Coffee Break: Todd R. Warren, president and managing partner, Katz, Goldstein & Warren, Bannockburn
Q: Describe your company.
A: Our firm was established in 1998. Clients look to the law firm of Katz, Goldstein & Warren for excellence, integrity, and quality results in the area of family law in Lake, Cook, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will counties. Through years of experience, our lawyers have developed a sensitivity to the strife and emotional stress that often accompany divorce and other domestic issues. Taking into consideration each client's privacy, we treat our clients with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Our team, which is comprised of tough and compassionate attorneys, understands the impact family-related matters have upon clients and their children. We are also strong advocates in protecting our clients' interests. Through our collective efforts, we offer thoughtful and creative solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: Yes.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: The changing tax implications for maintenance/alimony that took effect on Jan. 1 will have a significant impact on many of our existing clients and for any clients who are divorced in 2019 and beyond.
Illinois is in the process of changing the existing formula for calculating maintenance/alimony, which will force all of our clients to take a closer look at their own situations to arrive at more creative results than was previously the norm.
The laws regarding parenting time for minor children have also been in the news recently and may also be undergoing additional statutory changes in 2019 and the coming years.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: The current trend in family law appears to be driven by an adherence to specific formulas and “one size fits all” approaches to complicated issues which are based on changes in the various statutes governing maintenance, child support, the payment of college education expenses and parenting plans.
Many practitioners view this as a simpler path to a conclusion but it can often lead families to results that do not fit their unique situations.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie CEO, what would it be?
A: Don't be afraid to listen. Part of being an effective leader is having the ability to pause and consider the views of others.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Be yourself. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. That is why you are part of this firm. Don't be afraid to take a punch and get back up again.
Q: From a business outlook, who do you look up to?
A: That is an easy question. I look up to my father. He was a manufacturer's representative for more than 50 years and built his business with his two partners from the ground up. He taught me the values of working hard, and not being afraid to venture out of my comfort zone to achieve success in the world.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: Our firm has been together for over 20 years. Though our offices are located in Lake County, Illinois (Bannockburn) we actively represent many clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will and McHenry counties.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I spend a lot of time with my wife and children. We love to travel, and also enjoy attending live concerts both in Chicago and around the country. We enjoy trying the new restaurants in Chicago as well and enjoy walking the 606 — an elevated park and trail system in Chicago — with our dog, Payton.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Just about everything these days.
Q: If you were not doing this job, what do you think you would be doing?
A: When I was younger I dreamed of being a relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. Since I don't think that is presently an option, I would like to write or teach.
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: I worked in a warehouse and also worked as a shoe salesman when I was 14.
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: Comiskey Park. I cannot get used to calling it Guaranteed Rate Field.
Q: What is one funny thing that has happened to you in your career?
A: As a divorce lawyer, the list would be endless. I think I will keep that to myself.
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why. (Besides your company)
A: Rick Hahn (GM Chicago White Sox). He seems to be saying all the right things. I hope he is right.
Late night show host James Corden (CBS Entertainment). I enjoy his show and am a huge fan of Carpool Karaoke.
Todd R. Warren
<b>President and Managing Partner </b><b>Katz, Goldstein & Warren </b>2345 Waukegan Road, Suite #150, Bannockburn, IL 60015
<b>KGWLAW.COM</b>Industry: Legal services
Number of employees: 7 Attorneys and 5 Staff/Assistants
Age: 54
Family information: Married with three children
Hometown: Raised in Northbrook
Current residence: Highland Park