Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis Ltd. | A Chicago Civil Litigation Law Firm | Amanda Zink | News & Publications
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Attorneys
Amanda  L. Zink

Practices

Construction
Catastrophic Loss
Insurance
Product Liability
Rideshare and Autonomous Vehicles
Transportation
Commercial Litigation

Education

Ms. Zink graduated from DePaul University College of Law in May of 2004. While at DePaul, Ms. Zink was a member of the Dean's List and was awarded four CALI Excellence for the Future Awards for receiving highest grade in Legal Writing I, Legal Writing II, Client & Community Relations and Trial Advocacy II.  She graduated from University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in philosophy in May of 2001.  At UIUC, Ms. Zink was a member of the Dean's List. 
 

 
 

Admissions

Ms. Zink was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November of 2004.  She was also admitted to practice in the Northern District of Illinois in January of 2005, and the Southern District of Illinois in 2019.
 
She was admitted to the United States District Court of Nebraska and the Southern District of Indiana in 2018, and to the Northern District of Indiana in 2019. 
 

Amanda L. Zink

Partner
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tel: 312-448-6231
Fax: 312-726-2273
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  • Lipe Lyons is proud to announce that six of our attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™
    September 8, 2023

    Shareholders Jeffrey Lipe and Thomas Pontikis were selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their work in personal injury litigation. Shareholder James Whalen, Partner Amanda Zink, and Of Counsel Raymond Lyons Jr. were selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their work in insurance litigation. And Senior Associate Alejandra Barcenas was selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for her work in Insurance Law and Construction Litigation.

    Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation.

    Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years. These awards are recognitions given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in America.

    We invite you to visit Lipe Lyons’ Best Lawyers® profile: https://lnkd.in/gQ2aXFak

  • Partner Amanda Zink and Associate Daiana Man Negotiate Favorable Settlement for Their Clients
    July 11, 2023

    Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda Zink and Associate Daiana Man negotiated a favorable settlement for their clients in a personal injury lawsuit pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County involving an industrial collision. Plaintiff was a truck driver injured while docked at a distribution facility in Itasca when an individual driving a forklift hit the back of Plaintiff’s tractor-trailer, ultimately resulting in Plaintiff sustaining injuries to his neck and spine. Lipe Lyons’ clients, the individual who operated the forklift and company who hired him, were two of three defendants named in Plaintiff’s lawsuit. Plaintiff’s complaint alleged that Defendants were negligent in failing to operate the forklift and failing to properly train individuals to operate a forklift. Plaintiff also alleged third party defendant failed to properly train Lipe Lyon’s client to operate a forklift. Following a significant amount of discovery, the case proceeded to mediation. Despite Plaintiff’s demand of $1,750,000, Amanda and Daiana were able to settle the case for a total of $225,000 plus mediation costs on behalf of their clients.

  • Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda Zink will be a featured speaker at IDC event
    April 20, 2023

    Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda Zink will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Illinois Defense Counsel In House Conference "Navigating Today's Litigation Landscape" on April 26 in Chicago. Registration for the conference is complimentary to all corporate and association counsel and claims professionals. If you're interested in attending sign up today at www.idc.law. This event brings together defense counsel and in house attorneys to discuss topics such as social inflation, anchoring, non-economic damages, 206(a) witnesses, In House Counsel expectations of Outside Defense Counsel, implicit bias, and understanding today’s jurors and plaintiff’s tactics. Amanda will be presenting on the topic of "Defense Strategies for Effectively Anchoring Damages at Trial." 

  • Partner Amanda Zink to Perform at the Advocates Society, Association of Polish-American Attorney's Award of Merit Celebration
     
    February 13, 3023

    On February 16, 2023, Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda L. Zink, will perform Mazurek Dabrowskiego, the Polish National Anthem, and the Star Spangled Banner at the Advocates Society, Association of Polish-American Attorney’s Annual Installation and Award of Merit Dinner.  The event celebrates the installation of Ann Melichar as President and will honor John J. Pikarski, Jr. and his contributions to the Polish Community.  This is Ms. Zink’s tenth year singing for the Advocates.
     

