Firm History
A NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
I opened my own practice on December 1, 1981 with one client, no furniture and no equipment except for a desk lamp which my wife had used in college. I relied on my father, Leonard P. Schur for inspiration and advice, and my friends in the legal profession for work. Little did I know that my best sources of business would be other lawyers in Chicago and around the country, looking for an attorney to handle an unusual or small case, such as a collection, a routine personal injury claim, a small probate estate or a house closing.
Of all the attorneys who have helped me build my practice, several stand out as the most encouraging and supportive: the Chicago firm of Chapman and Cutler, with whom I began my legal career in 1975 as an associate attorney; Robert V. Lewis, formerly of Chapman and Cutler and now a partner at Schuyler Roche & Swirner in Chicago, and George Elsener, an outstanding personal injury attorney, now semi-retired, who always was available with advice and new matters. Other lawyers who have sustained my practice throughout the years are my Dartmouth friends Doug Lehman, of the New York firm of Pavia and Harcourt, Richard Zuckerman, with the New York firm of Rubin Baum, Witt Fram of the St. Paul firm of Peterson Fram and Bergman, and local attorney and fellow solo Daniel Radakovich. Another key contributor to my practice has been David Grossberg of the Chicago firm of Schiff, Hardin and Waite.
My referral network has grown through the years to include lawyers from Nova Scotia to California. My clients range from Fortune 500 companies to individuals closing a house purchase. The emphasis is on civil matters, including collection, complex litigation and real estate. The desk lamp has since been augmented by various computers and related office equipment, but most importantly, by an outstanding office staff.
A TRIBUTE TO LEONARD P. SCHUR
No single individual in my life has had more influence upon me than my late father, Leonard P. Schur. Until his death in 1997 at the age of 74, my father was an active practitioner of law, a successful real estate developer, an ardent sports fan and the most ethical and moral person whom I have ever known.
My father transmitted to me his values of honesty, fair play and sensitivity along with his unshakable belief in the power of education. He taught me that an educated person with a moral compass and honest ambition could do more for people than any government program or political leader.
He was always proud of the number of people for whom he made available affordable housing, jobs and a higher standard of living. As an attorney, he placed the highest possible value on the results which he obtained for his clients rather than his own compensation.
He was a dedicated father and husband, a devoted son and a decorated combat veteran of World War II. His emphasis on family, religion and moral rectitude have given me comfort and guidance throughout my life. He knew the basic truth that while money could be made, lost and made again, nothing mattered more than one's good name.
His name will always be a shining one. My goal is to emulate him in every way.