CBA Record March-April 2024
March/April 2024
Young Lawyers Section Issue
CELEBRATING 1974-1999
Susan Novosad
Steve Levin
Mike Bonamarte
John Perconti
Margaret Battersby Black
Since 1992, Levin & Perconti has recovered nearly $1BILLION dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including multiple record-setting results.
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CBA RECORD CONTENTS
March/April 2024 • Volume 38, Number 2
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Editor’s Briefcase Rhymes and Reasons by Justice Michael B. Hyman President’s Page The Role of Young Lawyers in Protecting the Rule of Law By Ray J. Koenig III
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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CBA 150th Anniversary Celebration: A New Home for a Changing Profession, 1974-1999 By John Levin
8 CBA News 16 Chicago Bar
Foundation Report
YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION ISSUE
18 The Pulse 40 LPMT Bits & Bytes
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The Importance of Mentorship: Pay it Forward, and Play the Long Game By Martin D. Gould
Cybersecurity Tips for Young Lawyers and Others By Anne Haag
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Objection Techniques for Illinois Attorneys in State Court Depositions By Andre Hunter, Jr.
42 History Will Judge Members Embrace
2024 International Women’s Day Theme: Inspire Inclusion By Nina Fain
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Fostering Connection Through Practical Learning: Career Immersion Mentoring Program By J. Kopczyk, Georgia Booth, and Karen Munoz
44 Review of Reviews 49 Summary Judgments Women’s History Month Reading Selections 50 Practical Ethics
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In-Person vs. Virtual Court Etiquette By Elaina M. Stevens
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Making the Most of Your Mentoring Relationship: How to Be an Effective Mentor or Mentee By Kenneth Matuszewski Finding Work-Life Balance as a Young Attorney By Kernisha Padilla Recent Amendments to Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5 and 1.15 By Stephanie Moon
Florida Bar Issues Nation’s First Ethics Opinion on Generative AI By Trisha Rich
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The CBA Record (ISSN 0892-1822) is published six times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October, November/December) for $10 per year by The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604-3997, 312/554-2000, Subscriptions for non-members are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CBA Record , c/o Membership, Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Copyright 2024 by The Chicago Bar Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The opinions and positions stated in signed material are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of the Association or its members. All manuscripts are carefully considered by the Editorial Board. All letters to the editors are subject to editing. Publication of advertisements is not to be deemed an endorsement of any product or service advertised unless otherwise stated.
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Innovation in Action: The CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project By Samoane Williams
Have You Recently Changed Your Mail or Email Address? Please update your membership account at www.chicagobar.org or send a note to membership@chicagobar.org with your new contact information. Thank you!
CBA RECORD
EDITOR’S BRIEFCASE BY JUSTICE MICHAEL B. HYMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rhymes and Reasons I am no Wallace Stevens, one of America’s greatest 20th-century poets and a lawyer who toiled almost 40 years as an insurance executive. I can assure you, I do not plan to quit my job and become a poet. (No snickering, please. And no emails encouraging me to take up drafting verse permanently.) Although published here for the first time and, I dare say, last, each quatrain stands alone as an astute observation (or not).
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Justice Michael B. Hyman Illinois Appellate Court
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anne Ellis 2E Services, LLC.
SUMMARY JUDGMENTS EDITOR Daniel A. Cotter Howard and Howard Attorneys PLLC YLS JOURNAL EDITORS Jacob B. Berger Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC Nikki Marcotte Kirkland & Ellis LLP Carolyn Amadon Samuel, Son & Co. Daniel J. Berkowitz Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet LLP Amy Cook Amy Cook Law LLC Nina Fain Janet Sugerman Schirn Family Trust Anthony F. Fata Kirby McInerney LLP Clifford Gately Quarles & Brady Meredith A. Geller Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Judge Jasmine Villaflor Hernandez Circuit Court of Cook County Kaitlin King Hart David Carson LLP Theodore Kontopoulos Internal Revenue Service John Levin Kathryn C. Liss DePaul University College of Law Bonnie McGrath Law Office of Bonnie McGrath Clare McMahon Reed, Centracchio & Associates, LLC Pamela Sakowicz Menaker Clifford Law Offices Kathleen Dillon Narko Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Alexander Passo Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC Adam J. Sheppard Sheppard Law Firm, PC Richard Lee Stavins Robbins DiMonte, Ltd. Rosemary Simota Thompson
Time rushes by. Do we use it wisely, or as an alibi? Embrace the present, but keep the past alive, Seek not simply to endure but to blossom and thrive. No one knows us as well as we know ourselves, In secret, introspection dwells. Only we determine what we hold dear – What we tolerate and what we fear. Each of us is uniquely blessed With virtues, talents, and laments. Now is always the time to spread our errant wings Amidst life’s clangorous chimes, and sing, sing, and sing.
A just conscience whispers lines… “Deeds, not talk!” “Grow.” “Be kind.” “Act with courage.” “Ignite the good.” “Each day is a miracle to be understood.” Lawyers with the audacity to misbehave, Unleash havoc, for it is a tempest they crave. Pouty and whiny, seemingly without worry ‘til a gavel comes down and smashes their fury. The choices we make determine our fate, Everything has consequences; truth awaits. Learn from mistakes, our teachers in disguise, In aha-moments opportunity lies.
