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CHICAGO
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SST Names Three New Partners
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is pleased to announce the promotion of Jaclyn Kostich, Katelyn Ofenloch and Kevin Horan to Partner in our Chicago office. SST has grown significantly since its inception in March 2016. Starting with 11 attorneys, SST now employs over 30 attorneys in Chicago, St. Louis and Dallas. The elevation of Jackie, Kate and Kevin marks the first time SST has promoted an associate to partner. Speaking on behalf of the three founding partners, Managing Partner Doug Sinars said, “We are very proud to be promoting from within and look forward to the future. Kate, Kevin and Jackie have shown that they are talented litigators. They are dedicated to our team and have contributed substantially to our growth as a firm.”
Jackie has diverse experience with complex litigation matters, including medical/professional malpractice, personal injury, mass tort and other environmental claims. Most recently, she obtained summary judgment in a civil rights case brought by a prisoner asserting a 1986 claim seeking $2M from an oral surgeon.
Kate has extensive experience defending product liability, mass tort, construction and general negligence claims. Earlier this year, Kate was instrumental in the firm’s success on summary judgment in McLean County, Illinois where the court applied McKinney v. Hobart Brothers Co. in holding that the plaintiff failed to present evidence of any quantifiable exposure to asbestos from work with the client’s equipment.
Kevin has significant litigation and trial experience in both the public and private sectors, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of practice areas including tort, commercial and professional liability matters. In October 2019, Kevin won summary judgment in Iowa on behalf of an insulation contractor in an asbestos case, successfully arguing that the court should interpret a 2017 Iowa statute in the insulation contractor’s favor. This decision is currently before the Iowa Supreme Court.
Jackie has diverse experience with complex litigation matters, including medical/professional malpractice, personal injury, mass tort and other environmental claims. Most recently, she obtained summary judgment in a civil rights case brought by a prisoner asserting a 1986 claim seeking $2M from an oral surgeon.
Kate has extensive experience defending product liability, mass tort, construction and general negligence claims. Earlier this year, Kate was instrumental in the firm’s success on summary judgment in McLean County, Illinois where the court applied McKinney v. Hobart Brothers Co. in holding that the plaintiff failed to present evidence of any quantifiable exposure to asbestos from work with the client’s equipment.
Kevin has significant litigation and trial experience in both the public and private sectors, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of practice areas including tort, commercial and professional liability matters. In October 2019, Kevin won summary judgment in Iowa on behalf of an insulation contractor in an asbestos case, successfully arguing that the court should interpret a 2017 Iowa statute in the insulation contractor’s favor. This decision is currently before the Iowa Supreme Court.
SST to Sponsor DRI's Women in the Law Seminar
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is a Silver Sponsor at this year's Women in the Law Seminar at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ. On January 22-24, 2020, this conference will "gather outstanding women from law firms and corporate legal departments around the country to provide you with practical advice, excellent programming on aspects of the law that span all substantive areas, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the women you encounter."
Partner Anna O'Connor Spoke at Lynn Sage Cancer Research Luncheon
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On October 25, 2019, SST Partner Anna O’Connor was one of two keynote speakers at the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s Fall Benefit Luncheon, where over 800 people attended to raise money for the fight against breast cancer, raising over $925,000 in one day. She spoke about her strength and resolve as a breast cancer survivor and we are proud to have her as a part of our firm.
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SST Sponsors Life Span’s Annual Light to Life Benefit
Life Span's 2nd Annual Light to Life Benefit was a success!
Life Span's services help thousands of women and their children start new lives free from fear of violence. SST is proud to be a sponsor of such a great organization.
To learn more about Life Span go to life-span.org.
Life Span's services help thousands of women and their children start new lives free from fear of violence. SST is proud to be a sponsor of such a great organization.
To learn more about Life Span go to life-span.org.
Partner Megan Slowikowski Spoke at Perrin's National Asbestos Litigation Conference
On September 9-11, 2019, partner Megan Slowikowski spoke at Perrin Conferences’ National Asbestos Litigation Conference at the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel. This marks the tenth anniversary of the three-day conference which provides attendees with a deeper understanding of the trends currently driving asbestos litigation and the impact these trends may have on future cases.
2019 CLM Midwest Conference
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska LLC associate, Greta Lloyd, presented at the CLM Midwest conference debating the potential implications of autonomous vehicles. Greta Lloyd was joined by claims counsel for DWF Claims, Alison Finn, expert economist at Roux Associates, Ryan Stifter, and associate at Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch & Champion, L.L.C., David Renovitch. Their presentation was titled, “I, Autonomous Vehicle: When and How this Statement Could Disrupt the Insurance Industry” and outlined the economic, regulatory, legal, and claims challenges anticipated to arise with the evolution of autonomous vehicles. #CLMMW
SST Sponsors Make-a-Wish Benefit
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska LLC is proud to co-sponsor the Women Wine & Wishes event, benefiting Make-a-Wish Illinois! The successful event surpassed last year’s total by raising over $100,000 in one evening! The impact of last night will help provide boundless hope for Illinois children with life threatening illnesses by granting their wishes and dreams. Such a truly remarkable event and we are glad to be a part of it.
