Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Announces Election of 9 New Partners

Belleville, Illinois; Chicago; Miami; Milwaukee; Minneapolis; Peoria, Illinois; Schererville, Indiana; Tampa, Florida — The national law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is proud to announce the election of the following attorneys to partner:

Based in Hinshaw's Minneapolis office, Suzanne L. Jones focuses her litigation practice on representing insurance companies in complex first- and third-party coverage disputes in state and federal courts across the country. Ms. Jones earned her J.D. (2008) from St. Thomas University School of Law and her B.A. (2005) from Boston College.

Based in Hinshaw's Milwaukee office, Brett B. Larsen is an experienced litigator with a practice focused on general civil and commercial litigation in state and federal courts, including contract or employment disputes and a wide range of products liability, toxic torts, creditors' rights, and insurance coverage matters. Mr. Larsen earned his J.D. (2007) from Marquette University Law School and his B.A. (2002) from Brigham Young University.

Based in Hinshaw's Chicago office, Daniel L. (D.L.) Morriss represents and defends corporations and financial institutions in commercial litigation claims involving tort, contract and statutory violations. His representative cases include dispute resolution in limited liability company actions, enforcement of commercial landlord-tenant agreements, complex commercial foreclosure, guaranty and loan liability actions, as well as post-judgment collections. Mr. Morriss is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders, and Chicago Inn of Court, and serves on community-focused nonprofit boards. He earned his J.D. (2008) from DePaul University College of Law and his B.A. (2005) from Wheaton College.

Based in Hinshaw's Milwaukee office, Jill M. Munson is a litigator who represents hospitals, physician groups and other medical entities in professional liability matters. Her clients include orthopedic surgeons, obstetricians, nursing homes and day care facilities. Ms Munson earned her J.D. (1992) from University of Wisconsin Law School and her B.S. (1989), with distinction, from University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Based in Hinshaw's Peoria office, Jesse A. Placher focuses his practice primarily in the defense of medical malpractice claims against physicians, mid-levels, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare groups and institutions. He also practices in the defense of personal injury and property damage litigation. Mr. Placher earned his J.D. (2007) from Southern Illinois University School of Law and his B.A. (2004) from University of Virginia.

Based in Hinshaw's Miami office, Esperanza Segarra focuses her practice in complex commercial and civil litigation in the areas of banking litigation, labor and employment, mortgage brokerage litigation, securities litigation, director and officer liability, bankruptcy, receiverships and liquidations of insurance companies, residential and commercial landlord-tenant litigation, real property litigation, contract disputes, general commercial matters, and corporate transactions. Ms. Segarra earned her J.D. (2001) from University of Illinois College of Law and her B.A. (1997), with high distinction, from George Mason University.

Based in Hinshaw's Tampa office, Ruel W. Smith is a civil and commercial litigator serving corporations, small businesses and individuals in a wide range of industries. He has represented and advised insurers, lenders and loan servicers, contractors, retailers, hospitality providers, private security firms, and licensed professionals in federal and state courts throughout Florida, and has obtained success for his clients in all phases of litigation, including motion practice, trial and appeal. Mr. Smith earned his J.D. (2006), cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law and his B.A. (1997) from Florida State University,

Based in Hinshaw's Belleville office, Trevor A. Sondag focuses his practice in products liability defense, with particular emphasis in toxic tort litigation involving asbestos. He is engaged in all aspects of trial practice; he drafts motions, memos, pleadings and discovery, and regularly researches matters involving Illinois and Missouri law. Mr. Sondag earned his J.D. (2007) from Saint Louis University School of Law, and his B.B.A. (2004) magna cum laude, from McKendree College.

Based in Hinshaw's Schererville office, John R. Terpstra focuses a large portion of his practice in business transactions and commercial litigation. He is an active litigator in both state and federal courts, with an emphasis in business transactions in the areas of real estate and business property, commercial contracts, and restrictive covenants. Mr. Terpstra counsels and advises individual and commercial clients on a wide variety of needs, including business formation and planning, project development, and commercial transactions from the boardroom to the courtroom, if necessary, as well as asset preservation, succession planning, and wealth transfer. Mr. Terpstra earned his J.D. (2007) from DePaul University College of Law and his B.S. (2003) from Indiana University at Bloomington Kelley School of Business.