CBA Record March-April 2021

S TRONGER TOGE THER , 50 YEARS AND COUNT I NG forming the YLS section for attorneys who were 36 years or younger. We presented the idea to the CBA and it was approved. At the outset, we attempted to make one of the focuses of the Section to be on public service – and after 50 years, I am proud that the YLS still keeps this tradition.” tion Standards for the Administration of Criminal Justice: Illinois’ Compliance.” The scope and impact of today’s YLS was unimaginable to me back when I was involved but it certainly is a credit to all YLS Chairs and members who have served so well since then.”

borhood Justice Center that eventually became the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR). In just the past five years, the CCR has mediated over 10,000 cases. That year we also were responsible for expanding the jurisdiction of the Pro Se Court as a division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. We were also awarded as the best large city YLS Section in the country by the ABA that year. Although the Section was organized similarly to today’s YLS, I am impressed by the current program- ming outreach of the YLS to students and the community. My term as Chair helped develop my skills as a counselor and advo- cate for my clients and allowed me to meet some lifelong friends.”

John Held, Jr. 1973-1974

Andrew Gelman, 1976-1977

What event or pro- gram do you remem- ber organizing while you were Chair?

What do you remem- ber most about your year as Chair?

“One of the highlights of our projects that year was initiating the several year process of forming the Neigh-

“I recall one particular project during my year as Chair being “The American Bar Associa-

R. Thomas Howell, Jr. 1974-75

Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird 1981-82

Bruno W. Tabis, Jr. 1982-83

Robert J. Repel 1984-85

Leon F. Edelman 1985-86

Eileen M. Letts 1986-87

Ira Bodenstein 1988-89

Steven J. Rotunno 1989-90

Not Pictured: Lawrence C. Wick, 1975-76; Paul C. Kimball Jr., 1977-78; Arthur J. Frank, 1978-77; Martin J. Campanella, 1979-80; Ann Scott O’Laughlin, 1980-1981; Michael L. Cochran, 1983-1984; James D. Wilson, 1987-88

1990’s

Faustin Pipal 1991-1992

ership skills and leadership that one obtains in the YLS are very valuable in terms of law firm leadership and leading groups of attorneys. And in my case, as a professional neutral, where one has to, or is viewed as an authority, it’s been invaluable. The other way I found it valuable was, particularly, the leadership skill of motivating people. Yes, I mean that in the best sense. Trying to get volunteers to work and work hard

is a challenge. And, it is a challenge that if you can succeed at it, and get something off the ground, that translates well when you’re dealing with people who are paid to do what they do. In other words, if you can motivate volunteers, you can motivate employees, partners, and colleagues as well. That was a skill that I picked up through the YLS.”

How has your experi- ence as a YLS Chair prepared you for the legal practice, made you a better practi- tioner, or otherwise

contributed to your career development? “I think it’s a confidence builder. The lead-

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