CBA Record November-December 2025

PRESIDENT’S PAGE BY JUDGE NICHOLE C. PATTON Gratitude in Leadership: Reflections This November

The Chicago Bar Association www.chicagobar.org President Judge Nichole C. Patton First Vice President Trisha M. Rich Second Vice President Kathryn C. Liss Secretary Andrew W. Vail Treasurer Jonathan B. Amarilio Immediate Past President John C. Sciaccotta Executive Director Beth McMeen BOARD OF MANAGERS John C. Ellis Kevin Gerow Noah Graf Martin D. Gould Judge Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright Michael S. Kozlowski Francine D. Lynch Sari W. Montgomery Judge Thomas A. Morrissey Ryan M. Nolan Brandon E. Peck Gavin Phelps Justice Rena Marie Van Tine Judge Andrea R. Wood Daniel J. Berkowitz James V. Campell Elizabeth Carpenter Gina Crumble Steven R. Decker Nishá N. Dotson

help transform ideas into reality. Their commitment has allowed me to put vision into action, particularly as we embark on a bar year centered on artificial intelligence. For their professionalism and steadfast support, I am truly grateful. This year’s theme, AI 2035: The Legal Profession and the Judiciary in the Age of Artificial Intelligence , could not thrive without committee leadership. I am espe cially thankful to the judges who serve as committee chairs and to the attorneys who stepped forward as vice chairs. They form the backbone of our 10 AI working committees, creating a space where the judiciary and the bar collaborate in new and meaningful ways. Their willingness to dedicate time, intellect, and energy ensures that the CBA remains at the fore front of conversations about how technol ogy will shape our profession. Beyond these initiatives, I am grateful to our members. The CBA exists because of you—your attendance at programs, your active participation in committees, your mentoring of colleagues, and your continued commitment to membership. Each act of engagement, large or small, sustains the life of this association and strengthens our profession. For more than 150 years, the CBA has been a home for attorneys in Chicago. That tradition con tinues today because of your dedication. I am also deeply grateful for those who served before me—the past presidents of The Chicago Bar Association. They have been a constant source of wisdom, encouragement, and perspective. When ever I needed guidance, they were avail able without hesitation. Their generosity of time and spirit has created an incredible support system, and I appreciate standing

A t a recent CLE, I listened as com mittee chairs and vice chairs introduced AI experts to mem bers and facilitated dynamic discussions. Thoughtful questions from panelists and participants elicited insights that will help shape the future of our profession. Even through a Zoom screen, their enthu siasm and preparation were evident in every exchange. In those moments, I was reminded that leadership by definition is never a solo endeavor. It thrives because of the people who show up, contribute, and believe in a shared vision. November invites us to pause and express gratitude, not just as sentiment, but as recognition of the people and communities who make meaningful work possible. I begin with heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated staff of The Chicago Bar Association. The scope of our programs, events, and initiatives would not be pos sible without their tireless work. They do more than execute tasks; they anticipate needs, problem-solve with creativity, and

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