Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. congratulates Francisco (Cisco) Connell, Kevin Coyne and Lindsey Paige Markus who have received the Crain’s Chicago Business honor of being named Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law for 2021. This recognition is given to a select group of accomplished attorneys who hold senior leadership positions within the firm and in the community and serve as role models and mentors.

Gen X leaders, born between 1965 and 1981, were the first generation to grow up with personal computers and become tech-savvy. They are usually described as resourceful, independent and focused on maintaining a successful work-life balance. Our Gen Xers are role models and leaders who exemplify the firm’s values and are ready to help solve problems and lead. They are engaged in work and involved in their communities.

Cisco Connell is a principal in the firm’s Banking and Corporate Transactions Groups and is practice group leader for Chuhak & Tecson’s 22-attorney Banking group. He steers an experienced and highly responsive team of transactional and litigation attorneys and staff dedicated to the specialized needs of the firm’s financial institution clients. Clients choose him for his steady hand and guidance through complicated legal issues. Connell and Chuhak & Tecson’s banking group are distinguished for their knowledge of the law, familiarity with procedure, and experience in both bank lending and workout scenarios.

In addition to financial institution clients, Connell represents businesses of all sizes both inside and outside of the courtroom, providing counsel on entity formation, real estate acquisitions and leases, intellectual property, contracts and more. With clients ranging from construction companies and dental practices to individuals and private equity, he sees relationships much like partnerships which are entered into to ensure the business’s best interests going forward.

Connell credits a decade of experience as a Chicago police officer for cultivating his people skills and ability to manage difficult situations. He has served on the firm’s Management, Marketing, Litigation, and Compensation Committees. He also was the firm’s inaugural Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council. He now serves as one of four practice group leaders that work closely with the firm’s Executive Committee in planning and executing the firm’s current and future goals.

Connell was named among Crain Chicago Business’ Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting & Law in 2020 and 2019.

Kevin Coyne is a principal and leads the firm’s 14-attorney Real Estate Practice Group. He excels in his roles as both legal counsel and business advisor, navigating the legal issues involved in commercial property transactions while also providing sound analysis of investment potential and financial risks. He has represented national franchises, food service, hospitality and professional practices and has substantial experience negotiating office, retail and industrial leases on the national and local levels for both property owners and tenants. His commitment to continually expanding the scope of his knowledge to better serve his clients was demonstrated by his decision to return to law school in 2009 to earn an advanced law degree (LL.M) in Real Estate law. In addition to serving as leader of the Real Estate practice group, he currently serves as a member of the firm’s Recruitment Committee.

Having previously served on Naperville (IL) City Council as well as the DuPage County (IL) Stormwater Commission, Coyne possesses a unique perspective and constructive insight that he utilizes for the benefit of clients facing zoning, permitting and land use issues throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. He is currently a member of the Naperville Chamber of Commerce.

Coyne was named among Crain Chicago Business’ Notable Gen X Leaders in Law in 2019.

Lindsey Paige Markus exemplifies a most notable leader. Markus is a principal and heads Chuhak & Tecson’s 25-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection Practice Group. Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, she has a national practice where she assists business owners and families in planning their estates, protecting assets, transferring wealth and minimizing taxation. She works closely with clients to formulate succession plans, advise on business formation, maximize wealth preservation and minimize gift and estate taxation. Her early career in business, finance and clinically applied neuroscience provides her with strong communication skills and gives her a unique perspective for creative contract designs. In addition to her law degree, Markus earned her master of arts degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University.

Markus is a founding member of Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women program, which fosters enriching professional relationships and developing business prospects. In addition to her leadership within the firm, Markus is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the community. She is a member of Jewish National Fund’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, sits on the Jewish United Fund’s (JUF) Executive Board, the Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and co-chair’s American Technion Society’s Midwest Planned Giving Committee. Markus was a recipient of JUF’s Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award, honoring young volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and significant contributions to Chicago’s Jewish community. She is dedicated to educating the community about estate planning and planned giving, regularly appears on local media outlets, and her book, A Gift for the Future, is expected to be published before year’s end. Markus has been recognized in countless publications and was also selected as one of the 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch by Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Markus was named among Crain Chicago Business’ Notable Gen X Leaders in Law in 2019 and received the Notable Women in Law distinctions in 2020 and 2018.

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is pleased to sponsor American Technion Society (ATS) – Chicago Planned Giving Committee’s 2021 ATS Federal Tax Legislation Seminar, “Tax Reform: The Insider’s View, A Virtual Webinar,” on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, from Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Lindsey Paige Markus, principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., co-chairs the ATS Chicago Planned Giving Committee. Markus heads the firm’s 25-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice group. Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, she has a national practice assisting business owners and families in planning their estates, protecting assets, transferring wealth and minimizing taxation.