Rehearing: “Life is a place of service, and in that service, one has to suffer a good deal that is hard to bear but far more often to experience a great deal of joy. But that joy can be real only if people look upon their lives as a service and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” Tolstoi (Began studying law and quit.)
Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. Circuit Court of Cook County
THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION Sharon Nolan Director of Marketing
4 March/April 2024
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PRESIDENT’S PAGE BY RAY J. KOENIG III The Role of Young Lawyers in Protecting the Rule of Law
The Chicago Bar Association www.chicagobar.org
President Ray J. Koenig III
First Vice President John C. Sciaccotta
the functioning of our democratic society, the protection of individual rights and lib erties, and the promotion of stability, jus tice, and economic development. The rule of law is under attack in our nation now more than ever in my lifetime. Political candidates, former government leaders, CEOs, and ordinary people have demonstrated disrespect toward the rule of law, including interference with law enforcement, attacks on the media and free speech, general abuses of power, and, importantly, challenges to judicial inde pendence. That last category, challenges to judicial independence, is in the most imminent danger because judges—and our system of justice—are necessary defenses of our democracy. The challenges the judiciary has faced and will face include: Attacks on Judicial Integrity: Frequent criticism of judges and judicial decisions, often via social media, undermines the perceived independence and integrity of the judiciary by suggesting that judges should align with a political agenda rather than uphold the law impartially. Politicization of the Judiciary: Appoint ments to federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have been perceived as driven more by ideology than by qualifi cations or impartiality. We cannot have nominations that favor individuals who are more likely to rule in line with certain political views, potentially compromising judicial independence. Undermining Public Confidence: Attacks on judges and the judiciary erode public confidence in the legal system. Executive branch attacks on the judiciary can lead to increased skepticism about the fairness and impartiality of court decisions.
Second Vice President Kathryn C. Liss
Secretary Trisha Rich Treasurer Nina Fain
Immediate Past President Timothy S. Tomasik
Executive Director Beth McMeen
A s a young attorney, I did not think much about whether the rule of law would continue to be a cor nerstone of our democracy. While imper fectly applied, it was non-negotiable in our nation’s way of life–or so I thought. Recently, though, the rule of law has come under direct and explicit attack from a loud and powerful political faction in our nation. Young lawyers in our profession must confront the possible erosion or ter mination of the rule of law head on and band together to protect it, regardless of discomfort, political views, or career risk. I have written before about the rule of law and why it matters. The rule of law is a foundational principle that signifies the supremacy of law in society. It holds that everyone, including individuals, govern ment officials, and institutions, is subject to and accountable under the law. The rule of law entails several key components: equality before the law, due process, legal certainty and predictability, accountabil ity, protection of fundamental rights, and separation of powers. It is fundamental to
BOARD OF MANAGERS Louis G. Apostol Tracy Brammeier Margaret Mendenhall Casey Naderh Elrabadi Anthony F. Fata Josie Gough Cynthia S. Grandfield Brian Haussmann Justice Margaret Stanton McBride Peter McNamara John Mitchell Jeffrey Moskowitz Judge Mary Rowland
Eirene N. Salvi Brendon Stark Kevin Thompson
Judge Allen P. Walker Matthew P. Walsh II
6 March/April 2024
Executive Overreach: Attempts to exert influence over the judiciary, whether through public statements or policy decisions, represent an overreach of executive power. This can create a per ception that the executive branch is attempting to undermine the constitutional principle of separation of powers, which is essential for maintaining checks and balances in our system of government. Erosion of Norms: The disregard for traditional norms and standards of behavior, including those relating to the judiciary, has raised concerns about the long-term stability of democratic institutions. Breaking with established practices sets a precedent that future leaders may follow, potentially further eroding inde pendence of the judiciary and other branches of government. We have seen an array of institutional forces working together to fundamentally change our nation–and erode the rule of law. This should terrify us as attorneys, as we are charged with protect ing the rule of law as a cornerstone of our democracy. That means that all lawyers, especially young lawyers, must take action. Young lawyers can and must stand up and speak out to protect the rule of law. Beyond getting involved in political campaigns and movements, young lawyers must work to preserve judi cial independence, locally, nationally, and internationally. Why should young lawyers care? There are many reasons, including: • Preservation of the Rule of Law: Judicial independence is essential for upholding the rule of law. Without an indepen dent judiciary that is free from undue influence or interference, the rule of law cannot be effectively upheld. Young lawyers, as advocates for justice, should be invested in protecting and pre serving judicial independence. • Fairness and Impartiality in Legal Proceedings: Judges who are free from external pressure or bias can make decisions based on the merits of the case and application of the law, rather than political considerations or personal interests. This fosters confidence in the legal system and ensures that indi
viduals receive fair treatment under the law. • Protection of Individual Rights and Liberties: Judicial inde pendence serves as a safeguard against government overreach and protects individual rights and liberties. An independent judiciary can serve as a check on the other branches of govern ment, ensuring that laws and policies comply with constitu tional principles and respect individual rights. Young lawyers who are committed to defending the rights of their clients should recognize the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding those rights. • Professional Integrity and Ethical Standards: Upholding judicial independence is essential for maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the legal profession. Lawyers have a duty to uphold the rule of law and respect the independence of the judiciary as an institution essential to the administration of justice. By advocating for judicial independence, young law yers demonstrate their commitment to the ethical principles and professional standards of the legal profession. • Long-Term Impact on Democratic Institutions: The strength of democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary, depends on the active engagement and participation of citizens, including lawyers and legal professionals. Young lawyers have a stake in the long-term health and vitality of democratic institu tions and should be actively involved in efforts to protect and strengthen judicial independence for future generations. Judicial independence is not only a foundational principle of the legal profession but also a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law. Young lawyers have a responsibility to advocate for and defend judicial independence to ensure that the legal system remains fair, impartial, and accountable to all individuals. The future of our democracy hangs in the balance–and all lawyers, especially young lawyers, must act now, regardless of political views or allegiances. Too much is at stake to sit this one out.
