CBA Record November-December 2025

CBA NEWS Honoring the Best in the Legal Profession at the Justice John Paul Stevens Awards By Ann Glynn

Pictured, from left: CBA First Vice President Trisha M. Rich, Michael R. Lufrano, Professor Michael P. Seng, Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall, Aurora Austriaco, CBF President Tom Pannof, and CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton.

T he Chicago legal community gath ered for the annual celebration of the Justice John Paul Stevens Award honorees. This year’s recipients were Aurora Austriaco , shareholder, Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C.; John Bouman , Executive Director, Legal Action Chicago; Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall , United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois; Michael R. Lufrano , Executive Vice President, Com munity, Government and Legal Affairs, Chicago Cubs; and Professor Michael P. Seng, University of Illinois Chicago Law School.

Named in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice and native Chicagoan John Paul Stevens, the awards were established in 2000 to recognize lawyers and judges who best demonstrate Stevens’ legacy of pro bono and public service, as well as his commitment to ensuring that our justice system is fair and accessible for everyone. The award recognizes Illinois judges and lawyers who best emulate Justice Stevens’ integrity and his legacy of service to the bench, the bar, and the community. Chicago Bar Association President Judge Nichole C. Patton and Chicago Bar Foundation President Tom Pannof co

hosted the luncheon. “We are proud to celebrate these distin guished honorees who have impacted our profession and our community through their leadership and generous service,” said President Patton. “Their efforts dem onstrate a steadfast dedication to justice and embody the principles of fairness, integrity, and advocacy that Justice Ste vens so profoundly championed.” Attendees at the event included mem bers of the CBA Board of Managers; past Stevens Award recipients; members of the state judiciary and bar; and colleagues, family members, and friends.

8 November/December 2025