Rock Island, 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.

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.

Attorney John G. Steckel has been helping personal injury, criminal defense, and family law clients since 1999. He has over two decades of experience in the Illinois and Iowa greater Quad Cities area, with a strong understanding of local legal systems. John handles plaintiff personal injury cases, including auto accidents and premises liability, and has experience as a prosecutor in criminal and misdemeanor cases.

Clark A. Miljush

Clark A. Miljush is the founder and sole practitioner of The Law Office of Clark A. Miljush, serving the Rock Island area for over a decade. He is licensed to practice law in both Illinois and Iowa. His practice focuses on criminal defense (including DUI and drug possession), personal injury, and real estate. He grew up in the Quad Cities and interned as a Legal Aid representative and a criminal prosecutor in Rock Island County, gaining valuable courtroom experience. He offers high-quality service and personal attention to his clients.

Larry Vandersnick

Larry Vandersnick is a former Prosecutor, Judge, and State's Attorney. He uses his experience to aggressively defend clients, understanding both prosecution and judicial perspectives. He focuses on achieving dismissals or not guilty verdicts, negotiating pleas only when necessary and directed by the client.

Philip E. Koenig

Attorney Philip E. Koenig has over 30 years of experience in trusts, wills, estate planning, tax, real estate, and general business issues. He is recognized as a Leading Lawyer in multiple areas and is actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley.

Michael Gunzburg has over 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer. He began his career as a defense lawyer representing corporate defendants in product liability and construction injury cases before changing the focus of his practice to the representation of personal injury plaintiffs. His experience on the defense side has provided him with a unique perspective which has often proved invaluable in navigating a course to successful outcomes for his clients. For the past 20 years, Michael has represented the victims of negligence suffering catastrophic injuries in a wide range of cases, ranging from simple premises liability and motor vehicle accidents to complex construction site accidents and medical negligence. He has achieved many multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts on behalf of his clients, including a $16 million settlement in a difficult catastrophic stroke case against an HMO. Michael is a passionate advocate for his clients and loves the challenge of a difficult case. He is most proud of his many successful outcomes in cases that other lawyers have turned away.