SINARSLAW - Key Persons
Alayna Lichtman is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. She concentrates her practice on products liability defense and occupational injury claims, including asbestos litigation. Prior to joining SST, Alayna worked for a commercial litigation firm where she represented individuals and corporations in all stages of litigation. She also worked for a defense litigation firm where she successfully defended product manufacturers, contractors and premises. Her skills in organization and management of large caseloads has led to the efficient and timely favorable resolution of claims against her clients before trial.
Alayna earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the John Marshall Law School, where she was named to the Dean's List and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and the Women's Bar Association. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University Bloomington.
In her free time, Alayna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, trying new restaurants, and watching Hoosier basketball.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate in the Chicago Office
Alec Blalock is an associate in the Chicago office of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. His practice is focused on the defense of corporations engaged in a multitude of disciplines ranging from product manufacturers, premises owners, distributors, and contractors. Prior to joining SST, Alec worked in plaintiff's litigation including personal injury, general litigation, and family law where he gained extensive experience in motion practice, negotiating settlements and evaluating liability. Alec developed his litigation talents while working as a law clerk for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's Business Prosecutions Division, where he received a Rule 711 license. Alec was representing the State in helping to bring professional license holders to justice.
Alec earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law where he received the CALI award for obtaining the highest grade in Cyber Law (later renamed Internet Law). Alec obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Houston where Alec originally intended to pursue a career as an opera singer but later changed his major to History and made the Dean's List the last 4 semesters prior to graduation.
Amy Callaghan is a partner in the Chicago office of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska where she focuses her practice on defense of toxic tort/environmental, product liability, construction negligence, construction defect and general negligence claims.
Amy has represented manufacturers, distributors, contractors and premises owners in asbestos personal injury actions and product liability cases. She is adept at working and coordinating with insurers, insureds, in-house and national counsel in developing early defense strategies to achieve successful resolution of cases. Her experience includes defending clients at mediation and pre-trial conferences, as well as negotiating settlements on their behalf, comparing and leveraging against prior settlements to lower settlement values. She has experience in preparing and defending clients' corporate representatives at depositions and has a wealth of experience in drafting and responding to discovery requests, including working with the client to formulate answers and objections to achieve consistency with past responses. She has taken numerous depositions of witnesses including treating physicians and experts and is responsible for all aspects of case management including motion practice, discovery, expert retention, pre-trial conferences and trial preparation. Amy has orally argued dispositive motions including successful arguments on motions to dismiss based on statute of limitations.
In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and running.
Amy is Of Counsel with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska where she focuses her practice on personal injury, products liability, contract and commercial disputes, consumer law, health care, professional malpractice, and wrongful death claims. As an experienced trial lawyer, she has successfully guided her clients through all phases of litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
Before moving to Washington in 2020, Amy spent her career in Texas and New Mexico successfully defending corporate and individual defendants in contentious cases throughout New Mexico and Texas. Most recently, in Washington, Amy co-chaired a medical malpractice neurosurgery case to unanimous defense verdict. The entire trial was by Zoom, including voir dire, which was an experience all on its own.
In her free time, Amy enjoys running, cycling, swimming, and playing with her dog.
Aurora Rosado is an associate attorney in the Chicago office of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. She concentrates her practice in asbestos litigation. Prior to joining SST, Aurora has worked in the areas of personal injury and immigration.
Aurora earned her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2023 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from Florida International University in 2018. During her time at Chicago-Kent, Aurora was on the Dean's List, and received a Certificate in Intellectual Property.
In her free time, Aurora enjoys reading, watching Formula 1, and spending time with her blue heeler, Bucky.
Brenda González is an Associate Attorney in the Chicago office specializing in asbestos litigation. Prior to joining SST, Brenda worked as Corporate Counsel for Enlivant, a company that owned and operated assisted living facilities across the US. Brenda also previously served as a prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's office.
Brenda obtained her J.D. from Tulane University and holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2017, Brenda was awarded a Fulbright grant and served as an English Teaching Assistant in the Siberian city of Tomsk.
