| Biography | Ms. Szukala concentrates her practice on class action defense of banks, mortgage lenders, and related entities in matters pending throughout the United States. Ms. Szukala has defended numerous class actions involving a variety of state and federal claims, including claims under the Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as well as claims for violations of state consumer protection statutes. These class actions include challenges to foreclosure practices, recording fees, servicing and origination fees, bankruptcy fees and practices, alleged predatory lending practices, and other claims, such as those attacking use of the MERS® system. Ms. Szukala has also represented financial institutions in significant non-class matters that were prepared for and/or went to trial. Ms. Szukala also represents individuals requiring pro bono representation. Prior to joining BWM&S, Ms. Szukala practiced in the litigation group at Jenner & Block LLP in Chicago. Ms. Szukala is admitted to practice in Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Szukala has also been specially admitted to appear in courts throughout the country, including courts in Nevada, Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio and West Virginia. Ms. Szukala received her undergraduate degree, with honors, from the University of Iowa, graduating in 1996 with a double major in Journalism and History and a minor in Dance. Ms. Szukala was awarded her J.D. degree, with high distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1999.
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