Jennifer Groszek


William K. McVisk

2021
President's Award Recipients

Jennifer Groszek of ProQuest, Chicago, and William K. McVisk of Tressler LLP, Chicago were honored by 2020-2021 Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) President Nicole Milos with the President’s Award.

In presenting the awards President Milos remarked, “The President's Award affords me the opportunity to recognize members who have demonstrated outstanding service to me as the President and to IDC. In its most simplistic view, Jen is the person who introduced me to IDC and Bill is the person who introduced me to the Executive Committee. My tenure, experience, and enjoyment throughout my time with IDC would not be the same if it were not for these two wonderful people.”

“Jen introduced me to IDC several years ago and has supported and encouraged me ever since. She has served IDC in many capacities including as an author, speaker, Director, Young Lawyers’ Division (YLD) leader, IDCares Committee leader, committee member, strategic planning attendee and Committee Structure Initiative (CSI) task force member. Jen recognizes the value of networking, mentoring, and balance. She exemplifies outstanding service and commitment to the defense bar while remaining energized and positive. She has been an invaluable member of IDC. Jen is not only a great lawyer, but is a mentor, a leader, a champion, an advocate, a fabulous mom and to me, most importantly, she is my friend. I could not think of a more deserving person for the President's Award.”

“There is no dispute that Bill's service to IDC is extraordinary, and he continues to demonstrate outstanding service and commitment to the defense bar. Bill is a Past President and has served on the Executive Committee, COVID-19 Task Force, Board of Directors; he has served as leadership and a member of the Legislative Committee, and Insurance Law Committee. He has also been a frequent contributor and past editor of the IDC Quarterly. In a year filled with challenges that no one expected or could have predicted, I will be forever grateful for Bill's support, counsel, and encouragement. One of the greatest benefits of IDC is the comradery and friendship. Bill is an accomplished lawyer, wonderful listener, tireless advocate, and compassionate soul. I am fortunate to have met and worked with him and I am grateful that I call him my friend.”

“I am honored to receive the President’s Award from the IDC, especially from Nicole Milos, who began this journey with me over 15 years ago. The IDC is filled with not only exceptional attorneys, but exceptional people. It has been a privilege to work with many of you as a Member, Committee Chair and past Board Member. I am grateful for the long-lasting friendships I have made and I look forward to the continued success of the IDC and its members!” said Ms. Groszek.

In accepting the award, Mr. McVisk remarked, “I am humbled and proud to receive this award from IDC and, especially from IDC’s President, Nicole Milos. The IDC has offered me so many opportunities to learn, engage with other defense counsel, and work to ensure that the interests of the defense bar and its clients are advanced. It is truly a great organization to be part of. And Nicole Milos has done a remarkable job as President, and has been a close friend and respected colleague, who helped me enormously when I was IDC President. I also have to thank IDC Past Presidents Rick Hammond, Mark Mifflin, Mike Resis and Brad Nahrstadt, among the many other IDC Presidents who helped to make my IDC participation incredibly meaningful.”

Jennifer Groszek is a Vice President, Claims Advocate Lead at ProQuest, a division of Alliant. She provides risk management, consulting, and claims management services to a broad array of clients across the U.S. Ms. Groszek has more than 19 years of experience as an attorney and claims & business consultant. Prior to joining ProQuest, she was a Claims Consultant and Attorney managing high-exposure D&O and E&O liability claims for a broad range of clients. Ms. Groszek, who began her career as an Assistant State's Attorney, also has extensive experience with toxic tort and environmental law.

William K. McVisk is a partner at Tressler LLP in Chicago where he focuses his practice on complex insurance coverage litigation and hospital law and medical liability. He has handled all areas of coverage and bad faith litigation, especially third-party bad faith and coverage litigation involving commercial general liability, professional liability coverages as well as personal lines coverages such as auto and homeowners coverages. He served as the 2019-2020 IDC President, is a former chair of the IDC Insurance Law Committee, and a member of the DRI Insurance Law Committee. He is a member of the bars in Illinois and Indiana and is admitted to practice before several federal district and appellate courts. He graduated with honors from Northwestern University Law School in 1977.

Follow this link to view all Previous President's Award Recipients.