Originally from Mexico City, Brenda enjoys going back often to visit friends and family. In addition, she is a huge tennis fan, true crime aficionado and self-professed foodie.
Carolyn Husmann is a partner in the St. Louis office of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska, with 20 years of experience defending companies in Illinois and Missouri courts. She concentrates her practice on toxic tort claims including products and premises liability. With extensive experience in the defense of asbestos personal injury cases, Carolyn is responsible for all aspects of case management including coordinating litigation strategy, motion practice, discovery issues, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. She is often considered a go-to source for anyone with an asbestos case filed in St. Louis, Missouri.
Carolyn also has appellate experience. She participated in preparation of the amicus curiae filed by the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel in Nolan v. Weil-McLain, 233 Ill. 2d 416 (2009), one of the significant decisions in Illinois asbestos litigation. In this case, the Illinois Supreme Court overruled the longstanding Lipke exclusionary rule, thereby allowing a defendant in an asbestos case to present evidence of other asbestos exposures in support of its sole proximate cause defense.
Another notable appeal she worked on was Berry v. Am. Standard, Inc., et al., NO. 5-06-0621 (Ill. App. 5th Dist. 5/19/08). Here the Court upheld the dichotomy between discovery and evidence depositions, and their uses, under the then standing Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Carolyn is also an active member of several bar associations both locally and nationally. Locally, she is a proud member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Throughout her membership, which began in law school, she has held numerous leadership positions, including serving on the Board of Governors for nearly 10 years. She also frequently volunteers for BAMSL's High School Mock Trial Program and Motion for Kids Holiday Party. Nationally, she is a proud member of DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar, where she has continued her services in leadership. She currently serves on the DRI Cares Committee for the national organization, which is responsible for coordinating and publicizing DRI's public service projects at its seminars and meetings. She served on the Annual Meeting Steering Committees for 2021 and 2022. In 2022, she was awarded the DRI Foundation Community Service Award. She further serves as a member in the leadership of the Women in the Law Committee for DRI, including Vice Chair of DRI Cares and a member of the WITL Seminar Planning and Marketing Committees. Recently, Carolyn was invited to join and has been involved in the distinguished International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). She is an active member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee and served on the 2022 Mid-Year Meeting CLE Steering Committee.
During law school, Carolyn was a Judicial Intern at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, with Judge Robert G. Dowd, Jr. and served on the Saint Louis University Law Journal.
Christina Wayman is an associate attorney in the firm's Chicago office. Prior to joining the firm, Christina worked at a mid-size defense firm where she represented Fortune 500 companies in complex toxic tort litigation and other chemical exposure cases for product and premises matters. She also has extensive experience representing hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, and nurses in medical malpractice cases.
Christina earned her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she was on the dean's list, earned her Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and Politics and Government from Illinois State University.
Outside of her work in the legal arena, Christina serves on the board of her townhouse association and enjoys crime podcasts and spending time with her family and golden retriever.
Christopher Furman is an associate attorney with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. He concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation, products liability, insurance coverage, and construction defects. Prior to joining the firm, Chris worked for a boutique litigation firm specializing in municipal law. Chris also served as a law clerk to the Hon. Judge Cynthia Larsen of Snohomish County Superior Court.
Chris graduated from the University of Washington School of Law, cum laude, in 2019. While in law school, Chris was Managing Editor for the Washington Law Review, and was a member of Moot Court Honor Board. He and his partner championed the 2019 Cairncross & Hempelmann Negotiation Competition. Post law school, he became a member of the Order of the Coif.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate With
Daniel Schwartz is an associate with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. He concentrates his practice on environmental issues, product liability claims, and toxic tort litigation. Prior to joining SST, he spent two summers clerking for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC, and several months working for a law firm specializing in environmental, land use, and municipal law. Daniel credits his ability to obtain swift, favorable results for his clients with his background in public policy, experience helping regulatory agencies resolve matters of public interest, and client-centered approach in all aspects of litigation. Additionally, he has published articles for legal journals on various topics, including recent developments in tort law and considerations for product manufacturers and premises defendants in product liability actions. During law school, Daniel served as a submissions and business editor for the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society.
