OUR PEOPLE

After graduating from the Northwestern University School of Law in 1981, Tom worked at a series of important positions before launching GKWW with Jim Koch in 1992. Tom Gardiner has successfully represented individuals, municipalities and business entities in an exceptionally encyclopedic variety of contexts, all the way up to the Supreme Court, where he collaborated with his GKWW partners on the case of Illinois v. Wardlow.

Tom’s many years of litigation experience and ability to connect with judges and jurors has allowed him to achieve tremendous results for those who have experienced catastrophic injuries. Teaming up with John Wrona and other members of the GKWW team has led to tremendous results for the families of those who have died or for individuals who have survived the accident.

Tom’s myriad other accomplishments have not gone unrecognized. Every year since 2007, Tom’s peers have selected him as an Illinois Super Lawyer, placing him as one of the top lawyers in his practice areas. He has also been chosen as a Leading Lawyer by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and his peers. Tom holds membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum–a distinction limited to trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience, and excellence in advocacy by achieving a trial verdict, award or settlement in the amount of $1 million or more.

Tom’s work on behalf of injured individuals covers matters from medical malpractice, personal injury, products liability, wrongful death litigation and nursing home litigation to civil rights actions. Over the course of his sterling career, Tom’s efforts have resulted in the awarding of many millions of dollars to his clients: for instance, the Richmond case. In this case, John Wrona and Tom achieved a $2.75 million settlement for a truck driver who had to drive off the interstate to avoid colliding with an overturned 18-wheeler. Tom’s litigation experience has caused clients to seek his services in areas beyond catastrophic injury cases. For example, Tom was part of a trial team that won a $21 million wrongful conviction verdict – at the time, one of the largest civil rights verdicts ever awarded by a jury.

Private entities seek Tom’s counsel in matters involving both transaction and litigation. From the formation of new companies to navigation of the thorny corporate issues that mark a successful company’s day-to-day, Tom’s advice keeps many of Chicago’s most successful businesses on a steady course. Tom’s expertise covers contracts, acquisitions, sales of shares, real estate, business asset purchases and sales and succession, as well as general contract and employment matters. On the litigation side, Tom’s representation has supported his corporate clients in matters ranging from contract disputes to complex commercial, employment, restrictive covenant and intellectual property cases.

Tom feels strongly about his role as an educator outside the halls of GKWW–both of law’s next generation and of the public at large. He has served for many years as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at his alma mater, the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, and welcomes the opportunity to teach on a guest basis at other institutes of higher learning. A prolific author, Tom’s work has been extensively published in industry journals, magazines, and newspapers.

Tom Gardiner is one of only three United States lawyers chosen for membership in the International Practice Group (IPG). This organization is comprised of lawyers and accountants around the globe who meet twice per year to apprise each other of developments in law and finance throughout the world, and Tom is a frequent presenter at the semi-annual conferences. In 2022, he presented on changes to the U.S. Trademark Act coming in January 2023–including to expungement, reexamination, and letters of protest–which will make the process faster and much less expensive. Learn more about IPG here.

Tom was featured in the 2019 Consumer Edition of Leading Lawyers Magazine. He is a longtime member of the Geneva Lake Association.

GKWW Partner Lynn N. Weisberg joined Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona in 1993 as the firm’s very first associate. Lynn joined the firm after graduation from the Northwestern University School of Law, where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the Northwestern University Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Prior to attending law school, Lynn graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and subsequently earned a Master’s from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Upon joining us at GKWW, Lynn quickly established herself as the firm’s family law expert, wielding her considerable experience in a diverse scope of related matters: divorce, custody, spousal support and visitation matters, adoption, paternity actions, and pre- and post-marital agreements, as well as other areas affected by divorce: estate planning, real estate, and general litigation. She is certified in Collaborative Divorce and has been trained and approved as a mediator by the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Lynn is on a court-approved list of child’s representatives and is appointed by judges to represent the interests of children in cases involving contentious custody and visitation litigation. So far, she has logged over 75 child rep appointments by over one dozen judges.

Partner John R. Wrona focuses his practice on representing severely injured persons and their families, bringing longed-for closure to those experiencing the most trying circumstances one can imagine facing.

