CBA Record Feb-March 2018

PRESIDENT’S PAGE BY JUDGE THOMAS R. MULROY Keep the Judiciary Strong

The Chicago Bar Association www.chicagobar.org OFFICERS President Judge Thomas R. Mulroy Circuit Court of Cook County First Vice President Steven M. Elrod Holland & Knight LLP Second Vice President Jesse H. Ruiz Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Secretary E. Lynn Grayson Nijman Franzetti LLP Treasurer Executive Director Terrence M. Murphy Assistant Executive Director Elizabeth A. McMeen BOARD OF MANAGERS Jonathan B. Amarilio Alan R. Borlack Judge Thomas M. Durkin Mark B. Epstein Judge Shelvin Louise Marie Hall Robert F. Harris Maurice Grant Grant Law LLC

know that they need a lawyer to solve their particular problems. In 2015 one million Illinois residents went to court without a lawyer and almost two million New York state citizens did the same. The Illinois Supreme Court has insti- tuted many effective initiatives and pro- grams to help people use the court system with lawyers. Illinois lawyers try to allevi- ate this problem by working in the CBA’s Lawyer Referral Service, representing people pro bono and accepting clients on contingent fee bases. Despite those efforts, many individuals cannot engage a lawyer. Court costs and legal fees are rising; legal aid funding is dwindling and pro bono representation is declining. Lawyers need to volunteer even more of their time to insure that those who need counsel are helped during these recurring “budget crises.” Many people go to law school to help those with less; now is the time to remember that dream and make it a reality. Join with the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Foundation to insure that those without resources can find a lawyer Chief Judge Lloyd A. Karmeier: “There are three branches of government but only ours works like it should.” The judicial branch of government is effective because people believe our courts are impartial and available to all. Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger: “A sense of confidence in the courts is essential to maintain the fabric of ordered liberty for a free people….” (U.S. News &World Report, vol. 69, No. 8, Aug. 24, 1970) 68, 71 (address to ABA meeting, Aug. 10, 1970). Attacks assailing the credibility of the courts are reducing the public’s confidence in the judiciary. It is perfectly appropriate to comment that a court decision was and can use the system. Credibility of the Judiciary

T he members of the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Foundation are committed to insur- ing that our justice system remains strong and available to all. This commitment is important because access to justice has become limited and attacks on the credibil- ity of our courts are increasing. If this con- tinues the system will lose its effectiveness and the public will lose confidence in it. Accessibility to Justice Although lawyers believe “America guar- antees access to justice for all,” many people are unable to effectively use the justice system because they cannot afford a lawyer. Legal assistance provided by the State has declined due to continuing budget concerns and this directly impacts lower income citizens. According to the Legal Services Corporation, 70% of those needing representation in civil cases involv- ing issues such as health law, consumer and finance law, housing, children & custody, education and disability cannot afford counsel and thus do not consult a lawyer if they have a problem. Thus, many of these people, if not most, do not even

Michele M. Jochner Michael J. Kaufman Daniel M. Kotin Pamela S. Menaker Paul J. Ochmanek, Jr. Matthew A. Passen Mary Robinson John C. Sciaccotta Helene M. Snyder Andrew W. Vail Greta G. Weathersby Zeophus J. Wiliams

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