The Long Journey from Turn Style: Keith Herman Retires from Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry

Coming off a lengthy losing streak, Coach Dick Vermeil needed to convince the 1976 Eagles that victory was possible, even though the stats were against them.  In the 2006 movie Invincible, Vermeil famously said that “a team with better character can beat a team with better talent.” Through grit, hard work and persistence, Vince Papale – a bartender who attended tryouts for the Eagles on a whim – led the team to victory in the home opener against the New York Giants with the notable “Papale Touchdown.”

It is no surprise that Keith’s favorite movie mirrors his own career. Simply put, Keith achieved extraordinary things in his life and in his career, against the odds, and with great character and talent.  Perhaps the most extraordinary thing that Keith achieved was exhibiting the values that came to him naturally – treating people with respect, being honest and working hard.

As Vidal Sassoon so correctly said, “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”  Keith got his work permit at the ripe age of 15, and was a full-fledged employee at 16, working as a Clerk in the Camera Department at Turn Style.  Wherever he goes, Keith keeps his nametag from Turn Style in his drawer, as a reminder of how far he has come.  During the academic years in High School, Keith worked 20-25 hours per week, earning a meager $2.30 per hour and taking weekend opportunities to work overtime.  When he was in law school, Keith worked for Jewel-Osco in their risk management department, handling premises liability low-exposure civil cases.

Throughout his career, Keith has had a significant impact on giving voice to Illinois employers, and has demonstrated his passion for employer advocacy through his involvement with the Illinois Self Insurers’ Association as both Executive Secretary, and then Executive Director.  Early in his career while working in the risk department at Jewel-Osco, Keith was informed by his employer that they had signed up for an ISIA event, but that Mr. Boss could not attend.  Keith was politely ordered to attend the ISIA event in Bloomingdale, IL. At the event, Keith met some key figures at our firm, which ultimately led to his hiring.

Keith’s involvement and leadership in the ISIA cannot be understated.  Simply put, the spirit of the ISIA is reflective of Keith’s passion for employer advocacy and pride in the mission of the organization.  One of Keith’s greatest achievements in his career (and great pride for our firm) was testifying before a Senate Subcommittee on workers’ compensation reform before Illinois legislators.  The ISIA differs from its competitors because the organization feels approachable and engaging, reflecting Keith’s genuine effort and passion for the cause.

Keith joined Nyhan in the last year of the 20^th century, 1999. One mundane morning as a young attorney, Keith strolled over to the Commission to get a case continued.  To his surprise, there was a miscommunication in the case, and petitioner’s attorney was ready to proceed to trial, with a witness ready at the helm. The stip sheet might as well have been in Pig Latin to young Keith, who needed opposing counsel’s assistance to fill in the blanks.  Even as a young attorney, though, Keith was always familiar with his files.  Albeit with a good dose of adrenaline, Keith was able to craft the arguments necessary, come up with his best defenses, and deliver a total victory for his client.

In his spare time, Keith enjoys re-finishing furniture and fawning over classic cars like the 1969 or 1970 Chevelle.  Of course, Keith loves workers’ compensation law – the fact that every case is different and unique, and the camaraderie that is built among practitioners in our niche legal community.  When asked for some wisdom to impart on the next generation of workers’ compensation attorneys, Keith highlighted the importance of being respectful and good to one another and treating others with respect.

Keith has a reputation for excellence with his clients and has a style of lawyering that is akin to “concierge” without the extra costs – he is accessible to his clients, provides highly personalized service, and cares. Keith has also been an invaluable mentor to other attorneys at the firm.  The amount of time Keith has spent investing in the success of other attorneys is remarkable and has contributed immensely to the culture of our firm.

Throughout your career, Keith, you’ve built a brand of lawyering that stands for professionalism, honesty and good character. You’ve been working hard your whole life, and it’s time to take a break. You’ve scored the proverbial touchdown in your career as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, and you have so much to be proud of.  We will all miss you so much.