US Courts

An AV-rated attorney known for his aggressive, unconventional, and detail-oriented approach to cases, Mr. VerStandig counsels many of the world’s preeminent poker players and professional gamblers, as well as various businesses and numerous individuals whose complex and diverse personal holdings regularly invite an equally complex and diverse array of legal issues. He has successfully tried cases before dozens of federal and state courts, negotiated favorable settlements in a multitude of other litigation matters, and structured financial transactions and corporate deals involving tens of millions of dollars. Over his career, he has established a reputation as a source of pragmatic legal advice for businesses and individuals alike. Mr. VerStandig has been counsel in many of the most high profile gaming-centric lawsuits of the past decade, advocating on behalf of bettors and other gaming industry professionals in varied and often complex contexts. He has equally established himself as a respected presence in bankruptcy courts throughout the United States, representing creditors in efforts to regain control of their collateral, trustees in adversary proceedings concerning gaming-centric obligations, and debtors in efforts to reorganize businesses in need of a fresh start.

Matthew began working in the field of Estate Planning immediately out of law school because he knew that this field was going to allow him help people in a way that would positively impact the remainder of their lives. As his practice in Estate Planning grew, so did his love for the area of law and his expertise in the field. He has now assisted countless individuals and families of all financial backgrounds protect their hard-earned assets through estate planning techniques. After a few years of practice, Matthew discovered his passion for the field of Personal Injury. Matthew realized that practicing Personal Injury combined his passion for helping individuals and for client advocacy. When individuals and corporations will not do what it right, Matthew steps in to protect the rights of individuals who stand to lose everything. He is a zealous advocate for his clients in court and has completed numerous successful jury trials. Matthew is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Whittier Law School. Matt is a member in good standing with the State Bar of Nevada and the California State Bar Association. Matt is admitted to practice before all District Courts in the State of Nevada, the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Nevada, the District Courts in the State of California, the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of California, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

WHEN IT MATTERS The trial lawyers at Votava Nantz & Johnson specialize in claims involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death. It attorneys have consistently secured for their clients many verdicts and settlements totaling millions of dollars since the law firm was founded. We focus on cases involving trucking and commercial motor vehicle crashes, worksite and construction accidents, bad faith insurance claims and other cases involving death or catastrophic injury. Call or email us when you or a loved one suffers injury or is killed due to someone else’s negligence. We happily provide free consultations to potential clients. Contact us at 816.895.8800 or help@vnjlaw.com to request your FREE consultation to get started.

Attorney Joseph Michael Dickerson and his team of professionals deliver legal solutions for your life and business. Since 1995, Mr. Dickerson has helped hundreds of families and business owners protect everything they have worked so hard for. Will the attorney you hire make a difference when handling your estate planning, real estate, or business transaction needs? If all you are looking for is a quick signature on the bottom of a document, probably not. But if you need to make sure handling your legal papers or dispute today will help you eliminate problems in years to come, there is no question the right attorney can make a difference. Many people only think of hiring a lawyer when something needs to be fixed. I see things differently. I am attorney Joseph Michael Dickerson of Laredo, Texas. Colleagues tell me I'm a different kind of lawyer. I like building things rather than breaking things apart. Since graduating from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio in 1995, I have always focused my career on helping people prevent problems now, so they don't have to fix them later.

Ian Chaikin is the founding member of Chaikin Trial Group and a licensed attorney in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. He began his legal career at a prominent New York City personal injury firm, where he quickly distinguished himself as a formidable advocate. His rapid rise in the personal injury legal community reflects both his skill and his deep commitment to the clients he serves. As Ian often says: “You come in as a client, but you leave as a friend.” Dedicated to delivering exceptional results, Ian has secured numerous Million-Dollar and Multi-Million-Dollar recoveries for his clients. His relentless work ethic and unwavering dedication have earned him recognition as one of New York’s Super Lawyers in personal injury law. He is also a distinguished member of the Million-Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been featured in New York Magazine’s “Personal Injury Leaders.” Chaikin Trial Group has been praised as “one of New York’s preeminent boutique personal injury trial firms.” Ian’s success is built on a foundation of hard work, strategic thinking, and personal attention to every case. For over 20 years, he has fought tirelessly for the rights of innocent victims, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Ian earned his degree in Banking and Finance from Hofstra University in 2001 and his law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2004, with a concentration in civil litigation. While in law school, he won the school’s oral argument competition and earned a place in Hofstra’s prestigious Labor Law Journal. A proud Long Island resident, Ian is deeply involved in his family life and enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and weightlifting. He is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, allowing him to effectively serve a diverse clientele, including the Hispanic community, by ensuring clear communication and a strong attorney-client relationship.

