Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal Kevin M. Coyne will be one of the speakers in a live webcast from 4 to 6 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, July 9, hosted by The Knowledge Group and titled The Opportunity Zone Investment Tax Regime: Recent Legislative and Regulatory Developments You Should Know. The speakers will focus on key strategies and tips on how to avoid potential risks and legal pitfalls. To learn more, click here.

Leader of the firm’s Real Estate practice group, Coyne represents national franchises, restaurants, bars and professional practices and has substantial experience negotiating office, retail and industrial leases at the national and local levels for landlords and tenants. Priding himself on the personal attention he brings to every transaction, he crafts meticulous documentation tailored to align with his client’s present and future business needs and goals. He is a frequent presenter of commercial real estate trends such as Opportunity Zones where he discusses the benefits they provide to investors and follows with the requirements needed to create a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund. Serving as a council member for the city of Naperville has given Coyne a unique perspective and constructive insight for clients facing municipal issues in Chicagoland.

The Knowledge Group was established with the mission to produce unbiased, objective, and educational live webinars that examine industry trends and regulatory changes from a variety of different perspectives. The goal is to deliver a unique multilevel analysis of an important issue affecting business in a highly focused format. To contact or register to an event, click here. 

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. proudly announces that principal David Shiner has been elevated to shareholder and associate Christina Mermigas is now a principal of the firm. These two dedicated and talented attorneys have well-earned reputations among clients and colleagues alike for their responsiveness and accessibility as well as their insightful counsel based on a holistic view of clients’ goals.

David Shiner joined Chuhak & Tecson in 1999 as an associate and was elevated to principal in 2005 before becoming leader of the firm’s Tax & Employee Benefits practice group in 2014.

“What makes David such an asset for the firm and his clients is that he is truly passionate about protecting his clients from unnecessary risk and avoidable tax burdens, whether advising on wealth protection strategies or federal, state or local tax controversies,” said Mitchell Weinstein, president of Chuhak & Tecson. “We are proud to have him as a shareholder, colleague and friend.”

A certified public accountant who also holds a Master of Laws degree in taxation, Shiner prides himself on his ability to craft strategies that keep his clients’ tax liabilities to a minimum. He has over two decades of experience counseling clients on income, gift and estate tax matters as well as the implementation of a variety of asset protection trusts. He also has a lengthy record of successfully defending his clients in controversies with the IRS of all sizes and complexity, both in administrative proceedings and U.S. Tax Court.

Additionally, Shiner’s practice includes providing counsel on a wide range of other matters that face his corporate clients, including entity formation, business succession planning, employee benefits, mergers and acquisitions and tax-deferred exchanges.

Shiner earned his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, and his Master of Laws in taxation from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He says that while the tax laws have changed dramatically during his 20 years at Chuhak & Tecson, his goal of developing and implementing strategies designed to accomplish his clients’ objectives remains the same.

“Tax law is always evolving in ways that present new challenges as well as new opportunities,” Shiner said. “The key is to stay ahead of these changes and immerse yourself in their details and implications so you can offer the best guidance and avoid unwelcome surprises.”

In only three years at Chuhak & Tecson, Christina Mermigas has risen from associate to a principal of the firm, a testament to her tireless work ethic, commitment to maintaining the highest level of client service and professionalism, and her pursuit of business development opportunities within and outside of the firm.

“It was obvious from the start that Christina had the talent and commitment to make a name for herself at the firm,” said Weinstein. “She quickly gained the trust and respect of her peers, colleagues and clients, welcoming legal challenges and enhancing the already robust skill set that she brought with her to the firm.”

An accomplished transactional and business attorney, Mermigas has extensive experience with the documentation of loan financing, the acquisition of commercial real estate, the development of prudent and comprehensive business succession plans and asset protection strategies and other matters that impact the success of her corporate clients. She also develops personally tailored and holistic estate plans for clients, whether for those with modest estates or those with large, complex asset portfolios.

A magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, who earned her law degree, cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, Mermigas regularly utilizes her license to practice in Florida to help clients in probate and estate planning matters that intersect with that state.

“The collegial environment at Chuhak & Tecson is what I value most and I am vested in the future of this firm,” Mermigas said. “I find it very rewarding to be an integral team player amongst the wide variety of practice areas the firm offers to their clients.”

On Saturday, June 8, attorneys, paralegals and staff paid tribute to civil rights activist Cesar Chavez by volunteering at Chicago Lights Urban Farm. Headed by principal Kristen E. Hudson, Chuhak & Tecson employees spent their afternoon planting and harvesting produce, weeding beds and turning compost at the nonprofit’s community garden.

Chicago Lights Urban Farm is dedicated to cultivating a thoughtful and engaged community of youth and adults through educational and economic opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and access to fresh, local and sustainably grown produce. It is one of the several programs offered by Chicago Lights, a nonprofit organization that seeks to support and meet the needs of children, youth and adults facing the challenges of poverty in our city.

