CBA Record July-August 2018

In Memoriam

My Friend, Mentor and Colleague W e met in the mid-1970s during the time between my PhD studies and law school. We were introduced by Justice Glen T. Johnson, who served for 30 years as a judge of the Circuit Court and a justice of the Appellate Court. He recommended JohnMarshall Law School and referred me to Justice George M. Leighton, a Harvard Law graduate and Adjunct Professor at John Marshall, who would have ideas about other law schools for me. I was quite sure that I wanted to teach and not practice law in Chicago. Explaining that to Justice Leighton, he thought that perhaps Northwestern, University of Chicago, Uni- versity of Illinois, or even Harvard would be a suitable choice due to each offering more of a variety in theoretical law courses that would enhance my teaching resume. At times he would recommend certain career choices. He oftentimes recommended that I set my sights on being a state court or federal judge. I was intimidated by such suggestions. Later, the reverse was true; I became intimidated by the thought of teaching in a law school. Justice Leighton and I often laughed at the fact that we both attended schools we had never visited and did not know where they are located–Harvard in Cambridge, Mass. for him and University of Illinois in Urbana, Ill. for me; funny how things work out. –By E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., Presiding Judge, First Municipal Court, Circuit Court of Cook County, CBA Record Editorial Board member, and former CBA President You’re Looking Good! I first encountered George Leighton several years ago at an awards ceremony, at which he was scheduled to receive one of his many accolades. As he took the podium wearing a sharp suit and a warm smile, he said, “For the record, I’m 96 years old. For many years, people would ask me about my age and how I was doing. But when I got to be around 90, people stopped asking me. Now, they just say–“George Leighton–you’re looking good!” And, he did. –By Carolyn Amadon, member, CBA Record Editorial Board

Important Dues Billing Reminders

–Annual Dues. In our ongoing effort to reduce administrative expenses and keep dues at the current level, the CBA has an annual billing cycle. –Dues Auto Pay. Spread your dues payments throughout the year by signing up for the Dues Auto Pay Plan which allows you to pay your dues automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis at no extra cost via automatic credit/debit card charges. –Reduced Dues for Financial Hard- ships. Unemployed members and those with financial hardships may request our reduced annual dues rate of $50. –eStatement. Receive your CBAbills by email only and save time, postage and the environment. –Billing Statement. The CBA’s state- ment allows you to choose any or all of the above options and add in your own level of contributions to the Bar Foundation/ Legal Aid Fund and the CBA Building Fund. If you have any questions regarding your dues statement, email billing@ chicagobar.org or call 312/554-2020. CBA membership is an important investment in your professional and personal growth. We encourage you to renew, thank you for your support and look forward to serving you in the new bar year.

Memorial Services for George Leighton As of press time, October 5 has been set as the tentative date for George Leighton'smemorial service, whichwill be held at the Dirksen Federal Building, 219 South Dearborn Street, Chicago. On November 5, George Leighton will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Leighton at the ceremony that named the Cook County Criminal Court building "The Honorable George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building" in 2012. Photo by Jeff Coleman, Jenner & Block

  47