Gould & Ratner is honored to announce the retirements of two longtime attorneys whose leadership, judgment and dedication have shaped the firm for decades: Thomas Korman and John Washburn. Together, they have contributed nearly 90 years of service to our clients and our community, and their impact on the firm will be felt for generations.
Tom, a Partner who joined the firm in 1973, has been a cornerstone of Gould & Ratner for more than 50 years. Drawing on his dual background as both an attorney and certified public accountant, he built a nationally respected practice counseling entrepreneurs, investors, families and family-owned businesses on acquisitions, restructurings, succession planning and sophisticated tax strategies.
“Tom always worked tirelessly as a strong advocate for our clients,” said colleague Stephen Sandler.
Tom’s work has touched clients across numerous industries—from technology and insurance to cheese manufacturing and banking—and his insight has been instrumental in countless complex transactions. His commitment to thoughtful, strategic counsel has earned him recognition as both an Illinois Super Lawyer and Illinois Leading Lawyer and has left an enduring mark on the firm.
“Tom was one of the few truly dynamic early leaders of the firm—everywhere you went in the Chicago business community you ran into people who knew the firm because they knew Tom Korman,” said colleague Stephen Gustafson. “A generalist by nature, he was an invaluable mentor to so many across multiple practice disciplines.”
John Washburn, a former Partner who most recently served as Of Counsel, joined the firm in 1977 and brought a steady hand and a business-first mindset that would become hallmarks of his nearly five decades of practice. John has guided companies, financial institutions and entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of commercial ventures, from formation and financing to negotiating complex commercial agreements and ensuring regulatory compliance. His practice has spanned general business counseling; secured and unsecured lending; real estate transactions involving industrial, commercial, mining and residential properties; and even the purchase, sale and leasing of private aircraft. Known for his measured approach and practical solutions, John has earned recognition as an Illinois Leading Lawyer in Closely & Privately Held Business, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Finance and Secured Transactions.
“John’s career has been one of integrity, brilliance and unwavering dedication to Gould & Ratner’s clients,” said colleague John Mays. “We wish him the very best in his retirement, but he will be missed as a great lawyer and a great colleague.”
As colleagues, mentors and trusted advisors, Tom and John have helped shape not only the success of their clients but also the culture and continuity of Gould & Ratner itself. Their dedication to excellence, their deep care for the people they serve and their longstanding contributions to the firm’s growth leave a legacy that will continue to guide our work.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Tom and John for their extraordinary service and wish them both a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.
