CBA Record July-August 2026

expertise to help others.” The two met 15 years ago when Rich got involved in the Justice Entrepreneurs Project, an incubator program that helps attorneys build sustainable law practices that serve those who don’t qualify for free legal services but also can’t afford traditional legal services. Rich has been a pro bono stra tegic advisor for ethical issues for the group since then, and he describes her as a great resource. Judge Mary Cay Marubio, who met Rich in 2016 through the Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee, shares that view of Rich as an invaluable resource. Through their joint work on that com mittee, Judge Marubio respects how Rich can build consensus even when dealing with difficult issues, crediting her with often being able to lighten up more serious discussions. Rich’s sense of humor and her ability to keep people focused make her a natural leader. “She’s not just present in the room,” outgoing CBA Presi dent Judge Nichole Patton concurs, “she’s present in the work, in the relationships, in the hard conversations that most people would rather avoid.” When anyone in the CBA has an ethical issue, Rich is their first call. Leading Through Relationships Despite making a career out of dealing with difficult situations, Rich’s love of the law has always been intertwined with her love of people. Many of her closest friendships have been built over long meals and even longer conversations. When she and col league Josh Porte first began working together, the two made a point of setting aside time during their firm’s annual partner meetings to share a meal and exchange ideas, a tradition they continue to this day. Ray Koenig similarly recalls hours-long din ners filled with laughter and conversation. Eirene Salvi, a partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, became friends with Rich after seeing a different side of her while Rich hosted a Lawyers Lend A-Hand to Youth awards dinner: Having previously known her only as a serious professional, Salvi discovered Rich’s wit and sense of humor. The friendship deepened, and during the CBA President’s trip last year, the two spent evenings exploring Pal ermo and talking late into the night. Seeing Rich’s friends, colleagues, and family get together to celebrate her is one of Bob Glaves’ favorite memories. He worked with her on the Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award, which celebrates the exceptional contributions of young lawyers to the profession, the organized bar, and the community. Rich won the award in 2017. Glaves was pleased not only that she was able to receive such a well-deserved accolade early in her career, but that her family, friends, and colleagues got to hear about all the good work that she was doing. Similarly, Judge Patton has fond memories of Rich receiving the Woman of the Year award from the Women’s Bar Associa tion of Illinois. She recalls that it was the kind of moment that reminds attorneys why they do what they do, a moment of affir mation of Rich’s impact on the legal community. Her husband, Chris Nolan, is proud to be a part of Rich’s team as well. Ironically, he also once received an award with her

before they began their relationship. In April 2016, Rich received Holland & Knight’s Living the Commitment Award, an annual award that goes to members who best exemplify the firm’s core values. The year that Rich won, Nolan, a partner in the firm’s New York office, was another recipient. Although both are sure there must be a picture of the two of them together on a dais from that evening, neither remembers meeting then. Instead, both Rich and Nolan recall first meeting a few years later, when the two were the only attendees at a different firm meeting (Rich claims she only attended because she was trying to find lunch). The two enjoyed each other’s company and began dating in Feb ruary 2019. Rich and Nolan, who at the time was a leader in the ABA’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS), met frequently when Nolan returned to Chicago, both for cases and for ABA meetings. They married in October 2019, in a sunrise ceremony at the Haleakala Crater in Hawaii. In keeping with their mutual commitment to improve the legal profession, the wedding took place at a time they were already in Hawaii for the ABA TIPS fall meeting. CBA members interviewed for this profile are confident that Rich’s natural leadership and ability to handle difficult issues will help her make the CBA the best organization it can be in the coming year. The phrase, “nobody is more qualified,” came up often. Glaves is among them, saying, “She always knows what to do, and she’s such a deep well of knowledge of law and ethics.” Salvi agrees: “It’s great to have someone so thoughtful to steer the ship, she will be invaluable.” The CBA couldn’t have picked better, assures Rich’s managing partner, Robert Grammig. “One Bar” Philosophy Throughout her career, Rich has focused on the forces shaping the future of the legal profession. As CBA President, she plans to meet the moment, addressing challenges facing the judiciary, the rule of law, and public confidence in legal institutions with thoughtfulness and purpose. Central to her vision is the belief that lawyers accomplish more when they work together than when they operate in silos. Through her “One Bar” philosophy, she hopes to strengthen relationships across practice areas, organizations, and communi ties while reinforcing the legal profession’s shared commitment to service and justice. Over the next year, the CBA will see Rich bring her energy, intellect, and vision to the organization. Ama rilio sums it up, saying, “She will give every bit of herself to this office and be an impactful leader—buckle up.”

Meredith Geller is the Director of the Writing Lab and Clinical Professor of Law at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and is a member of the CBA Record Editorial Board.

30 July/August 2026