News

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

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!

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 Attorneys Selected to 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

The firm is pleased to announce that five of our Shareholders Jeffrey Lipe, Raymond Lyons, Thomas Pontikis, James Whalen, and Jordan Tank, and two of our Senior Associates Alejandra Barcenas and Elise Ruff, were recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for the 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers List published in the most recent issue of Super Lawyers Magazine, a publication from Thomson Reuters and the publishers of Chicago magazine. We invite you to learn more about our attorneys by visiting their Attorney Bios.

Attorneys Alejandra Barcenas and Elise Ruff promoted to Senior Associate

Lipe Lyons is proud to announce that attorneys Alejandra Barcenas and Elise Ruff have been promoted to Senior Associate Attorneys, commensurate with their experience in our firm’s areas of practice. Please join us in congratulating Alejandra and Elise!

Lipe Lyons Associate Alejandra Barcenas was recently featured in the Primerus Weekly Newsletter published by the International Society of Primerus Law Firms. We invite you to read Alejandra's full feature from the Primerus Weekly here: https://lnkd.in/gwTuwRf5

Lipe Lyons Negotiates Favorable Settlement on Behalf of Client

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.   
 

Lipe Lyons Welcomes New Associates Danielle Reed and Laura Michenfelder to the Firm

Danielle Reed is an associate who focuses her practice on defending commercial, construction, premises liability, product liability and transportation claims. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Danielle clerked for a Chicago-based family law firm during law school. Danielle received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 2022. During her time at DePaul, Danielle was a part of the Business Law Clinic, helping clients with transaction matters ranging from reviewing and revising contracts to drafting entirely new agreements. Her focus was on intellectual property-related matters. Danielle graduated from Baylor University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation.

Laura is an associate who focuses her practice on the defense of commercial, construction, premises liability, product liability, and transportation claims. Prior to attending law school, Laura worked for a national civil law firm on their intellectual property litigation team, where she assisted attorneys with defending matters involving patent, copyright, and trademark infringement claims against small businesses in federal courts across the country. During law school, Laura worked as a law clerk for a Chicago-based labor and employment firm where she gained litigation experience in federal court and in administrative proceedings. Laura currently serves as a coach for the Loyola University Chicago School of Law  Criminal Mock Trial Team. Laura earned her Juris Doctor and Certificate in Trial Advocacy from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was one of ten students selected as a Corboy Fellow in Trial Advocacy. Laura earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, with minors in English and French, from the University Arkansas in 2018, where she was also the Vice President and Captain of the Undergraduate Mock Trial Team.

Lipe Lyons Welcomes New Associate Charles De La Cruz to the Firm

Charles De La Cruz attended DePaul University College of Law and graduated in 2020.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2017. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Charles worked at the Illinois Attorney General's Office where he represented the State of Illinois and its employees in over 50 prisoners' rights lawsuits. Before that, he worked at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the City of Chicago's Department of Law. He interned with the Illinois Appellate Court in 2018-2019.

Lipe Lyons Welcomes Henry Ortiz to the Firm as a New Partner 

Lipe Lyons is excited to welcome Henry Ortiz as a new member of our firm! Henry joins Lipe Lyons as a partner. His diverse practice will include the representation of individual and corporate clients in several areas of the law, including the defense of premises, construction negligence, transportation, ride-share, and products liability lawsuits.  
 
Henry has extensive experience in every phase of civil litigation. He has represented contractors involved in several, high profile lawsuits involving catastrophic injury claims, including the consolidated lawsuits originating from the Cook County Administration Building fire in 2003 and the Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse in 2011.  Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Henry spent more than two decades as a litigation attorney at another Chicago based, large defense firm.

Lipe Lyons is delighted to announce that Associate, Alejandra Barcenas was recently appointed to serve as Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Latina Leadership Academy Committee for the Hispanic National Bar Association’s (HNBA) Latina Commission 2022-2023

Lipe Lyons is delighted to announce that Associate, Alejandra Barcenas was recently appointed to the Latina Commission of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) for the 2022-2023 HNBA Association year. This will be Alejandra’s second consecutive year serving on the HNBA Latina Commission. Alejandra was also appointed as Co-Chair of the Latina Leadership Academy Committee for 2022-2023. Alejandra also serves as a Deputy Regional President for the HNBA’s Region IX, which serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
 
The Latina Commission serves the community and the legal profession by identifying and studying barriers to the professional development and advancement of Latina lawyers. The Commission develops programs and strategies for Latina lawyers and students to overcome barriers to entry and advancement into the profession. The Commission seeks to inform and shape the policies and priorities that affect women lawyers and the legal culture in which they practice, creating forums for the exchange and expression of the views of Latina lawyers, and serving as a voice to advocate for these views.
 