  • Congratulations to Partner Amanda Zink and Associate Alexzandria Johnson for their success in securing a favorable settlement for their client!
    February 13, 2023

    Partner Amanda Zink and Associate Alexzandria Johnson negotiated a favorable settlement for their client corporation in a personal injury lawsuit pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Plaintiff alleged that he was injured after being struck by a railroad wheel, while unloading a truck at work. Plaintiff filed negligence claims against the client, and another entity. Plaintiff’s special damages were $126,431.85, and their initial demand was $600,000.  After many exorbitant demands,  Amanda and Alexzandria were able to settle the case for $65,000 on behalf of their client.

  • Lipe Lyons Negotiates Favorable Settlement on Behalf of Client
    December 19, 2022

    Partner Amanda Zink and Associate JohnFranco Joyce negotiated a favorable settlement for their client corporation in a personal injury lawsuit pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The plaintiff alleged he sustained permanent injuries after being struck by a forklift operated by an agent of the corporation. Plaintiff filed negligence claims against both the corporation and its employee.
     
    After considerable discovery, the case proceeded to mediation wherein a settlement was reached in an amount less than the plaintiff’s total claimed medical damages and lost wages.   
     

  • Amanda Zink to Perform at the Advocates Society, Association of Polish-American Attorney's Award of Merit Celebration
    April 14, 2022

    On May 18, 2022, Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda L. Zink, will perform Mazurek Dabrowskiego, the Polish National Anthem, and the Star Spangled Banner at the Advocates Society, Association of Polish-American Attorney’s Award of Merit Celebration.  This event will honor John J. Pikarski, Jr. and his contributions to the Polish Community.  This is Ms. Zink’s ninth year singing for the Advocates.

  • Lipe Lyons Negotiates Favorable Settlement in Product Liability and Wrongful Death Case
    February 17, 2022

    Shareholder Jeffrey Lipe, partner Amanda Zink, and associate Ryan Eckert negotiated a favorable settlement in a products liability and wrongful death lawsuit arising out of the alleged inhalation of a chemical manufactured by their client.

    Jeffrey, Amanda, and Ryan argued and won a motion to transfer the matter to a more favorable venue, and then used fact and medical discovery to elicit testimony to support their client’s federal preemption and causation defenses.

    It was anticipated that the plaintiff would seek damages at trial in excess of $5 million. Lipe Lyons' client settled paying only $100,000.

  • Partner Amanda Zink and Associate Elise Ruff defeat Motion for Summary Judgement in Prisoner Pro Bono case in the Southern District of Illinois
    December 14, 2021

    Congratulations to Partner Amanda Zink and Associate Elise Ruff who successfully defeated a Motion for Summary Judgement in a Prisoner Pro Bono case in the Southern District of Illinois. The Prisoner’s case was previously dismissed due to a determination that the Prisoner failed to exhaust his administrative remedies. The case went up on appeal to the 7th Circuit, who determined that the District Court Judge was required to hold a new evidentiary hearing when declining to follow the Magistrate Judge’s recommendations. A new Pavey hearing was conducted.  Following direct and cross-examination by Ms. Zink, the Court determined that the Prisoner exhausted his available administrative remedies and in turn denied Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgement.

  • Lipe Lyons Wins Summary Judgment in a Prisoner Pro Bono Matter
    November 16, 2021

    Congratulations to Partner Amanda Zink, and Associate Elise Ruff who successfully overcame a Motion for Summary Judgment in a Prisoner Pro Bono case in the Southern District of Illinois. The Prisoner’s case was previously dismissed due to a determination that the Prisoner failed to exhaust his administrative remedies. The case went up on appeal to the 7th Circuit, who determined that the District Court Judge was required to hold a new evidentiary hearing when declining to follow the Magistrate Judge’s recommendations. A new Pavey hearing was conducted.  Following direct and cross-examination by Ms. Zink, the Court determined that the Prisoner exhausted his available administrative remedies and in turn denied Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgement.

