Regina P. Etherton
Director
Regina P. Etherton has a diverse and extensive personal injury litigation practice. She has prosecuted a broad variety of multi-million-dollar complex tort, personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. She has obtained record verdicts and settlements in Cook County and other counties throughout Illinois. Her noteworthy verdicts and settlements have been featured in the Illinois Daily Law Bulletin, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter; Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter; Verdicts, Settlements, & Tactics; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Magazine: Vested Interest; Mealey's Insurance Law Weekly, and the Justinian Society Magazine.
Education:
- B.A., Southern Methodist University, 1981, magna cum laude, dean’s list four years
- J.D., Loyola University School of Law, 1984
Bar Admissions:
- State of Illinois, 1984
- United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, 1984
Honors:
Lawdragon
500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America, 2006-present
- Super Lawyers
- Illinois Super Lawyer, 2008-2010, 2013-present
- Leading Lawyers
- Selected as a Top Lawyer and Top Personal Injury Attorney in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network and Magazine, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Chicago Life Magazine, Daily Herald Business Ledger Magazine, Home as Haven Magazine and West Suburban Living Magazine, 2007-present
- Selected as a Top Women Attorney in Illinois (2009 and 2011, 2016-present) and as a Top Women Attorney in Personal Injury in Illinois (2008-2010, 2013-present) by Law Bulletin Publishing Company, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Leading Lawyers Network, Chicago Life Magazine, Women in Law Magazine, and JUF News
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow, 2014 thru present
Crain’s Chicago Business
Interviewed for Article “The Triumph of Business Casual,” May 2, 2016
Chicago Lawyer Magazine
Top Verdicts & Settlements in Illinois, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019-2025
Ranked 49th, 2025
Ranked 35th, 2024
Ranked 79th, 2023
Ranked 64th, 2022
Ranked 38th, 2021
Ranked 57th, 2020
Ranked 51st, 2019-Highest-Ranking Female-Owned Firm on List
Ranked 11th, 2012-Highest-Ranking Settlement for a Female Attorney and Female-Owned Law Firm on List
- TopVerdicts
- Top 100 Medical Malpractice Settlements (Nationwide), 2024 – 2 entries in Top 100 and 4th highest Illinois Settlement
- Top 100 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in the United States, 2022
- Top 100 Verdicts in Illinois, 2016
American Economic Institute’s Illinois Excellence Award for Excellence in Client Services, 2016
WCIU THE U- Produced/Hosted by Now.Chicago
Featured Guest Appearance on MeTV and MeToo TV, March 14 and 15, 2015
- America's Most Honored Professionals: Top 5%, 2011-2012, 2014
Trial Lawyers Board of Regents
Nominee: 2014 Litigator Awards
- Top 100 Leading Women Consumer Lawyers, 2012-present
Top 1% of Medical Malpractice Trial Counsel in Illinois, 2012
Physicians Practice Journal
Featured in and Contributor for March 2011 issue: “Arm Yourself Against Malpractice – Plaintiffs Lawyers Reveal Their Secrets”
- The American Trial Lawyers Association
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2007-2011
- The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Lifetime Member, 2007-present
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Lifetime Member, 2006-present
Litigation Counsel of America
Trial Lawyer Honor Society Fellow, 2010Presidential Who's Who, 2008
Who's Who of American Women, 2008
The World's Who's Who of Women, 1988
Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America, 1988
International Who's Who of Intellectuals, 1988
Who's Who in America, 1988
Who's Who in the Midwest, 1988
American Delegation of Women Lawyers: People to People International
Appointed to Citizen Ambassador Program, 1987
- National Register of Outstanding College Graduates, 1981
Professional Background:
- Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC, (2005–Present)
Director
- Peter D. Kasdin, Ltd., (1986–2005)
Attorney
- Jay A. Baier, Ltd., (1984–1986)
Associate
Academic/Professional Activities:
- Chicago Bar Association, 1984-1992, 2005-present
- Lawyer Referral Service Committee
- Chairman, 2015-present
- Vice-Chairman, 2011-2014
- CLE: “How to Attract and Retain Clients” Lead Speaker, February 16, 2023
- Sustainable Practice of Law and Innovation Task Force Member, 2019-2020
- Nominating Committee for Officers and Board Candidates: Member, 2017
- Committee for Lawyer Referral Panels, 2011-present
- Call a Lawyer Program, 2008-present
- Committee on Attorney Malpractice Law, 2008-present
- Tort Litigation Committee, 1984-1986, 2006-present
- Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Referral Panels, 2005-present
- Lawyer Referral Service Committee
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1984-present
- Board of Managers, 2008-2023
- Women’s Caucus-Board of Managers, 2018-present
- Seminar: "It’s More Than Trying Cases: Practical Suggestions for Advancing Your Career" Panelist, May 4, 2018
- Legislative Committee, 1984
- Illinois State Bar Association, 1984-1992, 2005-present
- Mentor, 2005-present
- Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Referral Panels, 2005-present
- American Association for Justice Member, 2010-2011 and 2018-2022
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway & Premises Liability Section Committee Member, 2010-2011
- American Bar Association, 1985-1992, 2013-2015, 2018-2020
- Standing Committee on Lawyer Referral and Information Service: Board Member, 2013-2016
- Justinian Society of Lawyers, 1982-1986, 2005-2010
- The National Italian American Foundation, 2003-2010
National American Trial Lawyers Association Mock Trial Final Competition Judge, 1989 - American Trial Lawyers Association, 1985-1992
- Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, 1987
Appellate Trial Experience:
- Ellen Catledge v. Damaro Sterling, Walgreens, et al., Appellate No. 1-20-0148 (2021)
- Peter D. Kasdin, Ltd. and Peter D. Kasdin, v. Regina P. Etherton and Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC, Appellate No. 14-1693 (2016)
- Diane Galante and David Hines, as Special Administrators of the Estate of Norman Hines, deceased, and Judith A. Mitchell-Hines v. James Davis (consolidated with) Lisa O’Rourke and Gary Hines v. James Davis, Appellate no. 1-14-1726 (2015)
- Todd Smart v. City of Chicago, Appellate no. 12-0901, petition for leave to appeal to Illinois Supreme Court denied, Supreme Court no. 116914 (2013)
- State Farm Insurance Company v. Mary Catherine Williamson, et al., Appellate no. 1-12-0734 (2012)
- Mary Catherine Williamson, individually, and as Special Administrator of the Estate of Michael Williamson, deceased v. Carolyn Asher, as Special Administrator of the Estate of Arthur Asher, Herb Eldridge d/b/a A & H Trucking, Inc., and A & H Trucking, Inc., Appellate nos. 1-07-1910 & 1-07-3084 (2009)
- Doris A. McKenzie, et al. v. Earline A. Asmussen, et al., Appellate no. 1-05-3227 (2006)
- Annette and Louis Poznecki v. Chicago Park District, Appellate no. 98-0939, Second Appeal No. 1-01-1368 (2002)
- Mobil Oil Corporation v. Maryland Casualty Company and Northern Insurance Company of New York, Appellate no. 1-96-0351 (1997)
Regina P. Etherton
Director
Regina P. Etherton has a diverse and extensive personal injury litigation practice. She has prosecuted a broad variety of multi-million-dollar complex tort, personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. She has obtained record verdicts and settlements in Cook County and other counties throughout Illinois. Her noteworthy verdicts and settlements have been featured in the Illinois Daily Law Bulletin, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter; Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter; Verdicts, Settlements, & Tactics; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Magazine: Vested Interest; Mealey's Insurance Law Weekly, and the Justinian Society Magazine.