Alejandra was selected for the position based on her outstanding achievements and dedication to the HNBA.

Amanda Zink to be a Featured Speaker at Upcoming IDC Seminar

Amanda Zink will be a featured speaker at the IDC seminar “Maximizing Mediation in Cook County” on November 10, 2022 at Pinstripes in Oakbrook from 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Registration is complimentary for claims professionals and corporate or association counsel.  The seminar will touch on preparing for and positioning a case for mediation and negotiating at mediation.  The course is approved for 3 hours of CLE credit.

Lipe Lyons Welcomes New Associates Alexandra Cambiazo and Drew Brandau to the Firm

Alexandra Cambiazo is an Associate at Lipe Lyons whose practice focuses on defending litigants in both state and federal courts for matters involving business and commercial disputes, breach of contract, and personal injury cases, to name a few. Alexandra represents her clients through all stages of litigation. 
 
Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Alexandra worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney. Alexandra also has experience as a law clerk and extern with the Indiana Supreme Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, and a boutique civil litigation law firm. Alexandra earned her Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International studies, with a minor in Spanish, from Northwestern University.
 
Drew Brandau is an Associate at Lipe Lyons whose practice focuses on defending litigants in both state and federal courts for matters involving commercial, construction, premises liability, product liability, and transportation claims.
 
Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Drew worked for a civil defense law firm where he represented clients in a variety of matters involving transportation claims, products liability, trusts and estates, contract disputes, and commercial litigation. Drew also has experience as a Judicial Extern with the Circuit Court of Champaign County and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.  Drew earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law, and his Bachelor of Science degree in History from Illinois State University.
 

Lipe Lyons is delighted to announce that Associate Alexzandria Johnson was recently appointed as Co-Chair of the Winter Ball Committee for the Cook County Bar Association.

Lipe Lyons is proud to congratulate Associate Alexzandria Johnson on her recent appointment as Co-Chair of the Winter Ball Committee for the Cook County Bar Association. The Winter Ball will take place mid-December. Founded in 1874, The Chicago Bar Association is one of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States. The Association's voluntary membership of 17,000 consists largely of lawyers and judges from Cook County and the State of Illinois. 
 

Lipe Lyons Welcomes New Associates Daiana Man and Alexzandria Johnson to the Firm

Ms. Man earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2020, where she was on the Dean's list, won CALI awards in legal writing, and participated in DePaul Appellate Moot Court Society. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations, magna cum laude, from Loyola University. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Man worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where she gained extensive practical experience in the courtroom, including with trials and dispositive motions such as motions to suppress evidence and motions to dismiss.

Ms. Johnson earned her Juris Doctor and Trial Advocacy Certificate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, where she was a member of two moot court teams, served in many leadership roles, and was named to the Dean’s List in 2018. Alexzandria’s moot court team were national semi-finalists in the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Honors Competition during the 2018-2019 year. While attending the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, along with a minor in Black Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Alexzandria made the dean’s list multiple times at the University of Missouri - Columbia. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Alexzandria worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where she gained extensive practical experience in the courtroom, including litigating many trials, motions, and preliminary hearings.

Lipe Lyons Attorneys listed in the 2023 editions of The Best Lawyers in America^™ and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America^™

Lipe Lyons is proud to share that Edward J. Murphy was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^™ in the field of Litigation - Insurance. Associates Alejandra Barcenas and John Miceli also received a 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America^™ recognition for their 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. More than 116,000 industry leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and we have received more than 17 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. For the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, more than 12.2 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 71,000 leading lawyers honored in the new edition.
 
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.
 

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

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.

Jury returns low-six-figure verdict after plaintiff requests over $31 million for traumatically-amputated leg in product liability case involving industrial drilling machine.

Lipe Lyons Negotiates Favorable Settlement in Product Liability and Wrongful Death Case

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.

Lipe Lyons Announces 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

The firm is pleased to announce that five of our Shareholders Jeffrey Lipe, Raymond Lyons, Edward Murphy, James Whalen, and Jordan Tank, and four of our associates Alejandra Barcenas, Ryan Eckert, Riley Gallagher, and Elise Ruff, were recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for the 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers List published in the most recent issue of Super Lawyers Magazine, a publication from Thomson Reuters and the publishers of Chicago magazine. We invite you to learn more about our attorneys by visiting their Attorney Bios.