In his spare time, Daniel enjoys playing the piano, spending quality time with his labradoodle, and cheering on the Golden State Warriors.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate With
Danielle Vargas is an associate with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska whose practice focuses on defending manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers in product liability, toxic torts/environmental, and occupational injury claims.
Prior to joining the firm, Danielle has worked in the areas of personal injury, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and general litigation. She earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2019, where she focused her curriculum on civil litigation and received a Certificate in Public Interest. In law school, Danielle received the CAL Excellence for the Future Award in Trial Advocacy and was a recipient of the 2019 Diversity Scholarship and 2019 Community Service Award. Danielle was also elected as the 2018-2019 Editor-in-Chief for the DePaul Journal for Social Justice.
In her free time, Danielle enjoys traveling, cheering on Chicago sports teams, and playing with her retriever, Duke.
Dave Nilles is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska and has achieved the highest rating "AV-Preeminent (5.0 out of 5)" from his peers, as published by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. Dave has more than 30 years of legal experience handling civil jury trials and appeals.
Dave has successfully tried several matters to verdict in the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has significant background in the defense of medical malpractice claims, representing physicians from virtually every area of practice specialty, providing him with the ability to effectively deal with complicated issues of medical causation in questionable personal injury cases. He has defended clients in cases involving product liability, aviation law and air crashes, nursing home negligence, construction liability, asbestos personal injury, and other casualty claims.
Dave Nilles has frequently obtained summary judgments on behalf of construction contractors, physicians, product manufacturers and distributors, professional corporations and property owners in cases involving serious injury and wrongful death. Where the interests of both the insured and insurer have so dictated, he has quickly obtained diminutive settlements in cost-effective manner.
Dave was involved in reaching successful appellate results in Sanke v. Bechina, 216 Ill.App.3d 962 (2nd Dist. 1991) (first case in Illinois to definitively extend potential liability to a passenger in Illinois based on concert of action in an automobile setting) and in Green v. Heron, 263 Ill.App.3d 602 (1st Dist. 1994) (dismissal of physician with prejudice based on the plaintiff's failure to procure timely service of process under Supreme Court Rule 103 (b)).
Demi Flores is an associate attorney with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. Prior to joining SST, Demi worked for a Los Angeles-based civil defense firm where she represented developers and contractors in complex construction defect litigation. Demi also represented employers in wrongful termination litigation and actions brought under the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Act.
Demi earned her Juris Doctor degree from LMU Loyola Law School in 2021. During her time at Loyola, Demi served as a Production Editor for the Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review and also served as a coordinator for the Young Lawyers Mentorship Program at Loyola Law School, which offered mentorship and trial advocacy education to high school students from low-income communities across Los Angeles. Demi also worked as a certified law clerk for the Orange County District Attorney's Office where she conducted preliminary hearings and assisted in the prosecution of Gang and T.A.R.G.E.T. homicide trials. Demi attended the University of San Diego and graduated cum laude in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a double minor in Philosophy and Theology.
Outside of the office, Demi enjoys spending time on the lake, trying new restaurants in the city, and exploring all that Chicago has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Founding Partner With SST
Douglas Sinars is a founding partner with SST and has nearly 30 years of experience in civil litigation and appeals. He concentrates his practice in product liability, construction defect, professional liability, and toxic torts, including asbestos and talc litigation.
Doug was the co-chair of the committee responsible for amending all consolidated discovery in Cook County asbestos litigation and has tried asbestos cases to jury verdict in Cook County, McLean County and Madison County, Illinois. Doug was the first attorney in the state of Illinois to convince a judge to dismiss a wrongful death claim under the amended Product Liability Statute of Repose which was enacted as part of tort reform legislation in Illinois.