Education:
- B.A., Southern Methodist University, 1981, magna cum laude, dean’s list four years
- J.D., Loyola University School of Law, 1984
Bar Admissions:
- State of Illinois, 1984
- United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, 1984
Honors:
Lawdragon
500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America, 2006-present
- Super Lawyers
- Illinois Super Lawyer, 2008-2010, 2013-present
- Leading Lawyers
- Selected as a Top Lawyer and Top Personal Injury Attorney in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network and Magazine, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Chicago Life Magazine, Daily Herald Business Ledger Magazine, Home as Haven Magazine and West Suburban Living Magazine, 2007-present
- Selected as a Top Women Attorney in Illinois (2009 and 2011, 2016-present) and as a Top Women Attorney in Personal Injury in Illinois (2008-2010, 2013-present) by Law Bulletin Publishing Company, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Leading Lawyers Network, Chicago Life Magazine, Women in Law Magazine, and JUF News
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow, 2014 thru present
Crain’s Chicago Business
Interviewed for Article “The Triumph of Business Casual,” May 2, 2016
Chicago Lawyer Magazine
Top Verdicts & Settlements in Illinois, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019-2025
Ranked 49th, 2025
Ranked 35th, 2024
Ranked 79th, 2023
Ranked 64th, 2022
Ranked 38th, 2021
Ranked 57th, 2020
Ranked 51st, 2019-Highest-Ranking Female-Owned Firm on List
Ranked 11th, 2012-Highest-Ranking Settlement for a Female Attorney and Female-Owned Law Firm on List
- TopVerdicts
- Top 100 Medical Malpractice Settlements (Nationwide), 2024 – 2 entries in Top 100 and 4th highest Illinois Settlement
- Top 100 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in the United States, 2022
- Top 100 Verdicts in Illinois, 2016
American Economic Institute’s Illinois Excellence Award for Excellence in Client Services, 2016
WCIU THE U- Produced/Hosted by Now.Chicago
Featured Guest Appearance on MeTV and MeToo TV, March 14 and 15, 2015
- America's Most Honored Professionals: Top 5%, 2011-2012, 2014
Trial Lawyers Board of Regents
Nominee: 2014 Litigator Awards
- Top 100 Leading Women Consumer Lawyers, 2012-present
Top 1% of Medical Malpractice Trial Counsel in Illinois, 2012
Physicians Practice Journal
Featured in and Contributor for March 2011 issue: “Arm Yourself Against Malpractice – Plaintiffs Lawyers Reveal Their Secrets”
- The American Trial Lawyers Association
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2007-2011
- The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Lifetime Member, 2007-present
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Lifetime Member, 2006-present
Litigation Counsel of America
Trial Lawyer Honor Society Fellow, 2010Presidential Who's Who, 2008
Who's Who of American Women, 2008
The World's Who's Who of Women, 1988
Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America, 1988
International Who's Who of Intellectuals, 1988
Who's Who in America, 1988
Who's Who in the Midwest, 1988
American Delegation of Women Lawyers: People to People International
Appointed to Citizen Ambassador Program, 1987
- National Register of Outstanding College Graduates, 1981
Professional Background:
- Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC, (2005–Present)
Director
- Peter D. Kasdin, Ltd., (1986–2005)
Attorney
- Jay A. Baier, Ltd., (1984–1986)
Associate
Academic/Professional Activities:
- Chicago Bar Association, 1984-1992, 2005-present
- Lawyer Referral Service Committee
- Chairman, 2015-present
- Vice-Chairman, 2011-2014
- CLE: “How to Attract and Retain Clients” Lead Speaker, February 16, 2023
- Sustainable Practice of Law and Innovation Task Force Member, 2019-2020
- Nominating Committee for Officers and Board Candidates: Member, 2017
- Committee for Lawyer Referral Panels, 2011-present
- Call a Lawyer Program, 2008-present
- Committee on Attorney Malpractice Law, 2008-present
- Tort Litigation Committee, 1984-1986, 2006-present
- Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Referral Panels, 2005-present
- Lawyer Referral Service Committee
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1984-present
- Board of Managers, 2008-2023
- Women’s Caucus-Board of Managers, 2018-present
- Seminar: "It’s More Than Trying Cases: Practical Suggestions for Advancing Your Career" Panelist, May 4, 2018
- Legislative Committee, 1984
- Illinois State Bar Association, 1984-1992, 2005-present
- Mentor, 2005-present
- Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Referral Panels, 2005-present
- American Association for Justice Member, 2010-2011 and 2018-2022
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway & Premises Liability Section Committee Member, 2010-2011
- American Bar Association, 1985-1992, 2013-2015, 2018-2020
- Standing Committee on Lawyer Referral and Information Service: Board Member, 2013-2016
- Justinian Society of Lawyers, 1982-1986, 2005-2010
- The National Italian American Foundation, 2003-2010