  • Lipe Lyons Wins Summary Judgment in Eight-Figure Case
    November 5, 2021

    Shareholder Jeffrey Lipe, Partner Amanda Zink, and Associate John Miceli were granted summary judgment on behalf of an international manufacturer of drive shafts and components for heavy machinery. In a consolidated action involving five plaintiffs who made claims of vicarious liability, negligence, wrongful death, and loss of consortium, Plaintiffs alleged that Lipe Lyons’ client was liable for their injuries including wrongful death and traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle accident.  Plaintiffs claimed that a purchase order between Lipe Lyons’ client and its third-party contractor, created an agency relationship making defendant responsible for its third party contractors’ actions.
     
    Following extensive briefs and oral arguments, the court ruled in favor of Lipe Lyons’ client.  The Court granted Summary judgment finding that Lipe Lyons’ client did not have and did not exercise any right to control its third party contractors’ actions at the time of the motor vehicle accident.

  • Amanda Zink and Alejandra Barcenas Negotiate Favorable Settlement for Defendant Client
    October 7, 2021

    Lipe Lyons represented a Texas steel and metal manufacturer in a case involving serious injuries sustained by a plaintiff ironworker while he was working at a wind farm construction project in Illinois. Amanda Zink and Alejandra Barcenas represented the target Defendant during a private mediation and successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for their client, preventing the need for further complex litigation. Based on the discovery exchanged in the case, it was anticipated that plaintiff would seek damages at trial in excess of $2.4 million. The case ultimately settled with Lipe Lyons’ client paying only $575,000.

  • Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda Zink will be a featured speaker at the Illinois Defense Counsel’s A to Z Litigation Academy
    August 12, 2021

    The IDC recently announced the creation of its new Academy program – the A to Z Litigation Academy, which will be presented over eight sessions, from September 2021 to April 2022. This Academy is designed to help prepare an emerging attorney for the trials and tribulations of litigation. From the first days of a file to litigating the case in court, the A to Z Litigation Academy will prepare participants to develop a successful litigation practice.
     
    Amanda Zink will be a featured speaker during Session Seven “Pre-trial – Are We Really Ready to Try This Thing?”, which spans from February 28 to March 16. This segment will focus on key pre-trial, trial, and post-trial considerations, including tips and suggestions, real life examples, and discussions about alternatives to trial so you are never underprepared again.
     
    Learn more about this event: https://www.idc.law/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1533450&group=
     
    Learn more about Amanda Zink and her practice: https://www.lipelyons.com/Amanda-Zink
     

  • Congratulations to Amanda Zink and Elaina Valtierra
    June 29, 2021

    Lipe Lyons is pleased to congratulate Partner Amanda L. Zink and Associate Elaina Valtierra on their recent appointments to the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel’s committees! Amanda L. Zink was appointed as the Vice Chair of the IDC’s Development and Practice committee. Elaina Valtierra was appointed as the co-chair of the IDC’s Diversity Committee.

  • Zink, Paxinos and Kalepp Attend the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon
    June 21, 2021

    Lipe Lyons’ Partner Amanda L. Zink and Associates Amal Kalepp and Oliva Paxinos attended the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on June 18, 2021. Zink, Kalepp and Paxinos proudly joined their fellow IDC members to celebrate the installation of the IDC’s new officers and directors, the appointment of committee chairs and vice chairs, and to recognize the recipients of the IDC’s Awards of Excellence. The celebration included the recognition of 2020-2021 IDC President, Nicole Milos of AAIS, and the induction of the 2021-2022 IDC President Laura K. Beasley of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC.

