging Economic Times.” The article provides advice for family business owners in times of financial distress.
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04/08/2019
SFGH Partner Henry Krasnow recently authored two articles: “The Family Business Consultant and the Family Enterprise Lawyer: Some Thoughts on a More Productive Collaboration” and “Five Ways to Get More From Lawyers”
SFGH Partner Henry Krasnow recently authored an article for the Wednesday, March 20, 2019, weekly edition of the FFI | Practitioner entitled “The Family Business Consultant and the Family Enterprise Lawyer: Some Thoughts on a More Productive Collaboration.” He also wrote an article for the March 2019 monthly newsletter for the Chicago Private Directors Association entitled “Five Ways to Get More from Lawyers.”
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12/01/2017
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro authored an article appearing in the December 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor entitled “Law and Employment Law Changes in the Trump Era.”
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro authored an article appearing in the December 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor entitled “Law and Employment Law Changes in the Trump Era.” Schiff and Nadro describe some of the many changes the Trump Administration has brought to regulation and enforcement in the labor and employment arena, including reversals of Obama administration policies on wage and hour law, Title VII protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the use of arbitration clauses in employment agreements.
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11/03/2017
Illinois Bar Journal publishes David Madden’s article on the use of acknowledged documents as trial evidence
David Madden’s article “Acknowledged Estate Planning Documents Are Self-Authenticating Evidence” appears in the November 2017 issue of the Illinois Bar Journal, the Illinois State Bar Association’s award-winning monthly magazine. The piece has practical information for transactional and trial attorneys about how having a document acknowledged by a notary when it’s executed can overcome a challenge to its authenticity at trial and ensure it will be admissible into evidence.
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10/30/2017
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro author article entitled “Internal Whistleblowers: SCOTUS Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape” for the October 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro authored an article appearing in the October 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor entitled “Internal Whistleblowers: SCOTUS Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape.” The article analyzes Digital Realty Trust Inc. v. Somers, a case appearing before the Supreme Court this term. The Supreme Court’s ruling is highly anticipated as it will clarify the interplay between whistleblower protections under the Dodd-Frank Act versus the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and potentially redefine how employers respond to internal whistleblowers.
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07/18/2017
Henry Krasnow, Richard Sugar and David Madden author article entitled “The New Reality of Federal Litigation” on the Financial Poise website.progress.
On July 18, 2017, Financial Poise published an article written by Henry Krasnow, Richard Sugar and David Madden entitled “The New Reality of Federal Litigation.” The article discusses changes to longstanding Federal discovery rules and addresses how the adoption of these new rules impact how lawsuits progress.
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07/14/2017
SFGH Client Alert: The New Reality of Federal Litigation and Changes to Longstanding Discovery Rules
"The New Reality of Federal Litigation,” a SFGH news alert, discusses changes to longstanding Federal discovery rules. The article, drafted by Richard Sugar, Henry Krasnow and David Madden, addresses how the adoption of these new rules impact how lawsuits progress.
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02/28/2017
Jonathan Friedland and Lisa Vandesteeg author 2017 edition of "Commercial Bankruptcy Litigation, 2d".
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP is pleased to congratulate Jonathan Friedland and Elizabeth Vandesteeg on the publication of the 2017 edition of "Commercial Bankruptcy Litigation, 2d". Friedland is the book’s creator and editor in chief and Vandesteeg, is one if its managing editors.
One of West Publishing’s best-selling titles since 2009, and weighing in at more than 1,600 pages, Commercial Bankruptcy Litigation is the result of an effort of more than 50 restructuring professionals, including partners from more than 20 distinguished firms.
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12/12/2016
David Madden publishes article on Commercial Bankruptcy Alternatives entitled, “Corporate Debtors’ Attorney Client Privilege in the Hands of the Bankruptcy Trustee”
SFGH attorney David Madden’s article, “Corporate Debtors’ Attorney Client Privilege in the Hands of the Bankruptcy Trustee”, was recently published by Commercial Bankruptcy Alternatives.
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11/14/2016
Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg and Tricia Schwallier author article entitled “Supplier! Can Your Unpaid Administrative Claim Be Setoff Against Your Preference Liability?” on Commercial Bankruptcy Litigation, a DailyDac website.