Whalen and Ruff Achieve Not Guilty Verdict in Premises Liability Arbitration

Lipe Lyons Shareholder James Whalen and Associate Elise Ruff achieved a not guilty verdict in arbitration of premises liability claims asserted against a business owner. The plaintiff alleged that an unnatural accumulation of ice caused his injuries. At the arbitration, the Plaintiff black-boarded six figures in medical bills and lost wages, and alleged permanent injuries. In addition to his premises liability theory, the Plaintiff also raised issues about missing evidence and spoliation. The arbitrator denied all claims.

Lipe Lyons Shareholder James Whalen and Associate Elise Ruff achieved a not guilty verdict in Arbitration

Lipe Lyons Shareholder James Whalen and Associate Elise Ruff achieved a not guilty verdict in Arbitration for the property owner in a premises liability case. Plaintiff alleged that an unnatural accumulation occurred which resulted in Plaintiff sustaining permanent injuries. The underlying case involved a slip and fall that occurred at a gas station. Plaintiff claimed over six figures in damages. During arbitration Plaintiff attempted to raise issues on missing evidence and spoliation. However, Lipe Lyons limited the matters to be arbitrated to those contained within Plaintiff’s complaint. The Arbitrator determined that although Plaintiff sustained injuries from the fall, there was no evidence to suggest that an unnatural accumulation existed. Thus Plaintiff failed to meet his burden of proof to show that Defendant breached his duty of care to Plaintiff.

Lipe Lyons is delighted to announce that Associate, Alejandra Barcenas was recently appointed to the Latina Commission of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) for the 2021-2022 HNBA Association year

The Latina Commission serves the community and the legal profession by identifying and studying barriers to the professional development and advancement of Latina lawyers. The Commission develops programs and strategies for Latina lawyers and students to overcome barriers to entry and advancement into the profession. The Commission seeks to inform and shape the policies and priorities that affect women lawyers and the legal culture in which they practice, creating forums for the exchange and expression of the views of Latina lawyers, and serving as a voice to advocate for these views.
 
Alejandra was selected for the position based on her outstanding achievements and dedication to the HNBA.

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

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.

We are excited to share that this upcoming Monday, December 13^th, Alejandra Barcenas will be hosting the International Society of Primerus Law Firms’ Coffee and Conversation discussing the topic “Good Law Firm Culture: What Is It And How Do You Know If You Have It?”.

Congratulations to Alejandra Barcenas

 

Lipe Lyons Welcomes New Associates Rebecca Israel and Elise Ruff to the Firm

Ms. Israel earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2020, where she was the Student Editor.  She graduated from Saint Louis University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensics.  Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Israel worked as an associate attorney at a downtown Chicago law firm where she concentrated her practice on civil litigation matters.

Ms. Ruff earned her Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School in 2018, where she was Teacher’s Assistant for a Property Law professor.  She graduated from Indiana University, College of Arts and Sciences in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Ruff worked at a downtown Chicago law firm specializing in long term care, personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases. 
 

Lipe Lyons Wins Summary Judgment in a Prisoner Pro Bono Matter

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

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.

Jordan Tank and Alejandra Barcenas Obtained Dismissal with Prejudice for Their Client in a Construction Defect Case Alleging Millions in Damages

Shareholder Jordan Tank and Associate Alejandra Barcenas secured a dismissal with prejudice for their client, which was facing an express contractual indemnity claim in a construction defect case alleging $2.8 million in damages to a 66-unit residential condominium and retail development in Forest Park, Illinois.
 
Lipe Lyons’ client was alleged to be primarily responsible for causing the plaintiff’s damages. However, the firm’s investigation into the claim revealed serious legal and factual issues. When the rest of the parties went to mediation, Lipe Lyons’ client took a no pay position. The rest of the parties reached a global settlement and dismissed all claims with prejudice, including the express contractual indemnity claim pending against the firm’s client.

Plaintiff’s Firm vs Former Attorney Employee - Lipe Lyons negotiates favorable settlement for plaintiff firm against former attorney employee

Shareholders Thomas Pontikis and Jordan Tank and Associate Alejandra Barcenas successfully represented a plaintiff’s firm in a lawsuit against an attorney who left the firm and solicited dozens of clients in violation of the Illinois ARDC’s rules on advertising and solicitation. Lipe Lyons prosecuted breach of fiduciary duty and tortious interference claims and sought an injunction and monetary damages.
 
