Hon. Daniel J. Kubasiak (Ret.)

Hon. Daniel J. Kubasiak (Ret.) brings more than 50 years of combined experience in judicial service, private legal practice and government finance and administration to his work as a mediator and arbitrator. He served nearly 14 years as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, including more than nine years in the Law Division, where he was assigned to both the Tax and Miscellaneous Remedies sections and, for eight years, the Commercial Calendar.

During his time on the Commercial Calendar, Judge Kubasiak presided over a wide range of complex disputes, from initial case management through discovery, dispositive motions, settlement and trial. His docket included high-stakes business, fiduciary, employment and contract matters, many involving intricate financial issues and multiparty disputes. His judicial work is further distinguished by a strong appellate record, with more than 115 rulings reviewed by the Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court and affirmed in whole or in part approximately 94% of the time.

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Kubasiak spent more than 28 years in private practice representing and advising clients in corporate law, commercial litigation and large-scale commercial and institutional development. His experience includes matters involving corporate governance, business organization and restructuring, finance and capital requirements, employment issues, shareholder and partnership agreements, and regulatory compliance. He also brings 11 years of experience in governmental budgeting, finance and administration, providing him with a strong foundation for analyzing financial issues and damages.

Judge Kubasiak is known for his fairness, diligence and thoughtful approach to dispute resolution. A strong proponent of negotiated outcomes, he regularly encouraged settlement through pretrial conferences and alternative dispute resolution processes, helping parties achieve efficient and cost-effective resolutions.