Tara R. Devine
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C
Personal injury

Tara R. Devine is known for being an exceptional litigator, with impressive advocacy skills.

Devine, a partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., focuses on plaintiff’s personal injury matters.

Devine’s hard work and dedication to the practice of law has resulted in the recovery of over $15 million dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of her clients. One of her first verdicts came on behalf of a Lake County family whose family member was killed after a driver lost control of his vehicle, swerved off the road and struck the family member as he was getting his mail at his mailbox near the road. Devine’s work on the client’s behalf resulted in a multi-million dollar verdict.

A judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit in Kane County has known Devine for about three years. The judge presided over a complex two-week trial where Devine represented her client against strong opposition.

The judge said Devine was able to maintain a high degree of professionalism, had a well thought out theory of liability, knew the law, and possessed superior direct and cross examination skills.

“Over a ten year period, I have presided over thousands of personal injury and medical malpractice lawsuits and have found Ms. Devine to be one of the top litigators who has tried a case before me,” the judge said.

Other attorneys also recognize Devine’s skills.

Stephen V. D’Amore, of Winston & Strawn LLP, has worked as opposing counsel to Devine during the last few years.

“From having interacted with Tara taking and defending depositions, to arguing motions in court, it is obvious that Tara prepares thoroughly, knows the facts and law inside and out, and puts together strong persuasive arguments,” D’Amore said. “Tara is comfortable in the courtroom, and earns the respect of her colleagues, opponents and judges.”

John A. Kornak, with The Law Offices of Thomas J. Popovich P.C., has worked with Devine for the past 10 years. Kornak said Devine’s work ethic and compassion for her clients makes her particularly well-suited for trial work.

“But what sets her apart from her contemporaries is her rare quality of making arguments without appearing disagreeable,” Kornak said. “An effective trial attorney will do his or her best to balance the need to zealously advocate for their client without ‘turning off’ the finder of fact,” Kornak said. “This is a talent that cannot be taught, it must be inherent. In Tara’s case, it is the direct result of her being a genuinely good person and being whip-smart to boot.”

Kornak said Devine has a reputation for being well prepared and diligent in working up cases.

“She is quick to understand issues, and develops a game plan to address them in a expedient and professional manner,” he said. “She has top-notch skills in research and writing, and thinks well on her feet. All in all, Tara is a complete trial attorney.”

Outside the courtroom, Devine supports the Michael Matters Foundation, a charity that focuses on providing financial assistance to individuals who suffer from brain cancer. She also heads up the annual Marquette-Chicago Alumni event, and is a frequent speaker at Illinois Trial Lawyers Association seminars. She is a member of the Lake County Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Wisconsin State Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice.