CBA Record May-June 2025

grandparents who raised my younger brother and me to work hard, always give back, be kind, assist others (especially those less fortunate), pay it forward, mentor and train the next generation, and work to make the world a better place. To my law partners and colleagues at Aronberg Goldgehn, thank you for supporting and inspiring me to give back and to make a difference. To the best CBA Executive Committee and Board of Manag ers members, who deserve special recognition for their dedica tion, commitment, and devotion. To all of the past CBA Presidents for their support, advice, and guidance throughout the year (in alphabetical order): Judge Maryam Ahmad, Anita Alvarez, Aurora Abella-Austriaco, Laurel Bellows, Patti Bobb, Terrence Burns, Bob Clifford, Dan Cotter, Justice Joy V. Cunningham, Michael Demetrio, Thomas Deme trio, Kevin Durkin, Timothy Eaton, Steven Elrod, Kevin Forde, E. Lynn Grayson, Tom Hayward, Victor Henderson, David Hilliard, Roy Hofer, Judge Patricia Brown Holmes (ret.), Justice Michael B. Hyman, John Jiganti, Ray Koenig, Daniel Kotin, Terri Mascherin, Judge Thomas Mulroy (ret.), Gordon Nash, Jennifer Nijman, Kerry Peck, Richard Prendergast, Jesse Ruiz, John Simon, Joseph Stone, Timothy Tomasik, Rene Torrado, and Judge E. Ken neth Wright, Jr. Many thanks to all of you! You have been shining examples to strive for excellence and to be the best leader I could be.

Additionally, thank you to those who nominated and encouraged me to pursue CBA leadership and for always believing in me. I am now proud to join one of the most impressive and respected groups there is: CBA Past Presidents. To the incredible CBA staff: Beth McMeen, the best Execu tive Director; Mark Cellini, our exceptional controller who keeps us on budget and in strong financial condition; Jennifer Byrne, a gifted CLE Director; Sharon Nolan, a talented and cre ative marketing director; Sheila Mulvey, our new and innovative membership director; and Michele Spodarek, our talented events coordinator. And, to our Executive Director Emeritus, Terry Murphy, who always supported all of us to aspire to leadership of our CBA. To the entire CBA Record Editorial Board and Editor-in Chief, Justice Michael B. Hyman, who is retiring from the Edi torial Board after serving since 1986. Thank you, Justice, for your devotion and dedication to one of the crown jewels of our Association. The CBA Record is a wonderful publication, and we are thankful for your many meaningful columns and impactful articles, and for your many years of meritorious service. To you, our devoted and committed CBA members, I cannot thank you enough for showing up, participating, contributing and doing whatever is necessary to make our association the very best it can be.

MEMBERS FREE

COOK COUNTY VETERAN’S TREATMENT COURT PROGRAM May 20, 2025 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | 1 IL MCLE Credit Register at Learn.ChicagoBar.org

The Cook County Veterans Treatment Court is a unique program specifically designed for individuals who have served in the U.S. military and have become involved in the criminal justice system. The goal is to help veterans reduce their risk of further involvement in the criminal justice system and to improve their overall quality of life. Attend to learn about the Veteran’s Court call, how it came to be, and how attorneys can best position their military veteran clients to be accepted into the program. Speakers will include Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Michael Hood, Circuit Court of Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke, and Joseph Cook, a principal attorney at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and a Major in the United States Air Force JAG Corps. This program is sponsored by the CBA’s Military and Veteran’s Affairs Committee. To join this committee and receive notice of future events, visit www.chicagobar.org or email Meredith Loehr at mloehr@chicagobar.org.

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