Category: Class Notes

David Horwitch co-founded National Apartment Partners LLC, a private real estate investment firm focused on acquiring strategic value-add multifamily assets in growth markets with diverse economies throughout the southeast, south, and Midwest regions of the United States. Specifically, the company purchases multifamily assets at a discount, implements significant renovations to add value, and forces appreciation to maximize returns for its investors while providing residents with safe, affordable, and modern housing in strategic markets with strong population growth. National Apartment Partners LLC currently owns and operates over 3,000 rental units, mostly in Tennessee. He has also served as President of the Chicago Real Estate Council.

Jack Waaler passed away at age 91 in Urbana, IL, On August 2, 2025. He is surived by his wife Virginia, his 3 sons, and several grandchildren.

James T. McCollum practiced for 34 years in Rochester, NY, and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1966. In 1995, he retired to Emerson, AR, and took a job in IT at Southern Arkansas University. He worked 11 years and earned two additional degrees before retiring in his 90s.

Ashley Kennedy has joined Edward Jones as senior estate strategist for Edward Jones Generations, providing the firm’s first private client services for high net worth clients.

Robert Brunner has joined the Chicago office of Kilpatrick as Litigation of Counsel, joining its Complex Commercial Litigation Team. Brunner previously was a part of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. A seasoned litigator with extensive expertise in state and federal courts across the country, his nationwide practice includes counseling clients on a wide variety of commercial and insurance coverage disputes as well as financial services litigation.

Kevin Berrill recently became President of the Lake County Bar Association. Kevin is a prosecutor in the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he is Chief of Special Investigations as well as Chief of Financial Crimes & Public Integrity.

Ed Rothschild, class of 1972, has retired to a life of caring for animals and people but not through law work.

Robert (Bob) Wrobel passed away on July 30, 2025. He was affiliated with the Stinson Mag law firm in Kansas City, Missouri; prior to that he was General Counsel for the Marley Company of Mission Woods, Kansas; General Counsel of the Duracell Corporation; and Vice President and Chief Legal officer of Alpharma, Inc. He retired in 2007 to Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Dave Watson is retiring from Reynolds Consume Products, where he served as General Counsel the past 10 years, including during Reynolds 2020 initial public offering.

Marvis Barnes has joined Brookfield Properties, the real estate arm of Brookfield Asset Management, as an Associate General Counsel. Marvis previously practiced at K&L Gates LLP in Chicago, IL.