The trial judge granted summary judgment on the tortious interference claim based on correspondence sent by the defendant to the plaintiff firm’s clients. The parties then mediated the case and reached a global resolution by negotiating percentage allocations between the plaintiff firm and the defendant for each of the cases he improperly solicited. 
 

Amanda Zink and Alejandra Barcenas Negotiate Favorable Settlement for Defendant Client

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.

Riley Gallagher's Second Anniversary at Lipe Lyons

Lipe Lyons is delighted to celebrate Riley M. Gallagher’s second anniversary with the firm. Mr. Gallagher is a litigation associate who focuses his practice on the defense of product liability, construction, transportation, negligence, and premise liability claims. Mr. Gallagher has quickly found success in his practice and has secured favorable results on behalf of his clients since starting with the firm. A few of Mr. Gallagher’s successes are provided below. You can learn more about Mr. Gallagher’s practice and successes by visiting his bio under the Attorneys section of our website.
 

• Successfully defended and resolved a complex product liability claim involving a multi-million dollar demand
• Obtained voluntary dismissals in cases rooted in premises liability and general negligence
• Resolved a trucking accident lawsuit for nominal amount
• Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of well-known retail store involved in litigation stemming from slip and fall

 
Mr. Gallagher is also an active participant in both the Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations and he serves as a 1L mentor for students attending law school at his alma mater Northern Illinois University College of Law.

Lipe Lyons is Proud to Welcome JohnFranco Joyce and Anthony J. DeJulius as New Associates

Mr. Joyce earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University, College of Law in 2021, where he was on the Dean’s List.  He graduated magna cum laude from DePaul University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism and a Minor in Public Law.  Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Mr. Joyce worked as an associate attorney at a downtown Chicago law firm where he concentrated his practice on civil and commercial litigation matters in both State and Federal court.

Mr. DeJulius earned his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School in 2020, where he was a Senior Articles Editor on the Notre Dame Journal of Legislation.  He graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University Chicago in 2017 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and a Minor in History.  Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Mr. DeJulius clerked at a local government and municipality law office. Once licensed in Illinois, Mr. DeJulius practiced personal injury law in a variety of cases.
 

 

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

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

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

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.

Lipe Lyons 9th Anniversary

Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis, Ltd. is proud to celebrate its 9th year anniversary! The firm was founded after the five name partners, with decades of experience, departed from their former firm together in order to better serve their long-standing clients. Its attorneys practice in state and federal court and are experienced in a variety of practice areas, including antitrust and unfair competition, appellate litigation, class actions and mass torts, commercial litigation, construction, general liability, insurance coverage, labor and employment, product liability, professional liability, rideshare and autonomous vehicles, and commercial transportation. We invite you to explore our web site and see how our commitment to dedicated service can work for you.

Pipovic v. Retail Properties of America, Inc., et al.

Thomas Pontikis and Alejandra Barcenas obtained summary judgments for commercial property owner and commercial landlord in a premises liability lawsuit filed by a plaintiff who claimed she incurred nearly $220,000 in special damages after she slipped and fell in a multi-level parking garage parking. The plaintiff alleged a construction defect allowed water to leak into the interior levels of the parking garage and freeze, resulting in plaintiff slipping and injuring herself. Prior to the filing of summary judgment motions, plaintiff issued a global settlement demand for $1,400,000 in addition to a full waiver of the worker’s compensation lien. The trial court granted summary judgment to both of Lipe Lyons’ clients in the case, dismissing with prejudice not only plaintiff’s causes of actions against the two entities but also all counterclaims filed against them by co-defendants. The trial court agreed that Lipe Lyons’ clients did not retain control over any activity on the premises and, thus, owed no duty of care to the plaintiff.

Lipe Lyons successfully negotiates nominal settlement for defendant client

Shareholder Jordan Tank and Associate Josh Yonke negotiated a nominal settlement for their client that resolved a spoliation of evidence claim made in a suit which arose out of a series of 10 explosions that occurred in Westmont in November 2017. A Speedway gas station leaked 10,000 gallons of gasoline into the surrounding sewer system, which ultimately led to the explosions occurring in and around nearby residential buildings and along the sewer lines. Lipe Lyons’ client was hired to shore up an apartment building that was damaged when one of the explosions occurred in its basement. Speedway alleged the shoring work destroyed evidence and Lipe Lyons countered that the work actually preserved evidence by stabilizing the damaged building. The settlement was made directly with the plaintiff who filed suit against Speedway. The court approved the settlement, terminating Speedway’s spoliation claim and any other claims that could have been brought against the firm’s client.

