George was admitted to Loyola University in Chicago where he attained his Bachelor’s degree and graduated magna cum laude in 1990. In 1992, Mr. Argionis earned a Master’s degree in Government from Loyola University. He received his Juris Doctor with honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1996, and while in law school he served as an Editor of the Chicago-Kent Law Review. Mr. Argionis began his practice as a personal injury defense attorney. Subsequently, he practiced law at a prominent plaintiff ‘s personal injury law firm before joining Argionis & Associates. He has experience in handling cases involving auto collisions, premises injuries, medical malpractice, product liability, construction-related injuries and work-related injuries. Throughout his career, he has settled and tried to verdict numerous personal injury cases. He has dedicated his career to representing injured people and in helping them to restore their lives both emotionally and economically. In 2004, Mr. Argionis was appointed as a Commissioner of the Illinois Court of Claims. Mr. Argionis is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a prestigious group of trial lawyers with membership limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. I secured a record verdict ($13 million dollars) for a young man who was hit by a forklift driver at a national home improvement store and suffered a crushed foot injury and a condition called Complex Regional Pain syndrome. The client required a spinal stimulator to be inserted in his body and he will need multiple surgeries in the future to replace the battery of the spinal stimulator. The client also could not return back to work. Our record verdict ensured that he will have the money to pay for all his future surgeries and medical needs. Since he no longer can work as a security officer; the money will also allow him to support himself. I was very happy that we were able to help this young man who suffered such a devastating injury. How did you build a successful practice? I built this practice one case at a time; making sure that we secure the money our clients deserve for their injuries. We treat all of our clients as if they are a family member and we fight until we obtain justice for our clients. What should clients look for in a lawyer? Clients should be able to actually meet and talk with a licensed lawyer; many offices have paralegals or “case handlers” who are not lawyers, have the primary contact with a client. Most clients of other offices do not have any contact with an attorney. In our office, you will always have contact with a licensed lawyer, who will ensure you get the most money for your injury. How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? I have tried and settled hundreds of cases in Chicago, Cook County and the State of Illinois; I am familiar with the judges, insurance lawyers and the local courts in Illinois. This familiarity gives my office a great advantage over other lawyers. Many lawyers that advertise in Chicago and Illinois are not even from this state and have never set foot into a courtroom in this state. What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? All our consultations are free and will be with a licensed lawyer; Not a paralegal or “case handler”. We will answer all your questions and explain the legal process by telling you what rights you have as an injured person. We will also deal with the insurance company and make sure they pay the maximum for you. What information do you need in a free phone consultation? Your name; the location of the accident; your injury and your insurance information. Different injuries require different information; one of our lawyers will ask all the correct information from you. Our goal is to take the “worry” out of an injury claim. We take care of the details for you. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? No one fights harder than we do for your injury claim, and we years of experience fighting and winning against insurance companies. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? We are gratified when our clients thank us for the settlement we obtain for them. We love taking on the big insurance companies for our clients. What are your other interests in addition to law? I love spending time with my wife and children when I am not at work. Are you involved in your community? I volunteer as an assistant coach for my children’s sports teams; I have helped with voter registration in my community, and do pro bono work for people who cannot afford an attorney.

Alan H. Bender is the co-owner of Goldstein Bender & Romanoff. As the senior and managing partner of the litigation department, Alan works tirelessly to ensure his clients receive the compensation they deserve. Alan was born in Chicago but moved to Brooklyn, New York, when he was 11 years old. He graduated Brooklyn College, which is part of the City University of New York, with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and went on to graduate Law School from the University of Illinois, School of Law.

A third generation lawyer, Howard Ankin has known many of his clients since he was a child. They descend from family members, friends and co-workers of his father and grandfather; many recall him as a young boy accompanying his father to court on school breaks. Deep passions for justice and the law are not just part of Howard’s professional life, they have been engrained in who he is since he was born. Today, Howard owns Ankin Law Office LLC - which has flourished since it was founded over 12 years ago – alongside his father and partner, Paul B. Ankin. With extensive experience practicing personal injury, workers compensation, wrongful death, social security disability and criminal and civil litigation, Howard has devoted his professional life to seeking justice on behalf of his clients and perpetuating the tradition of the Ankin family providing superior legal support for all of its clients. By his third year of practice, Howard recovered $1,000,000.00 for his client in Latta vs. Village Green Associates. Today, he has countless victories to his credit. But Howard’s greatest professional accomplishment continues to be the stability and hope he brings his clients by securing their livelihood through legal victories. Howard Ankin prides himself in representing his clients as their friend and attorney, providing quality referrals for legal matters outside of his practice areas. His investment in the Ankin Law Office LLC is evidenced every day as families throughout the Chicago area and Illinois return to the firm for legal guidance at all stages of their lives.

* Inappropriately salaried employees violations * Meal break violations * Pre- and post-shift work violations * Minimum wage violations * Recovering back pay and compensation for undocumented workers * Independent contractor exemption violations