Write for the CBA Record Magazine The CBA Editorial Board is seeking new members. Board members guide the overall content and vision of The Record , our member magazine, as well as write articles on current events in the law and issues of general interest to the legal community of Chicago. The Board meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month via Zoom. If you are interested in joining the Board, please submit your resume/CV and 2 writing samples to CBArecord@chi cagobar.org by May 1, 2024. You must also be a member of the CBA. Our author guidelines and past issues can be found at www.chicagobar.org/ record. New members will be appointed to the Board in Summer 2024.
CBA RECORD 7
CBA NEWS Chicago Bar Association Rings Opening Bell at Cboe Global Markets Exchange By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director
T wenty-five CBA members, including past presidents and current and former board members, participated in the iconic bell ringing ceremony at the Cboe Global Markets Exchange. The ceremony honored the CBA for a century and a half of championing justice, building connections, and making an impact. CBA President Ray J. Koenig III rang the bell on behalf of the Association.
Pictured from left, front row: Maggie Mendenhall Casey, Katie Liss, Naderh Elrabadi, Cynthia S. Grandfield, Judge Maryam Ahmad, E. Lynn Grayson, Kenya Jenkins-Wright, Howard Suskin, Aurora Austriaco, and Judge Nichole Patton. Pictured from left, second row: Eirene Salvi, Judge E. Keneth Wright, Jr., Terry Murphy, Ray J. Koenig III, Beth McMeen, Bob Glaves, and Jesse Ruiz. Pictured from left, third row: Daniel Cotter, Mark Cellini, Judge Allen P. Walker, Daniel Kotin, Timothy Tomasik, and Anthony Fata.
8 March/April 2024
It's Time to Renew Your 2024-2025 CBA Membership Renew by May 31, 2024 and Get 2 Free West LegalEdcenter CLE Coupons
Dear Member, It has been a momentous year for the CBA. As we continue the yearlong celebration of our 150th Anniversary, I would like to take a moment to thank every one of you for your dedication and support of the CBA. Our loyal members are the heart and soul of the CBA, and we are proud to provide many benefits and services to our member attorneys across Chicagoland. Together with our members, the CBA maintains the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivates relationships between members, and promotes the administration of justice and the public good. In our 150th year, we have much to look forward to and are grateful to celebrate the storied history and bright future of the CBA with you. Of course, we rely on our members' continued and generous support through dues renewal and sustaining membership to drive the CBA's mission, growth, and success. On behalf of the CBA Board of Managers, thank you for your continued support of the CBA. Please join us at one of our upcoming events to celebrate our historic 150th anniversary! Visit www.chicagobar150.org for more details. Sincerely,
Renew your membership: www.chicagobar.org/Renew 312-554-2020 billing@chicagobar.org
Ray J. Koenig III CBA President
THE CBA IS YOUR ULTIMATE LEGAL NETWORK BE A PART OF US!
CBA RECORD 9
2024 Earl B. Dickerson Award Luncheon By Judge Jasmine V. Hernandez, CBA Record Editorial Board Member
Congratulations to the 2024 Dickerson Award honorees. Pictured front row, from left: Justice Joy V. Cunningham, Nathalina A. Hudson, Judge Maryam Ahmad, CBA President Ray J. Koenig III, Justice Carl A. Walker, and Byron F. Taylor. Pictured from left, second row: CBA First Vice President John Sciaccotta, Christopher C. Cooper, and Erika N.L. Harold.
T he Chicago legal community gath ered on February 15, 2024, to honor this year’s recipients of the CBA’s Earl B. Dickerson Award: Judge Maryam Ahmad, Christopher C. Cooper, Erika N.L. Harold, Nathalina A. Hudson, Byron F. Taylor, and Justice Carl A. Walker. The ceremony was emceed by Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., who welcomed all attendees including Illinois Supreme Court Justices Joy V. Cunningham, P. Scott Neville, Jr., and Mary K. Rochford. The Dickerson Award recognizes minority lawyers and judges who, like the award’s namesake, have dedicated them selves to the law and helping others gain equality and justice. Dickerson was one of the first African American members of the CBA. His distinguished career included
arguing before the United Supreme Court in Hansberry v. Lee, in which he successfully challenged the enforcement of racially restrictive real estate covenants, thereby paving the way for fair housing for all minorities. The 2024 honorees, like Dickerson, continually demonstrate their commitment to the legal profession and their community, Judge Maryam Ahmad is assigned to the Pretrial Division, Cook County. Ahmad presides over first appearances, detention hearings, extradition court, and traffic-related preliminary hear ings. Ahmad’s legal career spans the pri vate and public sectors. Prior to joining the judiciary, she served as Chief of the Juvenile Justice Bureau for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Outside
the courtroom, Ahmad teaches at South Suburban College and serves on vari ous Illinois Supreme Court committees. She also holds various leadership posi tions, including former President of the CBA. Dickerson’s memory has served as a source of inspiration for Ahmad, and she aims to carry forward the gift of inclu sion. She noted that while there has been progress on this front bias still exists and “can still impact career trajectories.” She thanked all those who have extended her a welcome hand and provided mentorship. Ahmad pledged to continue Dickerson’s fight for true equality and inclusion to “assure diverse voices are heard within the CBA and across the profession.” Cristopher C. Cooper has dedicated his life to many forms of public service.
