Ms. Klotnia has litigated many complex commercial and legal malpractice cases and is well known for her command of legal ethics. She has represented clients in cases involving legal malpractice defense, attorney disciplinary matters, corporate and partnership disputes, derivative actions and shareholder disputes, RICO litigation, contract disputes, commercial mortgage foreclosure, environmental law, constitutional law and federal civil rights. Ms. Klotnia has been selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers list in 2005, 2006 and every year since 2008.
Ms. Klotnia has been involved in cases in the U. S. District Courts in Illinois, Hawaii, Kansas and Pennsylvania and in the state courts of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Delaware and has participated in appeals to the U. S. Supreme Court, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and for the Third Circuit, and to the Illinois Appellate Court and the Wisconsin Appellate Court.
Selected Engagements
Represented several large law firms in separate, unrelated lawsuits involving claims of legal malpractice. The underlying matters that gave rise to the claims involved complex commercial transactions, patent litigation, and commercial litigation.
Appointed Special Master by U. S. District Court to review and provide recommendations on privilege and work product claims in connection with an SEC lawsuit.
Represented hospital system in federal class action by registered nurses alleging antitrust violations, and led defense group of six law firms in successful presentation of complex econometric issues to the Court.
Represented a manufacturer of railroad tracks and wheels in connection with its claims under an environmental indemnity arising out of the manufacturer’s purchase of several facilities.
Represented clothing manufacturer against anti-trust claims asserted by a retailer.
Represented a trustee and corporate officer in several related lawsuits involving shareholder derivative claims and claims of breaches of fiduciary duty.
Represented two closely-held corporations in connection with claims by one of the shareholders that he had been frozen out by the other shareholder.
Represented the seller of manufacturing facilities in arbitration held in connection with post-closing disputes, including claims arising out of an environmental indemnity.
Represented an international power manufacturing corporation in connection with disputes between the corporation and its joint venture partners arising out of their development and operation of a power co-generation facility in Hawaii.
Represented a minor in child abuse and neglect proceedings in Cook County. The Illinois appellate court resolved in favor of the minor the novel issue of whether a minor is entitled to counsel of her own choice in such proceedings, in lieu of the public guardian.
Represented, along with the Roger Baldwin Foundation, a physician who wished to exercise his first amendment rights and demonstrate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in an area other than the area designated by the City and the DNCC. Following an evidentiary hearing, the trial court ruled in favor of the client and other demonstrators.
Education
J.D., University of Chicago Law School, 1987
Graduated with highest honors
Order of the Coif
Managing and Book Review editor of the University of Chicago Law Review
B.S., University of Illinois, Business Administration, 1984
Graduated with highest honors
Experience
Partner with this firm since 1995; Associate from 1989-1994
Vice-Chair, ISBA Special Committee on Nonlawyer Legal Service Providers, 2019-present
Member, ISBA Standing Committee on Professional Conduct, 2012 to present
Chair, June 2017-June 2018
Vice Chair, June 2016-June 2017
Secretary, June 2015-June 2016
Adjunct faculty of Professional Responsibility at Northwestern University School of Law, 2011 to present
Member, ISBA Special Committee on Judicial Disqualification Standards, 2012
Co-Chair, Joint Task Force of the CBA, ISBA and IJA on Limited Scope Of Representation, 2010-2011
Adjunct faculty of Trial Advocacy at Northwestern University School of Law, 2009-2011
Chair, Professional Responsibility Committee, Chicago Bar Association, 2009-2010
Vice-Chair, Professional Responsibility Committee, Chicago Bar Association, 2008-2009
Law clerk to the Hon. Max Rosenn, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 1988-1989
Associate with Shea & Gardner in Washington, D.C., 1987-1988
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 1989
Memberships
American Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Chicago Council of Lawyers
Board member, ACLU of Illinois, 1999 to present; Executive Committee Member, ACLU of Illinois, 2001 to present. As a board member, developed a weekly call-in program on cable television called “You Have the Right.”
Board member and officer, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, 2006 to 2016
Alternate Board member, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, 2006-2012
Board member, University of Illinois College of Business Alumni Association, 2002-2012
Selected Publications and Presentations
“Not-so-Firm Rules: Ethical issues when nonlawyers own interests in law firms; and continuing challenges to existing rules and practices.” November 2022 | Illinois Bar Journal. Written with Michael L. Shakman.
“When Lawyers Relocate: Leaving a clean trail when moving to a new firm.” July 2020 | Illinois Bar Journal. Written with Michael L. Shakman.