The program will feature Russ Sullivan, shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and chair of Brownstein’s National Tax Policy Group, and former Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Sullivan is one of the top tax attorneys and advocates in the country. He represents clients’ interests on healthcare, pension planning, trade, energy, financial services and economic development policies. He worked firsthand on many of these issues during his 14 years of service on the Senate Finance Committee. During his time in Congress, Sullivan helped draft landmark legislation such as the 2001 tax legislation, the 2005 and 2007 Energy Policy Acts and the Affordable Care Act.

The program also features Harold Hancock, shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and former Tax Counsel to three House of Representative Ways and Means Committee chairs. Hancock provides technical tax advice for planning transactions and investments and resolves complex policy and regulatory issues by engaging key officials in Congress, the Treasury Department and the White House. Whether he is advocating for a tax policy before members on the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee or meeting with an Internal Revenue Service regulator as guidance is being drafted, he bolsters clients’ credibility by presenting thoughtful recommendations to government officials. He is an invaluable advocate for small businesses navigating the Paycheck Protection Program.

The ATS supports visionary education and world-changing impact through the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (Technion). The Technion has pioneered in science and technology education and delivered world-changing impact. Since 1940, the ATS nationwide supporter network has funded new Technion scholarships, research, labs and facilities that have helped deliver world-changing contributions and extend Technion education to campuses in three countries. Investments in the Technion’s growth and innovation advance critical research and technologies that serve the State of Israel and the global good.

Illinois attorneys will receive 1.5 CLE credit hours and Certified Public Accountants will receive 1.0 CPE credit hours, pending approval. There is no charge for this event. Registration is required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Joy Leff at 312-553-2222 or technion.chicago@ats.org. 

Mitchell Weinstein, president, and Lindsey Paige Markus, principal, both of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., are the featured speakers at the Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) Planned Giving presentation titled Solution Focused Strategies for Financial Health & Well-Being, part of JNF-USA’s Planned Giving Speaker Series, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, from 3 to 4 p.m. CST. This program will be held via Zoom.

Weinstein and Markus will discuss how to reduce one’s tax liability and address financial and philanthropic goals, including helpful year-end tax tips.

Weinstein focuses his practice on a wide range of estate planning, federal and state taxation, general corporate and real estate transaction matters. He assists family-owned and closely held businesses and midsized companies to navigate day-to-day challenges and positions them for long-term prosperity. A certified public accountant as well as an attorney, Weinstein is uniquely qualified to take a holistic approach to the issues facing his corporate and business clients. In his estate planning practice, he helps clients preserve their assets and protect their loved ones and businesses.

Weinstein’s role as president of Chuhak & Tecson’s 64-attorney firm extends to leadership and service for several committees, including as chair of the Executive Committee, as well as spearheading initiatives facilitated by the leaders of the firm’s 12 practice groups. Equally dedicated to his community, Weinstein is a member of the Buffalo Grove (IL) Planning and Zoning Commission and has also served as legal counsel and as a member of the Board of Trustees for Temple Chai in Long Grove (IL).

Markus heads Chuhak & Tecson’s 25-attorney Estate Planning & Asset Protection Practice Group. Licensed in Illinois, New York and Florida, she has a national practice where she assists business owners and families in planning their estates, protecting assets, transferring wealth and minimizing taxation. She works closely with clients to formulate succession plans, advise on business formation, maximize wealth preservation and minimize gift and estate taxation. Her early career in business, finance and clinically applied neuroscience provides her with strong communication skills and gives her a unique perspective for creative contract designs. In addition to her law degree, Markus earned her master of arts degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University.

In addition to her leadership within the firm, Markus is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the community. She is a member of Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, sits on the Jewish United Fund’s (JUF) Executive Board, the Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and co-chair’s American Technion Society’s Midwest Planned Giving Committee. Markus was a recipient of JUF’s Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award, honoring young volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and significant contributions to Chicago’s Jewish community. She is dedicated to educating the community about estate planning and planned giving, regularly appears on local media outlets, and her book, A Gift for the Future, is expected to be published before year’s end. Markus has been recognized in countless publications, most recently as a 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders in Law from Crain’s Chicago Business. 

JNF-USA’s strategic vision has always been to ensure a strong, secure and prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. Everything the organization does—projects, initiatives and campaigns—is integral to its vision of building and connecting to the land. Visit jnf.org to learn more.

