Brian LaCien

Brian LaCien

Aviation Law

5.0 (1 reviews)
Chicago, Illinois
23+ years experience
Smith LaCien LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

Three First National Plaza, Suite 2250, 70 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Login to Contact

Create an account to contact this attorney

Bio

Chicago trial attorney Brian LaCien is a founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP. He has a broad range of experience in the areas of medical malpractice, professional negligence, wrongful death, class actions, trucking litigation, product liability, aviation negligence, civil rights violations and premises liability.LaCien and Todd A. Smith, also a founding partner, have a long track record of achieving exceptional results for clients, with more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements and over 100 cases with results of at least $1 million.LaCien was selected by the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) to serve on the Association of Justice (AAJ) Board of Governors for the 2020-22 fiscal year. He is a past chair of AAJ’s Aviation Section. A long-time member of the Illinois State Bar Association, he is a past chair of the Tort Law Section.LaCien began his career as an assistant legal counsel to the Illinois House of Representatives. He received a J.D., magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was recognized by the Illinois SuperLawyers as a “Rising Star” and then designated as a SuperLawyer every year since 2011. Recognized by Leading Lawyers annually since 2014, he has been included on its list as a Top Ten Emerging Lawyer. “Empathy is essential in my role in dealing with clients and explaining fully to them what litigation involves,” LaCien said. “Clients look to me to ensure that they will receive fair compensation. I remind them it’s my job to focus on their case while they focus on their recovery.” Chicago trial attorney Brian LaCien is a founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP. He has a broad range of experience in the areas of medical malpractice, professional negligence, wrongful death, class actions, trucking litigation, product liability, aviation negligence, civil rights violations and premises liability.LaCien and Todd A. Smith, also a founding partner, have a long track record of achieving exceptional results for clients, with more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements and over 100 cases with results of at least $1 million.LaCien was selected by the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) to serve on the Association of Justice (AAJ) Board of Governors for the 2020-22 fiscal year. He is a past chair of AAJ’s Aviation Section. A long-time member of the Illinois State Bar Association, he is a past chair of the Tort Law Section.LaCien began his career as an assistant legal counsel to the Illinois House of Representatives. He received a J.D., magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was recognized by the Illinois SuperLawyers as a “Rising Star” and then designated as a SuperLawyer every year since 2011. Recognized by Leading Lawyers annually since 2014, he has been included on its list as a Top Ten Emerging Lawyer. “Empathy is essential in my role in dealing with clients and explaining fully to them what litigation involves,” LaCien said. “Clients look to me to ensure that they will receive fair compensation. I remind them it’s my job to focus on their case while they focus on their recovery.” Chicago trial attorney Brian LaCien is a founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP. He has a broad range of experience in the areas of medical malpractice, professional negligence, wrongful death, class actions, trucking litigation, product liability, aviation negligence, civil rights violations and premises liability. LaCien and Todd A. Smith, also a founding partner, have a long track record of achieving exceptional results for clients, with more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements and over 100 cases with results of at least $1 million. LaCien was selected by the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) to serve on the Association of Justice (AAJ) Board of Governors for the 2020-22 fiscal year. He is a past chair of AAJ’s Aviation Section. A long-time member of the Illinois State Bar Association, he is a past chair of the Tort Law Section. LaCien began his career as an assistant legal counsel to the Illinois House of Representatives. He received a J.D., magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was recognized by the Illinois SuperLawyers as a “Rising Star” and then designated as a SuperLawyer every year since 2011. Recognized by Leading Lawyers annually since 2014, he has been included on its list as a Top Ten Emerging Lawyer. “Empathy is essential in my role in dealing with clients and explaining fully to them what litigation involves,” LaCien said. “Clients look to me to ensure that they will receive fair compensation. I remind them it’s my job to focus on their case while they focus on their recovery.”

Practice Areas

Aviation Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Aviation Law, Chicago (2024)
  • Recognized: Aviation Law
  • Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
  • Recognized: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
  • Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Illinois SuperLawyer since 2011
  • Leading Lawyers, recognized since 2014, "Top 10 Emerging Lawyers"

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022

Education

  • DePaul University, J.D., graduated 2002
  • The University of Iowa, B.A., graduated 1999

Reviews

C

Carol Diaz

2 weeks ago

A consummate professional who delivers results

After a devastating family tragedy involving a wrongful death, our family was lost. We were referred to Brian LaCien at Smith LaCien LLP, and it was the best decision we could have made. From our first meeting in his Chicago office, Brian’s 23 years of experience were evident. He didn't just see a case file; he saw our family's pain and provided a clear, compassionate path forward. His deep knowledge in medical malpractice and wrongful death litigation was immediately reassuring. He meticulously explained the complex legal process, never using jargon, and was always available to answer our questions. What truly impressed us was his strategic approach. He leveraged his firm's recognized strength in mass tort and class action experience to build an exceptionally strong, individualized case. While we were aware of his recent 'Lawyer of the Year' recognition in Aviation Law, it was his broader trial acumen and dedication that shone through for our situation. Brian and his team were relentless in their pursuit of justice, resulting in a settlement that provided our family with security and a sense of closure. He is more than an attorney; he is a fierce advocate and a trusted advisor. We cannot recommend him highly enough.

Write a Review

Please login to leave a review for this attorney.

Login to Review

Don't have an account? Create one

Related Attorneys

Chicago, IL
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile
James C. Siebert
Chicago, IL
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile
Louis A. Laski

Louis A. Laski

Trusts and Estates

Chicago, IL
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile
AM

Ashley M. Montalbano

Real Estate Law

Chicago, IL
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile