TOP LAWYERS METRO EAST AREA

Based Upon A Survey Of Their Peers

These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois.

These EMERGING LAWYERS have been identified by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois who are age 40 or younger OR who have been admitted to the practice of law for 10 or fewer years.

A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading or Emerging Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading or Emerging Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com

BETTER SLEEP BOOSTS OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 12-18, 25TH ANNIVERSARY

The National Sleep Foundation, which launched Sleep Awareness Week in 1998, says 45% of Americans report poor or insufficient sleep negatively affects their daily lives. Sleep Awareness Week, March 12-18, highlights the importance of good sleep. With everyone moving their clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12, with the start of Daylight Saving Time, sleep schedules may be affected.

“Sleep is one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise,” said Lia Turpin, a registered polysomnographic technologist at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center. “Sleep is when the brain and body disconnect from the senses, no longer allowing us to process information from the outside. In turn, sleep allows us to review activities and experiences from the day, which strengthens memory; gives our organs time to rest; allows our immune system to scan for infections and fight illnesses; and allows a child or teenager ’s muscles to grow.”

According to Turpin, when our sleep health is optimal, our bodies function at a higher level, including mental and hormonal health. “Sleep also helps us think more clearly and creatively and improves mood,” she said. Insufficient sleep can lead to health conditions such as irritability, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and diabetes. There are more than 80 identified sleep disorders, and sometimes, the cause has nothing to do with actual lack of sleep - stress, depression, a change in family dynamics, a new career and other life adjustments can lead to trouble sleeping.

The term “sleep hygiene” refers to a series of healthy sleep habits that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, including:

• Limit the use of electronics one hour prior to bed to prepare bodies and brains for sleep.

• Do not go to bed hungry.

• Keep the bedroom temperature cooler than the rest of the house.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol four to six hours before bedtime.

• If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet activity without a lot of light exposure until you feel sleepy.

Turpin advised that it’s always best to stay in a routine when it comes to bedtime and wake time, especially with kids. “It’s difficult to get kids to bed sometimes, so allowing them to stay up a bit later every now and then is okay but try not to deviate more than one hour.”

If you have concerns about sleep patterns, or have difficulties falling or staying asleep, you may benefit from an evaluation by physicians at the Sleep Disorders Center. Sophisticated diagnostic equipment is used to non-invasively monitor brain, heart, respiratory and muscle activity during sleep. For more information on the Sleep Disorders Center in O’Fallon or to make an appointment, call 1-888650-7474.

So you can focus on what matters most.

Despite muttering in trees and sand, one good swing and you know you’ll be back. Fairway, green, or rough, we’ll be by your side with the expert orthopedic care you need so you can focus on what matters most, the game you (mostly) love.

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HSHS ST. ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL OFFERS FIVE TIPS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL POISONING

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports more that than 90% of all poisonings happen at home. Cosmetics and personal care products lead the list of the most common substances implicated in pediatric poison exposures.

According to the most recent data from the NSC, one poison exposure was reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds in 2020.

As part of National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital reminds you about the dangers of potentially poisonous medicines and chemicals and shares tips on how to keep your loved ones safe.

“In the emergency department, we treat accidental poison consumptions that can range from children swallowing soap or cleaning products to adults taking an unadvised dosage of certain medicines,” said Dr. Michel Adonis, interim medical director of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Pediatrics. “It’s important to keep any potentially harmful products out of the reach of children and in childproof containers. Always read labels carefully before taking any medications.”

If you encounter someone who was potentially exposed to poisonous substances:

1. Call 911 if they are unconscious or having difficulty breathing.

2. Remain calm. Most poison emergencies can be resolved quickly over the phone.

3. Contact the Poison Control helpline. Online help is available at poison.org or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both are free, confidential and staffed by experts.

Preventive measures are always the best way to protect your family from accidental poisoning. Tips include:

• Place household cleaning products up and away, out of children’s reach and sight. Make sure to put cleaning supplies and chemicals away after every use

• Keep all household cleaning products in their original containers. When buying products, look for child-resistant containers for an extra layer of protection

• Check your home for products that might be harmful to kids like cleaning supplies, liquid laundry packets, plants, pesticides, alcohol and medicine. Keep personal care products such as lotion, makeup, cleanser and deodorant where kids can’t get into them.

• Be aware of any medications or makeup that may be in your purse, laptop bag or backpack. Store handbags out of the reach of young children.

• Never call medicine “candy” to get a child to take it when needed.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family, visit poison.org.

MCKENDREE SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM OPENS SPRING SEASON WITH 20 AWARDS, INCLUDING SIX-FIRST PLACE FINISHES

The McKendree University speech and debate team recently finished its regular season with an additional 20 awards and six first-place finishes over two tournaments, qualifying three more events for nationals: sophomore Emma McIlhargie of Birch Run, Mich., in Lincoln-Douglas debate, senior Jayden Touchette of Millstadt, Ill., in extemporaneous speaking and junior Madeline Trinity of Millstadt, Ill., in impromptu speaking.

