About Us

Returning from military service in 1946, following the end of World War II, Leonard M. Server joined Samuel J. Baskin and founded the firm of Baskin & Server. For many years the firm concentrated in the representation of plaintiffs in a broad range of personal injury cases. Success in the early years was largely due to the excellent reputations Sam and Len developed for integrity and fairness with casualty insurance companies.

In 1970, Perry M. Berke joined the firm as a partner, after having achieved success as a sole practitioner trial lawyer. In 1983, Burton I. Weinstein, who had been a young trial lawyer associate in the firm in the late 1960's returned to the firm as a partner, after having developed his own successful practice involving personal injury and consumer class action cases. Shortly thereafter, both Samuel J. Baskin and Leonard M. Server passed away.

The firm has continued proudly to carry their names. The firm is now composed of partners Perry M. Berke and Burton I. Weinstein with a five person staff of paralegals and secretaries. The firm has had multi-million dollar jury trial victories in medical malpractice and railroad claims and handles the full range of personal injury and workman's compensation cases. Led by Burt Weinstein's experience and skill, the firm has become a leader in consumer class action cases, culminating in a $200,000,000 settlement of a class action against the Kodak Company.

Both Perry M. Berke and Burton I. Weinstein have actively participated in the work of the Chicago Bar Association, serving on and chairing committees. Both have served as members of the CBA's Board of Managers.