On November 14, 2016, Commercial Bankruptcy Litigation, a DailyDac website, published an article written by Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg and Tricia Schwallier entitled “Supplier! Can Your Unpaid Administrative Claim Be Setoff Against Your Preference Liability?”
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08/02/2016
Matthew Schiff has been appointed as Member of the Section Conference Task Force, of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP (SFGH) partner, Matthew Schiff, has been appointed as a member to the Section Conference Task Force of the ABA’s TIPS.
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08/02/2016
Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg, Matthew Schiff and Tricia Schwallier publish article in the August 2016 edition of The Corporate Counselor, a Law Journal Newsletter, entitled, “Private Equity Investment Funds, Beware!”
The August 2016 edition of The Corporate Counselor, a Law Journal Newsletter, features an article by Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg, Matthew Schiff and Tricia Schwallier entitled, “Private Equity Investment Funds, Beware!”
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05/10/2016
Matthew Schiff and Kathryn Nadro publish article in American Bar Association
The Spring 2016 issue of The American Bar Association Tort Trial Insurance Section - Employment Law & Litigation features an article by Matthew Schiff and Kathryn Nadro entitled, "Multiyear Public Sector Collective Bargaining Agreements following Illinois v. AFSCME"
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06/11/2015
Matthew Schiff quoted in Business Insurance magazine article entitled, "Illinois comp reform proposal worries employers, insurers."
Matthew Schiff quoted in Business Insurance magazine article entitled, "Illinois comp reform proposal worries employers, insurers."
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02/05/2015
Richard Sugar publishes latest article as monthly columnist with Pioneer Press, entitled “Watch out: Ponzi scheme on steroids”
Richard Sugar currently serves as a regular columnist with the Pioneer Press, authoring a monthly column on issues involving money, taxes and the law, entitled , "A Spoonful of Sugar."
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10/01/2014
Matthew B. Schiff to Chair Labor and Employment Practice at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP proudly announces the addition of Matthew B. Schiff as Chair of the firm's Labor and Employment Practice.
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04/09/2014
John C. Martin and Kathryn Nadro publishes article entitled, "Ethically Pursuing Fees from Former Clients Short of Litigation" in the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation Ethics & Professionalism.
On April 9, 2014, the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation Ethics & Professionalism published an article authored by John C. Martin and Kathyrn Nadro entitled "Ethically Pursuing Fees from Former Clients Short of Litigation".
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01/16/2013
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP Named Among 2013's Top Ranked Law Firms by LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell®
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP has been named one of 2013's Top Ranked Law Firms across the United States by LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell®.
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04/18/2012
John C. Martin publishes article entitled, "Ethical Web Marketing: A Key to the Rules" in the ABA Section of Litigation 2012 Section Annual Conference.
On April 18, 2012, the ABA Section of Litigation published an article authored by John C. Martin entitled "Ethical Web Marketing: A Key to the Rules".
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09/24/2009
John C. Martin publishes article entitled "Your" Witness: What's at Stake in Representing Your Corporate Client's Individual Representatives in the American Bar Association's National Conference for the Minority Lawyer
In September, 2009, the Amercian Bar Association's National Conference for the Minority Lawyer publisd an artilce authored by John C. Martin entitled "Your" Witness: What's at Stake in Representing Your Corporate Client's Individual Representatives.
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11/01/2007
To Sue or Not To Sue: A Hypothetical Case Study in The Use of Decision Trees in Developing Litigation Strategy
David Madden explains how to use decision trees to evaluate the optimal course of action in complex litigation.
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04/16/2007
U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies Important Criteria for Qui Tam Litigation
Discussion of the significance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Rockwell International v. United States ex. rel. Stone, 549 U.S. 457, 127 S.Ct. 1397 (2007) for pleading and defending whistleblower litigation under the United States False Claims Act.
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03/12/2007
Defeat of Nationwide Class in Baycol Litigation Shows Importance of Detailed Evidence to Oppose Certification
Discussion of the reasons a court denied certification of nationwide classes in prescription drug litigation, and the significance of this decision for strategies for defending cases seeking class certification.
