CBA Record March-April 2026

Tom Panoff CBF Board President

M any YPB members advance to become members of the CBF Board of Direc tors, including our current Board President, Tom Panoff, a partner at Shep pard. Panoff shared a bit about his background and gave some advice for young lawyers. How did you first become involved with the CBF? My first exposure was through the CBF’s annual Investing in Justice Campaign. The campaign was in its early years when I first participated in 2008 as a young lawyer. I was incredibly impressed not just by the Chicago legal community coming together to support this great cause, but also by the tremendous work of the CBF’s many grantee organizations. A few years later, I was asked to serve on the Young Professionals Board and served there for several years before being asked to serve on the CBF’s Board of Directors in 2017. What has been most rewarding about your service on the CBF board? Three things stand out. First, I am always amazed at the impressive work by our more than 30 grantee organizations. I see firsthand the life-changing services they provide for those in our community who need help. Second, I am proud of how the Chicago legal community comes together time and again to support the CBF and our grantees. Although many of us might compete for clients or against one another in litigation, we all unite behind providing pro bono service for our community. This year, our Investing in Justice Campaign raised a record $1.57 million in individual contributions, which will go directly to grantees. Third, it is always a pleasure to work with the CBF executive team and staff. Executive Director Bob Glaves and the CBF team are not only highly regarded in our legal community and sought after for their advice by judges, legislators, and poli cymakers, but they are also some of the most thoughtful, compassionate individuals you will ever meet. How has your work with the CBF shaped your practice? It serves as a reminder of qualities that, at times, can be lost in the world of fast-paced, high-stakes litigation: compassion, working together, and humility. Working with the CBF and its grantee organizations always reinforces the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. You never know what someone might be going through person ally, so it is important not to judge or make premature assumptions. Rather, get to know

them and how we can work together to achieve beneficial outcomes. What advice would you give to young lawyers looking to get more involved in their communities? I recommend following your passion. Find an issue you care about. It might be in an area you have always wanted to explore, or perhaps one that impacted you, a family member, or a friend. If you find an area in which you have a personal connection, you are likely to stay with your volunteer commitment longer and are also more likely to find your service more meaning ful, fulfilling, and impactful.

Interesting Arbitration Decisions from Illinois and Other Places

March 24, 2026 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. | 1 IL MCLE Credit | Live Webcast $0 CLE-Advantage Plan | $35 Member | $65 Nonmember Regster at Learn.ChicagoBar.org This seminar will consist of updates and highlights of several interesting arbitration decisions from Illinois and other places. Panelists: Daniel A. Cotter, Member, Aronberg Goldgehn, and John Levitske, HKA Global, LLC (moderator).

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