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After a distinguished military career, Cooper served as an urban combat instructor at Quantico and a police offi cer with Washington D.C.’s Metropoli tan Police Department before joining the legal profession. Primarily practicing in federal courts in Illinois and Indiana, he also serves as a judge pro tem in Lake County Superior Court (Indiana) on an as needed basis. He holds leadership posi tions with the Seventh Circuit’s Advisory Committee as well as the James C. Kim brough Bar Association in northern Indi ana. He shared that as a child he never imagined he would be in his current posi tion; his own professional and personal journey taught him the importance of respecting people from all walks of life. Erika N.L. Harold is Executive Direc tor of the Illinois Supreme Court Com mission on Professionalism. She leads the Commission’s extensive educational programming focused on advancing professionalism among the state’s law yers and judges to increase confidence in the justice system. Harold brings to the position a wealth of experience from the private sector, where she litigated com mercial disputes and advised religious institutions on First Amendment issues. Committed to educating people about the legal system, Harold serves on the boards of several organizations includ ing the Illinois Supreme Court Commit tee on Equality, Prison Fellowship, and Champaign County CASA. She is also on the Steering Committee of Illinois LAW Pathways. Harold urged attendees to never “compromise on the question of equality... and to never be satisfied with the status quo as we pursue justice and equality.” Harold gave special thanks to her parents, who are her role models of lives rooted in service and integrity. Nathalina A. Hudson, after some
time in private practice, joined the public sector and never looked back. Now Chief of Staff for the Attorney General’s Office, Hudson has served in every facet of gov ernment. At the local level she was an assistant corporation counsel with the City of Chicago and later Deputy Attor ney General for the Criminal Enforce ment Division of the AG’s Office. At the federal level, she served as an Assistant United State’s Attorney in the Financial Crimes Division in the Northern District of Illinois. No matter what Hudson’s role, she always strives to break barriers and advocates for equality. Her commitment to fairness, equality, and service to others extends beyond the courtroom, including by serving on the Northern District of Illinois’ James B. Moran Re-entry Court Team assisting ex-offenders to become productive members of the community. She has also served as president of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago. The “drumbeat of fair ness and equality runs through [Hud son’s] veins,” and she accepted her award “on behalf of those servant leaders who have gone before and come behind her.” Byron Taylor is co-leader of Sidley Austin LLP’s Environmental Practice Group and a member of the firm’s Execu tive Committee. His storied career in the private sector centers around civil litiga tion, crises response, compliance coun seling, and environmental aspects of transactions. In addition to his work on complex Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act matters, Taylor makes time to advo cate for diversity and inclusion both in and out of the office. Among other leader ship roles, he serves as co-chair of Sidley’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and participates in the firm’s mentoring program. He is past President, and cur rently serves on the board, of Hephzibah
Children’s Foundation and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Taylor’s focus on development and mentorship is indicative of how he views his own success, which he attributes in part to his own mentors. Taylor hailed Dickerson as a pioneer and a dedicated individual who strove to move the ball forward. Taylor builds upon Dick erson’s legacy as he works to provide the same support and guidance he received to the next generation. Justice Carl Walker did not know anyone in the legal profession as a child; he simply knew he wanted to help others. His passion for providing aid morphed into a busy legal practice that included both criminal and civil litigation. As a judge, Walker has presided over domes tic violence, criminal misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, evictions, juvenile, and law division matters. In June 2018, the Illinois Supreme Court elevated him to the Illinois Appellate Court. Still committed to helping others, Walker is active in his community. His numerous leadership positions include serving as vice chairperson of the local school council, past President of the Illi nois Judicial Council, mentor in several youth programs, sharing his knowledge and experience on the faculty of the Illinois Judicial College, and speaking engagements. Walker commented that he remains humble because, as his mother always reminded him, “Be careful how you treat others, because you never know what road you will walk down.” Walker also stressed the importance, and power, of remaining optimistic no matter what adversity one may face.
View highlights from the luncheon on the CBA’s YouTube channel at www.youtube. com/chicagobar .
LAW DEGREES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE April 24, 2024 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | 1 IL MCLE | Members Free | Register at Learn.ChicagoBar.org Many of us went to law school to make a difference, to help people, or to affect change. Hear from experienced lawyers doing just that with their degrees... all of whom continue to embrace professional possibilities, having changed roles within the last year themselves.