Welcome to Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska
We are excited to welcome to the firm our newest team members:
Missouri
Chicago
Missouri
- Victoria Iken – Of Counsel
- Jordan Panger – Associate
Chicago
- Sarah Costa - Associate
- Stacey Kim – Associate
- Jonathan Stone – Associate
Midwest-based Civil Defense Firm Changes
Name to Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska
We are pleased to announce that the firm led by Managing Partner Doug Sinars has changed its name to Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska.
The firm’s name change recognizes Megan Slowikowski’s and Jim Tomaska’s significant contributions to the firm along with the outstanding results they have achieved for our clients. We look forward to continuing to work as a team to provide clients with creative and cost-effective solutions. Our commitment to sound judgment and practical solutions remains a top priority for our firm as a whole.
SST handles the national and Midwest defense and trial of both general negligence and tort claims. With thirty lawyers devoted to litigation, we have decades of experience defending these claims. We represent a broad spectrum of clients, including product manufacturers, premise owners, distributors, contractors and professionals.
The firm’s name change recognizes Megan Slowikowski’s and Jim Tomaska’s significant contributions to the firm along with the outstanding results they have achieved for our clients. We look forward to continuing to work as a team to provide clients with creative and cost-effective solutions. Our commitment to sound judgment and practical solutions remains a top priority for our firm as a whole.
SST handles the national and Midwest defense and trial of both general negligence and tort claims. With thirty lawyers devoted to litigation, we have decades of experience defending these claims. We represent a broad spectrum of clients, including product manufacturers, premise owners, distributors, contractors and professionals.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Sponsored Perrin's Cutting-Edge Issues in Asbestos Litigation Conference
Another engaging conference in Beverly Hills in March 2019. For information on the agenda, please click here.
National FETTI Annual Conference
Congratulations to our own James Kasper, Greta Lloyd and Senior Consultant at ESI Jason Babcock Ph.D., for a great presentation on the scientific literature regarding the safety of crumb-rubber artificial turf and the litigation that has arisen from the controversy.
SST Sponsored and Participated at the National FETTI Conference
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska once again sponsored the National FETTI Annual Conference, which took place September 26th to 28th in Chicago. The conference covered a wide range of evolving environmental and toxic tort issues.
In addition, SST partner James Kasper and associate Greta Lloyd presented at this year's conference. James and Greta were joined by Jason Babcock Ph.D., senior consultant at ESI, for their presentation "Is a Chemical Innocent Until Proven Guilty? The Artificial Turf Debate." They addressed the recent debate involving crumb-rubber artificial turf, the scientific literature regarding the safety of this turf, and the litigation that has arisen from the controversy.
For more information, please contact James Kasper.
In addition, SST partner James Kasper and associate Greta Lloyd presented at this year's conference. James and Greta were joined by Jason Babcock Ph.D., senior consultant at ESI, for their presentation "Is a Chemical Innocent Until Proven Guilty? The Artificial Turf Debate." They addressed the recent debate involving crumb-rubber artificial turf, the scientific literature regarding the safety of this turf, and the litigation that has arisen from the controversy.
For more information, please contact James Kasper.
SST Sponsored Perrin's Asbestos Litigation Conference
We was a proud sponsor of Perrin's National Asbestos Litigation Conference in San Francisco. The conference took place in October 2018. For more information, please click here.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Joined 2018 Race Judicata
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska participated in Race Judicata 2018, a 5k walk/run that benefitted the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation. We had a great time hosting friends and family at the SR tent for food and drinks after the race.
Patrick Garvey and Matt Vlasman Join SST
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska has proudly welcomed two attorneys to the firm in the summer of 2018.
Patrick Garvey brings a wealth of defense experience to SST, having defended a wide variety of premises, product, and toxic tort liability claims throughout his career.
Matt Vlasman joins as an associate. Matt focuses on the defense of product liability and occupational injury claims.
Patrick Garvey brings a wealth of defense experience to SST, having defended a wide variety of premises, product, and toxic tort liability claims throughout his career.
Matt Vlasman joins as an associate. Matt focuses on the defense of product liability and occupational injury claims.
Two Years in Business
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska celebrates its second year in business. A big thank you to all who have helped make this possible.