Dylan Goll is an associate attorney in the Chicago office with a specialty in asbestos litigation. Prior to joining SST, he worked in Veterans Law where he represented Veterans in their appeals for benefits before the VA. Dylan earned his J.D. from American University in Washington, D.C. in 2019.
During his time at American University, he was a law clerk at a Personal Injury law firm that helped build a foundation for his litigation skills. In his third year of law school, he participated in the seminar, "D.C. Law Students in Court" where he represented indigents in the Landlord-Tenant courts mediation division of the D.C. Superior Court.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and tennis, as well as spending time with his family and dogs.
Jaclyn Kostich is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. She has diverse experience with complex litigation matters. She concentrates her practice on medical and professional malpractice, personal injury, premises liability, product liability, mass tort and other environmental claims and has successfully handled cases on both the plaintiff and defense side.
Jim is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska where he focuses his practice on personal injury, products liability, insurance coverage, real estate, and construction. As an experienced trial lawyer, he has successfully guided his clients through all phases of litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
Jim serves as a court-appointed Arbitrator for the Mandatory Arbitration programs for King, Kitsap, Thurston, Mason, Harbor, and Clallam Counties in Washington, and has handled more than 70 arbitrations in personal injury, construction, and commercial disputes. He also serves as a Hearing Officer for the Washington State Bar Association.
James Kasper is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. He is an experienced litigator that has tried cases on both the plaintiff and defense side. He concentrates his practice in complex litigation, toxic-tort, product liability, professional negligence and construction defect litigation. For 19 years, James has successfully defended numerous toxic-tort, product liability, premises, professional negligence, personal injury cases and prisoner rights cases throughout the state and federal courts of Illinois and Indiana.
Prior to joining SST, James was a partner at Gunty and McCarthy for five years. During that time, he was local trial counsel for numerous national clients, including several Fortune 500 Companies.
James has been selected as a "Super Lawyer" by Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine from 2020 to 2023. In the past, he was selected as a "Rising Star" in the February 2012-2016 issues of Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine and Chicago Magazine, a recognition earned by no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Illinois. Additionally, he was named an Emerging Lawyer by the Leading Lawyers Network (2015-2016), a distinction reserved for the top 2% of Illinois lawyers who are 40 years old or younger and have proven themselves professional, ethical and experienced.
James is a proud member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), a professional trade association of vetted civil defense litigators, senior corporate counsel, and insurance claims executives dedicated to promoting knowledge, fellowship and professionalism for lawyers and other professionals striving to achieve a balanced justice system in the defense of civil lawsuits. Additionally, James is a former certified contract advisor of the National Football League and The Canadian Football League.
Outside of work James enjoys attending his son's sporting events, coaching his son's teams, and running marathons.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Founding Partner With SST
James Tomaska is a founding partner with SST. He concentrates his practice in product liability, premises liability, and toxic tort, and transportation law. He has represented both governmental and private entities in employment related disputes. James has successfully defended matters on behalf of his clients to both settlement and jury verdict. He was selected as a "Rising Star" in the February 2010-2012 issues of Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine and Chicago Magazine, a recognition earned by no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Illinois.
James has extensive experience in both criminal and civil litigation. As an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney, James was a member of the Criminal Appeals Division, the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau, and the Felony Review Unit. In addition to trying several cases to verdict as a prosecutor, he participated in cases from investigation to indictment through oral arguments before the Illinois Appellate Court.
Since his entry to private practice, James has defended hundreds of criminal and civil matters in jurisdictions throughout the state of Illinois. James has also been involved in the defense of cases in Missouri, Indiana, Iowa, New York, and Pennsylvania. In addition to his work in litigation, James has represented professional football players in contract negotiations with National Football League teams and Arena Football League teams as a certified contract advisor by the National Football League Players Association.
Job Titles:
- Special Administrator of the Estate of Charles Goodwin V. Honeywell International, Inc., Circuit Court of McLean County, No. 08 L 14
Jaudon Godsey is Of Counsel with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. She has over two decades of experience as a litigator defending clients in cases involving toxic torts, auto and trucking accidents, premises liability, products liability, wrongful death, and workers' compensation cases in Missouri and Illinois.