Sylvan was born in San Antonio, Texas, and has lived most of his life in South and Central Texas. He received his undergraduate degree in History, with Special Honors, from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986, and obtained his law degree from the Southern Methodist University Deadman College of Law in 1989, graduating Cum Laude and Order of the Coif. During law school, Sylvan served as the Assistant Editor in Chief of the Southwestern Law Journal. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1989, and is licensed to practice law in the state courts in Texas, as well as the United States District Courts in the Western, Southern and Northern Districts of Texas. Sylvan is also licensed to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Sylvan's legal career has been both rewarding and multi-faceted. After law school, from 1989 to 1990, Sylvan had the unique opportunity to serve as law clerk to the Honorable Edith Hollan Jones, on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Thereafter, Sylvan returned to San Antonio as an associate at Plunkett, Gibson and Allen from 1990 to 1994, practicing insurance defense and handling cases in the areas of personal injury, automobile accident, product liability, insurance, medical malpractice, and legal malpractice, from the defense perspective. From 1994 to 1996, Sylvan chose a new and challenging experience, following his wife, Amy, to Dallas while she completed her medical fellowship. During this time, Sylvan sought and obtained a unique and completely different experience-serving the under-represented poor at Legal Services of North Texas (civil legal aid). After practicing law at legal aid, Sylvan knew he could never work for insurance companies again. Upon returning to San Antonio, Sylvan co-founded Lang & Kustoff LLP in 1996, focusing one hundred percent of his practice on representing clients with claims related to insurance, construction matters, personal injury, and employment law. In 2008, Sylvan founded Lang Law Firm, P.C., where he continues the same focus of trial work, delivering personalized, client-focused results in an ever-changing world. Sylvan cherishes recreational time with his wonderful family, wife and two daughters. He has devoted over a decade of Board service and leadership to both Temple Beth-El and Saint Mary's Hall. His other hobbies include ranching, hunting, fishing, hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

Christine graduated from Troy State University in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Sports Medicine. She moved to Mobile, as a graduate student and obtained her Master’s Degree in Education and Educational Leadership while working as an Athletic Trainer and teaching in the Education Department at the University of South Alabama and in the public school system in South Alabama. Christine worked as a teacher in the Parochial School System, the Mobile County Public School System, and at the University Level. Christine earned honors in the field of education being awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year and the first Nationally Board Certified K-12 teacher in Alabama. She was a frequent speaker for educational seminars across the state. In 2006 Christine graduated from Law School and was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2007. With a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, she opened her own law practice in 2008 and the practice has grown over the years. Christine has offered argument in local and state courts across Alabama, in Federal Courts in the South East, Appellate Courts in both State and Federal Divisions and has been successful with the United States Supreme Court in Searcy v. Strange, the Alabama Marriage Equality Case. Christine is no stranger to controversy arguing the Constitutional Rights of her clients, handling Capital Murder defense and appeals, arguing under appellate review wrongful convictions in criminal cases and for compassionate release from prison. Christine has also been known to argue for judicial reform and against Judge’s that abuse their power and influence across the state. She has frequently argued for the rights of juveniles and for juvenile probation reform in the southern counties of Alabama. In the area of education, Christine has been an advocate for the rights of special education students, championing the fight against bullying and discrimination in schools, and protecting the employment rights of teachers and administrators against school systems. Drawing from her years of teaching and coaching experience, Christine has worked hard to level the playing field and strives to educate her clients and equalize justice for those clients the Hernandez and Associations Law Firm represents. The Hernandez and Associates Law Firm located at the Mid-Towne Works Building at the Loop on Airport Blvd offers in-person, Zoom, teleconferencing, Face Time and Skype for initial consultations and client meetings. We have a full staff working collectively on your cases. Christine personally understands how difficult, stressful, and even frightening the legal system can be, particularly if you are a litigant and this is your first encounter with the legal system. This firm was built from the ground up where the legal team has provided determined representation on difficult and challenging issues. Christine and the other attorneys in the law firm work hard for their success and reputation as a legal team that fights for your rights. Christine returns to Thomas Goode Jones School of Law as a guest lecturer in the areas of Constitutional and Family Law from time to time and has served as mentor to many interns over the years. Christine has also traveled to numerous locations to lecture at continuing education seminars over the span of her career as she is a firm believer in giving back to the community. In addition, to work, Christine coached for nearly 30 years in a number of team and individual sports. Christine freely gives her time, knowledge and experience to younger lawyers and has mentored several attorneys over the years. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her spouse, children and the five family dogs.