Speaking Engagements
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07/25/2022
SFGH's Joelle M. Shabat to discuss the rules of discovery as a panelist on the upcoming "Newbie Litigator School" webinar
On July 28, 2022, Joelle M. Shabat will appear as a panelist on the Financial Poise/West LegalEd Center webinar “Newbie Litigator School – Part I (2022): Discovery Practice.” This episode will summarize the rules governing discovery, including the new federal rules governing the preservation and discovery of electronic data and information, and “proportionality” in discovery. The panel will also discuss the practicalities of discovery: budgeting, tactics, common opportunities and pitfalls.
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12/06/2021
SFGH's Joelle Shabat moderates webinar "Paying for Litigation - Hourly, Contingency, Third Party Financing & More"
On December 7, 2021, Joelle Shabat will moderate the third episode in a three-part series entitled “Newbie Litigator School III: Paying for Litigation – Hourly, Contingency, Third Party Financing and More.” This episode will discuss different ways lawyers are compensated, including litigation financing and contingent fee insurance, for both small and larger sized claims.
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11/01/2021
SFGH's Joelle Shabat moderates webinar "Enforcement: Post-Judgment Proceedings & Collections"
On November 2, 2021, Joelle Shabat will moderate the second episode in a three part series entitled “Newbie Litigator School II: Post-Judgment Proceedings & Collections.” This episode will provide an overview of the technical, procedural and strategic considerations necessary to monetize judgments and make litigation worthwhile.
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10/08/2021
SFGH Associate Joelle Shabat moderated webinar "Appellate Practice - 101"
On October 5, 2021, Joelle Shabat moderated Newbie Litigator School II: Appellate Practice 101, a Financial Poise webinar. This episode was the first in a three part series for attorneys looking to cultivate or develop knowledge about litigating a case through appeal and post-judgment enforcement proceedings. This episode focused on the anatomy of an appeal—from its initial filing through briefing and oral argument. The webinar remains available through West Legal Ed Center and Financial Poise.
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03/25/2021
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff serves as guest judge in 2021 National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) National Finals
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff will serve as a judge at the American Bar Association, National Moot Court Competition. The competition will take place on April 9, 2021. The Judges are selected from lawyers and Judges from across the country. They will be sitting as the US Supreme Court and will hear argument on the First Amendment Rights of Public Employees. Judges will then grade the advocates and provide feedback.
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01/11/2021
SFGH partner Jonathan Friedland features on webinar entitled “Post-Closing Issues: Integration & Potential Buyer/Seller Disputes”
On November 5, 2020, SFGH partner Jonathan Friedland featured on a West LegalEdcenter webinar entitled “Post-Closing Issues: Integration & Potential Buyer/Seller Disputes.”
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03/31/2020
Matthew Schiff featured on “COVID-19 And The Workforce Webinar”
On Thursday, April 2, SFGH partner Matthew Schiff will feature on “COVID-19 And The Workforce Webinar” to discuss how the labor and workforce landscape has changed in the face of COVID-19. The webinar, hosted by Hispanic Professional Network, will cover the benefits for employees and employers impacted by the pandemic, the long-term and short-term implications the novel coronavirus will have on business, and how to avail yourself to city, state, and federal relief.
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03/11/2020
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff participated as a panelist in the ABA's Litigation Section roundtable "What’s New in Employment Law for 2020"
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff participated as a panelist in an ABA roundtable discussion February 26, 2020 titled "What’s New in Employment Law for 2020." Matt discussed independent contractor misclassification issues.
The ABA Litigation Section Employment & Labor Relations Committee hosted this Roundtable discussion to explore hot topics and emerging trends in employment litigation and regulation. Among the topics discussed were independent contractor misclassification issues, impacts from the DOL’s changes to the “white collar” exemption rules, the FLSA’s regular rate of pay to determine overtime, and the gig economy.
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02/05/2020
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff to moderate panel at the ABA’s Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Mid-Winter Seminar
At the ABA's Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Mid-Winter Seminar in New Orleans on March 27 and 28, 2020, SFGH partner Matthew Schiff will moderate a panel titled Sexual Harassment as a Work-Related Injury (Post #MeToo).
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10/24/2019
Lisa Vandesteeg to speak on panel “Ethical Traps for the Unwary Bankruptcy Lawyer” as part of the Hon. Robert E. Ginsberg Annual Program on Commercial Bankruptcy
SFGH partner Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg will speak on a panel for the Bankruptcy and Reorganization Committee of the Chicago Bar Association. The panel, “Ethical Traps for the Unwary Bankruptcy Lawyer,” will discuss some of the common ethical traps that bankruptcy lawyers may face in their practices, and it will offer techniques and solutions to avoid those traps.
