CBA Record September-October 2024

CBA NEWS

The Second Annual Salute to Veterans in the Legal Profession By Judge Jasmine V. Hernandez

the Illinois Army National Guard, still serving; Navy – Commander Elisabeth Pennix, Court of Criminal Appeals, Appel late Judge, still serving; Air Force – Attor ney Joseph Cook, Major, Judge Advocate General, still serving; law student Ange lise Melendez, Staff Sergeant., Veteran; and Coast Guard – Attorney David Weiss, Chief Boatswain, Veteran . Under scoring everyone’s comments was the call to serve, whether it is their country or their state. Wilson shared that his service in the Marine Corps instilled in him values like honor, courage, and commitment – bed rocks of his career – and that they led him to his legal career. He used GI Bill benefits to support his legal education. Wilson commented that while battlefields and courtrooms may seem worlds apart, both “demand a strategic mind, a resilient spirit, and an unwavering dedication to the mission at hand.” Similar to Wilson, Judge Henry shared that her time in the military taught her discipline, determi nation, and patience – qualities that she exercises in her courtroom. Cook and Ali recognized those who support service members and focused on what unites rather than divides us. Cook reminded the audience about the impor tance of family, whether family by blood or family born by shared experiences. On the home front, loved ones bear the scars of service when they celebrate milestones and everyday experiences without their mothers, fathers, siblings, and children. A sense of family also exists among ser vice members; Ali commented, “It’s not just who we serve but who we get to

Cornell Wilson of the U.S. Marine Corps addressed attendees.

L eaders in the Chicago legal field gathered recently for the second annual Salute to Veterans in the Legal Profession. Held at Soldier Field, this year’s event included a special D-Day recognition and memorial ceremony. The U.S. Navy Color Guard Great Lakes pre sented the colors, and John Vincent sang the national anthem. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Scott Neville and Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County Timothy C. Evans welcomed attendees. Justice Neville emphasized the

importance of remembering and recog nizing these veterans’ unique skills and aptitudes deployed in serving our country. Chief Judge Evans gave a special thank you to military members for their service in the military and to the legal profession. Guests heard from presenters on behalf of each branch of service: Marines – Attorney Cornell Wilson, Major, still serving; U.S. Army and Illinois National Guard – Attorney Mir Ali, Captain, Vet eran; Judge Sheree Henry, Veteran ; law student Scout Savage, Staff Sergeant with

One and Done: 6-Hour Professional Responsibility Overview Includes Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Diversity/Inclusion On Demand at Learn.ChicagoBar.org

8 September/October 2024