As the start of 2025 has already shown with the destructive Los Angeles wildfires, the impact of climate change on businesses and homes can be devastating. Many owners and construction contractors were already grappling with the significant damage caused by a very active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season in Florida and the Southeast, and concerns about what the coming years will bring are at the forefront of their minds.

Gould & Ratner has been named to Midwest Real Estate News “Best of the Best” law firms for the eighth consecutive year. The firm was ranked No. 13 of all Midwest firms with commercial real estate practices, remaining the same from last year’s No. 13 placement. This ranking is reflective of the total number of deals valued at $1 million and above that Gould & Ratner completed in 2023.

Several new laws approved by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law this year by Governor JB Pritzker are aimed at protecting and expanding the rights of employees in the state.  The new measures’ effect will also be felt by employers, who will likely need to examine their policies and practices in the new year.

Gould & Ratner is pleased to announce that Sevan Avakian has rejoined the firm as a partner in our Corporate Practice.  Sevan returns after a few years as general counsel for a venture capital firm.

Gould & Ratner is pleased to announce that Jeff Goldberg, an associate in the firm’s Real Estate Practice, and Abby Mahony, an associate in the Tax and Wealth Transfer Practice,  have been promoted to Partner.

Additionally, Nelly Rosenberg, an associate in the Real Estate Practice, and Rebecca Smart, an associate in the Corporate Practice, have been promoted to Senior Associate.