She has substantial experience in discovery, witness and expert depositions, drafting and arguing motions, settlement negotiations, mediations, trial preparation, and trial. She has also successfully argued cases in the Missouri Court of Appeals and been successful in a case that went to the Missouri Supreme Court.
Jaudon strives to provide aggressive but yet cost-effective legal representation to obtain the best results for her clients. She also looks at the bigger picture of how the outcome of a particular case can impact her client in the future when making recommendations in a case. She understands that each case is truly a team effort between herself and her client. She looks beyond the case at hand and advises her clients on better practices. For example, one of the largest writers of commercial property casualty insurance in the United States implemented a procedure at her recommendation relating to insurance policy cancellations in Missouri.
When Jaudon is not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Jill focuses her practice on complex business litigation matters including class actions, toxic tort and insurance defense. The defense of asbestos personal injury cases is her primary emphasis. In that role, Jill uses her extensive experience to benefit clients in all aspects of case management including motion practice, discovery issues, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. She manages hundreds of mass tort cases in asbestos litigation without sacrificing client communication and satisfaction.
Jill has successfully argued motions ranging from discovery disputes to summary judgment and has participated in several mediations and trials. She has successfully co-argued against many class certifications. Jill also serves as an arbitrator for the Third Judicial Circuit in Madison County, Illinois.
When not in the office, Jill spends her time with her husband and is her children's biggest fan. She also enjoys reading, walking her dogs and traveling with family and friends.
John-Michael Porretta is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska and has more than a decade of civil litigation experience. He is a member of the SST Executive Committee and serves as the committee chair for associate professional development.
John-Michael concentrates his practice on product liability, toxic torts, and occupational injury claims, including the defense of asbestos litigation. He has lengthy experience in asbestos personal injury, toxic tort and product liability cases. John-Michael has a wealth of deposition experience and routinely argues on behalf of his clients throughout Illinois and Missouri. He is also responsible for all aspects of case management, including motion practice, discovery disputes, settlement negotiations and trial preparation.
John-Michael also serves as general counsel for a local apparel company. In this role he has examined and drafted numerous internal policies, examined and drafted numerous contracts with suppliers and customers, and assisted in the purchase and sale of businesses and commercial real estate.
In law school, John-Michael was Business Editor of the Journal of Sports Law and Contemporary Problems.
Outside the office, John-Michael enjoys maximizing travel points, watching multiple games at the same time, and trying to become the king of Race Judicata.
Jonathan is an associate in the Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska Chicago office. He focuses his practice on the defense of premises and product liability in toxic tort cases. Jonathan also has experience defending a variety of clients in personal injury, breach of contract and insurance defense. Jonathan has helped successfully resolve hundreds of cases on behalf of his clients through favorable resolution of claims against his clients prior to trial.
Prior to joining SST, Jonathan worked for a plaintiff's firm handling medical malpractice, personal injury, and catastrophic injury claims. While there he gained significant litigation experience handling all pre-trial matters as well as successfully defending against directed verdicts and summary judgment on his clients' behalf.
Jonathan was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Chicago. As a University of Georgia alumna, he loves Georgia football. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and cooking at home with his family.
Joseph Sondag and Phyllis Sondag v. Pneumo Abex Corporation, Circuit Court of McLean County, No. 08 L 17
Judy McGowan, Individually and as Special Administrator of the Estate of John McGowan v. Illinois Central Railroad, et al., Circuit Court of McLean County, No. 08 L 12
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources and Operations
Kristin Lothrop, Director of Human Resources and Operations for Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska, provides leadership and coordination of the resources, strategies, and day-to-day operations of the firm's offices nationwide. Working with a dedicated team of professionals, Kristin is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the firm's core HR functions, including recruiting, professional development, coaching and well-being, talent management, employee relations, and human resource operations. Kristin has over ten years of experience in law firm management, business operations, and human resource management.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate in the Chicago Office
Lewis Liu is an associate in the Chicago office of Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. He concentrates his practice on products liability and occupational injury claims, including asbestos litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Lewis worked at the McLean County State's Attorney Office as an Assistant State's Attorney prosecuting criminal and traffic misdemeanors.
