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, including collections.
Of all the attorneys who have helped me build my practice, several stand out as most encouraging and supportive. They include Robert V. Lewis and Rich Wohlleber of the Chicago firm of Chapman and Cutler, with whom I began my legal career in 1975. Also helpful have been my Dartmouth friends Doug Lehman, of the New York firm of Levin & Glasser; Richard Zuckerman, with the New York office of Sonnenscheim, Nath and Rosenthal; Christopher Brewster of the Washington, D.C. office of Kaye Scholer; Witt Fram of the St. Paul firm of Peterson Fram and Bergman and fellow Chicago 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 throughout North America and Europe. My clients range from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. The emphasis is on civil matters, including collection, enforcement of foreign judgments and complex litigation. The desk lamp has since been augmented by various computers and related office equipment, and 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 ambition could do more for people than any government program or political leader.
He was always proud of the many persons for whom he made available affordable housing, jobs and a higher standard of living. As an attorney, his highest goal was obtaining results for 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, wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. 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.