Adjusters Association of Chicago Golf Outing
Adjusters Association of Chicago Golf Outing at Old Oak Country Club in Homer Glen, IL. Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska sponsored the 6th Hole of the outing. The event is an opportunity to raise funds and give back to the community and for camaraderie among peers.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Sponsored Filament Theatre Event
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is excited to announce its sponsorship of Filament Theatre's Garden Party on July 12, 2018. Filament Theatre is a non-profit organization that creates theatrical programming, camps, and classes to inspire young people and their communities. The Garden Party celebrated the Theatre and raise money for its causes. For additional information, please click here.
SST Participated in Community Service Day with "Women Everywhere"
In June 2018, the women of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska volunteered for Community Service Day with Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Project. This volunteer organization coordinates various activities in the Chicagoland area for women and children in need. For more information, please click here.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Sponsored Make-A-Wish Illinois Women's Network Event
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska was a proud sponsor "Women, Wine & Wishes," an event where the Women's Network of Make-A-Wish Illinois annually honors women leaders in our community who have made an impact on local wishes. For more information, please click here.
Partner Megan Slowikowski Speaks on Chicago Bar Association's "Women in the Law" Panel
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska partner Megan Slowikowski was recently one of four panelists at the Chicago Bar Association's "Standing Up and Out as Women in the Law" panel. Megan was joined by Rachel Johnson of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Jennifer Rosato Perea, Dean of the DePaul College of Law, and Kristin Barnett, President of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois. The panelists offered insights on how to empower women in the legal field and how to rise through the professional ranks in the competitive Chicago legal market.
SST a Sponsor of Annual Shamrock Scramble in St. Louis
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska was proud to sponsor 2018's Shamrock Scramble in St. Louis.
All proceeds from this charity golf event will help support various local families battling cancer and other diseases. For more information, or to help this cause, please contact Matthew Fields.
All proceeds from this charity golf event will help support various local families battling cancer and other diseases. For more information, or to help this cause, please contact Matthew Fields.
SST Sponsored the Women's Bar Association of Illinois' 19th Annual Judicial Reception
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska sponsored this Judicial Reception held by the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) on March 1, 2018.
The event took place at the Chicago Cultural Center and honored Judge Clare Elizabeth McWilliams, Judge Terrence J. Lavin, and Judge Virginia M. Kendall. This annual reception honors the judiciary and provides guests an opportunity to meet and socialize with state and federal judges.
For more information, please click here.
The event took place at the Chicago Cultural Center and honored Judge Clare Elizabeth McWilliams, Judge Terrence J. Lavin, and Judge Virginia M. Kendall. This annual reception honors the judiciary and provides guests an opportunity to meet and socialize with state and federal judges.
For more information, please click here.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Opens New St. Louis Office
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is excited to announce the opening of their new St. Louis office. The office is located at 800 Market Street, Suite 1550, in downtown St. Louis and is the firm's third, following locations in Chicago, Illinois and Edwardsville, Illinois. The new office is headed by veteran litigator Matthew Fields.
SST Welcomes New Partners Matthew Fields and Lew Miltenberger
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is pleased to announce that Matthew Fields and Lew Miltenberger have joined the firm as partners. Matt will head Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska's new St. Louis office while Lew is licensed in various states including Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. Matthew and Lew have tried numerous cases to verdict and bring decades of experience in a variety of areas to the firm.
For more information on our two newest partners, please visit their biographies.
For more information on our two newest partners, please visit their biographies.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Proud to Sponsor 2018 Perrin Asbestos Conference
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is proud to announce that we will once again sponsor Perrin's Asbestos Litigation Conference. The conference will take place March 8-9, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. For more information, please click here.
SST Welcomes Cary Press, Christa Pantaleoni, Paul Connery, and Thomas Hardiman
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska continues to grow, and proudly welcomes these new Associate Attorneys to our team.
Associate Kevin Horan Speaks at Chicago Bar Association
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska associate Kevin Horan recently presented to the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section Career Assistance Committee. Horan and fellow presenter Ari Telisman of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission addressed emerging issues in attorney discipline and professional responsibility which face Illinois practitioners. The presentation, entitled “Staying Out of Trouble: How to Recognize and Confront Ethical Issues that Arise in the Legal Profession,” was offered as part of a series of continuing legal education seminars for CBA members. Attorneys and malpractice insurers should be aware of emerging trends in the regulation of the legal profession and how best to address the challenges of a constantly-evolving legal marketplace.
For more information, please contact Kevin Horan at khoran@sinarslaw.com.
For more information, please contact Kevin Horan at khoran@sinarslaw.com.