Chicago Lights Urban Farm aligns with two undertakings by Chuhak & Tecson in 2019—the Diversity & Inclusion Council’s MLK Days of Service, which offers various service opportunities in homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, and Women Helping Women’s (WHW) 10 Ways to Give Back, a year of service events in celebration of WHW’s 10th anniversary. Projects between the two programs include everything from making beds and serving meals, to fundraising so that new winter coats and accessories may be purchased for children, to bringing joy to struggling children through a holiday gift drive. For a full list of community service programs being served in 2019, click here.
 

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to announce that Crain’s Chicago Business is honoring principals Kevin Coyne and Lindsey Paige Markus as two of Chicagoland’s “Notable Gen X Leaders in Law.”

Crain’s is recognizing accomplished attorneys between the ages of 40 and 55 who hold senior firm leadership positions and serve as role models or mentors to other attorneys. These “Notable Gen X Leaders in Law” also assume leadership positions outside of their law firms, including service in professional organizations and community service initiatives.

“Lindsey and Kevin are very deserving of this honor not only because they are proven leaders within our firm—they all serve as role models and mentors to our young attorneys,” said Mitchell Weinstein, president of Chuhak & Tecson. “We are very proud of them.”

Kevin Coyne leads the 18-attorney Real Estate practice group at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. He represents national franchises, restaurants, bars and professional practices and has substantial experience negotiating office, retail and industrial leases on the national and local levels for landlords and tenants. He relishes his roles as both legal counsel and business advisor for commercial property transactions. As a Naperville city councilman, Kevin has unique perspective and constructive insight that benefits clients facing municipal issues in Chicagoland.

Lindsey Paige Markus, the firm’s first woman shareholder, draws on her early career in business, finance and neuroscience to develop creative solutions to fit estate planning, wealth protection and corporate needs of individuals and businesses. Licensed in Illinois, Florida and New York, Lindsey has a national practice and leads the firm’s 22-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection group where one of her priorities is mentoring younger, up-and-coming attorneys. She is a prolific writer and dynamic contributor to television news stations. She leverages her knowledge of charitable planning to help many nonprofits and has been recognized for her exemplary dedication and contributions to philanthropy. 

The Women Helping Women program at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is proud to embrace its 10th Anniversary in 2019 with a year-long celebration titled 10 Ways to Give Back. To honor the milestone, the program is hosting and/or partnering in a series of 10 service projects throughout the year, with the pinnacle event—the annual mix-and-mingle.

In 2009 the women attorneys of the firm recognized that they developed business differently than their male counterparts. They also acknowledged that it was a challenge for women professionals to find the time to give back to their communities through activities that bring personal satisfaction, fulfill a sense of social responsibility and create joy. From this realization, the attorneys banded together to develop a unique initiative, coined Women Helping Women (WHW).

WHW’s annual mix-and-mingle is tailored to achieve two aims at once—to support professional women with relationship-building opportunities while simultaneously arranging the means to partner with different service providers to collect and deliver goods and services for underrepresented women in the community. This two-hour event is held in a central location to expedite commuting, and ends early enough so guests can then get on with the rest of their evening.

The inaugural event attracted 60 local women business leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic partners who gathered in Chuhak & Tecson’s lobby in support of Bottomless Closet. Ten years and 15 additional mix-and-mingles later, WHW has supported such organizations as All God’s People, Between Friends, Concordia Place, Jewish Child & Family Services, New Mom’s, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School and, our 17th set for October, Magdalene House Chicago. Thousands upon thousands of goods and monetary gifts have been donated—from personal care necessities for homeless youth, to school supplies for young women traditionally underrepresented in the math and science fields, to clothing for women veterans so they could feel confident at job interviews.

Lindsey Paige Markus, a founding member of WHW and leader of Chuhak & Tecson’s Estate Planning & Asset Protection group, looks forward to celebrating this achievement with all the women who have supported Women Helping Women—many for the entire decade.

“It has been an honor working side by side with my colleagues, championing Women Helping Women and partnering with 16 not for profit organizations that serve women or women and children,” said Markus. “These 10 years have also been a win for those who have attended our mix-and-mingles, many of whom have developed strong business relationships as a result.”

The program’s commitment, passion and sweat equity was recognized in 2017 when WHW was honored as a 2017 recipient of the IDEA Award from the Association of Legal Administrators. This award—Innovation, Development, Engagement and Advancement—recognizes one-of-a-kind programs, services and events that enrich the legal community and advance the business of law.

As it commemorates its 10th anniversary with 10 Ways to Give Back, women attorneys, paralegals and staff are participating in such projects as drafting wills for first responders, harvesting produce as an educational experience for youth and adults who face the challenge of poverty, and collecting funds for children who need new warm coats, hats and accessories this coming winter.  

“10 Ways to Give Back is uniquely aligned with one of our firm’s core values—dedication to our community,” said Markus. “Our employees who participate in our programs have a common bond—love of service—and their ability to form stronger bonds at these special events dovetails nicely with the firm’s commitment to internal teamwork and service to Chicagoland communities.”   

