I have been a trial lawyer since 1984 and have obtained numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for my clients throughout Illinois and the country. I founded Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. in 1992 on the principles of respect for clients, sensitivity to their needs, and aggressive protection of their interests.My early training at Baker & McKenzie, the largest law firm in the world, allowed me to work with many of the most notable and respected trial lawyers in the country representing major hospitals, corporations, and insurance companies. This early experience took my interest to the other side of the courtroom and I decided to use my skills to help those who have been wrongfully injured.I am a member of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, International College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Society of Trial Lawyers. These are all exclusive distinctions based on peer nominations. The standards for admission are high and the nominating Membership is limited to a very small percentage of practicing trial lawyers. Outstanding skills and extensive experience as a trial lawyer, unimpeachable personal and professional character, integrity, and honesty are required of every nominee. I have also been named a Super Lawyer and a Leading Lawyer in Illinois.I was elected as the 2016-2017 President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) and previously served as the Second Vice President. I have been a member of the ITLA Board of Managers since 1996. In 2011, I was elected to the Board of Governors of the Illinois State Bar Association.I have also helped expand legal education. I have served as the past President of the Alumni Board of Governors of Loyola University of Chicago Law School, my alma mater, where I also served on the Elder Initiative Advisory Board and sponsored the Christopher T. Hurley Lecture, part of a series held by the school on legal issues affecting the elderly. I have been an adjunct professor of law at Northwestern University teaching trial practice, and I speak frequently to bar groups on topics related to personal injury law and trial practice.I am a strong supporter of education in general, serving as Trustee Emeritus and member of the Alumni Board of Advisors for La Lumiere High School in La Porte, Indiana. I have established scholarship funds at Loyola University School of Law and at Colgate University and have sponsored and have sponsored the Annual Tim Byrnes Lecture in Political Science.