National American Trial Lawyers Association Mock Trial Final Competition Judge, 1989 - American Trial Lawyers Association, 1985-1992
- Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, 1987
Appellate Trial Experience:
- Ellen Catledge v. Damaro Sterling, Walgreens, et al., Appellate No. 1-20-0148 (2021)
- Peter D. Kasdin, Ltd. and Peter D. Kasdin, v. Regina P. Etherton and Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC, Appellate No. 14-1693 (2016)
- Diane Galante and David Hines, as Special Administrators of the Estate of Norman Hines, deceased, and Judith A. Mitchell-Hines v. James Davis (consolidated with) Lisa O’Rourke and Gary Hines v. James Davis, Appellate no. 1-14-1726 (2015)
- Todd Smart v. City of Chicago, Appellate no. 12-0901, petition for leave to appeal to Illinois Supreme Court denied, Supreme Court no. 116914 (2013)
- State Farm Insurance Company v. Mary Catherine Williamson, et al., Appellate no. 1-12-0734 (2012)
- Mary Catherine Williamson, individually, and as Special Administrator of the Estate of Michael Williamson, deceased v. Carolyn Asher, as Special Administrator of the Estate of Arthur Asher, Herb Eldridge d/b/a A & H Trucking, Inc., and A & H Trucking, Inc., Appellate nos. 1-07-1910 & 1-07-3084 (2009)
- Doris A. McKenzie, et al. v. Earline A. Asmussen, et al., Appellate no. 1-05-3227 (2006)
- Annette and Louis Poznecki v. Chicago Park District, Appellate no. 98-0939, Second Appeal No. 1-01-1368 (2002)
- Mobil Oil Corporation v. Maryland Casualty Company and Northern Insurance Company of New York, Appellate no. 1-96-0351 (1997)
Recent Honors
2012, 2016, 2017, 2019-2025. Chicago Lawyer Magazine Top Verdicts and Settlements. #49 in 2025, #35 in 2024, #79 in 2023, #64 in 2022, #38 in 2021, #57 in 2020, #51 and highest-ranking, female-owned firm in 2019, and #11 and highest-ranking settlement for a female attorney on the list in 2012.
2015–Present. Regina P. Etherton is Chairman of the Chicago Bar Association-Lawyer Referral Service.
2008–2023. Regina P. Etherton was on the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Board of Managers. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association is a statewide organization whose members are dedicated to preserving trial by jury and protecting the rights of injured victims. Regina P. Etherton was one of the few female attorneys selected to serve on its Board of Managers.
2018–Present. Regina P. Etherton is a board member for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s Women’s Caucus.
2012–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected to the Top 100 Leading Women Consumer Lawyers by the Leading Lawyers Network.
2008–2010, 2013–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers list published by Chicago Magazine. The Super Lawyers list is comprised of outstanding lawyers who have achieved significant peer recognition and a high degree of professional achievement. Nominations are made by judges and other lawyers who have personally observed the lawyer in action. Only five percent of lawyers in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers list.
2007–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected as a Top Attorney and Personal Injury Attorney in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network. The Leading Lawyers Network is the most trusted and respected resource to locate reputable, experienced plaintiffs’ personal injury lawyers. Leading Lawyers Network surveys lawyers, asking them which of their peers, indeed their competitors, they would recommend to a family member or friend if they could not take a case within their area of law or geographic region. Based upon survey nominations and approval by an advisory board, only the top lawyers are nominated and eligible for membership in the Leading Lawyers Network.
2014–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected as a Fellow for the American Bar Foundation.
2011–2014. Regina P. Etherton was Vice-Chairman for the Chicago Bar Association-Lawyer Referral Service.
2009 and 2011, 2016–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected as a Top Female Attorney in all areas of practice in Illinois by Leading Lawyers, Law Bulletin Publishing Company, and LeadingLawyers.com. The list of Leading Lawyers is the result of a rigorous selection process. The lawyers selected by their peers are among the top lawyers in the State.
2008–2010, 2013–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected as a top female attorney practicing in the field of Personal Injury Law in Illinois by Leading Lawyers, Law Bulletin Publishing Company, and LeadingLawyers.com.
2012. Regina P. Etherton was selected as among the Top 1% Trial Counsel for Illinois Medical Malpractice Plaintiffs’ Attorneys. A designation as one of The Top 1% Trial Counsel for Medical Malpractice is a prestigious award for which candidates are selected from the leading professionals based on MedicalMalpracticeLawyers.org’s rigorous 6-point scoring system. Selected on the basis of peer reviews and individual medical malpractice trial performance, this designation is limited to less than 1% of professionals and represents the elite medical malpractice attorneys.