CBA RECORD 11
CBA Barristers Big Band hit all the high notes at Andy’s Jazz Club. Mark your calendar for April 26 to attend the group’s Benefit Ball at the Union League Club featuring music, dancing, libations, a silent auction and much more. Tickets available at www.chicagobar.org/barristerball.
2024 CBA/YLS DIVERSITY WEEK By YLS Second Vice Chair Gavin Phelps
The CBA and the Young Lawyers Section’s 2024 Diversity Week will take place April 15-18, 2024, both online and in-person at the CBA Building. Seminars will be held at a variety of times on topics including SCOTUS, College Admis sions and Affirmative Action, Navigating Your Career as a Diverse Attorney, Immigrant Rights, Sanctuary Cities and Our Borders, Protecting Your Mental Health as a Minority Lawyer, How to Recruit and Retain a Diverse Workforce (And Why It Matters), the Path to Becoming a Judge, and Changing Laws of Queer Family Rights and Surrogacy versus Anti-Drag Anti-Trans State Laws. A closing networking reception will be held on April 18 at the CBA Building to foster networking opportunities between members of the bench and bar. With a focus on inclusion, the YLS invited local affinity bar associations to participate in the week’s planning efforts and subject matter selection. Nina Fain, CBA Treasurer and DICE Committee Co-Chair, stated, “The momentum and enthusiasm that the YLS has brought forward in this second year of Diversity Week is nothing short of spectacular. The CBA DICE Committee is honored to serve as a co-sponsor of these events, which are critical to the work the CBA does in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Congrats to Gavin Phelps and his colleagues on their tireless work to engage so many bar association leaders to work in harmony with the YLS at this unique conference.” Registration is available at Learn.ChicagoBar.org (programs will also be available on demand).
12 March/April 2024
Honoring Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award 150 THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION CELEBRATION T H May 10, 2024 | 5:00-8:00 p.m. Chicago Union Station | Great Hall hors d'oeuvres and cocktails Details and reservations at www.chicagobar.org/150
CBA RECORD 13
CLE & MEMBER NEWS It’s membership renewal time at the CBA! Don’t miss out on the many tangible resources that CBA membership and its community provide: free CLE on demand 24/7, business development programs, exclusive member content, and more. The CBA is committed to delivering excellence to our members; with a unique local focus to meet the needs of Chicago’s legal community. We look forward to serving you in the coming bar year! In April, all members will be mailed an annual dues renewal state ment for the membership period June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. As a special incentive to renew early, if we receive your dues payment by May 31, you will receive two bonus CLE coupons from the West LegalEdCenter in addition to the free CLE programming included with your membership. Renewing is easy: online (www.chicagobar.org), by phone (312-554 2020), or by mail. Dues installment plan, retired rates, and financial hardship dues are available upon request. Most programs are now virtual via our online learning platform, learn.chicagobar.org. Also, many committee meetings, seminars, and networking events are coming back in-person, allowing for hybrid attendance options and access to all CBA resources anytime, from anywhere. The CBA is your ultimate legal community, with resources that can help you: • Meet your IL MCLE requirement for free. • Start and grow your practice through business development Renew Your Membership and Receive FREE CLE Coupons
programs. • Elevate your opportunities by building connections with local attorneys and judges. • Access practical legal, management, business, and technology skills. • Keep pace with legal developments and trending topics. • Strengthen your resume with speaking, writing, and leadership opportunities. • Prepare for career changes and enhance your readiness for career transitions. • Give back to the community. • And make an impact! In addition to free CLE on demand 24/7, membership benefits include the trial skills institute, practice basics series, mediation train ing, referral service, law firm marketing and business development programs, judicial meet and greets, legal news feeds, personalized career counseling, member magazine, blog, podcast, how to’s on legal and business software, and much more. Most of these benefits are free or very low cost. Visit www.chicagobar.org for a full list. We appreciate your past membership support and look forward to serving you in the coming bar year. Please refer questions regarding dues statements to the CBA’s Membership Accounting Department at 312-554-2020 or billing@chicagobar.org.
Take Advantage of Payment Options
We appreciate your membership and want to make renewal easy. • Installment payments are available for your convenience. Spread your payments throughout the year by signing up for the Dues Installment/Auto Pay Plan, which allows you to pay your dues automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis at no extra cost with automatic credit/debit card charges.
Email billing@chicagobar.org to enroll in this plan. • Unemployed members and those with financial hardships may request our reduced annual dues rate of $50. Email your request to membership@chicagobar.org. • Retired members may request a $75 retired rate. Email your request to membership@chicagobar.org.
A-M Lawyers: Meet Your Upcoming MCLE Requirement through Free CBA CLE
If your last name begins with A-M, you need to complete your 30 hours of Illinois MCLE credit by June 30, 2024, including one hour of mental health/substance abuse PR MCLE and one hour of diversity/inclusion PR MCLE. Don’t wait until the last minute! Take advantage of the CBA’s free on demand seminars and free noon hour committee meetings. Members can also access unlimited CBA
and YLS seminars of their choice through our CLE Advantage Plan for only $160 (new seminars every month plus over 200 archived on demand programs). Visit learn.chicagobar.org for complete selec tions. For more information regarding MCLE reporting requirements, visit www.mcleboard.org.