At Webster University’s Gorlok Gala, held from January 27-29, Touchette won first in impromptu speaking while also taking third in program interpretation and the Excellent category in drama. McIlhargie was named the top speaker in novice Lincoln-Douglas debate while also taking second place in the finals. Sophomore Aaron Brown of Albion, Ill., was the second speaker in junior Lincoln-Douglas debate.

At the Missouri State Tournament hosted by Missouri Valley College from February 10-12, Touchette won first place in open public debate while also winning top speaker. She was the tournament champion in extemporaneous speaking while taking second in program interpretation and third in impromptu speaking. First-year Gracie Vincent of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., finished as a semifinalist in novice public debate while taking second speaker. Brown was a quarterfinalist in open Lincoln-Douglas debate as well as fifth speaker in parliament debate. McIlhargie took third speaker in novice Lincoln-Douglas debate. As a squad, McKendree took third place in open speech sweepstakes and first place in limited entry speech sweepstakes.

McKendree will begin its national tournament season in March with the National Comprehensive Tournament, hosted by West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., followed by the National Parliamentary Debate Association Championship Tournament, hosted by the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. Competition will conclude with the National Forensic Association Championship Tournament in April, hosted by Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

Beloved Associate Professor Of Communication Wins Umc Exemplary Teacher Of The Year At Mckendree University

Dr. Sara (Trask) Frank, an associate professor of communication at McKendree University, recently received the 2023 United Methodist Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award. This award was given by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Selection criteria include excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to valuecentered education, and service to students, the institution and the community.

Dr. Frank earned her undergraduate degree from McKendree in 2005. She began teaching at her alma mater in 2018 and has been making her mark on the University ever since. A straightforward, lively, master communicator, Dr. Frank recently won the 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award for her outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and to her students. She is also the Provost Fellow for Communication, a role in which she maintains the faculty excellence page and co-advises McK Media.

“Dr. Frank sets aside time to meet with each student as they prepare speeches or work on other projects,” said Dr. Alan Alewine, associate provost at McKendree University. “Several of her recommenders could not say enough about her boundless enthusiasm, including one who wrote, ‘Many students have anxiety about public speaking, but she remains so patient and understanding that I often wonder if the students realize how lucky they are to have her as their instructor.’”

Dr. Frank’s excellence extends beyond the classroom. She has been a guest speaker in other professors’ classes and is an outstanding ambassador for McKendree, meeting with prospective students, sitting on preview panels, and showing what McKendree did for her and what it can do for others.

“As a McKendree alumna, Dr. Frank has a heart made of purple pride. She wants her students to have the same pride that she has, but she also wants them to be proud of themselves – their abilities, their goals and their accomplishments,” Dr. Alewine said.

A native of Jerseyville, Ill., Dr. Frank currently resides in Carlyle, Ill., and is currently running for the Carlyle School District Unit 1 School Board. She will soon be presenting a “G.I.F.T.” – Great Ideas for Teaching – at the upcoming Central States Communication Association conference in St. Louis this spring on a favorite topic: “Who Am I? Understanding Self Through Cajitas.” She will also be participating as a panelist on the “Next Leaders Network Reception and Informal Mentoring Opportunities” at the conference. She is a member of the National Communication Association and Phi Kappa Phi, and she is also the advisor of Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honor society.

“How lucky am I that I get to walk into a classroom filled with our future leaders, teachers, business women and men, artists, scientists, and writers and teach?” said Dr. Frank. “I am honored to receive the UMC Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award; however, I would never win this award if it were not for my students. They are the ones who help create an enthusiastic, inclusive learning environment. While I constantly work to make learning fun, help my students find their voices, and encourage them to pursue their dreams, without student engagement, my classes would not be what they are. So, thank you to my students who show up daily ready to think, engage, and learn. You all are the reason I love what I do.”

MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY HOSTS THREE-DAY MODEL UN EVENT FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Students from surrounding high schools took home approximately 70 individual awards

McKendree University hosted its annual Model United Nations event on campus from March 7-9. More than 300 student delegates from 14 local high schools attended and participated in this event, representing more than 50 countries.

Model UN provides students with an opportunity to learn how the UN operates and to practice their public speaking, debate, negotiation and team leadership skills. Participants take on roles as diplomats representing a country, investigating international issues, negotiating with allies and adversaries, and developing solutions to world problems. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business, the arts and even the UN itself participated in Model UN as high school and college students.

Participating high schools and the countries they represented include the following:

• Althoff Catholic High School: Brazil

• Belleville East High School: India, Egypt and Belgium

• Belleville West High School: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran

• Christian Brothers College High School: Morocco

• Freeburg High School: Mexico, Greece, Iraq and New Zealand

• Gibault Catholic High School: France, Vietnam and Armenia

• Highland High School: Ireland, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Canada and Japan

• Lebanon High School: Albania and Croatia

• Mascoutah High School: Norway and Canada

• O’Fallon Township High School: the United States, Australia, Germany, Argentina, Venezuela, Philippines, Myanmar, Uganda, Belarus, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Turkey and Spain

• Okawville Jr./Sr. High School: China

• Springfield High School: Kenya and Peru

• Triad High School: United Kingdom, Georgia, Italy, Panama, Pakistan, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa and Papa New Guinea

• Valmeyer High School: Russia, Poland and Cuba

Zane Phillips, a McKendree sophomore from Chambersburg, Ill., served as the Secretary General of this year’s conference.