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10/22/2019
Mark Melickian to speak on webinar “The Effective Director”
All of us have had experiences of meetings that were painful to participate in. Lack of preparation or inability to move decisions forward can all lead to an ineffective board. In this discussion, SFGH partner Mark Melickian and a panel of professionals will share practices that happen in real boardrooms that help equip directors to lead an energized and productive debate.
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10/17/2019
SFGH partner Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg to moderate panel “Risk: It’s a Board’s Game – Anticipating, Avoiding, Abating Risk for Private Company Directors” in New York, NY
SFGH partner Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg will moderate a panel in New York, NY on November 6, 2019. The panel, “Anticipating, Avoiding, Abating Risk for Private Company Directors,” will cover how a board can help to foster a risk-focused corporate culture, what the risk oversight function of the board is and what steps a board should take when it becomes aware of such a situation.
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10/15/2019
Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg to speak on “Privacy Regulations and the Role of the Board”
Join Lisa Vandesteeg on October 22, 2019, as she and a panel of experts address the basic requirements of recent privacy regulation and enforcement actions. In this panel, Lisa will also discuss how boards can help their organizations assess and manage privacy risks. Case studies will be offered to describe the experiences of organizations implementing new privacy controls as well as current and planned compliance activities of companies.
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10/09/2019
Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg to moderate webinar “Introduction to EU General Data Protection Regulation: Planning, Implementation, and Compliance”
On October 22, 2019, in this second part of the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy series, Lisa Vandesteeg will discuss the GDPR requirements and how your organization may meet those standards.
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10/03/2019
SFGH partner Mark Melickian to speak on webinar “The Effective Director”
While we think of a board as a functioning entity, much of the success of the board relies on the individual behavior of its directors. SFGH partner Mark Melickian and a panel of experts will discuss some of the productive and problematic behavior that can show up in the boardroom, and the effect that it can have on board effectiveness. The webinar will take place on October 10, 2019, at 1 PM CT.
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09/26/2019
Kathryn Nadro to speak at the ABA Construction & Data Privacy Regional Conference
On October 10, 2019, SFGH associate Kathryn Nadro will speak on the Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks for the Construction Industry panel at the ABA Construction & Data Privacy Regional Conference.
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09/18/2019
Elizabeth “Lisa” Vandesteeg to moderate webinar “Introduction to US Privacy and Data Security: Regulations and Requirements”
Join Lisa Vandesteeg for an overview of the many US privacy and data security laws and regulations which may impact your business. This webinar is part one of the “Cybersecurity and Data Privacy" series and will take place on September 24, 2019.
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08/16/2019
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger partner John Martin to moderate webinar titled “Legal Ethics - Best Practices 2019 - Bankruptcy Edition”
On August 21, 2019, at 1 PM CT, join Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger partner John Martin as he leads a panel of experts in discussing how rules relating to communication, conflicts, and candor are modified or expanded in the unique context of insolvency proceedings.
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06/11/2019
SFGH partner Elizabeth Vandesteeg to speak on webinar titled “Data Privacy & Security 101” as part of its 2019 series “One Hour Law School”
Businesses must understand and protect against the legal, business and reputational risks from actual or perceived misuse of data. Experts further warn (and sometimes daily news seems to suggest) that data breaches are inevitable, and businesses must plan for the operational, legal and reputational fallout of such events. Lisa Vandesteeg will be speaking on this topic that will continue to grow in importance in today’s data-driven marketplace. The webinar will take place on June 18, 2019.
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05/16/2019
Mark Melickian to moderate “Bankruptcy Battle Royale 2019: Common Committee Controversies – Contesting Confirmation” webinar
On May 21, 2019, at 1 pm CT, SFGH partner Mark Melickian will moderate a Financial Poise/West LegalEdcenter webinar entitled “Bankruptcy Battle Royale 2019: Common Committee Controversies – Contesting Confirmation.” This is the final episode in a 4-part series that is focusing on the fundamentals of certain common elements of commercial bankruptcy cases in which official committees of unsecured creditors typically play a significant role. This webinar focuses on the requirements for confirmation of a chapter 11 plan and the nuts and bolts of fraudulent transfer claims and litigation in commercial bankruptcy cases.