  • Advocates Society Annual Installation Dinner
    March 1, 2021

    On February 18, 2021, Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda L. Zink, attended the 90th Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony for the Advocates Society, Association of Polish-American Attorneys. The Advocates Society is an association of Polish-American attorneys who work to promote the progress of the law and the administration of justice and to foster interest in Polish-American culture and heritage. The event installed the 2021 Executive Board and honored Dominic A. Pacyga with the Award of Merit and honored former Advocate Dawn Bode with the Presidential Award.  For the seventh year in a row, Partner Amanda L. Zink, sang the Polish National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner for the ceremony.

  • Lipe Lyons Women Attorneys to Join Rotating Cast of Female Neutrals from ADR to Discuss Impact of COVID-19 on Women Lawyers
     
    July 13, 2020

    On August 13, 2020, partner Amanda L. Zink, and associates Elaina Valtierra, Alejandra Barcenas, Sahrish Moyeed and Sarah Bourdet will join a rotating cast of female neutrals from ADR Systems, including Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.), Hon. Lisa R. Curcio, (Ret.), Amy L. Gertler, Esq., Hon. Kay M. Hanlon, (Ret.) and Hon. Brigid M. McGrath, (Ret.) for a virtual Happy Hour and Networking Discussion regarding the impact of COVID-19 on women lawyers.  Topics will include how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted female attorneys’ ability to network, stretched their abilities as working professionals, and challenged them to serve their clients in new and remote ways. 

  • Amanda Zink Joins Honorable Kenneth Wright at Chicago Bar Association 2020 Earl Burrus Dickerson Awards
    February 27, 2020

    Partner Amanda L. Zink, will join the Honorable Kenneth E. Wright, Jr., at The Chicago Bar Association 2020 Earl Burrus Dickerson Awards Luncheon on Thursday, February 27, 2020.

    The late Earl B. Dickerson was an outstanding lawyer and among the first African-American members of The Chicago Bar Association (CBA). The CBA established the Dickerson Award in honor of his devotion to the law and helping others gain equality and justice. The Dickerson Award recognizes and honors minority lawyers and judges whose careers at the bar emulate the courage and dedication Dickerson had in making the law the key to justice for all in our society.

    This year’s Honorees:

    Gina Fain, JSS Family Trusts
    G.A. Finch, Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP
    Hon. Cheryl D. Ingram, Circuit Court of Cook County
    Hon. Diane M. Shelley, Circuit Court of Cook County
    Hon. Anthony L. Young (ret), Circuit Court of Cook County

  • Advocates Society Annual Installation Dinner
    February 26, 2020

    Lipe Lyons attended the Advocates Society’s Annual Installation Dinner on February 24, 2020. The Advocates Society is an association of Polish-American attorneys who work to promote the progress of the law and the administration of justice and to foster interest in Polish-American culture and heritage. The 2020 Award of Merit Recipient was Congressman Mike Quigley. For the sixth year in a row, Partner Amanda L. Zink, sang the Polish National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner for the event.

  • Amanda Zink Becomes Partner
    January 17, 2020

    Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis is pleased to announce that Amanda L. Zink has been named a partner in the firm.  Ms. Zink, who joined the firm in 2018, focuses her practice on the defense of personal injury, premises liability, construction, employer and product liability claims.  During her legal career, Ms. Zink has handled complex personal injury and wrongful death matters, construction litigation, premise liability, employer litigation, products liability, property damage, catastrophic fire loss claims, condominium disputes and sexual abuse cases. Ms. Zink has extensive arbitration and trial experience. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Zink spent more than a decade as in-house counsel for The Hartford, where she defended its insureds in both federal and state court.  Ms. Zink is a 2004 graduate of DePaul University College of Law.  She is a member of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Events Committee. She is also active in The Advocates Society – The Association of Polish-American Attorneys.

  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel’s Strategic Planning Retreat
    September 6, 2019

    Partner Amanda L. Zink, will attend the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel’s Strategic Planning Retreat on September 6, 2019.  In her role as the Vice Chair of the Events Committee for the IDC, Ms. Zink will help map out the IDC’s role in the legal community for the next several years and will ensure that the IDC is working to address critical issues facing the legal defense community.