Charles A. Hornewer, Partner

Curriculum Vitae

“When presenting a case during trial, I take cues from the plays that I studied in English literature. First, you have to develop the characters. When you have all of that information in your head you start the presentation, which is the opening statement. Next, you develop the pieces of evidence and you come to the conclusion, which is your final argument. Then it’s in the jury’s hands. So I try to approach cases that way to make them come alive and make sense, and to try to make it an interesting experience for the jury.”

“I think what I’m most passionate about in my work is being a convincing advocate and a warrior for the people that I’m representing.”

Before joining our firm Charles distinguished himself as a malpractice defense attorney and was known for his especially convincing courtroom presence. This wealth of prior experience gives him a unique and comprehensive perspective. Interestingly, during that time he was often told that he was “on the wrong side” and advised that he would make a great plaintiff’s attorney. “I’ve really enjoyed being here,” he says of his choice to join Phillips, “It’s just a great place.”

In addition to his courtroom prowess, Charles also excels as a triathlon athlete, and has done the particularly grueling Ironman race twice. He feels that the strength and focus it takes to succeed in a race is very similar to what it takes to win a case. “I’m determined,” he explains. “Doing Ironman, you’re out there for over 140 miles, and if you don’t have that strength of focus you’re not going to finish the race. And that’s what I bring to my cases is that strength of focus.”

A 1981 graduate of DePaul University College of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review, Charles is currently licensed to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and before state courts in Illinois. He has lectured around the country on medical malpractice, trial practice and trial advocacy, and has also published extensively on these topics.

Terry Quinn, Partner

“I like helping people. That’s what I think attracts a lot of people to plaintiff’s work. My parents are social workers, so I come from that background. I think knowing that you have people who are relying on you whose lives are impacted

adversely, you’re really working to make their lives easier, and that’s what keeps you going.”

Terry Quinn clerked for our firm during law school, and joined us as an attorney after his admission to the bar. Terry was mentored by our firm’s founder John G. Phillips. Terry often plays a support role as our more senior attorneys prepare for large cases, and his devotion to the study of law as well as his excellent writing, research and analytical skills have made him an invaluable asset.

Terry has also had numerous successful results on his own cases.

Jill M. Webb, Partner

Curriculum Vitae

Jill joined our firm in 2005. She brought with her nine years of experience as a Plaintiff’s trial lawyer. “I have always worked as a Plaintiff’s trial lawyer. I love what I do and cannot imagine doing any other type of work. It gives me great pride to know that each day I help an individual or a family through a difficult time when an unexpected injury has caused such loss and devastation in their lives. Much of what we do is fight insurance companies for benefits and compensation to which our clients are entitled.”

She serves on the Board of Directors of Public Justice, a national public interest law firm. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board of an organization that act’s solely in the public’s interest, fighting against discrimination, environmental pollution, and increasing access to the courts for all individuals.”

In addition to Public Justice, Jill devotes time to the American Association for Justice, where she serves on numerous committees and frequently attends its seminars and conventions. On several occasions she has lobbied the U.S. Congress on behalf of AAJ to fight against legislation which would impair our client’s access to the courts in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Jill is also a frequent speaker at AAJ conventions.