Todd Bresney

Attorney

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Todd A. Bresney is the Senior Partner and Equity Shareholder at Kanoski Bresney. He took over the firm's operations in 2018 after the retirement of its founder, Ron Kanoski. In addition to overseeing the firm, Todd is the Senior Trial Attorney for the complex litigation division. Outside of his legal career, Todd is a devoted family man, dedicating his time to his wife and three children.

He grew up in a small farming community near Normal, Illinois, and went on to graduate from Illinois State University in 1992. He then attended Chicago-Kent Law School, where he excelled in his studies. He earned top honors in Trial Advocacy I and II, made the Dean's List, and co-captained the school's nationally recognized Mock Trial Team.

Todd's early career included roles with the Federal Trade Commission and the Cook County State's Attorney's office. However, most of his professional journey involved representing large corporations and insurers. This experience gave him a first-hand understanding of how powerful entities used the legal system, at the expense of others, to reduce costs. Determined to make a difference, Todd shifted his focus in 2002, returning to central Illinois to advocate for individuals harmed by the mistreatment of powerful insurance companies. His unique perspective has made him a fierce advocate for his clients, with a reputation for fighting against insurance companies and standing up for victims.

Areas of Practice:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Wrongful Death

Litigation Percentage

• 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Education

• Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
• J.D. – 1996
• Honors: Dean's List/Chicago-Kent Trial Advocacy Team
• Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
• B.S. – 1992
• Honors: Dean's List
• Major: Marketing

Bar Admissions

• Illinois, 1996
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1996
• U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, 2001
• U.S. Federal Courts, 2000

Classes/Seminars

• 2015 Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Litigation Seminar: "Tort Immunity: Supervision and Duty to Rescue Exceptions"
• 2014 Illinois Trial Lawyers Transportation Seminar: "Agents, Partnerships & Joint Ventures"
• "Closing Arguments from the Defense Perspective," ILTA, March 1, 2009
• "Prosecuting Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Claims: Plaintiff's Perspective," Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2008
• "Going to Trial: Closing Arguments," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2008
• "Useful Tips on Requesting, Reviewing and Using Medical Records," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2008
• "Litigating Neck and Back Injuries: Sct. R. 215 Examinations," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2007
• "Handling Uninsured and Underinsured Cases: Handling a Vehicle Crash," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2007
• "Taking Effective Depositions," Loramar Education for Continuing Studies in Law, 2006
• "Jury Success Strategies: Extreme Makeover for Opening Statements," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2006
• Mock Trial Presentation, SIU Medical School, 2003

Honors and Awards

• Elite Lawyer, 2020 - Present
• Super Lawyers, 2024 - Present
• Lawyers of Distinction: Top Rated Lawyers in Illinois, 2021
• The American Registry: America's Most Honored Lawyers, 2021
• Named to Chicago Lawyer's 2008 "40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch" list, September 1, 2008
• Illinois Leading Lawyer: Illinois Law Bulletin Publishing, peer-reviewed and recognizes only top 5% of attorneys in the state.
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers, 2014-present.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Managers, 2009 – Present
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• American Association for Justice
• Sangamon County Bar Association
• McLean County Bar Association
• Attorney Advisory Committee member – Illinois State University

Pro Bono Activities

• Member, Public Justice, 2008 – Present

Fraternities/Sororities

• Phi Alpha Delta