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05/15/2019
Mark Melickian featured on webinar titled “Chapter 11 Special Issues 2019 – Focus on Single Asset Real Estate”
SFGH partner Mark Melickian was a panelist on a webinar produced by Financial Poise for West LegalEdcenter entitled “Chapter 11 Special Issues 2019 – Focus on Single Asset Real Estate.” This was the second episode in a 3-part series that discusses business sectors that are anticipated to be busy areas for commercial bankruptcy practitioners and their clients in the next year or two. This episode focused on single asset real estate cases, where special rules in chapter 11 apply.
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05/13/2019
SFGH partner Christopher Horvay to speak on a West LegalEdcenter webinar series titled "Restructuring, Insolvency & Troubled Companies 2019 - Bad Debtor Owes Me Money!"
Join Christopher Horvay on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, as he discusses the pros and cons of putting a counterparty into involuntary bankruptcy; when and how you may be able to pursue third parties for the amount owed; risks related to preference attack; pros and cons of sitting on a “creditors’ committee” in a Chapter 11; how to negotiate for “critical vendor” protection in Chapter 11 and practical guidance for continuing to provide goods or services to an insolvent counterparty.
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05/07/2019
Corporate cybersecurity strategist Elizabeth Vandesteeg among panelists at the Spring 2019 Private Director Symposium in New York
On May 15, SFGH partner Elizabeth Vandesteeg will be discussing cybersecurity & data privacy for the private company director at the Spring 2019 Private Director Symposium.
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04/25/2019
Matthew Schiff to speak on webinar: "An Ounce of Prevention: Policies, Procedures and Proactivity" as part of its 2019 series, “HR, Talent Management & Employment Law Boot Camp”
In this second episode of the 2019 series, “HR, Talent Management & Employment Law Boot Camp,” SFGH partner Matthew Schiff presents practical advice for employers looking to put themselves in the best position possible to defend against employment-related claims.
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04/09/2019
SFGH associate Kathryn Nadro spoke on the first episode in a series of webinars produced by Financial Poise for West LegalEdcenter entitled "Valuation Fights in Litigation: Battle of the Experts 2019 - When Do You Need One & Where Do You Get One?"
SFGH associate Kathryn Nadro spoke on the first episode in a series of webinars produced by Financial Poise for West LegalEdcenter entitled "Valuation Fights in Litigation: Battle of the Experts 2019 - When Do You Need One & Where Do You Get One?"The first episode premiered January 31, 2019.
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04/04/2019
SFGH Partner Jeremy Waitzman to moderate West LegalEdcenter/Financial Poise’s webinar "Commercial Litigation Funding 101 - A Menu of Products for Investors and Lawyers"
Join SFGH Partner Jeremy Waitzman on April 10, 2019, as he moderates West LegalEdcenter/Financial Poise’s webinar "Commercial Litigation Funding 101 - A Menu of Products for Investors and Lawyers."
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04/01/2019
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff to present at Financial Poise webinar entitled “HR, Talent Management and Employment Law Boot Camp 2019”
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff to speak on West LegalEdcenter/Financial Poise's Webinar "Welcome to the Team! Recruiting and Hiring, Including Restrictive Covenants" as part of its 2019 series "HR, Talent Management & Employment Law Bootcamp 2019."
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03/20/2018
SFGH partner John Martin speaks at a recent West LegalEd Center/Financial Poise webinar titled “Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Refresher.”
SFGH partner John Martin speaks at a recent West LegalEd Center/Financial Poise webinar titled “Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Refresher.”
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03/06/2018
John Martin speaks at West LegalEd Center / Financial Poise webinar series titled “Common Issues and Strategies in Business Breakups.”
SFGH is pleased to announce that partner John Martin spoke at a recent West LegalEd Center / Financial Poise webinar series titled “Common Issues and Strategies in Business Breakups.” The webinar was on March 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
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07/26/2017
Matthew Schiff and Michael Traison speak at the Union League Club on "Employment Law for the General Practitioner or In House Counsel".
