DOWNEY & LENKOV - Key Persons
Abigail concentrates her practice in general liability and workers' compensation defense and effectively handles all aspects of litigation before the Indiana Workers' Compensation Board, as well as jury and bench trials. She quickly adapts to the changing demands of the legal field to meet the needs and expectations of her clients and team. Abigail is a highly skilled and detail-oriented individual with a strong background in legal writing, previously serving as an Associate Editor for the Valparaiso Law Review.
Bob has been a practicing attorney for over twenty years in both Wisconsin and Illinois handling litigation matters in employment law, workers' compensation, and general liability defense. He has extensive jury trial experience to verdict and has taken over 100 Workers' Compensation cases to hearing in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Bob brings his passion and results driven mindset to the firm. He provides comprehensive client services by being responsive, attentive to their goals, and developing actions plans to achieve the goals all while containing cost.
Outside of work, Bob serves as a Special Investigator for the Supreme Court of Wisconsin's Office of Lawyer Regulation.
Education:
J.D., Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1997
B.A., University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 1992
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
- Member of the National Academy of Arts & Sciences
Brian joined Downey & Lenkov in 2016 after, leaving one of Illinois' top 25 largest law firms after nearly 15 years. Brian has previously developed and co-chaired both an "Entertainment, Media and Privacy Practice Group", and an "Intellectual Property Group" at his past firms. Brian brings his entire platform to Downey & Lenkov, where he continues to expand his local, regional, and national practice.
Brian's practice is focused in three main areas: 1) entertainment (including media and advertising), 2) intellectual property and 3) litigation. His entertainment practice concentrates on transactions, media clearance and liability, advertising injury, defamation, 1st Amendment issues, and corporate matters. He also handles intellectual property transactions and litigation, specifically copyright, trademark matters and unfair/deceptive trade practice litigation.
Brian represents, and has represented, high-profile individuals and entities, including a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, a U.S. Presidential candidate, high-ranking officials and clergy within the Arch-Diocese, NBA All-Stars, NFL Players, international athletics gear manufacturers, award-winning songwriters, multi-platinum selling recording artists, national recording artists, social media celebrities, producers, record labels, managers and national platform festivals. Brian has also represented concert promoters in contract negotiations and class action litigation. He has locally and nationally worked on numerous film, television and literary projects. He counsels start-ups, media and internet companies. He serves as general counsel for online magazines, record labels, concert promoters and tech companies.
Brian also handles commercial litigation, catastrophic losses, construction litigation, products liability, commercial trucking/transportation claims, employer liability, premises liability, false arrest/malicious prosecution, personal injury data security/breach, privacy, cyber liability and e-commerce matters. Brian's litigation experience extends to workers' compensation, where he handles slip and falls, construction accidents, toxic tort, subrogation and other complex matters for employers.
He has served as lead counsel in nine jury trials and over eighty bench trials. He has conducted over three hundred arbitrations and mediations and prevailed on countless motions for summary judgment relating to intellectual property, commercial claims, construction cases and personal injury matters (including trucking claims, premises liability and automobile accidents.) Brian also regularly serves as an Arbitrator for the Circuit Court of Cook County. Brian handles transactional and litigated matters across the country and has been admitted pro hac vice to several jurisdictions nationwide.
In 2006, Brian was named one of the top 40 Under 40 attorneys to watch in Illinois by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. He also was named to the Illinois Super Lawyers® list (a peer-review designation published by Thomson Reuters) 2010-2023, as well as the Leading Lawyers list. Brian has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell for his legal ability and ethics. Brian works with the Lawyers for the Creative Arts, handling pro bono entertainment related matters.
Brian has been an active member of the National Academy of Arts & Sciences since 1996. He is on the governing committee of the American Bar Association's Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Forum's Law Journal, Entertainment and Sports Lawyer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Chris concentrates in civil defense litigation. His primary practice areas include personal injury, premises liability, construction negligence, commercial fraud, subrogation and transportation and commercial vehicle accidents. Chris represents insurance companies and self-insured companies, both large and small, in all of these practice areas. Chris is an advocate of exploring early dispute resolution to save clients the time and expense associated with litigation. Chris has also given lectures and seminars dealing with spoliation of evidence and asserting privilege with respect to company accident reports. Beyond his legal practice, Chris is a devoted husband and father with interests including basketball, music composition, artwork and creative writing.
Daniel joins our workers' compensation and general liability practice teams. He is experienced in handling all aspects of litigation including occupational and drug-related cases. Daniel previously handled personal injury and civil procedures at another prominent Chicago law firm.
In his spare time, Daniel enjoys playing board games and card games, reading and attending comedy shows.
David Ryan is a highly respected lawyer with over 30 years of experience in handling complex and valuable cases across the nation. He specializes in defending clients in personal injury, transportation, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, construction defect, and insurance coverage cases.
