BROTSCHUL POTTS - Key Persons
Adam is an Attorney with Brotschul Potts, joining the firm in 2020 Adam concentrates his practice in property tax rate litigation, complex commercial litigation, business disputes, labor/employment issues, professional liability matters, and construction litigation. Adam has successfully represented Fortune500 companies, individuals, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Having tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants, Adam is an experienced litigator that possesses the skills and knowledge to completely analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a case, formulate proactive strategies, anticipate reactions and tactics imposed by opposing counsel, and effectively advance his client's positions.
Representative examples of cases Adam handled include helping secure a million dollar jury verdict in federal district court against a trucking company, which ultimately settled for more than the verdict and in excess of the available insurance policy. In another case, after Adam appealed a trial court's ruling in favor of local taxing districts, the appellate court reversed the trial judge and upheld judgments in his clients' favor. In other matters, after being called to the scene shortly after accidents and fatalities, Adam collected key evidence and developed defenses to prompt expedient and favorable resolutions for his clients.
Adam is actively involved in various professional activities. Adam has made presentations to the Chicago Bar Association's Real Estate Taxation Committee, acted as a Moot Court Judge for Northwestern and the John Marshall Law Schools, been involved with the Shedd Aquarium's Auxiliary Board, helped form a Chicago neighborhood association, serves as corporate secretary to a college housing board and was elected as a community representative to the Skinner West Local School Counsel in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood.
Adam and his wife live in the Chicago suburbs with their four children.
David Hyde joined Brotschul Potts as of counsel in 2022.
Edward McGinnis joined Brotschul Potts as of counsel in 2022. Ed concentrates his practice on litigation including complex insurance coverage disputes. Ed has extensive experience advising and representing policyholders and insurance companies in declaratory judgment actions involving general liability policies, excess policies, workers' compensation policies, and school board legal liability policies. Ed has also advised a risk management organization serving colleges and universities regarding insurance coverage and contractual risk management issues in contracts. Additionally, Ed actively represents owners and contractors in personal injury lawsuits. Ed has tried cases in state and federal courts including courts in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts and South Carolina. He has also successfully argued appeals in Illinois Appellate Courts.
Ed has given numerous presentations to businesses and insurance producers on a variety of topics including: the nature and scope of liability insurance products and coverage for construction related claims. Ed has an AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is its highest rating for ethics and legal ability. Ed received his JD from John Marshall Law School and his undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago. He is admitted to the Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. District Courts for Northern and Central Districts of Illinois.
Ed is active in community volunteer services and is on the Board of Directors of a local food pantry which provides services to over 5,000 members of the community.
Ryan Potts is a co-owner and partner of Brotschul Potts LLC, which he founded alongside Matthew Brotschul in 2007. With 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney, Ryan specializes in banking law, work-outs, private placements, real estate and business transactions, small business consulting, and civil and commercial litigation. He provides his clients with the benefits of his expertise and experience as well as, and most importantly, his keen understanding and commitment to each client's needs. Ryan is a firm believer that each individual presents a unique set of circumstances, and as such, each case requires a personalized strategy.
Prior to forming Brotschul Potts, Ryan spent the first part of his career as a personal injury and commercial litigation attorney for Clifford Law Offices, one of Chicago's most renowned and top ranked personal injury firms. During his tenure with Clifford Law, he gained valuable litigation experience and an in-depth understanding of judicial process and negotiations. Ryan obtained his Juris Doctor from DePaul University in Chicago and is a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.
Throughout Ryan's career he has accumulated numerous honors including being named in Law Bulletin Publishing Company's "40 Lawyers Under 40 to Watch in Illinois" and receiving the 2005 Illinois Trial Lawyers Association William J. Harte Amicus Volunteer Award. He has authored numerous papers and briefs which were published in the Illinois Bar Journal and the DCBA Brief. A member of the Illinois State Bar Association and former member of the Glen Ellyn Plan Commission and Chicago 2016 Legal Committee, Ryan is also actively involved in numerous professional organizations including the Western Golf Association, Chicago Charity Clays and the Academy of Country Music.
While devoting his career to the law, Ryan's interests also lie in everything from real estate, politics and business to golf, the U of I and country music. He is an avid golfer, being a former member of the University of Illinois Varsity Golf Team, and is also a business investor, notably acting as co-owner of Joes Live LLC, a music and concert promotion company specializing in country music concert promotion, booking, talent procurement and consultation. He is also the proud father of three daughters, Avery, Kara and Tessa and lives with his wife, Alison, in the western suburbs of Chicago. Ryan is an active and driven individual whose intense commitment extends across all facets of his life from law to family. He strongly believes in living a well-rounded life while continually striving for success. He is an attorney, an advocate and an advisor. Ryan is a licensed attorney in the States of Illinois, Wisconsin and Georgia.