Associate Kelly Olivier Joins SST
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska welcomes Kelly Olivier as an associate in September 2017. Kelly brings a diverse litigation background to the team.
SST Sponsored Perrin Conferences' Asbestos Litigation Conference
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska was a proud sponsor of Perrin Conferences' Asbestos Litigation Conference: A National Overview and Outlook, which took place September 25-27, 2017 in San Francisco. For more information click here.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Participated in Race Judicata 2017
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska participated in Race Judicata on September 14, 2017. Race Judicata is a 5K Run/Walk benefiting Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation, an organization of volunteer attorneys who donate free legal services to low-income Chicagoans. Visit Race Judicata 2017
SST Continues to Expand with the Addition of New Partner, Anna Gonis O’Connor
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is thrilled to announce that Anna Gonis O’Connor has joined the firm as a partner. Anna gained significant trial experience through her work as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Complex Litigation Section of the Civil Actions Bureau. She also served as a senior member of the national coordinating counsel for a Fortune 500 company, gaining experience in determining the best defense strategy for asbestos and other product liability claims
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Welcomes Kevin Horan
We are pleased to announce that Kevin Horan joined our team as an associate in June 2017.
Kevin Sheehan Joins Our Team
Kevin Sheehan has become our newest associate on our growing team.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Welcomes a New Partner — James Kasper
James Kasper is the newest partner to join Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. With more than 13 years of trial experience, he has successfully defended numerous cases throughout Illinois and Indiana, on both the plaintiff and defense side.
SST Welcomes Tyler Lindberg and William Alzugaray
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska welcomes attorneys Tyler Lindberg and William Alzugaray as associates in March 2017.
SST Sponsors Perrin Conferences' Asbestos Conference
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is a proud sponsor of Perrin Conferences' Cutting-Edge Issues in Asbestos Litigation Conference, which took place March 6-7, 2017 in Beverly Hills. For more information click here.
SST Welcomes Michael P. Murphy
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska welcomes Michael P. Murphy as an associate in January 2017.
Daniela Stojkova Joins Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska
The entire team at Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is delighted to welcome Daniela Stojkova to the firm. Ms. Stojkova joins the firm as an associate, and will focus her practice on product liability, mass torts, and occupational injury claims, including asbestos personal injury litigation.
SST Sponsors the National FETTI Annual Conference in Chicago
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is a sponsor of The National FETTI Annual Conference which was held in Chicago on September 21-23, 2016. It is a world-class seminar covering a broad range of environmental and toxic tort issues. For more information click here
Jaclyn Kostich and Katelyn Ofenloch Join Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska welcomed Jaclyn Kostich and Katelyn Ofenloch as associates in Summer 2016.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Participated in Race Judicata 2016
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska participated in Race Judicata on September 15, 2016. Race Judicata is a 5K Run/Walk benefiting Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation, an organization of volunteer attorneys who donate free legal services to low-income Chicagoans. For more information click here.
SST Sponsors Perrin Conferences' Asbestos Litigation Conference
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska is a proud sponsor of Perrin Conferences' Asbestos Litigation Conference: A National Overview and Outlook, which took place September 12-14, 2016 in San Francisco. For more information click here.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Attorneys Recognized as Emerging Lawyers
Law Bulletin's Leading Lawyers Division has identified Megan Slowikowski and Katie Griffin as Emerging Lawyers. They have been recognized by their peers as the top lawyers in Illinois who are age 40 or younger and have proven themselves professional, ethical and experienced. This distinction is given to less than 2% of all lawyers licensed in Illinois.
SST Volunteers with Women Everywhere
In June, the women of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska volunteered for Community Service Day with Women Everywhere: Partners In Service Project, a volunteer collective in the Chicagoland area that coordinates activities on behalf of women and children in need. Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska spent the day with GirlForward, a non-profit organization that provides adolescent refugee girls with individual mentorship, educational programs and leadership opportunities. For more information click here.
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Partners Publish Sports-Related Brain Injury Article
Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska partners Owen Blood and John-Michael Porretta authored an article about the legal consequences of sports-related brain injuries. The article, which was published in the June 2016 Illinois Bar Journal, Vol. 104 No. 6, is titled: “Litigating Sports Brain Injuries: The New Ball Game”. As sports-related concussions (and other brain injuries) become more of a public concern, the number of personal injury lawsuits filed by plaintiffs is sure to increase. Defense counsel and insurers should be familiar with all areas of this impending litigation including the science and potential defenses.
For more information, please contact Owen Blood at oblood@sinarslaw.com or John-Michael Porretta at jmporretta@sinarslaw.com.
For more information, please contact Owen Blood at oblood@sinarslaw.com or John-Michael Porretta at jmporretta@sinarslaw.com.