Congratulations to Ryan Eckert on his Two Year Anniversary

Lipe Lyons is proud to congratulate Ryan Eckert on his two year anniversary with the Firm. Mr. Eckert, who focuses his practice on catastrophic injury cases, insurance defense, and products liability, was recently named an Illinois Rising Star for 2021. Mr. Eckert has had great success in his time at the firm, including: 
 
-Successfully arguing for summary judgement for a general contractor when a subcontractor’s employee was injured on a construction site;
-Successfully arguing for dismissal of an architectural firm after a construction employee was injured onsite;
-Successfully argued for summary judgement in a premises liability case involving an injury to a minor;
-Multiple not-guilty decisions for clients after arbitration hearings in various disputes;
-Numerous settlements of multi-million dollar cases at mediation, including settlement of a workplace injury in which the initial demand was over $15 million.

Lipe Lipe Lyons secures favorable settlement with Minnesota Attorney General on behalf of client that was targeted by the Minnesota State Patrol while supplying fuel to Minnesota’s power plants

Shareholder Jordan Tank and Associate Alejandra Barcenas sought declaratory and injunctive relief on behalf of their client, Midwest Integrated Companies, LLC, which collects and recycles railroad ties for use as environmentally-friendly fuel in power plants. Midwest transported the fuel over the road under a special oversize/overweight permit issued by Minnesota. When the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota State Patrol unexpectedly decided that Midwest’s permit did not allow it to transport the fuel, their interpretation threatened both Midwest’s business and a critical source of fuel for Minnesota’s power plants. After Lipe Lyons filed suit and an accompanying memorandum explaining how the new interpretation was contrary to the statutory authority and legislative intent, Minnesota’s Attorney General quickly agreed to resolve the issue outside of court, and Midwest was able to resume supplying power plants with the fuel they need.

 

Lipe Lyons Prevails at In-Person Trial During Pandemic

Shareholder James Whalen obtained a directed finding for a Lipe Lyons' client at a bench trial conducted in October 2020.  The trial was held at the DuPage County (Illinois) Courthose, and included live, in-person testimony from our four witnesses.  The plaintiff asserted fraud and statutory claims in connection with alleged defects in and damage to real property, and sought monetary damages, equitable relief and attorneys' fees.

Advocates Society Annual Installation Dinner

On February 18, 2021, Lipe Lyons Partner Amanda L. Zink, attended the 90^th 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.

Associate Alejandra Barcenas serves as panelist for event hosted by the Latino Law Students Association at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, in conjunction with the Castillo Scholars Mentorship Program
 

On February 18, 2020, Ms. Barcenas was a featured panelist for a networking event hosted by the Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, in conjunction with the Castillo Scholars Mentorship Program. The event offered attendees the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with the seven featured panelists from different fields, including Ms. Barcenas, regarding a variety of important topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on the practice of law and especially litigation and trials, working remotely, diversity in the legal profession, and each panelist’s experience working in their field and area of practice.

John Miceli's First Year Anniversary with Lipe Lyons

Lipe Lyons is proud to celebrate associate, John Miceli’s one year anniversary with the firm. Mr. Miceli is a litigation associate at Lipe Lyons who focuses his practice on the defense of commercial, construction, premises liability, and transportation claims. Just a few of Mr. Miceli’s many successes in the past year are highlighted below:

• In a wrongful death and construction negligence action, Mr. Miceli represented a general contractor and successfully obtained a voluntary dismissal on behalf of the client, preventing the need for further complex litigation.
• Mr. Miceli obtained the voluntary dismissal of premises liability action on behalf of nationwide retail center.
• Mr. Miceli represented multiple nationwide gaming entities in an action alleging malicious prosecution and obtained a dismissal of Plaintiff’s claims for want of prosecution.
• In a premises liability action, Mr. Miceli represented a nationwide retail store and negotiated a favorable settlement on behalf of the client.
• Mr. Miceli obtained the voluntary dismissal of negligence action on behalf of nationwide retailer center.

More information on Mr. Miceli’s practice and his accomplishments please see his bio under the Attorneys section.
 