Lewis began law school at Northern Illinois University and transferred to Chicago-Kent, where he earned his J.D. with honors with a Joint Certificate in Workplace Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. During law school Lewis served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Pamela Meyerson of the Cook County Circuit Court in the Chancery Division. Prior to law school, Lewis worked at an outpatient clinic as a surgical assistant. In his spare time, Lewis likes to entertain his family at the piano.
Lew Miltenberger is licensed to practice in Texas, Illinois and Missouri and has represented corporate defendants in commercial, products liability and toxic tort cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, and property damage and contract disputes in state and federal courts in Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri. He has extensive experience in complex, multiparty litigation and has developed comprehensive strategies for handling large numbers of complex cases and has successfully implemented and presented such strategies both in the courtroom and in the boardroom. He continues to serve as regional and local trial counsel for clients in mass tort litigation.
Lew has defended manufacturers of an array of products including boilers, gaskets, packing, cement pipe, joint compounds, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe insulation, block insulation, refractory products, plumbing fixtures, HVAC insulation systems, industrial laminates, reflective insulations, equipment, and even clothing. He has represented miners, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, end users and premises owners in toxic tort litigation. In addition, he has handled cases involving allegedly toxic substances such as asbestos, benzene, and silica. Lew is a peer reviewed AV rated attorney for ethical standards and legal ability by Martindale Hubbell.
Lew has represented business owners with interests throughout Texas in a wide range of legal issues regarding day-to-day business activities. Lew has provided counsel from start-up to break-up for many small to medium size businesses. He has structured and negotiated joint ventures agreements, partnership agreements, purchase and sale agreements, multi-party loan and security agreements, He has litigated cases involving breaches of contract, fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty' landlord/tenant disputes, deeds and easement disputes and construction litigation claims.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate With
Lyndsay Cook is an associate with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. She focuses her practice on the defense of premises, product liability, and toxic tort cases. Prior to joining SST, Lyndsay practiced at a national civil litigation firm where she honed her skills defending transportation, manufacturing, and retail industry clients.
Before entering litigation in 2016, Lyndsay served as extern for the City of Chicago Law Department. She previously worked as a clerk at a Cleveland-based firm specializing in wills, trusts, and estate planning. Lyndsay earned her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication from the Ohio State University.
Lyndsay was one of only 6 students in her graduating law school class awarded with a Certified Concentration in Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Malik Caldwell is an associate attorney in the Chicago office specializing in asbestos litigation. Before joining SST, Malik worked in both employment and general liability insurance litigation. He earned my Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2021. While attending Mizzou law, Malik participated on the National Moot Court Team, was the Academic Chair for the Black Law Students Association and was a teaching fellow (tutor) for Torts.
Outside of work, he enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, spending time with his dog Cali, and watching sports.
Mary DiMaggio is an associate attorney in the firm's Chicago office. She concentrates her practice on general negligence, product liability, toxic torts, and occupational injury claims.
Mary defends product and equipment manufacturers, premise owners, employers, contractors, and suppliers in general liability, mass toxic tort, and product liability cases. Mary is responsible for all aspects of case management including motion practice, discovery issues, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. Mary has experience defending clients in numerous depositions throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana.
Mary earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2020 and her Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University Chicago in 2017. In law school, Mary focused her curriculum on civil litigation and received a Certificate in Business Law. Prior to joining SST, Mary clerked at a high-volume plaintiff's firm, where she gained experience working in areas including personal injury, medical malpractice, and other civil litigation matters.
In her free time, Mary enjoys listening to live music, cooking, and trying new restaurants.
Matthew Fields is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. He is an experienced trial lawyer who focuses his practice in the areas of the defense of asbestos and toxic tort litigation, products liability, professional liability, insurance, and commercial litigation. He has tried multiple jury trials solo and has been a part of approximately 10-plus trial teams. His contributions have ranged from first-chair, co-first chair and second-chair, oftentimes trying cases as a team without chair distinctions.
