EAST LANSING, MI . . . Mark J. Smith, a partner with the Chicago law firm of Lowis & Gellen, received the “2006 Illinois Attorney of the Year Award” from American Physicians Assurance Corporation.
American Physicians is a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance in the Midwest and New Mexico. According to Cathy Shutack, Vice President of Claims, “These attorneys are some of the most elite in the country.”
Mr. Smith is among the “best of the best” and was singled out for this award because of his trial skills and attention to detail. Shutack stated, “We are very lucky to have him on our team. Mr. Smith is deeply committed to his profession and attuned to the medical field, perhaps because his father is a physician. Mark’s dedication to our insureds is unwavering.”
“I was surprised and certainly honored to receive this award,” said Mr. Smith. “This is especially meaningful coming from a company like American Physicians that demands the highest level of excellence.”
Mr. Smith joined Lowis & Gellen as a Partner in September of 2001. In active practice since 1991, he represents corporations and individuals in commercial and corporate litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country. According to his colleagues:
“This significant award recognizes Mark’s status as an aggressive trial lawyer with excellent skills. He cares deeply about winning, but he cares more about securing the best possible resolution for his clients in every adversarial situation. He is a valued member of our firm, an effective advocate for his clients and a fine person.” – Pam Gellen, founding partner, Lowis & Gellen
“In selecting Mark as the first Illinois Attorney of the Year, American Physicians has officially recognized what so many of us have known over the past few years – that Mark is a dynamic, skilled trial attorney who has compiled an enviable track record for his clients. He is a master in the courtroom." – Robert Smith, founding partner, Lowis & Gellen
In medical malpractice matters, Mr. Smith regularly defends lawsuits on behalf of physicians and their practice groups in state court and before the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. He also represents physicians, practice groups, hospitals and third party payors in matters of general health care law and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Smith received a B.A., Political Science, in 1988 from Purdue University and a J.D. in 1991 from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel.
Contact Information:
Cathy Burke, APR, Director of Marketing Communications, 517-324-6776 (Media, Physicians and Office Staff)
Ann Storberg, Vice President of Investor Relations, 517-324-6629 (Investors)
Donna Shaft (for Lowis & Gellen) 708-386-5895