Janet joined the firm as a legal assistant in 2022.
Jay Healy is an Attorney with Brotschul Potts, joining the firm in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he was with Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago.
Kelly Thames is the Office Manager for Brotschul Potts. She joined the firm in 2013 and ensures the office is run effectively. In her role, she manages the firm's accounting functions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reports and payroll. She also administers the HR functions on behalf of the firm and oversees the office staff including the law clerks and receptionist. She is a team player and assists the legal team as-needed; and her professional demeanor and organizational skills help to maintain the efficiency of the office.
Prior to joining Brotschul Potts, Kelly honed her management and customer relationship skills as an account manager for Bar Code Graphics. During her eleven years spent with the firm, she managed the accounts of several major retailers and assisted in the implementation of supply chain compliance programs. She developed a sharp-eye for detail and a passion for customer relations.
Kelly is a graduate of DePaul University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She grew up in Morris, Illinois and currently resides in Norwood Park. She enjoys reading, cooking and traveling. Kelly implements her skills and motivations to uphold the mission and values of Brotschul Potts - a team-oriented environment reliant upon mutual trust.
Matthew B. Brotschul is a co-owner and partner of Brotschul Potts LLC, which he founded alongside J. Ryan Potts in 2007. With nearly 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney, he specializes in banking and real estate law with extensive experience in lending, construction and land-use matters as well as general business law. His inherent sense of fairness has earned him a reputation of trustworthiness and honesty among his clients and colleagues, and his ability to understand the unique needs of his clients has contributed to the continued growth of the firm.
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor at Northwestern College of Law
Richard L. Miller II is an attorney at Brotschul Potts, joining the firm in 2023. Richard concentrates his practice in commercial litigation. He has litigated disputes involving contracts, insurance coverage, partnership agreements, class actions, creditors' rights, products liability, real estate, employment law, trademarks, licenses, and corporate veil piercing claims, among others.
Richard has represented clients' interests in federal proceedings in various jurisdictions. He has litigated state court actions, including handling appellate proceedings. Richard also has advocated in arbitration cases and in adversary proceedings within bankruptcy cases.
Richard is an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern College of Law where he has served as a Trial Advocacy instructor since 2005 and Advanced Trial Advocacy instructor since 2013. In 2018, he was selected to serve as an instructor for a one-week, summer, international LLM course on Trial Advocacy.
Richard has been an American Arbitration Association arbitrator since 2008. In that role, he has decided numerous cases based upon live testimony and written submissions. Richard is also an arbitrator for FINRA and he served as an arbitrator for the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program for two years.
Prior to entering private practice, Richard served as a prosecutor for Champaign County, Illinois where he litigated approximately 50 jury trials, as well as innumerable bench trials. He prosecuted four murder cases, two of which went to trial, resulting in sentences of 45 and 55 years. Richard once tried five criminal cases back-to-back, prevailing in all five.
Richard has authored: (a) fourteen chapters that appear in Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education ("IICLE") volumes; (b) six articles that appear in the Illinois Bar Journal; and (c) two articles that appear in the CBA Record. IICLE named Richard "Author of the Year" in 2015 and he was the co-recipient of that award in 2010. Richard authored a book, published by IICLE, entitled "Laying Foundations for Introducing Evidence." In 2018, Richard organized, moderated, and spoke at a half-day IICLE event addressing topics from his book.
Richard has been repeatedly selected as a Leading Lawyer, Super Lawyer, and Rising Star. In 2008, Richard was named one of the "40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 To Watch" by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company, publishers of the Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The Law Bulletin described Richard as "that rare commercial litigator who is a master of advocating for his clients both in the courtroom and in writing."
Richard was a regular speaker at the University of Illinois College of Law's Annual Student-Alumni Conference. Richard served on his law school's Alumni Board for three years, including serving as its President during the last of those years. Richard has also taught in his law school's Chicago program. In 2017, Richard received his law school's annual "Alumni Loyalty Award."
Richard is a member of the Federal Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the University Club of Chicago. Richard resides in downtown Chicago with his wife and children.
Ryan Tunney is an attorney with Brotschul Potts, joining the firm in 2023.
Sean McQuillan is an attorney with Brotschul Potts, joining the firm in 2022.
Timothy P. Cwick joined Brotschul Potts LLC as an attorney in 2021. Tim is responsible for counseling real estate owners, developers, investors and lenders in the structuring and closing of complex commercial real estate and financing matters. Tim applies his vast transactional experience to provide his clients with practical counsel on a wide variety of real estate, finance, and corporate matters.