For nearly two decades, Matthew has defended both large and small companies in cases involving claims of exposure to asbestos either through products, premises, contractors, supplies and employers. Matthew has successfully defended clients in lawsuits related to asbestos exposure throughout Missouri and Illinois. Of note, Matthew assisted a Fortune 500 company to obtain orders of dismissals in over 700 pending cases. He also obtained a directed verdict at the close of plaintiff's evidence for a small family-owned business in an asbestos trial in Madison County, Illinois.
Matthew has also successfully handled matters in the areas of personal injury, products liability, premises liability, insurance coverage, corporate law. contractual disputes, real estate transactions, employment issues, professional liability, legal malpractice, and class actions. Matthew has significant trial experience in both state and federal courts throughout Missouri and Illinois. Notably, Matthew obtained a multi-million-dollar judgment in contractual dispute over the sale of a business and fraud; obtained a defense verdict in a single-vehicle uninsured motorist case involving a quadriplegic plaintiff with over one million dollars in insurance coverage; obtained a directed verdict on behalf of a local family-owned business in a Madison County, Illinois asbestos case; and also obtained a one million dollar judgment for breach of fiduciary duty and fraud resulting from the embezzlement of his client's funds by a fiduciary.
Additionally, Matthew has defended architects, contractors, engineers, and attorneys against claims of professional liability. Most recently, Matthew successfully defended a Construction Manager from claims of professional liability for the selection, installation and training on the new bleachers installed at a high school and arising out of a slip-and-fall where plaintiff claimed damages in excess of $1 million dollars. Matthew also represented attorneys against claims for legal malpractice and matters involving the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission and Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.
Matthew always strives to provide his clients with the best possible legal representation while using a business-decision strategy and cost-effective approach to resolve the dispute. He was selected by Super Lawyers as a top-rated Class Action/Mass Torts Attorney in Missouri/Kansas from 2019 to 2022. Super Lawyers is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys running, golfing, watching his daughter play college field hockey - "Go Bucknell Bison!", and spending time with his family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Founding Partner With SST
Megan Slowikowski is a founding partner with SST. As an "AV-Preeminent" rated attorney, she concentrates her practice on general negligence, professional liability, product liability, premises liability, toxic torts, occupational injury, and other environmental claims. This includes almost twenty years of experience in defending asbestos litigation and appeals.
Megan has defended product and equipment manufacturers, premise owners, employers, suppliers, property managers and outside contractors in general liability, mass toxic tort and product liability cases, including multi-party personal injury claims involving asbestos exposure, talc, mold, diacetyl, benzene, and legionella. Megan also worked on an appeal upholding summary judgment in a take-home exposure case by convincing the court that, based on the lack of relationship between the parties, no legal duty was owed to a third party who never visited the client's premises. Nelson v. Aurora Equipment Co., 391 Ill.App.3d 1036 (2nd Dist. 2009). She was also successful in asserting a corporate dissolution defense for a fiber supplier defendant resulting in the dismissal of hundreds of claims in Illinois and Missouri. Megan serves as national coordinating counsel for a fiber supplier defendant and an electrical supply company in multiple jurisdictions.
More recently, Megan's practice evolved to include the implications of genomics in the courtroom, especially its ability to shed light on causation in toxic tort cases. For example, genetic testing can provide evidence that an inherited genetic mutation may be a more likely cause of a certain medical condition than exposure to a particular toxicant. Notably, Megan regularly advocates for clients to determine whether there is a genetic explanation for an alleged toxic tort injury, including during a 3-day Frye hearing in Cook County, Illinois
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Megan was named an Emerging Lawyer in products liability and toxic torts defense by the Leading Lawyers Network, a distinction reserved for the top 2% of Illinois lawyers who are 40 years old or younger and have proven themselves professional, ethical, and experienced. She also volunteers for the Women in Law Mentor program at Chicago-Kent.
