Much congratulates principals and Management Committee members Steve Blonder and Michael Shaw for being named among the 2026 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law by Crain’s Chicago Business. The list recognizes 135 accountants, consultants, and lawyers in Chicago, Illinois, for their accomplishments in leadership over the past 18 months.
A nine-year member of Much’s Management Committee, Blonder makes it his mission to invest in both the community and the next generation of attorneys. He spearheads the firm’s social responsibility efforts with extraordinary dedication, organizing 100+ attorneys to serve those without equal access to justice. Blonder’s profile in Crain’s highlights that commitment to pro bono work, as well as his involvement in both the broader Chicago legal community and the city’s Jewish community. It also discusses how he secured a complete defense verdict in a recent tortious interference case, in which jurors rejected a remaining demand exceeding $43 million in under two hours following a two-week jury trial.
For eight years, Shaw has served as an invaluable member of Much’s Management Committee, guiding strategic and day-to-day operations. Shaw oversees the firm’s 17 practice group leaders, driving the collaboration and cohesion that allows Much to serve clients seamlessly across disciplines. Shaw’s profile in Crain’s highlights that leadership in addition to his ability to both support and develop talent across teams. It also discusses how Shaw’s success in leading add-on acquisitions for a Chicago-based private equity firm helped cement Much’s reputation for designing strategies customized for these types of transactions and fueled the creation of a new firm practice group.