Visit Women Helping Women to learn more about the program. For questions about 10 Ways to Give Back or the fall mix-and-mingle in support of Magdalene House Chicago, contact Jane LaGrassa at jlagrassa@chuhak.com. 

This year, Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women program (WHW) is celebrating its 10th anniversary by giving back to the Chicagoland community through an effort titled, 10 Ways to Give Back.

In tribute to our clients, friends and nearly 20 community service partners since 2009, we have launched a year-long service initiative benefitting 10 different organizations in need. Check back throughout the year for updates to our service project list!

10 Ways to Give Back

Pacific Garden Mission (January)

Pacific Garden Mission meets physical, emotional and spiritual needs of homeless and hurting men, women and children. Learn more about Pacific Garden Mission.

Misericordia — Candy Days (April)

Misericordia provides housing and support services to more than 600 children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Learn more about Misericordia.

Chicago Bar Association — Wills for Heroes (May)

Since 2001, Wills for Heroes participants have prepared thousands of estate planning documents for Chicagoland police officers, firefighters and first responders.

Chicago Lights Urban Farm (June)

Chicago Lights provides hope and opportunity to our city’s children, youth, and adults who face the challenges of poverty. Through supportive relationships and diverse programs, learn how Chicago Lights empowers people to thrive.

Volunteers of America of Illinois — Operation Backpack (July)

Providing hundreds of Chicagoland students with backpacks filled with school supplies, VOA of IL helps children get their year started off right.

Jewish United Fund — Chanukah Coat Club (August)

A gift of $18 to JUF’s Chanukah Coat Club provides a local child in need a warm, new coat and accessories to brave harsh winters.

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services – Race Judicata (September)

Race Judicata is a 5K Run/Walk benefiting Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation in a mission to ensure that the law works for everyone.

Gigi’s Playhouse (September)

To see a world where individuals with Down Syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities, Gigi’s Playhouse delivers free educational, therapeutic-based and career development through a replicable playhouse model.

Magdalene House Chicago (October)

Seeking an end to a culture that allows human beings to be bought and sold, Magdalene House Chicago nurtures change for women who have survived and are in recovery from abuse, sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction.

Volunteers of America of Illinois — Holiday Wishes (December)

Providing gifts during the holidays to the children served in its foster care program and to children of veterans its serves, VOA of Illinois ensures that over 300 children have something to unwrap and open during the holiday season.

Note: Dates are subject to change. 

First responders are usually called upon to help those in need. This Saturday, the tables will be turned when Chuhak & Tecson attorneys and staff lend a helping hand to Chicago firefighters and police officers in need of estate planning services.

Firm employees will once again participate in the Chicago Bar Association’s Wills for Heroes event, on May 4. By providing basic will and estate planning services, these employees will help first responders effectively plan for their families’ futures.

The Chicago Bar Association runs Wills for Heroes throughout the year. Since 2001, program participants have prepared thousands of estate planning documents for first responders.

       

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. attorney Julie F. Gardner will present the basics of guardianship in Cook County at “Guardianship 101 & the Basics of Elder & Disability Care” from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago.

Hosted by The Chicago Bar Association (CBA), the annual seminar for the Elder Law Committee will cover alternatives to guardianship, including review of powers of attorney, health care surrogate decision making, standards as set forth within the Probate Act and capacity issues, and will examine the practitioner’s perspective on the basics of practicing before the guardianship Court of Cook County. Attendees will hear from a retired judge and local mediator regarding guardianship cases and when to seek assistance or relief outside of the courtroom, as well as from a Cook County guardianship judge on his perspective from behind the bench. The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion.

As chair of the CBA Elder Law Committee, Gardner will moderate and present at the upcoming 2.75 MCLE-accredited informative discussion. Cost for attendance is $80 for CBA members, $160 for non-members and free for law students. For additional information or to register, click here.

Gardner centers her law practice on contested and non-contested estate matters, and executing all stages of the administration of probate, guardianship estates, decedent’s estates and trusts, as well as other related estate litigation. 

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. principal David J. Bloomberg will be one of the panelists at the second annual Deconstructing Deconversion summit from 7:30 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Maggiano’s, 516 N. Clark St., Chicago. Cost of attendance is $89.

Hosted by The Illinois Real Estate Journal, the panel will discuss the deconversion movement in Chicago, including the current state of the deconversion market, issues in deconversions and tips to succeed. Other topics include the types of buildings that are candidates for deconversion, neighborhoods in high demand, incentives for yes votes, and the roles of buyers, brokers, boards and counsels in deconversion.

Bloomberg is the leader of the firm’s Condominium & Common Interest Community Association group. He has represented both boards and developers in connection with the deconversion of condominium buildings and has written extensively on the subject of Section 15 of the Illinois Condominium Act.

To register or access additional information, visit RE Journals.