Dean Athans

Trial attorney practicing insurance defense and commercial litigation. Summary of qualifications: •Jury trial victories in medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability and automobile negligence cases; many successful appeals. •Delivered frequent, comprehensive case evaluations and status reports to clients outlining defense plans and settlement predictions. •Aggressive use of motions to dismiss, and thoughtful deposition-taking to set stage for summary judgment and cross-examination. •Developed simple yet affirmative theories of case, not ones simply reactive to opposition theory. Litigation Ability: •Navigated complex tort litigation through state and federal courts, from inception to jury trial and appeal. •Developed cases for insurance companies through sound analysis, personal initiative, and attention to detail. •Communicated with claims staff and complied with company guidelines to insure client is integral part of the decision-making process and successful outcome. •Produced detailed value-bills of 2,000 hours per year. Management and Mediation Skills: •Responsible for oversight of associate attorneys, secretarial staff and day-to-day operations of law office. •Selected by Chief Judge as one of only 30 DuPage County attorneys and judges to be trained as mediators, serving as court-appointed mediator in both tort and contract cases. Education and Work History: 2005-current:Of Counsel at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker 2005-05: Attorney at Pretzel & Stouffer, Chtd. 2001-05: Attorney at Fitzgerald & Cross (Fireman’s Fund) 1998-01: Partner at McBreen, Kopko, McKay & Nora 1988-98: Partner at Johnson & Bell, Ltd. (Wheaton) J.D. from DePaul University College of Law