Member Benefit Spotlight: Amata
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notice and allows you to protect your profitability when you need to adjust. Members receive 15% off their first support service purchase and can get a free day using code CBADAY. Get more information at virtualoffices.amatacorp.com/cba.
May is Membership Appreciation Month at the CBA! Free CLE Seminars, Special Events and More. Details coming soon. Watch for details in your email and at www.chicagobar.org.
14 March/April 2024
Starts/Finish at Soldier Field Run 10:00 am-12:00 pm Walk 10:15 am-12:00 pm Proceeds from this event benefit The Chicago Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the CBA. SATURDAY APRIL 13 150th Anniversary Celebration RUN 5K ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE. SEE PRICING ONLINE. PLEASE VISIT: www.chicagobar.org/5K &WALK THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION
Thank you! 150th Anniversary Sponsors:
Laurel and Joel Bellows | David C. Hilliard
Volunteers are needed the day of the event. Sign up online to help!
CBA RECORD 15
Chicago Bar Foundation Report
Innovative Project Aims to Increase Access to Justice for the Underserved Middle Class By Roya Samarghandi E veryday people often struggle to find high-quality, afford able legal services. While most organized access to justice efforts, including those of the CBF, rightly focus on low
to transforming the delivery of legal services to the underserved middle class. The new project builds on the success of the CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project and other programs around the country to improve legal access for the middle market. The Problem in a Nutshell The traditional legal marketplace serves corporate and higher income people well, but it is largely out of reach for the 100 million-plus Americans who are above the income eligibility line for free legal aid. The result is that people in the middle class (everyone making between $18,225 and $141,568 annually)— who make up the largest share of Americans—face distinct and alarming challenges in accessing legal services. The graphic below illustrates the nature of the “Above the Line” problem, with rain representing legal problems Americans typically face, and the umbrellas representing access to afford able legal services.
income and disadvantaged people, who are particularly vulnerable in the legal system, middle-class Americans also face daunting challenges finding affordable legal help. They are “above the line” of income eligibility for already overstretched free legal aid, but they also struggle to find legal services in the current market. People in the middle class constitute more than 50% of our nation’s population. Their challenges in getting legal help have profound consequences for access to justice. A more concerted national effort is needed to address this distinct access gap—and the new Above the Line Network (ATLN) aims to do just that. ATLN is a joint initiative of the CBF and IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, along with individual and organizational partners from around the country and Canada. It is led by a diverse advisory committee of knowl edgeable, experienced leaders and innovators who are dedicated
Graphic by The Chicago Bar Foundation.
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The leaky umbrella over the low income group on the left represents the portion of people in the country who qualify for free legal aid services but often will not receive them due to resource constraints. In contrast, the corporate and higher-income group on the right is covered by a sturdy umbrella because they tend to be well served by a competitive, high-functioning market of lawyers and law firms. The middle-class group faces distinct challenges. They make too much money to access the free legal aid depicted to their left but generally can’t afford the ser vices of lawyers and firms serving the cor porate and higher-income market shown to their right. Indeed, only a small por tion of them have umbrellas at all, repre senting the better-functioning areas of the legal market for this group (such as people with personal injury cases and real estate transactions). Most find themselves strug gling to find affordable legal help.
solution exists, many promising models around the United States, Canada, and beyond are already in place and are com mitted to serving this vastly underserved market. However, a more concerted effort is needed both to build on what we know is working in this area and to tackle some of the larger systemic challenges currently facing the middle class. That’s where the Above the Line Network comes in. With a specific focus on the legal needs of the middle class, ATLN is a new, organized network of individuals and organizations across the U.S. and Canada committed to improving legal access for the middle-market—a collab orative and supportive community where ideas, resources, and best practices can be shared, further developed, and scaled to reach more people who need affordable legal services. The project also works to ensure that the voices of middle-class Americans are heard and represented in access-to-justice advocacy and funding efforts by harness ing the existing endeavors of incubators, socially conscious private law firms, non profit law firms, legal aid programs, and other organizations. According to Jessica
Bednarz, IAALS’ Director of Legal Ser vices and the Profession, “There is much we can learn from each other about what is working well in this space. There also is much more we can do to build support for larger policy and systemic changes that could greatly expand access to justice for the middle class and, in the process, improve access for people of all income levels.” The CBF is excited to partner with IAALS to address this critical project. This partnership allows IAALS and the CBF to leverage each other’s expertise and resources to provide the foundation, sup port, and reach needed to launch and sus tain the project. To learn more about the Above the Line Network and how you can get involved, visit www.abovethelinenetwork. org or contact Roya Samarghandi at rsa marghandi@chicagobarfoundation.org.
The Above the Line Network Concept
Roya Samarghandi is the CBF Associate Director of Advocacy, Innovation, and Training.
How do we tackle this huge gap in the legal market? While no one-size-fits-all
THE ABOVE THE LINE NETWORK’S MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES MISSION: ATLN is a community of leaders from across the United States, Canada, and beyond working together to transform the delivery of legal services for the underserved middle class. VISION: ATLN envisions a legal system where everyday people have access to justice through affordable and quality legal assistance. CORE VALUES: 1. Inclusive: We promote a welcoming and supportive environment that solicits and embraces diverse perspectives. 2. Collaborative: We are a community that shares ideas, works together, and celebrates successes. 3. Client-Centered: We focus on the current and evolving legal needs of the middle class. 4. Innovative: We pursue creative and transformative solutions that enhance access to affordable and
quality legal services and achieve system change. 5. Informed: We are driven by data and experience.
