[top] 

Richard A. Haydu Attorney

Richard A. Haydu joined the firm in 1997 and has nearly 20 years experience as a FELA attorney. Rick has handled all aspects of railroad litigation. He has supervised the case management of a national network of FELA attorneys. 

His expertise also includes a thorough knowledge of railroad claims handling and procedures. Rick has successfully tried and settled FELA claims throughout the United States. 

Education: Marquette University - B.A. / Loyola University of Chicago - J.D. 

[top]

Craig W. Church Attorney

Craig W. Church began his legal career in 1986 as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. For the past twelve years, he has concentrated his practice in personal injury and professional liability litigation.

Craig has successfully handled hundreds of personal injury cases involving wrongful death, products liability, defective premises, construction activities, and motor vehicle accidents. In addition, he has extensive experience litigating professional malpractice cases against doctors, lawyers, accountants, real estate and insurance brokers, as well as handling fraud and breach of contract cases.

Education: University of Illinois - B.S. with Honors, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma Honoraries / IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law - J.D. 

[top]

Raymond Keane Attorney

Raymond Keane, Attorney, brings to our firm both extensive railroad experience and a unique railroader perspective. In 1979, Ray began working for the Illinois Central railroad as a Switchman / Brakeman. He has also worked as D.C. Department Welder, an Electrician, a Conductor and as a Locomotive Engineer. Ray was introduced to Hoey & Farina when he retained our firm to represent him in an FELA claim for an on-the-job injury. During this time, he returned to school and earned his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, in Lansing, Michigan.

Education: Education: St. Xavier University - B.A. / Thomas M. Cooley Law School - J.D.

[top]

William J. McMahon Attorney

William J. McMahon began his professional career as a trial attorney
with Hoey & Farina, where he also worked as a law clerk throughout law school. He has tried numerous FELA cases to successful jury verdicts in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Bill represents injured persons in FELA, transportation, medical malpractice and premises liability litigation. He obtained a record seven figure verdict in Federal Court in Michigan. Bill also obtained a record verdict (over $715,000.00) in Federal Court in Illinois for a non-operative shoulder injury for an occupationally disabled railroad worker. Both of Bill's grandfathers were career railroaders, one of whom was catastrophically injured on the job. Bill is admitted to practice law in Illinois and the Federal Bar of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Kansas and Iowa.

Education: St. John's College - B.A. / Monterey Institute of
International Studies - M.A. / DePaul University College of Law - J.D.

[top]

Gary F. Babiarz Chief Investigator

Gary F. Babiarz, Chief Investigator for Hoey & Farina, has been a yardman since 1973. As a member of UTU Local 1421, he has held continuous union office since 1976, including the positions of Local Chairman, Vice General Chairman and General Chairman. 

Gary has also served as Legislative Representative and Delegate to the UTU National Conventions. Gary's work experience and union expertise provides valuable insight into rail operations, on-site inspections, railroad benefits matters, disciplinary hearings/ investigations, arbitration matters, and scheduled work rules and agreements. 

[top]

John P. Grob Investigator

John P. Grob, Investigator, brings extensive railroad and union experience to Hoey & Farina. John has held seniority as a Trainman and a Carman. He has served as a union officer for over 12 years.

John is familiar with both operating and non-operating craft agreements. John’s expertise with Railroad Retirement Board regulations and policies allows him to work effectively with injured railroaders and their family members concerning occupational disability, unemployment and widow / widower benefits and pension matters.

[top]

Ron Pasquarella Investigator

Ron Pasquarella, Investigator, brings extensive experience to Hoey & Farina. After serving two tours of duty in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, Ron started his railroad career as a trackman with the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in 1966. He worked as a machinist from 1970 to 1976, and then as a locomotive engineer until his retirement in 2007. As a member of BLET Division 682, Ron held union office from 1982 to 2007, including the positions of Secretary / Treasurer, Local Chairman and General Chairman. He was instrumental in negotiations of Wage Schedule & Working Condition contracts, resulting in protection for length of service and guaranteed extra board. Ron’s work and union experiences provide in-depth knowledge of work rules and agreements, investigations procedures, railroaders' rights under the FELA and investigation of construction site accidents.

[top]

Cindy Stahler Office Manager

Cindy Stahler, Hoey & Farina Office Manager, has been with the firm since 1985. Cindy's background as a receptionist, legal secretary and paralegal has given her a thorough understanding of the firm. She is an integral part of the litigation and support staff, and is always available to assist you and your family. 

Education: American Institute of Paralegal Studies-Paralegal Certificate