Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce that noted trial lawyer James Christman has joined the firm’s Chicago office as a partner. Caroline Carlson has also joined as of counsel. Their arrivals continue the expansion of Steptoe’s commercial litigation practice in the Windy City, which over the past two months has added 10 litigators.
Mr. Christman is a first-chair litigator who has tried more than 50 jury trials. He counsels and litigates for clients on matters related to contracts, commercial disputes, fiduciary duty, professional liability and risk assessment for professionals, director liability and officer liability. He also works extensively with physicians and physician groups on healthcare and regulatory matters, and has handled medical malpractice defense. Mr. Christman is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Ms. Carlson focuses her practice in defense of corporate health care entities, physician organizations and physicians, and in general litigation related to professional liability, general liability, toxic tort and premises liability matters. She has participated in more than 40 jury trials in the areas of medical professional liability and health care litigation.
In welcoming both, Steptoe Chair Phil West commented: “Jim is one of the most well-recognized trial lawyers in Chicago. He is a first-rate litigator who joins a deep bench of talented trial lawyers in our commercial litigation and toxic tort practices. His and Caroline’s arrivals continue the strengthening of our presence in the Midwest, and their particular focus on the healthcare industry also diversifies the services we offer clients from our Chicago office.”
Mr. Christman and Ms. Carlson are the latest team of litigators to join Steptoe’s Chicago office. In February, a four-partner commercial litigation team led by Michael Dockterman joined the firm, and in March, a three-partner toxic tort litigation team led by Bob Shuftan arrived.
Mr. Christman commented: “I have worked with Bob and Michael and their teams for more than three decades, and am delighted to be joining them at Steptoe. The firm has a great litigation practice with lawyers who excel at successfully advocating for their clients. Plus culturally, it’s very comparable to the firm that I called home for the bulk of my career.”
Mr. Christman earned his law degree from Washington University and a B.A. from DePauw University. For the past six years, he has been recognized in Illinois Super Lawyers in the fields of Healthcare and Commercial Litigation.
Ms. Carlson received a B.A., magna cum laude, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate University. She earned her law degree from DePaul University.
Source: www.steptoe.com
