FIRM ACTIVITIES & DECISIONS OF INTEREST
Founding partner Michael Huber was recently named a 2025 AV Preeminent Attorney by Martindale Hubbell (the highest possible rating).
* * * * * *
On October 7, 2024, Aimee Lipkis gave the lecture “Liability Concerns with Social Media and Electronic Health Records to third-year podiatry students at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
* * * * * *
On September 18, 2024, Cray Huber partner Zachary Shook gave a presentation to The Gavel Grub Hub titled: “Reaching Across the Aisle: Effective Work with the Plaintiff’s Bar.”
* * * * * *
On August 6, 2024, Aimee Lipkis gave the lecture “Limit Your Liability: Lessons for Pre-Op & Surgery,” to Ascension St. Joseph surgery residents in Chicago, IL.
* * * * * *
On July 10, 2024, Aimee Lipkis gave the lecture “The HIPAA Final Rule- What does it mean for your practice?” with Dr. Michael Brody and Matthew Feldman, Esq.
* * * * * *
It is with great pride that we announce 2024 as a milestone year for Cray Huber Horstman Heil & VanAusdal LLC. Twenty-five years ago, on May 1, 1999, we opened our doors for business. Since day one we have enjoyed the challenge of providing superior legal services to each client. We owe a debt of gratitude to our business partners who have trusted us with their important legal issues. We recognize our attorneys and professional staff who continue to be our greatest asset. Thank you to all who have made our first 25 years such a success! We will look forward to serving the legal community for many years to come.
* * * * * *
Founding Partner Daniel K. Cray was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers at its Spring meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on March 2, 2024. The American College of Trial Lawyers is composed of preeminent members of the Trial Bar from the United States and Canada and is recognized as the leading trial lawyers organization in both countries. Fellowship is extended only by invitation, after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality.
* * * * * *
On May 27, 2024, Aimee Lipkis gave the lecture, “How to Limit Your Medical Malpractice Risk Exposure: Lessons for Early Career Surgeons” at Advocate Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, May 27, 2024.
* * * * * *
Aimee Lipkis, has been named one of the faculty members for the 2024 Midwest Podiatry Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
* * * * * *
On April 11, 2024, Aimee Lipkis, gave a lecture at the Midwest Podiatry Conference on “How to Deal with Threatening Patient Behavior and Dismiss Patients from your Practice.”
* * * * * *
On April 9, 2024, Aimee Lipkis, gave a virtual lecture on “Billing, Coding and Medical Malpractice” with Dr. David Freedman and Dr. Luke Cicchinelli.
* * * * * *
On December 21, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave a webinar “Avoid the Pain of a Medical Malpractice Claim: The Management of the Risk of Oral Cancer” on behalf of ProAssurance.
* * * * * *
Michael D. Huber has again been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell for 2024, the highest rating that can be received by an attorney!
* * * * * *
On December 1, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture “Avoid the Pain of a Medical Malpractice Claim: The Management of the Risk of Oral Cancer” on behalf of ProAssurance.
* * * * * *
On November 13, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture ““Podiatric Malpractice Litigation” to third-year podiatric students at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
* * * * * *
Zachary G. Shook was recently published in the recent addition of ‘The Gavel Strikes! Issue IX‘ regarding punitive damages now being available in wrongful death and survival cases in Illinois. You can view the publication here: The Gavel Strikes! Issue IX
* * * * * *
We are proud that one of our partners James M. Bream was just named as a featured author for ICCLE’s October’s Flashpoints! He was recognized for his contributions as an author of Chapter 4, Long-Term Care Records Issues, and co-author of Chapter 8, Defendant’s Perspective, of the upcoming LONG-TERM CARE LITIGATION. More information can be found here: Flashpoints-Spotlight
* * * * * *
On October 16, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture “Liability Concerns with Social Media/EHR” to third-year podiatric students at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
* * * * * *
On October 13, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture “Dental Malpractice” to Mommy Dentists in Business in Boston, Massachusetts.
* * * * * *
Partner Scott D. Pfeiffer was recently named Vice-Chair of the Communications Committee for the Trucking Industry Defense Association (“TIDA”)! We are proud that our firm stays committed and involved with this association so that we can be on the forefront of the legal field to better help our clients!
* * * * * *
Co-Founding Partner Michael D. Huber was named as a 2023 AV Preeminent Attorney! This distinction is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers.!
* * * * * *
Cray Huber is proud to announce that Co-Founding Partners Daniel K. Cray and Michael D. Huber and Partners Stephen W. Heil and Benjamin P. Beringer were selected for Illinois’ 2024 Super Lawyers list! This honor and distinction is given to only the top 5% of attorneys in Illinois!
* * * * * *
On August 14, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture “Informed Consent, Medical Malpractice and More” to third-year podiatric students at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
* * * * * *
Cray Huber recently participated in the Communities That Care “Back-to-School” program. This program provides new backpacks and school supplies to low-income students grade 1-8 who, with encouragement and inspiration, have the opportunity to start and stay in school. Cray Huber’s attorneys and staff were able to purchase and fill 13 backpacks to help these low-income students:
* * * * * *
On July 15, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture “Patient Bullying in the Dental Setting” on behalf of ProAssurance in Destin, Florida.
* * * * * *
Cray Huber is pleased to welcome our newest associate attorney Alice S. Vagun to the firm! Her prior experience dealing with medical malpractice cases will be a great asset to the firm and our clients!
* * * * * *
Cray Huber is pleased to welcome Caleb Lewis to the firm as its newest associate! He will be a great asset for the firm and our clients!
