Des Plaines, IL

James M. Ridge

Jim was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep High School and received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University. He received his Law degree from DePaul University School of Law in 1974. After graduating from Law School, he began practicing law in St. Louis, Missouri. Jim returned to the Chicago area in 1976 and was hired as an associate at the law firm of Perz & McGuire, concentrating his practice in Workers’ Compensation and Third Party Injury Cases. He became a partner in 1980 and the Senior Partner of the firm in 1985. In addition to a full schedule of trial work, Jim also spends a substantial amount of his time giving legal presentations to various labor groups. He instructs members about both their rights and benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and also issues associated with other statutory and common law cases including personal injury, product liability and medical malpractice. Jim has been recognized for his charitable and civic contributions by many organizations. In 1997, the Illinois Police Pension Fund Association selected Jim as “Man of the Year” for his work employing a successful legislative plan that restored police officers’ and firefighters’ benefits under the Worker’s Compensation Act that had been preempted by various local municipalities. Jim also received the “Blue and Gold” Award from the Fraternal Order of Police in 2004 for his outstanding contribution to the FOP and the Law Enforcement Community in the State of Illinois. This is the highest award given to a non-sworn officer by the FOP. Jim is also a member of the Illinois Law Enforcement Educational Fund board of directors. Jim’s favorite charitable organization is the Guide Dogs of America (GDA). In association with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers he has sponsored the training of a number of guide dogs. Once these dogs complete their vigorous training they enable the blind to live and work with greater independence. Jim has also been honored on several occasions by “In Search of a Cure” for his support of autism research. He is also pleased to support “DADS” - Dollars Against Diabetes. For several years, Jim has joined “Team Trooper” to shave his head at an annual St. Baldrick’s event raising money to help end childhood cancers. Jim is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, the American Association of Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association.

Andrew S. Kryder

Andrew Kryder is the founding member of The Kryder Law Group LLC. With over 20 years of litigation experience, Andy has focused his practice on personal injury matters. He has compiled an impressive record of Verdicts and Settlements, distinguished himself as a litigator at the Circuit Court and Appellate Court levels, and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. The firm has recovered over $100 million dollars in compensation for thousands of clients.

Robert Good Lohman III

Robert Good Lohman III is the Principal & Founding Attorney of Lohman Law Group, LLC, based in Des Plaines, Illinois. With over 25 years of legal experience, he specializes in real estate, business, equine, entertainment, and personal injury law. He is licensed to practice in Illinois and Kentucky and is also a licensed real estate broker in Illinois.

Michael Kedzie is a nationally recognized attorney and the leader of Kedzie Law Offices, P.C. With over 35 years of experience, he has a proven track record of winning millions of dollars in settlements and record-setting verdicts for personal injury victims across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He is known for his hands-on approach, personalized attention to clients, and flexible scheduling. Michael Kedzie has been voted as a Super Lawyer and ranks among the National Top 100 Lawyers. He is licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

Jim Farnan grew up on the west side of Chicago. He is a graduate of Fenwick High School, Eastern Illinois University, and The John Marshall Law School. Jim joined our firm in 2015, following 27 years of trial experience with Guth, Reinke & Farnan, and Farnan & Cahill. Most recently, Jim tried a case in June of 2014 resulting in a verdict of $1.8 million on behalf of a construction worker in a very difficult worker's compensation liability case. Jim is a member of the American Bar Association, The Federal Trial Bar of the Northern District of Illinois, The Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago Bar Association, and West Suburban Bar Association. Jim is an AV-rated Martindale Hubble Best Attorney Network, 2008. He volunteered as a pro bono coordinator for the Chicago Legal Clinic from 1992 to 1995 and as a Moot Court/Trial Skills Instructor for the Chicago Public Schools System from 1995 to 1997. He has acted as an Arbitrator for the Circuit Court of Cook County and has also been a guest expert on the Jonathan Brandmeier radio program. Jim has been recognized for his charitable and civic contributions by many organizations. He is a current volunteer for Catholic Charities, donating his time at Tuesday night dinners for the homeless. He is also past president of LaGrange Little League, past board member with St. Francis Xavier School, and Varsity Football Coach for St. Francis Xavier School.

Boleslaw Gubernat is an experienced lawyer with an emphasis in automobile, workers compensation, medical malpractice, family law, and traffic cases. He is dedicated to representing those unfamiliar with the legal system and standing up for the injured and abused. Boleslaw graduated cum laude from the John Marshall Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review and received a CALI Certificate of Excellence for Civil Procedure. His passion for law began in his native Poland, where he graduated from the University of Maria Sklodowska-Curie School of Law with an "excellent" diploma. Before becoming a licensed attorney, he worked as a paralegal, assisting in hundreds of personal injury, workers' compensation, and family law cases. His philosophy is that clients come first, balancing effective settlement strategies with proactive litigation and a personal approach.

Martin Michalski graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor's degree in history and English literature in 2001. He earned his law degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law and a certificate in Global Legal Studies from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. He is an active member of the Polish community and is fluent in Polish and French. Martin interned at the Auschwitz State Museum and began his legal practice as an intern at Gide Loyrette&Nouel, specializing in corporate law and business consulting. His passion outside of law is Military History, especially as it pertains to the plight of the Polish people throughout the centuries.