Megan was recently a member of Chief, a private network built to drive more women into positions of power and keep them there. Chief is the only organization specifically designed for senior women leaders to strengthen their leadership journey, cross-pollinate ideas across industries, and effect change from the top-down.
In her free time, Megan enjoys puzzles, video poker and long walks on the beach. Wait no, that's not her. She actually enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Ruby and eating pizza as much as life will allow. Her parents have had season tickets for the Chicago Bears for over 40 years and have passed down the fine art of tailgating, regardless of if the Bears have not won a Super Bowl since Ronald Reagan was president.
Melissa Dunn is an associate attorney with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska. She concentrates her practice on products liability and occupational injury claims, including asbestos litigation. Prior to joining SST, Melissa worked for a well-known law firm, where she represented major banks and credit card companies. She successfully litigated consumer and commercial cases on charged off credit cards and breach of auto loans.
Melissa attended Northern Illinois University, College of Law, where she was justice of Phi Alpha Delta, Legal Fraternity and a staff editor of law review. Prior to law school, Melissa worked as a paralegal at a small foreclosure firm. Melissa attended Purdue University West Lafayette, graduating with a B.A. in English Literature and Political Science.
Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis and golf. Melissa is also an active member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae group and Purdue University Alumni Group.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Counsel at Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska 's Seattle
Melissa Roeder, Of Counsel at Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska's Seattle office, is a high heel wearing, motorcycle riding, trial attorney. She is the chair of the firm's cannabis practice group and delivers effective and practical solutions in the fields of cannabis/marijuana law, asbestos, benzene and toxic torts.
Before becoming a lawyer, Melissa worked as a Alaska commercial fisherman and grew-up on the family farm in a town of 500 people in southwest Minnesota. These experiences shaped Melissa's character, work ethic and grit from childhood forward.
Owen Blood is a partner with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska and serves on the firm's Executive Committee. He has over fifteen years of civil litigation experience in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Michigan courts. Owen concentrates his practice on product liability, occupational injury, and toxic tort claims (including asbestos, silica, and benzene exposure cases). He has also defended clients facing a variety of other personal injury and breach of employment contract claims. With extensive experience in the defense of toxic tort personal injury cases, Owen is responsible for all aspects of case management including motion practice, discovery issues, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. Owen currently coordinates the defense of all Illinois, Iowa and Missouri cases for a national corporation involved in mass tort litigation. Owen also advises a Fortune 500 corporation on its nationwide asbestos litigation and coordinates with its local counsel throughout the country.
Owen has successfully argued motions ranging from discovery disputes to summary judgments and has participated in several mediations and trials. He recently obtained summary judgment in McLean County based on Illinois' "frequency, regularity, and proximity" test as set forth in Thacker v. UNR Industries, et al., 151 Ill.2d 343 (1992)." Owen also has significant appellate experience and authored a winning response brief in an intentional infliction of emotional distress case ruled on by the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District. Recently, he appeared before the Iowa Supreme Court on a case involving interpretation of an Iowa tort reform statute.
In his free time, Owen enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying to perfect his mediocre golf game.
Patty Pearson is Of Counsel with Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska in the Seattle office. She concentrates her practice on product liability and general defense litigation, including asbestos litigation. Prior to joining SST, Patty worked at a well-known Seattle area firm, where her practice most recently focused on asbestos litigation and where she also practiced in employment, personal injury, construction defect, insurance coverage and general defense litigation.
Patty is essentially a Seattle native, having moved to Seattle when she was one year old, and is proud of it! She graduated magna cume laude from Seattle University School of Law, where she served on the Moot Court Honor Board and received her B.A. in English Literature and Rhetoric from Binghamton University.
Outside of work, Patty enjoys playing sports and outdoor recreation in all seasons, especially pickleball and cross-country skiing, and she recently became a devoted cold plunger in the cold, but never icy, waters of Lake Washington. Patty and her husband first met in grade school and have two amazing sons who basically raise themselves in the house they all share in Seattle.