Partner Matthew Schiff, head of the firm labor and employment practice group, and Michael Traison, a partner in the bankruptcy group speak at the Union League Club on “Employment Law for the General Practitioner or In House Counsel" on July 26th. The program focused on recent developments in this rapidly changing field, including the new paid sick leave law, pregnancy accommodation, discrimination and retaliation.
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04/12/2017
Michael Brandess moderates and Matthew Schiff sits as a panelist for the third episode in a series of webinars entitled One Hour Law School 1.0 – Tell Me What I Need to Know: Labor & Employment Law in an Hour for West LegalEd Center.
On April 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP partner Michael Brandess moderates and partner Matthew Schiff sits as a panelist for the third in a series of webinars for West LegalEd Center titled One Hour Law School 1.0 – Tell Me What I Need to Know. The overall series explores the essential building blocks of important legal concepts facing business people. Episode #3 will provide a one-hour overview of the fundamental understanding or labor and employment law for any business, large or small.
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03/21/2017
Kathryn Nadro moderates the second episode in a series of webinars entitled Newbie Litigator School II: Evidence Rule Refresher for West LegalEd Center.
On March 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP associate Kathryn Nadro will moderate the second episode in a series of webinars for West LegalEd Center titled Newbie Litigator School II. The series is aimed towards attorneys who are just starting to get involved in civil litigation or who could use a refresher on some litigation fundamentals. Episode #2 will focus on the basics of laying a foundation, common evidentiary objections, hearsay rules and exceptions, and effective witness testimony.
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02/07/2017
Kathyrn Nadro speaks on Financial Poise/West LegalEdcenter webinar entitled "TRO's and Preliminary Injunctions"
On February 7, Kathryn Nadro will be moderating the Financial Poise Newbie Litigator webinar on temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.
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05/21/2007
Preparing for the Ripple Effect: Pricing Transparency and the Medical Device Industry
Discussion of the increasing demand for pricing transparency in the medical device industry and implications of this trend for contracts between medical device manufacturers, hospital providers, and healthcare payers.
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02/08/2007
Current Trends in Managed Care & Provider Relations: How to Avoid & Manage Disputes
Discussion of the most prominent stresses between payers and providers of healthcare services and ways to alleviate or address these stresses.
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12/11/2006
Gainsharing and Pay for Performance - A Regulatory Breakthrough, but Challenges Remain
Analysis of regulatory changes permitting certain gainsharing programs – arrangements in which physicians and hospitals agree to processes, procedures and practices designed to generate cost-savings and the physicians and hospitals share in the savings.
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06/22/2006
Risks Presented: Antitrust and False Claims Act Cases
Discussion of significant antitrust and False Claims Act cases affecting the medical device industry.
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06/08/2006
Advantages of Gainsharing for Medical Device Firms
In light of regulatory changes allowing gainsharing -- different healthcare providers sharing in the savings generated by arrangements designed to reduce healthcare costs – under certain criteria, this presentation explores the contours of the approved gainsharing arrangements, and the benefits and risks to medical device firms.
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03/09/2006
Class Actions Issues Affecting Pharmaceutical Firms
Discussion of the import of recent class action decisions and trends for pharmaceutical firms.
News
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07/19/2022
SFGH's Joelle M. Shabat elected as Chair of Membership of Associate Board's Leadership Committee for Chicago Public Library Foundation
Joelle M. Shabat was recently elected to the Chicago Public Library Foundation Associate Board’s Leadership Committee as Chair of Membership. The Associate Board raises awareness and funds that support access to knowledge and learning for all Chicagoans at the Chicago Public Library. The Associate Board was founded in 2012 and has raised over $1,000,000 in support of the Library’s programs since 2013.
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07/22/2020
SFGH Partner Matthew B. Schiff Honored as 25-Year Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Rated Attorney
SFGH Partner Matthew B. Schiff Honored as 25-Year Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Rated Attorney.
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10/07/2019
Matthew Schiff Rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being awarded the highest possible rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards by Martindale-Hubbell.
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10/02/2019
New Workplace Transparency Act Requires Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training for All Illinois Employers
The Illinois Human Rights Act (the “Act”) has been amended to expand workplace mandates to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Effective January 1, 2020, all Illinois employers will have to provide annual sexual harassment training and written policies for their employees. The new law is called the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act.
