Our Legal Team
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Jill B. Lewis
Managing Partner
With over 23 years of experience, Jill has an unsurpassed knowledge of the law, an ability to identify and analyze the issues to develop a winning strategy. Her litigation philosophy is to be assertive, yet approachable both in and out of the courtroom in order to foster an amicable and speedy resolution of matters. Jill also has extensive experience representing insurance companies in coverage disputes, and has counseled clients by offering a full spectrum of services, from providing coverage opinions to prosecuting and defending lawsuits in state and federal court.As an appellate lawyer, Jill has argued matters before the Supreme Court of Illinois, Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and all districts of the Illinois Appellate Court. Her writing skills command of the intricacies of appellate practice and procedures has allowed her to achieve success for her clients. Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, Jill currently lives in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.
EDUCATION DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 1997); Comment Editor of the DePaul Journal of Health Care Law; recipient of several writing competition awards; and recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award for the highest grade in Legal Writing. University of South Florida (B.A., 1986); majored in Marketing and minored in French, studying at the Alliance Francaise in Paris, France.
BAR ADMISSIONS Illinois
COURT ADMISSIONS U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
MEMBERSHIPS Illinois State Bar Association
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Francis J. "Chic" Marasa
Founder
After 25 years of practicing at a mid-size defense firm, including 8 years as Managing Partner of 50 attorneys, Francis J. "Chic" Marasa founded The Law Offices of Francis J. Marasa, Ltd. in April of 2000. In March of 2011, the Firm was renamed Marasa Lewis.Chic's practice concentrates in the trial and resolution of civil litigation matters with an expertise in construction law, employer's liability, products liability, premises liability and motor vehicle negligence.With over 35 years of experience, Chic has defended both individuals and corporations in matters throughout the Midwest and prides himself on his ability to quickly assess the nature of a case, the potential for its defense and the evaluation of any exposure to his clients. Having worked in the construction field through college and law school, he brings a unique understanding of the nature of the construction industry to his legal work, which has grown into an expertise in all areas of construction management, including his knowledge of construction contracts and insurance coverage.Chic strives to provide personal attention to each of his clients. He aggressively defends his clients in a respectful and well-prepared manner which has earned him the esteem of judges, opposing counsel and jurors. Chic has been awarded by his peers with the highest "AV" rating in Martindale-Hubbell. As an experienced trial lawyer with over fifty cases to verdict, many involving catastrophic injuries, Chic provides a wealth of courtroom experience which encourages opposing counsel to amicably resolve their lawsuits prior to trial.Born and raised in the Wrigleyville area of Chicago, Chic is a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan and currently resides in Evanston, Illinois. Coming from a strong Italian-Irish background with both of his grandfathers in the construction industry, he prides himself on his ability to relate to not only his clients but also his opposition which continues to lead to favorable negotiations and settlements of disputed cases.
EDUCATION Hamline University (B.A., 1972) John Marshall School of Law (J.D., with distinction, 1976); Member, Order of John Marshall, John Marshall Law Review
BAR ADMISSIONS Illinois
COURT ADMISSIONS U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (member of federal trial bar) U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