There is no cost to attend this program, but an RSVP is required. To register, click here.

Mallory Moreno, principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., will co-moderate a breakout session at the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. – Illinois Chapter’s (IL NAELA) 2021 Fall UnProgram which is set for November 12, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This program will be held via Zoom.

Moreno and co-moderator, Melissa Kallio of Dutton Casey & Mesoloras, P.C., will moderate a session on Medicaid Planning for Spouses. The program will also include Steven Milburn and Kathy Butcher of the Office of the Inspector General addressing questions about Medicaid applications; Attorney Ray Prather discussing electronic wills; and additional breakout sessions on a legislative update, Medicaid planning for children with disabilities, implementing electronic wills, incorporating technology into one’s practice, planning irrevocable trusts and issues with Powers of Attorney.

Moreno focuses her practice on adult guardianships, both contested and non-contested, estate and trust administration and litigation, including financial exploitation, will and trust contests, fiduciary disputes, issues of capacity, powers of attorneys, undue influence, financial exploitation, citations and fraud. A significant portion of her practice is dedicated to long-term care planning, Medicaid, Medicaid appeals, estate planning, special needs planning and disability law.

Moreno is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), an exclusive honor bestowed on a select group of attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. As of 2021, there are only 17 CELAs in Illinois providing creative solutions to elder law issues. Moreno also serves as vice president for IL NAELA and chairs several of its committees. She is a frequent faculty speaker for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) as well as other organizations and serves as co-chair of the Young Lawyers’ section of the Chicago Bar Association’s Serving our Seniors Committee.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA), founded in 1987, is a professional association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of legal services for seniors and people with special needs. NAELA membership is comprised of attorneys in the private and public sectors who represent legal issues affecting seniors and people with disabilities. Members also include judges, professors of law and students. NAELA sponsors continuing legal education programs on Elder Law throughout the year, seeks to provide support to other organizations serving seniors and people with disabilities and advocates on public policy issues facing seniors and people with special needs. NAELA does not provide direct legal services.

The program is approved for 4.5 hours of Continuing Legal Education credits. To register, please click here. Registration fee for non-members of NAELA-IL is $225; students are $50.

As leader of the firm’s Tax and Employee Benefits practice group, Shiner works closely with his clients resolving tax controversies and structuring transactions that minimize exposure to state and federal estate taxes. He is also a certified public accountant with a master of laws in taxation. He is highly experienced with handling cases in the U.S. Tax Court involving gift, estate and income tax matters.

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is excited to announce that Eliot Schencker has joined the firm as a senior counsel in the firm’s Condominium & Common Interest Community Association practice group. Also, the firm is pleased to announce the additions of associate Hannah Clark to its Estate & Trust Administration & Litigation practice group and associate Agnes Ptasznik to its Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice group.

“Eliot, Hannah and Agnes all embody the insight, teamwork and collaboration our clients come to expect in helping them achieve their goals through exceptional and efficient service,” said Mitch Weinstein, principal and president of Chuhak & Tecson. “On behalf of the firm, we couldn’t be happier that each of them chose Chuhak & Tecson as the next logical step to continue their professional growth. Our firm itself continues to grow, and evolve, and each of them enhances our team and our ability to provide the highest quality legal services and act in the best interests of our clients.”

Schencker focuses his practice on representing condominium associations, common interest communities and housing cooperatives in a variety of litigation and arbitration matters, including declaration enforcement actions, construction defect claims, contract and easements disputes, consumer fraud, municipal code violations, mixed use development disputes, developer financial liability and collections. He also advises clients on numerous transactional matters, including contract review and documentation, declaration and bylaw amendments, rules review and updates, and the interpretation of governing documents and the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Schencker received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University Bloomington and his Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law, Fullerton.

Clark focuses her practice on navigating clients through various aspects of the probate process and addressing their various estate planning needs and goals. Previously, she served as a legal fellow for the St. Louis Metropolitan Equal Housing and Opportunity Counsel, a not for profit organization providing pro-bono eviction defense to keep members of the community housed. Clark received her undergraduate degree from Carthage College and her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law.

Ptasznik focuses her practice on advising clients on various estate planning matters, finding practical and efficient solutions tailored toward their specific needs. Prior to joining the firm, she gained extensive experience in both sides of the civil litigation process through her two-decade long career with the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Illinois, having defended the state in deprivation of rights’ actions and prosecuting consumer fraud and deception cases. Ptasznik received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago and both her Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degree from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.