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throw out the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox game on Monday, May 13, 2024, and the Chicago Cubs game on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. A limited number of seats have been reserved at each game for CBA members. We hope you will join us! See special pricing and seat availability at www.chicagobar.org/baseball. Happy Birthday, CBA! The CBA Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will celebrate our 150th Anniver sary with a special concert on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at St. James Cathedral (65 E. Huron St.) at 7:30 p.m. Performances will include music from Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $15 ($10 students) at cba150.eventbrite.com. Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball The Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball will take place Friday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m. at the Union League Club, featuring music, dancing, a silent auction, and libations. The BBB was founded in 2000 by CBA members who share a love of big band jazz and want to keep the music of the big band era alive. Members come from every walk of the Chicago legal commu nity – big firm partners, solo practitioners, government lawyers, law students, and the judiciary. Reserve your tickets to the Ball at www.chicagobar.org/barristerball. Vanguard Awards The CBA and 15 local bar associations come together this Spring to present the 2024 Vanguard Awards. This special award honors individuals and institutions who have made the law and the legal pro fession more accessible to and reflective of the community at large. Stay tuned for details at www.chicagobar.org/vanguard. Women’s History Month The CBA is pleased to celebrate 2024 Women’s History Month, which com memorates and encourages the study and celebration of the role of women in American history. Members can find a list of events at learn.chicagobar.org includ ing CLEs on self-advocacy (negotiating
THE CBA PULSE BY BETH McMEEN, CBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The CBA Board of Managers met with its new 4th Ward Alderman Lamont J. Robinson to share goals and interests. Pictured from left: CBA Secretary Trisha Rich, CBA President Ray J. Koenig III, Alderman Robinson, CBA Treasurer Nina Fain, Immediate Past CBA President Timothy Tomasik, CBA First Vice President John Sciaccotta, and CBA Second Vice President Kathryn Liss.
150th Anniversary Celebration Join us to celebrate 150 years of the CBA championing justice, building connec tions, and making an impact in our com munity on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Union Station’s Great Hall. Come by yourself, come with your colleagues, or grab your significant other for an evening of celebration, music, good food, libations, and much more. Tickets are available at www.chicagobar.org/150. Champion of Justice Award The CBA is pleased to announce the cre ation of the Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award to honor and recognize those who have demonstrated superior professional competence and advocacy on behalf of their clients. The inaugural award is to be bestowed upon Robert A. Clifford at the CBA’s 150th Anniversary Celebration for his devotion to the high
est principles of integrity and traditions of the legal profession. Moving forward, the award will be presented at the CBA’s Annual Meeting each year. 5K Run/Walk Get moving with us on April 13 at the CBA’s 150th Anniversary 5K Run/Walk. We will start and finish at Soldier Field. I encourage you to invite your legal col leagues, friends, and family to join you. Volunteers are also needed to help with check-in and other race details. Proceeds will benefit The Chicago Bar Foundation. Details and registration (and volunteer sign up) are available at www.chicagobar. org/5K. First Pitch at Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs In honor of the CBA’s 150 Anniversary, CBA President Ray J. Koenig III will
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compensation and prioritizing balance to achieve career success), managing your finances, and inspiring tales of women arbitrators. Congratulations To Seventh U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ilana Diamond Rovner upon taking senior status. Judge Rovner was the first woman to serve on the Court… The U.S. Senate confirmed Joshua P. Kolar’s nomination to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals… Cook County Circuit Court Judge Neil H. Cohen and CBA Board Member and Cook County Associate Judge Allen P. Walker were reappointed members of the Illinois Judicial College Committee on Judicial Education for terms expiring June 30, 2026 and Cook County Associate Judge Stephanie K. Miller will serve a three-year term on the Committee expiring June 20, 2027… and Circuit Court of McHenry Judge Michael Chmiel is the new President of the Advocates Society. The Deputy Public Guardian of Cook County Alpa Patel was reappointed to the Illinois Judicial College Committee on Guardian ad Litem Education… The Illinois Supreme Court appointed CBA Board Member Eirene N. Salvi , Salvi Schostok & Pritchard, as a commissioner to the Court’s Commission on Profes sionalism… CBA Board Member Martin Gould is a Founding Partner of Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley… Dickinson Wright hired past CBA President Daniel A. Cotter to the firm… The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) hon ored the following at their “Light Up the Loop Winter Awards Benefit”: Vol unteers of the Year: Ankoor Bagchi , WiPro; Bob Goldman , Accenture US; Partner of the Year: Jenner & Block LLP ; and the Impact Award: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle … O. Long Law LLC added Jessica Mans bacher Kibbe as a family law attorney… Sidley & Austin elected Natalie C. Chan and John Grothaus as partners to its Chi cago office… and Nixon Peabody added Gretchen E. Sherwood as a partner to its Chicago office.