During trial, David employs a multifaceted approach that allows him to connect with juries and achieve favorable outcomes by combining empathy and directness. He prides himself on building rapport with juries, addressing their concerns, and obtaining the information they seek. Despite maintaining a professional demeanor, he skillfully challenges opposing witnesses without alienating the jury. David finds satisfaction in
Donn concentrates his practice in workers' compensation defense. Over the last 20 years, he has successfully resolved hundreds of complex workers' compensation claims involving third-party action claims, product liability, automobile accidents, construction disputes, slip and falls and other catastrophic incidents.
Donn is an experienced attorney with a proven track record. He brings a strong business background and insight to the practice, having also gained experience as a petitioner's attorney at one of Chicago's largest personal injury law firms.
In his free time, Donn enjoys spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Emily focuses her practice in workers' compensation and general liability claims. Emily earned her Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School. Prior to joining Downey & Lenkov, Emily gained significant experience in workers' compensation with another Chicago firm, where she handled all aspects of litigation. In her free time, Emily enjoys golfing and is a competitive rower with the Lincoln Park Boat Club.
A "Top Rated Lawyer in America" and Pre-Eminent Martindale-Hubbell rated attorney, Frank brings a wealth of experience to the firm and his clients. After graduation, Frank served as a prosecutor and law clerk to a United States District Judge. Entering private practice thereafter, Frank has several decades of experience in litigating a variety of cases, including mass torts, product liability, toxic substance cases, and business, employment and transactional disputes. He has tried over 100 cases to verdict and judgment, and an equal number to administrative conclusion. He is a member of the bars of Illinois, a number of federal district courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Frank has extensive experience in media and entertainment law representing venues, management and talent in a broad range of musical and theatrical genres, from classical to hip hop. He has also represented both agencies and talent in modeling and endorsement arrangements. His experience includes pre-contract negotiations, contract review and litigation of commercial breach actions and royalty and licensing disputes. He has been involved in obtaining governmental permitting of performance art by both non-profit and for-profit entities and groups. He is also a frequent guest commentator on legal issues for various Chicago media outlets, including Merlin Media and WLUP radio.
Frank concentrates his practice in commercial and construction litigation. He is also experienced in insurance coverage and addressing contract issues. Frank is a dedicated attorney who is committed to providing his clients with aggressive legal counsel from start to finish.
Prior to joining Downey & Lenkov, Frank worked at another prominent Chicago law firm handling insurance defense, civil litigation, personal injury claims, coverage litigation, and federal criminal defense. Frank also has experience in successfully representing his clients at the appellate level.
Outside of work, Frank enjoys attending live music, watching sports, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Capital
- Managing Capital Member
Jeanne concentrates her practice in intellectual property and business litigation and transactions. She handles all facets of business and intellectual property litigation and has voluminous experience handling diverse matters in both the state and federal courts. Jeanne has represented clients in protecting their intellectual property by providing clearance opinions for trademark filings, preparing copyright and trademark applications, and prosecuting matters in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Jeanne also has extensive experience litigating construction cases involving breach of contract, mechanics liens, and construction defects. She rigorously represents general contractors, subcontractors, and insurers in defense of construction claims alleging negligent construction or design resulting in property damage.
In the trademark, copyright, trade dress, and trade secret areas she has litigated cases involving controlled circulation publications, software, products for automotive testing, original artistic works and compilations, and the right of publicity. In the commercial litigation area, she has litigated cases involving governance issues and disputes pertaining to condominiums and associations, UCC sales contracts, franchise agreements, distributorship agreements, non-competition agreements, business and contract interference torts, and insurance coverage. Her transactional work includes negotiating and drafting licenses, sales and marketing agreements, and agreements for the purchase and sale of businesses and assets.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Jennifer concentrates her practice in workers' compensation representing employers, insurance companies and third-party administrators throughout Indiana. She has an extensive legal background, working with hospitals and physician groups as well as insurance companies in civil defense litigation, contract review, subrogation, billing and collection, coverage issues and privacy & security compliance matters.
Prior to joining Downey & Lenkov, Jennifer represented insurance companies and handled civil litigation cases at another prominent Indiana law firm.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys attending live music performances, art events and spending time with family, friends and her three dogs. She also fosters dogs and is on the Board of a local rescue group.
Jessica's legal practice is focused on representing clients in issues related to labor and employment law. Her experience includes handling cases involving discrimination and harassment based on various protected classes, including race, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability and age. She also handles cases involving retaliation, wrongful termination, leave and accommodation issues. Jessica counsels and defends employers in a broad range of employment matters in Illinois and federal courts and in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Jessica regularly works with clients on cost-effective and practical strategies to reduce the risk of employment litigation by drafting employment handbooks, policies and agreements, overseeing personnel management (hiring, discipline and termination), and general compliance with employment statutes.
