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ISBA Governors Al Durkin (left) and Stephen Komie attended the ITLA Young Lawyer Summer Party on the Kensington Roof Top last month in Chicago. Here they are pictures with Illinois State Rep. Ann Williams (11th).
William R. Stanczak of Waukegan, died Tuesday, September 8 after a short illness. He was 78. Born January 10, 1937 to Celia (née Svedo) & Bruno W. Stanczak, Bill graduated from Holy Rosary Grade School, Waukegan High School and Marquette University Law School.
A practicing attorney in Lake County since 1960, Bill was a long-time member of Glen Flora Country Club, City Club, The Lake County Bar Association and Marquette's "M" Club for former athletes. He was also a member of the Wilmot Mountain Ski School Bill loved skiing, golf, basketball, hunting and playing with his dogs. Friends and family will miss his twinkling eyes and mischievous smile.
Survived by his wife of 25 years Lynn Stanczak (née Murray) and five children: Lisa Stanczak (Skip Lemon) of Bloomfield Village, MI; Heidi Dyer (Timothy) of Mequon, WI; Kristine Stanczak of Libertyville, IL; Suzanne Stanczak of Gurnee, IL; Bill Stanczak (Jessica, née Olive) of Evanston, IL; and one step-son, Joshua Neuwirth (Marylu, née Pajente) of Waukegan, IL. Bill will be missed by ten grandchildren: Christian Lemon, Heidi Lemon, Gretchen Lemon, Neal Dyer, Phoebe Dyer, Gillian Dyer, Julia Elsmo, Sophie Elsmo, Olivia Stanczak and Emily Stanczak; and two step-grandchildren: Caleb Neuwirth and Cylla Neuwirth.
Bill is also survived by his brother Dr. Ronald (Patricia) Stanczak of Gurnee, IL and a sister, Susan (the late David) Everett of Canon City, CO and brother-in-law, Steve Murray, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, golf buddies, former law partners, business associates and three very spoiled dogs: Joe Black, Maxine and Tootchie.
Hon. Patrick McLaughlin, 68, passed peacefully August 28, 2015, surrounded by family after a 3 and 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mr. McLaughlin was born in Keokuk, Iowa. He attended Western Illinois University and graduated with a B.A. in political science. He attended law school at St. Louis University and received his J.D., cum laude, in 1974.
Drafted from law school, Pat proudly served in the U.S. Army before returning to finish his Juris Doctorate.
Pat began his law practice in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked as an associate for several years. He moved his family to Olney and practiced law, specializing in Civil and Criminal Trial Practice. He was Board Certified in 1986 by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Pat was elected Circuit Judge of Second Judicial Circuit, Illinois, in 1986 and served in that capacity until 1997. During his tenure in Illinois, he sat, at times, as a special judge of the Illinois Court of Appeals.
In 1997 Pat was appointed as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge with the Social Security Administration and assigned to Jacksonville, Florida, where he remained.
Pat was an active member of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Pat was the founder of the Florida Pancreas Cancer Coalition, a 501 c (3) organization. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2012, he was passionate to raise funds to support research for the disease.
William J. Sneckenberg, 68, brought his Nebraskan-bred blend of practicality and humanity to a legal career that spanned more than four decades. Known for sporting black cowboy boots year-round, in court and out, Bill (“Sneck” to his many friends) established himself as an astute trial lawyer and consummate gentleman. He was widely respected among colleagues, clients, judges, and adversaries alike.
Bill graduated fifth out of a class of 120 from Creighton University School of Law in 1972 and launched his practice career at the Chicago law firm of Clausen Miller. In 1977, he left big-firm practice to co-found Lev & Sneckenberg, and in 1982, he established William J. Sneckenberg & Associates, Ltd. In 2004, the firm was renamed Sneckenberg Thompson & Brody, LLP.
Throughout his career, Bill remained committed to the high-quality, personal touch of a focused boutique practice. Numerous attorneys, law clerks, and administrative professionals enjoyed the opportunity to work with and learn from him. He possessed the rare ability to connect with people from a diversity of backgrounds, often over an after-work cocktail, because he genuinely enjoyed their company. His love for people made him effective not only as a lawyer in front of a jury, but as a friend to the many who knew him and the countless strangers who encountered him.
Phillip Ames Theis Sr. died at the age of 79. Born March 10, 1936 in Granite City, IL, he was the son of the late Dr. E. H. Theis and Lida CotterTheis. He was also predeceased by his brother Dr. E. Howard Theis.
He was a graduate of Washington University, where he earned his undergraduate and Doctor of Law degrees. Mr. Theis practiced law in Granite City for many years and was especially proud when his son, who also earned a Doctor of Law degree, joined his law firm. They practiced law together until Mr. Theis was forced to retire in 1996 because of failing health. Mr. Theis was Chairman of the Granite City Planning and Zoning Administration for many years prior to his retirement.