Stephan Zouras LLP hired Justin M. Caparco to its growing legal team… Gold berg Kohn added Erika L. Takase as an associate to the firm’s commercial finance group… Jenner & Block elevated Daniel W. Bobier to partnership…The follow ing Corboy & Demetrio attorneys were selected to the 2024 edition of the pres tigious Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America: Philip Corboy, Jr., William T. Gibbs, Daniel S. Kirschner, Michelle Kohut, Kenneth T. Lumb, Francis Patrick Murphy, Edward G. Willer, and Conrad C. Nowak …Taft Law elected Abe Wehbi to partnership… Saul Ewing elected Alexander L. Reich to partner… Hin shaw & Culbertson elected Abby U. Van Grinsven as a partner… Johnson & Bell promoted Ava L. Caffarini to share holder and added Connor W. Bender and Brandon A. Grant as associates… Lavelle Law added Cody A. Marshall and Mitchell J. Parker as associates… Reed Smith named Andrew D. Bell to part nership… Norton Rose Fulbright added Edward Casmere as a partner and co-head of its litigation and disputes practice… Nielsen Zehe & Antas PC elected Frank N. DeBoni to shareholder… Holland & Knight added Cara M. Houck as a partner to its real estate capital markets group… and Levin Schreder & Carey made Maria M.L. Schwartz a partner. Robert J. Napleton & Associates has named Daniel T. Madigan, Bradley Z. Schulman, Brion W. Doherty, and David J. Gallagher as partners and changed the firm name to Napleton & Partners… ABA President Mary Smith received the 2024 University of Chicago Diversity Leadership Award... and Jessica Linger tat and David Michael were selected to serve on Gould & Ratner’s management committee as managing partners of the Chicago office. Condolences To the family and friends of Former Illi nois Supreme Court Justice Benjamin K. Miller, William G. O’Toole, Philip Stuart Lieb , Michael S. Krzak , and Clinton Krislov.
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CBA RECORD 19
CBA 150th Anniversary Celebration A New Home for a Changing Profession, 1974-1999 By John Levin
T he period 1974-1999 saw signifi cant changes both in the nature of the practice of law and in The Chicago Bar Association. They were also the years in which I actively practiced law and was active in the CBA, so my personal experience is reflected in this institutional history. The practice of law changed in major ways during this period, institutionally and technologically. Institutional changes involved the growth of large, multijuris dictional law firms and the formal rec ognition that the practice of law was a business as well as a learned profession. Technological changes included the introduction of cell phones, computers, the internet, and online legal research capability. A New Home The CBA also went through some sig nificant changes during this period. The most visible change was moving from its long-time leased space at 29 South LaSalle Street to its current location at 321 South Plymouth Court. The move, itself, resulted in significant changes to the CBA. The building at 29 South LaSalle had two restaurants and several small dining rooms for members. One restaurant was a formal dining room for client meet ings; the other was an informal restaurant good for having lunch with colleagues. For some reason these restaurants leant an air of “clubbiness” to the CBA, a positive sense that this was “your” personal profes sional space. The new building started by recreating these restaurants, but they were not suc cessful and eventually closed. As a result,
the CBA Building lost some of its aspects of being a social center for lawyers and became more focused on the business and technical aspects of the profession, reflect ing what was happening in the profession and our society at large. The Law Library The building at 29 South LaSalle had a large, heavily used law library. In the 1970s and 1980s, legal research was still done with printed material, state and federal statutes, legal indexes, and case reporters. Unless you worked for a large law firm that had the space and finances to have a large law library, only two law libraries were available downtown, and the CBA had one of them. At its height, the CBA library had almost 100,000 visits a year, and by the mid-1980s it required an annual budget of approxi mately $900,000. The firm I worked for only had a limited library, and for most material I had to go to the CBA library. When the CBA moved to Plymouth Court it merged its library with the John Marshall Law School library next door, which resulted in a significant annual cost savings. Members of the CBA could use the JMLS library. However, the physical layout of the JMLS library was set up for students and was less suitable for practic ing lawyers. Also, the introduction of the merged library occurred just as technol ogy and the internet began to change the nature of legal research. Various jurisdic tions began putting their legal material online, and service providers such as Lex isNexis and Westlaw facilitated research without the need for printed case report ers and indexes. The profession was on the cusp of not needing extensive libraries.
These factors reduced the demand for use of the CBA as a research resource. Committees The new building, however, provided ample space for committee meetings. Over these 25 years, the number of com mittees grew from 74 to 133. While 40 of the committees involved the newly established Young Lawyers Section, other committees were formed that reflected advances in technology and specialization and administration of the law and law firms. Of special interest to me was the involvement of the CBA in the adoption by the Illinois Supreme Court of a Code of Professional Responsibility, which later incorporated the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. For several years the Professional Responsibility Commit tee issued formal opinions interpreting the Code. Another committee was the editorial board of the CBA Record, which, under its long-serving Editor-in-Chief, Justice Michael B. Hyman, replaced an earlier and much less comprehensive pub lication, the Chicago Bar Record. However, over this 25-year period there was a subtle change in the charac ter of committee meetings. While there were always colleagues to meet and proj ects on which to work, I began to attend committee meetings also to learn about developments in the law, technology, and administration. The time spent on com mittee work had an increasingly signifi cant personal educational component. A Changing Association Much of the credit for managing the CBA during these turbulent years goes to Terry Murphy, appointed executive director in
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