Jessica has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers as a leading practitioner in the practice area of employment and labor.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Capital
- Capital Member
Kirsten's recent accomplishments include winning Claims and Litigation Management Alliance's Professionals of the Year Awards in the Outside Defense Counsel category and being recognized by her peers in the 28th Edition of Best Lawyers in America for the third consecutive year, ranked among the top 5% of private practice attorneys nationwide. Kirsten has also been selected to the Indiana Super Lawyers Rising Star list from 2017-2021, an exclusive list recognizing no more than 2.5% of lawyers in Indiana.
She has successfully tried and argued numerous cases before all of the Administrative Law Judges of the Indiana Workers' Compensation Board and the Social Security Disability Administration. In addition, Kirsten has tried general liability, medical malpractice and criminal cases before the Indiana trial courts.
Kirsten has an extensive background in criminal defense representation ranging from misdemeanor to felony offenses, and specializes in operating while intoxicated charges and criminal record expungements. Kirsten is experienced in mediation and subrogation matters, including ERISA, Medicare and Medicaid and serves on numerous occasions as Judge Pro Tempore for the Honorable Judge Cantrell in Lake Superior Court.
She frequently volunteers her time with the Porter County Animal Shelter and donated a year of pro bono legal services to aid in their representation. She is an active member of the Women Lawyers Association of Indiana and the Lake and Porter County Bar Associations. While in college, Kirsten was President of the Women in Lawyers Association, executive board member of the Hellenic Law Association and an active volunteer with the Richard Blennerhasset Tax Law Society. In her free time Kirsten enjoys spending time with her husband, son and walking her two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Kristy concentrates on general liability matters involving personal injury, medical malpractice, employment and contract disputes.
With over 20 years of trial experience, Kristy successfully develops comprehensive litigation defense strategies and vigorously advocates for large corporations, small businesses and individuals. She also represents schools and social service agencies in all aspects of litigation, including cases involving allegations of abuse and neglect. Kristy is especially noted for her due diligence and close collaboration with clients from pre-litigation through verdict to manage risk and obtain positive results.
Kristy's most recent accomplishment was successfully securing affirmation of dismissal by the Illinois Appellate court on behalf of a private school, its Executive Director and a highly regarded teacher. The lawsuit was filed four days before the expiration of the statute of limitations by a twenty year old man who claimed that eight years prior his classmate deliberately stabbed him in the eye with a pencil. It was argued that the defendants were liable for both negligent and willful and wanton conduct as the other student allegedly posed a known danger to his classmates.
Prior to joining Downey & Lenkov, Kristy was a partner at another prominent Chicago law firm where she effectively managed cases with multi-million-dollar damage potential.
Outside of work, Kristy enjoys traveling and spending her time with family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Marcy concentrates her practice in insurance and workers' compensation defense. She provides an aggressive and thorough approach to each claim, working closely with insurance companies, third-party administrators and employers alike to achieve positive results in the most cost-efficient manner.
Prior to joining Downey & Lenkov, Marcy gained significant experience in workers' compensation defense with another prominent Chicago law firm, where she handled all aspects of litigation. Outside of work, Marcy enjoys live music and spending time with family in Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Margery concentrates her practice in construction law focusing on complex construction litigation in both the private and public sectors as well as related business litigation. She is Downey & Lenkov's construction practice co-chair and is regularly requested to speak on various construction topics.
Her clients are primarily business owners, general contractors, specialty trade contractors, and disadvantaged business enterprises. She places particular emphasis on client counseling, specifically drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, mechanics' lien claims and foreclosure actions, construction defects, and DBE certification and compliance.
Margery is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. She has arbitrated numerous construction-related and commercial matters for AAA and is on the regular and complex construction panels. She also has a certificate as a mediator.
Mary concentrates her practice in professional liability and employment defense. In addition, she has extensive experience in general insurance defense matters, including property, casualty, product liability and transportation claims.
Mary represents clients in both state and federal courts from pre-litigation to trial. She further defends state court rulings and judgments obtained on behalf of her clients before the Illinois Appellate Courts. Her practice also includes defending clients at mediation and arbitration throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Capital
- Capital Member
Michael concentrates his practice on workers' compensation defense for employers, insurers, and third-party administrators. His practice is dedicated to defending all types of WC claims, from minor slips and falls to catastrophic injuries. He works diligently as an advocate for his client's best interests to resolve matters effectively and efficiently.
He values the relationships he builds with his clients. He's always focused on their interests and prides himself on always being available to help whether it is on a case, answering random questions, or providing training for example.
In his 15+ years of experience, he has gained extensive knowledge that allows his unique out-of-the-box thinking used for case resolution. Michael has been recognized for his exceptional service by both Leading Lawyers and Rising Stars.
On the personal side, Michael is married for over 10 years to his wife Carli, who is an artist. They have 2 kids, Parker (6) and Avery (3), and live in Highland Park, IL. He enjoys playing with his kids, cleaning up after his kids, and relaxing after his kids go to sleep (also sports, stand-up comedy, and walks with his dog).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Capital
- Capital Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Capital
- Capital Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Income
- Income Member