Recognizing Newly Elevated Partners for 2026
Litchfield Cavo LLP is pleased to announce the following six attorneys have been elected to the Firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2026. These partnership elevations reflect the strength of our national practice and highlights the continued growth of our 23 offices across the nation. Below we recognize the attorneys who have demonstrated commitment to our clients and consistent contribution to the Firm’s success.
IL | Chicago Office
Brian C. Hoppe defends civil litigation matters with specific focus on complex construction claims, products and premises liability matters, and labor and employment law. He also handles claims brought under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII, as well as motor vehicle, premises liability, and other general torts.
MO | Kansas City Office
Blaine P. Smith assists business clients with practical solutions from pre-litigation and dispute resolution through trial. He has experience navigating legal precedent and achieving favorable results. He gained extensive litigation experience handling construction cases, commercial matters and insurance coverage disputes, as well as strengthened legal research and writing skills while an associate attorney.
NJ | Cherry Hill Office
Rachel M. Planas represents employers in workers’ compensation cases at the administrative and appellate court levels in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her representative clients include private employers, large corporations, municipalities, healthcare systems, construction companies, educational institutions and restaurants. She also represents employers with respect to other employment law matters.
NY | New York City Office
Christopher L. Grayson concentrates on New York Labor Law, products and premises liability, professional liability, and insurance coverage. He represents clients in property damage, wrongful death, personal injury and civil rights actions from commencement through appeal, and has taken numerous cases to verdict. Chis also defends insurance clients in negligence cases and first-party claims.
TX | Dallas-Ft. Worth Office
Kaitlin E. Palmarozzi concentrates her law practice in the areas of general liability, premises liability, personal injury, and construction defect claims, along with complex civil litigation matters. She also handles transportation, breach of contract claims, as well as consumer and commercial debt collection.
TX | Dallas-Ft. Worth Office
Nathan D. Pearman represents businesses of all sizes in complex litigation including commercial disputes, construction and real estate matters, labor and employment issues, and trade secret litigation in state and federal courts. His practice also includes executive liability, products liability, and other business-related torts.
“All of these individuals have proven themselves as people we want as partners and leaders within our Firm. Their future is bright and I look forward to their dedication to upholding our reputation for legal excellence well beyond 2026. Congratulations to each of them!” – Jan Hueber, Firm Managing Partner
To download the 2026 election announcement, click here.