2007–2011. Regina P. Etherton was selected as one of The American Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Membership is obtained through special invitation and careful screening by the American Trial Lawyers Association’s Executive Committee and is extended only to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications and an outstanding reputation among their peers, the judiciary, and the public.
2006–Present. Regina P. Etherton was selected as one of the “500 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers In America” by Lawdragon Magazine and lawdragon.com. Less than half of 1% of America’s 1.1 million attorneys are accepted into this prestigious group. Regina P. Etherton was named as one of the Top 500 Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America in Lawdragon’s January 2007 publication, which is distributed to 80,000 people.
2007–Lifetime. Regina P. Etherton was inducted into The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Members of The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum must be Lifetime Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
2006–Lifetime. Regina P. Etherton was inducted into The Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Only 3,000 trial lawyers across the country belong to this group and approximately 100 are from Illinois. “The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is the most prestigious group of trial lawyers in the United States. Its members have won million, multi-million and billion dollar cases.” —From the website of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Each member has demonstrated, in an objective and tangible way, the ability to accomplish superior results in complex cases. This nationally recognized group consists of some of the best trial lawyers in the country.
2013–2016. Regina P. Etherton was appointed by the American Bar Association as a board member to its Standing Committee on Lawyer Referral and Information Service. The American Bar Association is the largest voluntary legal organization in the world comprising over 400,000 members. An appointment on this Committee is very selective.
David Wm. Horan, M.D., J.D.
Of Counsel
Education:
- B.A., University of Virginia, 1974
- M.D., University of Virginia, 1978
- Residency: Washington University in St. Louis, General Surgery Resident
- J.D., Washington University in St. Louis, 1983
Professional Licenses:
- Illinois: Law and Medical
- Missouri: Law and Medical
Professional Background:
- Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC, Of Counsel (2005–Present)
Specialist in Medical Negligence
- Peter D. Kasdin, Ltd., Of Counsel, (1986–2005)
Specialist in Medical Negligence
- Corboy & DeMetrio, P.C. (1980–1986)
Specialist in Medical Negligence
- St. Louis University (1981–1983)
Emergency Physician
- Spectrum Emergency Service Corporation (1980–1983)
Affiliations:
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- American Medical Association
- St. Louis Metropolitan Bar and Medical Associations
Presentations:
Medical Malpractice Symposia and Mock Trials for:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- Rush Medical School
- Northwestern Medical School
- American Bar Association Section in Litigation
David Wm. Horan, M.D., J.D.
Of Counsel
Education:
- B.A., University of Virginia, 1974
- M.D., University of Virginia, 1978
- Residency: Washington University in St. Louis, General Surgery Resident
- J.D., Washington University in St. Louis, 1983
Professional Licenses:
- Illinois: Law and Medical
- Missouri: Law and Medical
Professional Background:
- Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC, Of Counsel, (2005–Present)
Specialist in Medical Negligence
- Peter D. Kasdin, Ltd., Of Counsel, (1986–2005)
Specialist in Medical Negligence
- Corboy & DeMetrio, P.C. (1980–1986)
Specialist in Medical Negligence
- St. Louis University (1981–1983)
Emergency Physician
- Spectrum Emergency Service Corporation (1980-1983)
Affiliations:
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- American Medical Association
- St. Louis Metropolitan Bar and Medical Associations
Presentations:
Medical Malpractice Symposia and Mock Trials for:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- Rush Medical School
- Northwestern Medical School
- American Bar Association Section in Litigation
Ciara McCarty
Associate
Education:
- J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 2024, cum laude, Dean's List
- B.A. in Theater with Acting Concentration, Temple University, 2021, magna cum laude
Honors:
- Dean’s List, Loyola University School of Law, 2022-2024
- Alpha Psi Omega, Temple University
Professional Background:
- Associate, Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC (November 2024-Present)
- Law Clerk, Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC (August 2022-November 2024)
- Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Complex Tort, and Wrongful Death Litigation
- HR Assistant (2020)
Ciara McCarty
Associate
Education:
- J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 2024, cum laude, Dean's List
- B.A. in Theater with Acting Concentration, Temple University, 2021, magna cum laude
Honors:
- Dean’s List, Loyola University School of Law, 2022-2024
- Alpha Psi Omega, Temple University
Professional Background:
- Associate, Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC (November 2024-Present)
- Law Clerk, Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC (August 2022-November 2024)
- Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Complex Tort, and Wrongful Death Litigation
- HR Assistant (2020)