Some of the committee topics included the conflict in Ukraine, disputes in the South China Seas, space debris interference with satellites and more. On Thursday, March 9, committees were also given hypothetical “crisis scenarios.” For example, the General Assembly committees dealt with Elon Musk claiming sovereignty over Mars, and the Economic and Social Council dealt with the appearance of surveillance balloons all over the world. Approximately 70 individual awards were handed out, including the top delegate awards in each committee, top position paper awards, top resolution awards and top policy statement awards. Triad High School won the most outstanding delegation award for the United Kingdom delegation. O’Fallon Township High School also won an outstanding delegation award for the United States delegation. Honorable mention awards went to Valmeyer High School for the Russia delegation and to Highland High School for the Ireland delegation. Local students also took home many awards for their efforts. The complete list of awards is as follows:

• General Assembly o Outstanding Delegate: Will Millard from O’Fallon Township High School, representing the United States o Superior Delegate: Ryon Lafontaine from Triad High School, representing Italy; Grace Hanvey from Highland High School, representing Japan o Honorable Mention: Drew Schmoll from Gibault High School, representing France; Brody Schram from Triad High School, representing Morocco; Logan Neilson from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom

• First Committee – Political o Outstanding Delegate: Sophia Hall from O’Fallon Township High School, representing the United States o Superior Delegate: Payton Markovic from Triad High School, representing Italy; Emily Geisen from Triad High School, representing Pakistan o Honorable Mention: Kaitlyn Stanley from O’Fallon Township High School, representing the United Kingdom; Isaiah Hoover from Freeburg High School, representi ng New Zealand; Emma Manning from Freeburg High School, representing Mexico

• Third Committee – Social, Cultural and Humanitarian o Outstanding Delegate: Brock Murphy from Gibault High School, representing Armenia o Superior Delegate: Megan You from O’Fallon Tow nship High School, representing the United States; Katie Barker from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom o Honorable Mention: Katherine Arterburn from Belleville East High School, representing India; Laura Cook from Okawville High School, representing China; Elias Donahue from Christian Brothers College High School, representing Morocco

• Sixth Committee – Legal o Outstanding Delegate: Naomi Saathoff from Highland High School, representing Ireland o Superior Delegate: Calla Litteken from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom; Ian Roewe, representing North Korea o Honorable Mention: Kate Louer from O’Fallon Township High School, representing the United States; Zig Samuelson from O’Fallon Township High School, representing Saudi Arabia; Culla n Dixon from O’Fallon Township High School, representing Argentina

• Fourth Committee – Special Political o Outstanding Delegate: Eric Chappuis from Valmeyer High School, representing Russia o Superior Delegate: Gavin Fox from Triad High School, representing Portugal; Tyler Rottman from Highland High School, representing Ireland o Honorable Mention: Claire Dulle from Okawville High School, representing China; Xavier Blankenship from Freeburg High School, representing Greece; Ethan Wyatt from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom

• Economic and Social Council o Outstanding Delegate: Jack Gibson from O’Fallon Township High School, representing the United States o Superior Delegate: Makenna Frierdich from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom; Aryamun Kalra from Belleville East High School, representing India o Honorable Mention: Jaden Williams, representing North Korea; Loegon Pete from Belleville East High School, representing Egypt; Zoe Thiems from Highland High School, representing Ireland

• Science and Technology Committee o Outstanding Delegate: Ahmad Hamzeh from Belleville West High School, representing Iran o Superior Delegate: Josh Delthoff from O’Fallon Township High School, representing the United States; Valerie Branson from Valmeyer High School, representing Russia o Honorable Mention: Zachary Clement from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom; Jonah Phelps from O’Fallon Township High School, representing Portugal; Elizabeth Maroon from Highland High School, representing Ukraine

• Security Council o Outstanding Delegate: Nolan Gann from Triad High School, representing the United Kingdom o Superior Delegate: Megan Nail from Freeburg High School, representing Mexico o Honorable Mention: Ava Schmollinger from Lebanon High School, representi ng Albania

• World Health Organization o Outstanding Delegate: Finn Stever from Highland High School, representing Ireland

John H. Chassaing

Thomas F. Hennessy, III Swansea, IL

Paul E. Petruska

IL Garrett C. Reuter, Jr. O’Fallon, IL

William A. Schmitt Waterloo, IL

Donald K. Schoemaker

Shiloh, IL

Kurt S. Schroeder

Shiloh, IL

Russell K. Scott

Belleville, IL

L. Kevin Vick

Belleville, IL

Donald E. Weihl

Belleville, IL

David W. Ybarra O’Fallon, IL