 

2021 Illinois Supers Lawyers List

The firm is pleased to announce that name partners Jeffrey H. Lipe, Raymond Lyons, Jr. and Edward J. Murphy and partner James H. Whalen have been named to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers List published in the most recent issue of Super Lawyers Magazine, a publication from Thomson Reuters and the publishers of Chicago magazine.  These lawyers have been recognized per below:

   
Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multi-stage process in which peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research.  All candidates are evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.  Each year, lawyers are invited to nominate the top attorneys they have personally observed in action.  Researchers then evaluate candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.  Candidates are then grouped according to their primary practice areas and final selections are made by special review panels composed of leading lawyers in each state. 
  
In addition, partner Jordan Tank, and associates Alejandra Barcenas, Sarah Bourdet, John Dark, Ryan Eckert and Elaina Valtierra have been named to the 2021 Rising Stars List by Super Lawyers, which is also published in the most recent issue of Super Lawyers Magazine.  The selection process for the Rising Stars list is the same as the Super Lawyers selection process, with one exception: to be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Illinois are named to the Rising Stars list. These attorneys were recognized as Rising Stars in the following fields:
 

Congratulations to Alejandra Barcenas

Lipe Lyons is proud to celebrate associate, Alejandra Barcenas’ two year anniversary with the firm.  Ms. Barcenas is a litigation associate at Lipe Lyons who focuses her practice on the defense of commercial, construction, premises liability, and transportation claims in state and federal courts. Just a few of Ms. Barcenas’ successes in the last year include:

• Ms. Barcenas obtained a favorable outcome for Lipe Lyons’ client in a Cook County Commercial Arbitration case involving claims for business property damage, business interruption damages, and claims for insurance proceeds, limiting the arbitration award to approximately $30,000, instead of the total $90,00.00 claimed by the Plaintiff.
• Ms. Barcenas represented multiple defendants during a court mediation and successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for those clients, preventing the need for further complex litigation. Despite Plaintiff’s opening global settlement demand of $950,000, the case ultimately settled with Lipe Lyons’ clients paying only a collective sum of $20,000.
• In a case involving injuries sustained by a plaintiff after she slipped and fell in front of insured’s hotel, Ms. Barcenas represented defendants during a private mediation and successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for those clients, preventing the need for further complex litigation. Despite Plaintiff’s opening settlement demand of $1,500,000, the case ultimately settled with Lipe Lyons’ clients paying only $300,000.
• Ms. Barcenas drafted, presented, and won a motion to dismiss indemnity claims filed against Lipe Lyons’ client in a commercial case involving business property damage and construction claims.

 
Additionally, Ms. Barcenas was nominated and selected for Super Lawyers’ 2021 Rising Stars, as well as being selected to join fellow Latina lawyers from across the country and from all areas of the profession in attending the 2020 Hispanic National Bar Association Latina Leadership Program. Ms. Barcenas was also featured in the LLSA Alumni Spotlight Newsletter published by Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s Latinx Law Student Association.
 

Congratulations to John Dark

Lipe Lyons is delighted to announce associate, John Dark’s two year anniversary with the firm.  Mr. Dark is licensed in both Illinois and Indiana, and has over four years of experience.  He specializes in the defense of premises liability, construction liability, transportation liability, and product liability claims.

In addition to being nominated and selected as a 2020 Rising Star in Super Lawyers, Mr. Dark’s achievements over the past year include:

• Successful arguments at bench trial that led to Mr. Dark recovering attorney’s fees and costs for his client, which resulted in a favorable settlement agreement for client on co-defendants counterclaims;

• Successful pre-trial motion practice where Mr. Dark drafted, presented and won a motion to bar Plaintiff’s wage loss claim in its entirety which led to a favorable settlement; and,

• Securing a zero pay dismissal with prejudice for his client in a premises liability claim.

Alejandra Barcenas Excited to Join Esteemed Group of Latina Lawyers at the HNBA Latina Leadership Academy

On September 15, 2020, Associate, Alejandra Barcenas, will join fellow Latina lawyers from across the country and from all areas of the profession in attending the 2020 Hispanic National Bar Association Latina Leadership Program. Each year, during the HNBA/VIA Annual Convention, the Latina Commission offers professional development and leadership training programs aimed at Latina lawyers. The Latina Leadership Academy offers curriculum specifically developed for Latina attorneys and draws from a significant body of research from both the Commission and other leading organizations. The program addresses areas identified as key to shattering glass ceilings and securing the advancement and long-term success of Latina lawyers—the most underrepresented group in the legal profession. The Academy’s curriculum builds off the successful programs on Grit and Growth Mindset and delves into concepts of executive presence, cultivating leadership skills, and what it means to be authentic in organizations where Latinas remain underrepresented at all levels.

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

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.