* * * * * *
Partners Zachary G. Shook and Andrew R. Manno were recently published in the recent addition of ‘The Gavel Strikes! Issue VIII‘ regarding their successful motion for summary judgment in an acupuncture and oriental medicine malpractice case in McHenry County, IL.
* * * * * *
On April 20-23, 2023, Scott D. Pfeiffer co-chaired the 31st Annual Toxic Tort & Environmental Law Spring Conference with a focus on PFAS, which was held in Scottsdale, AZ.
* * * * * *
On March 30, 2023, Scott D. Pfeiffer presented as a panelist at the 2023 CLM Annual Conference on the topic of, “Defending the Unthinkable Claim-Risk Transfer & Resolution Strategy,” in Tampa, FL.
* * * * * *
Congratulations to Michael D. Huber on being named The American Registry’s 2023 Leading Lawyer in Illinois for Personal Injury Defense Law! Michael D. Huber was honored as “Most Often Recommended” by his peers.
* * * * * *
On February 8, 2023, Aimee Lipkis, gave the lecture “”Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Podiatric Residency Programs, for the ACFAS Residency Directors Forum in Los Angeles, California.
* * * * * *
Cray Huber Horstman Heil & VanAusdal, LLC is pleased to announce that Jim Bream, along with his partners, Shannon Holbrook, Mary Periolat, Tony Marqui, and Shana O’Grady, as well as senior associate, Jamie Waynee, have joined the firm as of January 1, 2023. Jim and his team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and an exceptional skill set, in the field of health care litigation. Our newest attorneys will complement and expand the services Cray Huber currently offers in this market. The team represents health care institutions, including hospitals and senior care facilities, as well as all levels of individual health care providers, and their boards, insurers and administrators. Our new lawyers are all highly rated trial attorneys, well respected in the legal community and their litigation skills are recognized by their colleagues and opponents alike. In addition, Jim and his team provide legal counsel to heath care clients in a wide variety of contexts, including staff privileging and credentialing, HIPAA and EMTALA compliance, pandemic response, policy and bylaws drafting and revision, risk management and patient safety, life sciences, IRB compliance and operation, QAPI activities and compliance, and representation of providers before regulatory and licensing boards. Collectively, Cray Huber will continue to deliver exceptional legal services to its clients in a manner that is focused on mutual success and dedication to client service. The firm celebrates Shana O’Grady’s well-deserved elevation to partnership and enthusiastically looks forward to the future with our expansion and collaboration with our newest partners.
* * * * * *
Congratulations to our friends and peers Melissa Dakich and Andrew Manno to being elevated to partnership!
* * * * * *
On November 14, 2022, Aimee Lipkis, presented a lecture on the topic of podiatric malpractice litigation to third-year podiatry students attending the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
* * * * * *
On October 15, 2022, Aimee Lipkis presented lecture “How to Handle Patient Bullying in the Dental Setting” to Dentists who are part of Mommy Dentists in business in Las Vegas, Nevada
* * * * * *
On September 16, 2022, Aimee Lipkis presented on “Defusing the Angry Patient and Importance of Transparency” to Physicians at the TPMA Scientific Conference in Dallas, Texas.
* * * * * *
On August 29, 2022, Aimee Lipkis gave a lecture on “Liability Concerns with Social Media/EHR” to third-year podiatry students at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago.
* * * * * *
Cray Huber participated in the Communities That Care “Back-to-School” program. This program provides new backpacks and school supplies to low income students grade 1-8 who, with encouragement and inspiration, have the opportunity to start and stay in school.
On June 20, Scott Pfeiffer co-presented on “Medical and Legal Aspects of Food Flavoring Cases: How to Avoid a Bad Aftertaste” to Brandywine Group personnel.
* * * * * *
On June 15, Scott Pfeiffer co-presented on the topic entitled “Pitfalls to Avoid When Handling a New Claim” at CLM Focus Nashville.
* * * * * *
Scott Pfeiffer is a member of a team promoting TIDA at the TCA 2022 Annual Safety & Security Meeting in Nashville, TN where attendees have opportunities to network and learn about services and the latest products.
* * * * * *
Aimee Lipkis has been appointed to serve a fifth term on the ISBA Tort Law Section Council from 2022-2023.
* * * * * *
Dan Cray and Mike Huber have been awarded with the AV Preeminent Judicial Edition by Martindale Hubbell which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards reflecting the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and Judiciary.
* * * * * *
On May 12, Aimee Lipkis gave a lecture on “Patient Bullying: Tape Recording, Threats of Lawsuits, Negative Reviews, Requests for Refunds, Board Complaints and How to Cope” at The Women’s Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
* * * * * *
Scott Pfeiffer has joined the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel as a member. To learn more about the FDCC, please visit www.thefederation.org.
* * * * * *
Dan Cray, Mike Huber, Steve Heil, and Ben Beringer have been selected by Law & Politics (Chicago magazine and Illinois Super Lawyers magazine) as 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers.
* * * * * *
Zachary Shook has been selected by Chicago magazine and Illinois Super Lawyers magazine as a 2022 Rising Star.
* * * * * *
Dan Cray, Mike Huber, Steve Heil, and Ben Beringer have been named as Leading Lawyers for 2022 by Leading Lawyers magazine pursuant to the recommendation of their peers and approval by the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board. The distinction of being a Leading Lawyer has been earned by fewer than 5% of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois.
* * * * * *
Dan Cray has been nominated as one of the world’s leading practitioners in the fields of Life Sciences and Product Liability Defense by Who’s Who Legal.