John focuses his practice on medical malpractice, birth injuries, construction injuries, nursing home neglect, aviation and boating cases, auto and trucking accidents, product liability, and excessive force/civil rights cases.

To all these cases, John brings not only the force of his comprehensive experience but a sense of empathy where that quality is direly needed. He steadfastly discovers and gathers the evidence to prove his clients’ cases. For example: in Farissier vs. Northwest Oncology, John obtained a jury verdict of $5.42 million representing the family of a 55-year-old woman who died due to medical negligence during the treatment of her cancer. In Egan vs. Clune Construction, a young electrician sustained significant and permanent injuries as a result of a fall from the second floor at a Chicago commercial building; John obtained a $2,325,000 settlement in cash for him, in addition to the waiver of a $400,000 workers compensation lien. In Louis Prosecky v Peterson, John Wrona won a $2.75 million dollar settlement for an electrician who suffered serious burns on his arms in the workplace. Recently, John obtained a $5 million settlement in Roeder vs. KC Transportation, on behalf of the estate of a 17-year-old boy who was killed when his vehicle was rear- ended by a semi. He also settled a transplant negligence case against a Chicago area hospital for $1.5 million for the death of a 66-year-old woman.

Outside client advocacy, John is proud to share his extensive knowledge and experience in the academic setting. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law in Trial Advocacy at Northwestern University School of Law for more than ten years and enjoys many opportunities to teach as an invited lecturer at continuing legal education seminars. John has also been named a Super Lawyer for the last 6 years and a Leading Lawyer for the last 4 years, selected by his legal peers.

Jennifer N. Airato joined Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona as an associate attorney in 2006 and was made partner six years later. Ms. Airato practices exclusively in the area of family law and handles all aspects of dissolution of marriage and parentage proceedings, including the allocation of parental responsibility (colloquially known as “custody”), parenting time, child support, maintenance, division of assets, orders of protection and post-judgment proceedings.

Ms. Airato is a wife and mother of three. The valuable resultant insight into family dynamics helps her to guide healthy custody arrangements–as well as parenting schedules that are practical, and which place the children first.

Ms. Airato’s mentality is always settlement-oriented; she firmly believes that, if possible, it is better to resolve issues outside of the courtroom rather than having a judge decide. After all, the involved parties know their family better than anyone else. Moreover, settlement allows the client to craft their own agreements and remain in control of their lives. With that being said, sometimes settlement is not possible; in those situations, Ms. Airato confidently represents her clients in the courtroom.

Ms. Airato was named as an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers in 2015 and 2016. Emerging Lawyers have been identified by their peers as the top lawyers who are age 40 or younger. Less than 2% of all lawyers licensed in Illinois have earned this distinction.

Ms. Airato received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law in 2006. While in law school, she participated in the Civitas Child Law Clinic, where she represented children in custody proceedings and child protection cases.

Michelle M. LaGrotta is an attorney with extensive experience litigating commercial, municipal and securities matters. Her experience includes the representation of municipalities on a range of issues including contract, surety, and TIF Act disputes. She defends individuals and trading firms in investigations and enforcement actions before regulatory agencies such as the CFTC, SEC, FINRA, FINCEN, the United States Attorneys’ Office, and the Department of Justice. Additionally, she represents individuals and businesses in commercial disputes and business torts.

Michelle received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she graduated cum laude and earned a Certificate in Child and Family Law. During her law school career, Michelle participated in the Civitas Child Law Clinic, where she represented children in child custody and child protection cases. Ms. LaGrotta also interned at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and Family Defense Center.

Michelle received her Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Loyola University Chicago, where she graduated summa cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Over the course of more than three decades as a trial and appellate attorney, GKWW co-founder James B. Koch brought scores of clients to resoundingly successful resolution in both settlement and litigation. Jim’s straightforward, practical approach and comprehensive trial experience conspired to position him as one of the most effective, respected securities and commodities attorneys in the country.

This respect is by no means unfounded. Jim successfully defended over $500 million in claims in state and federal courts across a wide range of entities: individuals; institutional and individual investors; owners; upper management; employees of securities firms and brokerages.

