CBA Record November-December 2023

PRESIDENT’S PAGE BY RAY J. KOENIG III Putting Gratitude in Action

The Chicago Bar Association www.chicagobar.org

President Ray J. Koenig III

First Vice President John C. Sciaccotta

of our system of civil and criminal justice. Impact on Society: We play a crucial role in the legal system and society as a whole. We help ensure that laws are fol lowed, rights are protected, and justice is served. I am grateful for the chance to have a positive impact on our communi ties and society at large. My service with various civil rights organizations over the years has been a highlight of my life. Client Relationships: As lawyers, we develop strong and meaningful relation ships with our clients. We are glad for the confidence clients place in us to manage important legal and societal matters. The trust of clients is one that not all profes sions benefit from, and one that we as law yers’ treasure. There are few better feelings than knowing my clients trust me with their family, future, and assets. Mentors: We often collaborate with experienced colleagues and mentors who provide guidance and support. We are thankful for the opportunity to learn and gain experience from these individu als and build our professional networks. I have enjoyed numerous mentors through out my career. I also serve formally and informally as mentor to many, including younger lawyers I met through the CBA. Colleagues: We deeply appreciate the helping hands that have brought us on our path to and through the legal profes sion – from paralegal support to adminis trative teammates, to the connections we have developed through the CBA. Our colleagues, and the relationships we have with them, are one of the many things that make a career in the law so rewarding. Career Opportunities: We often have the opportunity to pursue a challenging career. We should feel appreciative of the

Second Vice President Kathryn C. Liss

Secretary Trisha Rich Treasurer Nina Fain

Immediate Past President Timothy S. Tomasik

Executive Director Beth McMeen

D id you know that November is the National Month of Grati tude? Not only do we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November – we dedicate the entire month to expressing our gratitude. As we come to the end of the year, we tend to look back on our progress throughout the previous months, frequently with thanks for our good fortune. This month, I want to focus on why we – lawyers and judges – are and should be grateful. Lawyers and judges have many reasons to be thankful, both personally and pro fessionally. Appreciation is a positive and healthy sentiment that can benefit indi viduals in many ways. Here are some rea sons why we can be grateful: Legal System: We operate within a legal system that upholds principles of jus tice and the rule of law. We are indebted to the framework that allows us to address legal issues and resolve disputes in a fair and orderly manner. The world today is rife with injustice meted out by some of the legal systems in other countries. I am thankful for the stability and consistency

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 November/December 2023