CHICAGO, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The law firm of SmithAmundsen LLC announces the promotion of six attorneys to partner effective April 11, 2011. These promotions are in furtherance of the firm's goals of multi-dimensional growth to better serve clients.  SmithAmundsen elected the following lawyers in Illinois to the partnership:

Heather Bailey is a labor and employment attorney in Chicago. She focuses her practice on employment and labor litigation, including discrimination and trade secret/non-compete lawsuits, FLSA class actions, labor arbitrations, Affirmative Action, OFCCP/DOL audits, and FINRA matters. Heather works closely with clients to train employees and management on topics like the do's and don't's of disciplining, sexual harassment, and newly updated statutes such as FMLA. Heather received her law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Sandra Engelking is a commercial transportation and product liability attorney in Chicago. She has resolved matters including personal injury, catastrophic loss, property damage and contract disputes for her clients.  Sandra has achieved success in the courtroom, including positive outcomes in motions for summary judgment, resolutions of cases via mediation, arbitration, settlement negotiations, and successful dispositive motion practice.  Sandra received her law degree from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

Tonda Lee is a property litigation and insurance services attorney in St. Charles, IL.  She has successfully argued contested discovery motions, motions to dismiss, and motions for summary judgment in cases with potential liabilities ranging from one hundred thousand to one hundred-fifty million dollars. She also assists clients with complex insurance investigations and coverage analyses dealing with vacancy, co-insurance, fraud, and waiver issues.  Tonda received her law degree from IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Ken Perry is a civil litigation and insurance coverage attorney in Chicago focusing his practice on the defense of professional malpractice claims.  Ken represents insureds, most commonly attorneys, in all aspects of professional malpractice lawsuits, including claims for damages in the handling of underlying lawsuits, property matters, and other proceedings. Ken has successfully brought several matters through trial and has personally handled more than 30 arbitrations and settlement proceedings.  Ken received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Tanya Petermann is a commercial transportation, product liability, and property damage litigation attorney in Chicago.  Her practice focuses on all types of civil litigation from contractual disputes to catastrophic personal injury matters. Tanya coordinates immediate responses to catastrophic accidents as part of SmithAmundsen's Rapid Response Team. By doing so, she is able to achieve early evaluation of significant accidents, ensure the preservation of evidence, and protect attorney client privilege. Tanya received her law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago where she serves as a mentor to students currently going through the juris doctorate program.  

Rachael Winthrop is an insurance coverage attorney in Chicago concentrating her practice in the areas of bad faith, fraud, and complex coverage issues.  Rachael represents insurers in all aspects of their business, including claims counseling, litigation, and dispute resolution.  Her practice includes handling issues involving commercial, primary, umbrella, excess and surplus lines as well as reinsurance. Rachael received her law degree from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

"These attorneys embody the firm's ideals of professionalism, loyalty and consistently exceeding client expectations," said Larry Schechtman, SmithAmundsen's Managing Partner. "We are excited that the firm continues to grow and anticipate that our new partners will serve as valuable tools for our clients."

About SmithAmundsen LLC:  SmithAmundsen LLC is a rapidly expanding law firm comprised of 137 attorneys practicing from offices in Chicago, St. Charles, Rockford and Woodstock, IL; Milwaukee, WI; and St. Louis, MO.  The firm represents business entities and individuals engaged in most all commercial endeavors.  Major practice concentrations include commercial litigation, labor and employment, banking and financial services, construction, insurance services, commercial transportation, health care and medical devices, and products liability/manufacturing.  Click here to visit SmithAmundsen's media room.  

SOURCE SmithAmundsen LLC