He argued two cases before the United States Supreme Court and briefed a third. Jim also successfully tried hundreds of trials in state and federal court–as well as before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodities Futures and Trading Commission (CFTC), the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). As a lawyer in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit, Jim handled dozens of high-profile jury and bench trials. He was also specially appointed as a special United States Attorney in connection with the prosecution of a former Chicago alderman.

In addition to representing his clients before these regulatory organizations, Jim also counseled them on compliance policies and related issues (such as statutory interpretation of regulatory issues, including fraud and racketeering). For example, Jim obtained a permanent injunction–and a $652,000 judgment–in the Southern District of New York for an international securities firm in a case of first impression brought under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Jim was frequently called into court to deal with the most contentious of divorce cases.

For his successes in these diverse areas, Jim enjoyed membership in Elite Lawyers of America. This distinction is strictly limited to prosecutors and trial lawyers who have tried more than 100 bench and 25 jury trials, argued more than 25 cases in the appellate court, argued before the United States Supreme Court, have practiced law at least 25 years and have successfully tried more than 100 arbitrations and reparations. These are rarefied ranks indeed.

Outside the work he engaged for clients, Jim was a powerful voice in the sphere of higher education. Having earned several degrees (an undergraduate degree from Loyola University, a law degree from the IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Master’s Degree in Education from Northwestern University), he was passionate about contributing to the growth of the next generation of attorneys. He served as an adjunct trial advocacy professor at Northwestern University School of Law and taught part-time at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Education and Social Policy (as well as The Latin School).

Vincent A. Lavieri has over 30  years experience representing clients in state and federal courts in general real estate, corporate, business, and commercial litigation. He also provides general representation to condominium and homeowners association. Vince also has significant experience in prosecuting and defending appeals. He has represented clients before federal and state agencies including the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Vince also served on the Hearing Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (2004 – 2013). Vince graduated with high honors from the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he was a member of the Chicago-Kent Law Review. After graduation, he served as a law clerk to Justice Calvin C. Campbell of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, before entering private practice.

Donald D. Gardiner joined Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona in 2004 after serving as a suburban police officer and with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He frequently handles real estate, personal injury, general court cases and estate planning matters. Don graduated from The John Marshall Law School and holds degrees from Lewis University (Master of Science) the University of Illinois Police Training Institute (Law Enforcement Certification) and Illinois State University (Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice).

He is a former secretary and a former member of the board of directors of the South Suburban Bar Association.

Clayton Mieszala is an attorney with Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona and is located in the Lake Geneva office. Clayton has been admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin and handles litigation and transactional matters.

Before becoming licensed in Wisconsin, Clayton was licensed in Illinois and worked at our Illinois office. Prior to that, Clayton worked at GKWW as a law clerk, where he researched and responded to critical motions in both federal and Illinois state courts. Prior to joining GKWW, Clayton worked as a paralegal at a well-regarded, boutique Lake County-based personal injury law firm where he gained in-depth experience in personal injury matters ranging from auto accidents to complex nursing home litigation.

Clayton graduated cum laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law. During law school he volunteered with the UIC Pro Bono Litigation Clinic where he provided pro bono services to indigent people in the Chicago area, handling complicated matters and successfully arguing a difficult, contested hearing.

Clayton received his Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Paralegal Studies. He has been admitted to the State Bar of Illinois. He is an active member of the Illinois, Lake County, and Chicago Bar Associations.

Joe Lloyd is a trial attorney and joined Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona in 2023. Joe brings nine years of experience working to represent and protect his client’s interests, focusing on medical malpractice, personal injury, and nursing home care. Prior to joining Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona, Joe practiced at several prominent personal injury firms in Chicago.

Joe earned his Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois, majoring in Political Science. Joe is also active with the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Atticus Aguirre joined Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona in October 2023, as an associate attorney with three years of litigation experience.

Prior to joining Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona, Atticus practiced at a high-volume personal injury firm in Chicago focusing on nursing home abuse and medical malpractice.

Atticus attended The John Marshall Law School. During law school, Atticus clerked for the Honorable Judge Thomas J. Kelley of Circuit Court of Cook County and was awarded the Erasmus Scholarship while he participated in a semester exchange with the Metropolitan University of Prague. Atticus received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Atticus is active in multiple Chicago based bar associations and is currently a tutor for Lawyers-A-Hand to Young program that provides tutoring and mentoring to Chicago public school students.