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10/02/2019
Illinois Human Rights Act Amendments (“IHRA”)
The Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”) was recently amended to expand employer obligations by providing additional protections for employees alleging discrimination.
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10/02/2019
Illinois Equal Pay Act (“IEPA”)
The Illinois Equal Pay Act (“IEPA”) prohibits employers from paying a lesser wage based on gender. The recent amendments effective on January 1, 2020, will prohibit an employer from paying a lesser wage based on gender for the same or similar work, performed under the same or similar working conditions.
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10/02/2019
Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance
The Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) requires large employers to provide covered employees with at least two (2) weeks advance notice of their work schedules and compensate workers for last-minute changes. The Ordinance takes effect for most employers on July 1, 2020.
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10/02/2019
Victims’ Economic Security & Safety Act ("VESSA")
The amendments to VESSA (effective January 1, 2020) will expand the protections to include victims of gender violence.
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10/02/2019
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act ("BIPA")
Enacted in 2008, the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”) (740 ILCS 14/1, et seq.) regulates private employer use of biometric identifiers and biometric information.
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09/26/2019
SFGH Associate Shows Commitment to Service through Pro Bono Work
Joelle Shabat, Vice President of the Center for Disability and Elder Law's Young Professionals Board (CDEL YPB), continues to show commitment to pro bono work and service to the Chicagoland community. The YPB hosted its annual trivia night earlier this week at Revolution Brewing. All proceeds fund programs that provide legal services to low-income residents of Cook County who are elderly or have permanent disabilities.
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09/25/2019
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP Continues to Expand Practice Groups with Joelle M. Shabat
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP is pleased to announce that Joelle M. Shabat has joined the Chicago office as an associate in its robust Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group and Bankruptcy, Reorganization & Creditors' Rights Group.
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08/29/2019
Henry Krasnow Rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger congratulates partner Henry Krasnow on being awarded the highest possible rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards by Martindale-Hubbell.
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08/21/2019
Henry Krasnow recognized among the “Best Lawyers in America” for 2020
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger congratulates partner Henry Krasnow for his inclusion in the 26th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Litigation - Real Estate and Real Estate Law. Henry Krasnow has received this esteemed award for more than twenty years.
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06/27/2019
SFGH congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being appointed Vice-Chair to the Employment and Labor Law General Committee, of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP (SFGH) partner Matthew Schiff has been appointed as Vice-Chair to the Employment and Labor Law General Committee, of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS).
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04/04/2019
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger seeks to hire seasoned paralegal with significant general litigation and commercial bankruptcy experience
Paralegal Needed! Due to its exploding growth, Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger has a pressing need to hire a seasoned paralegal with significant general litigation and commercial bankruptcy experience. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information contact recruiting@sfgh.com. Please, no phone calls.
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05/17/2018
SFGH congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being appointed Vice Chair of the American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Employment and Labor Law Committee.
SFGH congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being appointed Vice Chair of the American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Employment and Labor Law Committee.
Our recent and notable Litigation and Dispute Resolution engagements include:
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Represented the liquidating trustee of Duke & King Acquisition Co. in the prosecution of over $35 million in bankruptcy preference, fraudulent transfer and breach of fiduciary duty claims before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota.
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Represented a major Chicago trust company in extended litigation interpreting a significant change in the Illinois Probate Act
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Represented beneficiaries in a suit against a national trust company alleging failure to properly invest trust funds.
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Represented a major Mexican conglomerate in suing a major national bank alleging breaches of fiduciary duties.
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Strategically managed Federal court action against the U.S. Government for breach of a supplier contract. The strategy not only was successful in favor of the supplier, but the supplier recovered attorneys’ fees from the Government, for the Government’s unreasonable defense of the supplier’s action.
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Defended in Tax Court the Executor of a $50,000,000 estate against IRS challenges to valuation of estate assets.
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Successfully settled multiple lawsuits that had been ongoing for a number of years before we became involved. Continued to represent the company as general counsel and in future litigation, including intellectual property disputes, environmental disputes with regulatory agencies and employment matters.
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Represented the plan administrator of Workflow Management, Inc. in the prosecution of over $10 million in bankruptcy preference claims before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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Represented the liquidating trustee of Arch Aluminum & Glass Co. in the prosecution of over $20 million in bankruptcy preference claims before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.