After his retirement Mr. Theis and his wife traveled for several years in a motor coach, visiting all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. They lived in Naples, Florida and Swansea, Illinois before returning to live in Granite City in 2010.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Tellor Theis who he married on December 21, 1957. He is survived by two children, Terri Kaye Shaw (David) and Phillip A. Theis (Suzan); his grandchildren Melanie Crews Welsh, Jessica Shaw Chance (Tom), Adam Shaw (Michael Pohlman), SeanTheis, Jenna Theis Donahue (Danny), and John Theis; and four great grandchildren Aiden Welsh, Ty Phillip Cooper, Skylynne Donahue, and Jaxx Donahue. In addition he leaves sisters-in-law Sherri Tellor Ledbetter (Jimmy) and Lynda Tellor Teague (Tom), brother-in-law Ronald Tellor (Robin), several nieces and nephews and many good friends.
Momkus McCluskey, LLC, a 25 year old DuPage County full-service business law firm is pleased to announce that Jason A. Doran has joined the firm as a Senior Attorney. Doran will focus his practice in estate planning, estate administration, commercial and residential real estate.
Doran began the practice of law in 2001. “It’s very exciting to go from a history of a small practice and small partnerships to an organization that’s a group practice where a client can get many services under one roof,” Doran said. “We are fortunate that Jason has chosen to join our firm, as his client service and work product is clearly exceptional,” says Edward J. Momkus, founding partner of Momkus McCluskey, LLC.
Doran, a Bolingbrook native, received his undergraduate degree in Marketing from Northern Illinois University and earned his Juris Doctor with honors (Cum Laude) from Northern Illinois University College of Law.
Doran brings a wealth of knowledge with respect to corporate and commercial law, business transactions, and estate planning and commercialand residential real estate. He previously worked at AAR Corporation. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, Illinois Association and National Association of Realtors respectively.
Momkus McCluskey, LLC, a 25 year old DuPage County full-service business law firm is pleased to announce that Daniel S. Porter has joined the firm as an associate attorney with the Commercial Litigation team.
Porter previously worked as a Staff Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County, serving as a judicial advisor in the law, chancery, domestic relations, and criminal divisions. He advised and collaborated with the judges at all stages of litigation.
“The experience as a Staff Attorney gives Dan insight on how to best navigate DuPage litigation to obtain the best results for our clients” says James F. McCluskey, founding partner of Momkus McCluskey, LLC.
Porter attended Iowa State University and graduated magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law. He externed for Justice Schostok on the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District.
Christine Sparks, vice president – managing attorney, claims and audit for Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG®, http://www.atgf.com/), was recently installed as president of the Illinois Land Title Association (ILTA).
The Illinois Land Title Association is a statewide organization focused on providing professional level education and government advocacy to companies in the business of insuring titles to real estate. These activities provide services and industry networking that expand ILTA member standing within the real estate community, while helping to protect consumers on their single most important purchase.
ATG President and CEO Peter Birnbaum said, “We congratulate Christine on her new ILTA leadership position. Her 12 years of experience with ATG will be a valuable asset in helping ILTA achieve its goals.”
ATG attorneys have served on the boards and committees of ILTA for decades. Two ATG officers, Mike Brandt and Augie Butera, are past presidents of ILTA. Tom Cullen, ATG’s Vice President, Wisconsin Operations, is the current president of the Wisconsin Land Title Association, and Mike McDonnell, Senior Account Manager, is a past president of that association.
Sparks joined ATG’s claims department in 2003 as a claims attorney. In addition to investigating and resolving title insurance claims, she provides direction and support to the Audit Department personnel in resolving member audit compliance issues. She is a frequent author and speaker at ATG Legal Education programs.
David Apter of Highwood, IL passed away on Sunday, May 17th, 2015. He was beloved husband of Susann nee Much. Loving father of Kevin (Stacy) Apter, Greg (Leslie) Apter and Steve Apter. Cherished grandfather of Morgan, Jacob, Nathan, Ben, Noah, Talia and Joey Apter. Devoted brother of John (Sherry) Apter and Carol (Keith) Reichard. Dear brother-in-law of Tina (Wayne) Levenfeld and Todd (Janice) Much. Fond uncle, cousin and friend to many. Services have been held. In lieu of flowers remembrances to Parkinson's Disease Research Society (PDRS) 25 N. Winfield Road, 4 North Tower, Winfield, IL 60190 would be appreciated. Arrangement by Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-Mitzvah (630-648-9824) or www.MITZVAHFUNERALS.com.
85-year-old Richard Carr Cochran of Fairfield passed away at 4:43 p.m. at his home Thursday, September 3, 2015. Richard attended public schools in Carmi. He obtained a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1952 where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He was in the United States Army Signal Corps from 1952-1954 where he was a corporal in the 366th Signal Battalion in Camp Gordon, GA. Richard obtained a J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1957. Richard held a law practice in Fairfield from 1959 until his retirement in 1998. His law firms included Loy & Ziegler, Loy & Cochran, Cochran & Harrison, Cochran & Garrison, Cochran & Jordan, Richard C. Cochran, Cochran & Kakac, and Cochran, Kakac & Vaughan. He was Assistant States Attorney for Wayne County from 1952-1972, City Attorney for Fairfield from 1967-1977, and also a special prosecutor for the Charles B. Harris Murder, Arson & Perjury Trials and Appeals. Richard was Corporate Counsel for multiple area schools and towns.
Richard was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield where he served on the Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, Stewardship Chairman, and Treasurer. He was an active member of the Lions Club for over 55 years where he was a past President. He was a member of the Fairfield Hospital Foundation from 1988-1994 and a member of the Sierra Club. Richard volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years and also loved running, photography, camping and hiking.