Dean has experience litigating patent, trademark and trade secret cases in multiple jurisdictions including United States District Courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), the Federal Circuit, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and state courts. He works with and has successfully protected many clients’ IP rights, including clients involved in bet-the-farm type litigation. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, domestic and foreign, medium to small businesses as well as individuals. He also prepares and prosecutes patent and trademark applications including appeals, inter party reviews (IPR), cancellation and opposition proceedings. He also counsels clients regarding IP related issues and prepares legal opinions including freedom to practice and invalidity opinions. Dean is a licensed attorney in Michigan and licensed as a patent attorney eligible to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He is not licensed to practice in Delaware but can be admitted to practice pro hac vice in the Delaware courts. In addition to being selected three times as a “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America® he is also included in the 2015-2019 edition of Leading Lawyers at Lawyers.com® and selected by dbusiness Magazine as a 2015-2019 Top Lawyer. Other awards include: 2015-2019 IP Star by Managing IP Magazine; recognition by Acquisitions International; and by America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators. Dean has an AV (Preeminent) rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean’s publication, IP Strategies for Business Managers, provides practical advice for protecting IP and avoiding infringement. He contributed to the national publication, Inside the Minds: Litigation Strategies for Intellectual Property Cases (2012, Thomson Reuters) on topics including patent eligibility of software and business methods, trade secret case strategies, and discovery of electronically stored information (ESI). Dean is a frequent speaker on IP, including: IP Patent Camp at the MidMichigan Innovation Center (3 years); IP Webinar for VetBizCentral; IP Talk at TechTown Detroit; IP Talk at DC3S; and IP Talk – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about IP But Were Afraid to Ask through Midland Tomorrow in cooperation with Northwood University during Entrepreneurship Week. Dean brings an entrepreneurial spirit to his work and enjoys sharing in his clients’ successes. He is also committed to keeping open communication with his clients and is readily available to answer his client’s questions. In his spare time Dean enjoys traveling with his wife Laurie and two sons. He also enjoys running and working on his 1969 Dodge Charger RT SE. Dean is the inventor on four patents relating to an electronic securities trading system, including U.S. Patent Nos. 8,788,398, 8,175,956, 7,552,085 and 7,356,499.

The firm is based on the belief that our clients' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat clients and referrals. Principal attorney Charles Chester has served thousands of clients successfully because of his background with judicial clerkships, jury trials, lobbying of public officials, appellate arguments, and years of counseling clients on their options. He has lectured and written extensively on many topics for both bar associations and various industry trade groups. He has been asked to serve on various boards, commissions and committees for county and state governments, bar associations and community groups. His local health care cases were reported on throughout the print and electronic media, including The Washington Post and DC area television stations, and his national election litigation in Florida was covered by CNN and MSNBC.

Stephen M. Komie, the esteemed founder of Komie and Associates, brings over four decades of robust experience in defending clients across state, federal, and international courts, including both trial and appellate levels. He is widely recognized for his role in several high-profile Illinois cases, including the defense of individuals such as Sandra Fabiano for child abuse charges, and Roland Breault and John Carroccia in notable first-degree murder trials. Throughout his illustrious career, Stephen has secured numerous favorable decisions for his clients in both criminal and civil courts across the United States. Among his notable legal victories is the 1995 landmark decision in the asset forfeiture case, U.S. v. $506,231.00. Further showcasing his adept legal skills, Stephen has represented clients in front of the Illinois Supreme Court on multiple occasions, securing important wins such as the 2017 People v. Ringland decision which challenged unlawful prosecutorial practices. Stephen's contributions to the legal field have been acknowledged through various honors and recognitions. Notably, he represented the legal community as an ambassador in the Rededication of the Magna Carta in Runnymede, England in 2015, marking the 800th anniversary of this foundational legal document. In 2006, he also participated as a delegate at The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction in The Netherlands. His expertise has earned him a place among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by both The National Trial Lawyers and the American Trial Lawyers Association. To schedule your initial consultation with the Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer, please contact us online or by calling 312-263-2800.