CBA Record September-October 2025

September/October 2025 CBA

JUSTICE CAN’T WAIT

The Chicago Bar Association The Chicago Bar Foundation PRO BONO WEEK 2025

INSIDE... In Defense of True Pro Bono Publico Threats to Nonprofits in 2025: How the Legal Community Can Respond Helping Families Navigate the Family Regulation System: Attorneys Play a Critical Role

CONTENTS

CBA RECORD

September/October 2025 • Volume 39, Number 5

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Editor’s Briefcase A New Opportunity to Make an Impact by Nikki Marcotte

THE PRO BONO ISSUE

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In Defense of True Pro Bono Publico By James Morsch and Bob Glaves

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President’s Page

From the Bench: Why Pro Bono Work Matters More than Ever by Judge Nichole C. Patton

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Threats to Nonprofits in 2025: How the Legal Community Can Respond By Bob Glaves Helping Families Navigate the Family Regulation System: Attorneys Play a Critical Role By Kimberly Washington

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8

CBA News

16 The Pulse

18 Chicago Bar

Foundation Report

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

38 Review of Reviews

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The “Big Beautiful Bill” and the Future of Pro Bono Legal Services By Gavin Phelps, YLS Chair Real Work, Real Impact: Building Skills Through Pro Bono Service By Bernadette Coyle

40 Practical Ethics

2 Year Pilot Program Lets Lawyers Earn CLE Credit for Pro Bono Work by Trisha Rich

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42 LPMT Bits & Bytes

34

Making an Impact Through Immigration Work at The Resurrection Project By Jonathan Safron

Automate Your Practice by Kevin Thompson

36

YLS Continues to Tackle Bullying in the Legal Profession By J. Kopczyk

The CBA Record (ISSN 0892-1822) is published six times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October, November/December) for $10 per year by The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604-3997, 312/554-2000, Subscriptions for non-members are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CBA Record , c/o Membership, Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Copyright 2025 by The Chicago Bar Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The opinions and positions stated in signed material are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of the Association or its members. All manuscripts are carefully considered by the Editorial Board. All letters to the editors are subject to editing. Publication of advertisements is not to be deemed an endorsement of any product or service advertised unless otherwise stated.

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EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nikki Marcotte Kirkland & Ellis LLP ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anne Ellis 2E Services, LLC SUMMARY JUDGMENTS EDITOR Daniel A. Cotter Aronberg Goldgehn YLS JOURNAL EDITORS J. Kopczyk Attorney at Law CBA RECORD

EDITOR’S BRIEFCASE

BY NIKKI MARCOTTE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A New Opportunity to Make an Impact

L ike clockwork, one of the first things my partner of almost six years says to me each morning is, “Today is a new day and a new opportunity to make an impact.” It’s a mantra she has had for more than a decade—well before we started dating. To her, it’s a personal mission statement, a daily reminder to herself to find small ways to better serve her community. In sharing it with me, she invites me to join her in this mission and challenges me to show up for my own community as a selfless, more compassionate advocate. In the past few months, these daily remind

Katherine Hanson First District Appellate Court

Daniel J. Berkowitz Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet LLP Jacob B. Berger Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC Amy Cook Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Anthony F. Fata Kirby McInerney LLP Clifford Gately Quarles & Brady Meredith A. Geller Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Judge Jasmine Villaflor Hernandez Circuit Court of Cook County Kaitlin King Hart David Carson LLP Theodore Kontopoulos Internal Revenue Service Kathryn C. Liss DePaul University College of Law Marissa Longoria Circuit Court of Cook County’s Clerk’s Office Clare McMahon Reed, Centracchio & Associates, LLC Pamela Sakowicz Menaker

ers have made me reflect on how I can better serve my community—particularly as a legal professional. And at a time where terms like “diversity” and “inclusion” are consid ered divisive and where serving certain marginalized individuals may be deemed contro versial, it is more important than ever for members of the legal profession to consider what serving the community means for them. What does showing up for our communi ties look like today? What does being a selfless, more compassionate advocate mean? As lawyers, we all understand that we have a moral and ethical obligation to provide pro bono services to people and organizations who do not have the means to pay for an attorney. But have you taken a moment to think about what that signifies? Just by donating some of our time, knowledge, and skill, we can make it possible for someone to access the justice system where they otherwise would not have been able to. We are help ing amplify their voices so they can speak out against oppression and injustice where they otherwise would not have been able to. We are positively impacting lives and strengthen ing communities even with the seemingly smallest of victories. Pro bono work is critical—not just because we are creating platforms and spaces for marginalized individuals, but also because it is an inherently humbling experience that makes us better lawyers and better members of society. It forces us to examine our own privileges. It encourages us to challenge our world views and recognize that not everyone shares our own individual life experiences. Pro bono work teaches us to actively listen to and believe our clients’ (sometimes harrowing) stories and meet them with understand ing, compassion, and empathy. It motivates us to fight harder for them—knowing all they went through to get to that point—and to ensure that their voices will be heard no matter what. It makes us want to do and be something more. This year’s pro bono issue theme is “Justice Can’t Wait.” It’s both timely and an apropos rallying cry. In this edition, you will learn about the origins of pro bono work and what

Clifford Law Offices Kathleen Dillon Narko Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Alexander Passo Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC Trisha M. Rich Holland & Knight LLP Adam J. Sheppard Sheppard Law Firm, PC Richard Lee Stavins Buchalter Kevin A. Thompson Levin Ginsburg Rosemary Simota Thompson

Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. Circuit Court of Cook County

THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION Sharon Nolan Director of Marketing

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the term truly means at a time where other forces are attempting to redefine it for political gain. You will read about how cru cial pro bono services are in the Illinois state family regulation system context. You will see the myriad ways in which countless CBA members have stepped up for their communities. But most importantly, you will discover how much work must still be done and all the ways you can show up for people and organizations who need our help the most. CBA CLE ABROAD IN ATHENS, GREECE Enjoy historic Athens with an optional add-on to Santorini May 1-3 IL MCLE credit plus opportunities to connect, enjoy culinary delights & explore Greece on sightseeing tours April 27-30, 2026

Today is a new day and a new opportunity to make an impact. I encourage everyone reading this to ask themselves: How am I going to show up and make a positive impact on my community today? Nikki Marcotte is an associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where they focus their practice primarily on complex commercial litigation and government investigations.

Details and registration at www.chicagobar.org/Greece

CBA RECORD 5

PRESIDENT’S PAGE BY JUDGE NICHOLE C. PATTON From the Bench: Why Pro Bono Work Matters More than Ever

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

sentencing options that could preserve their livelihoods. In County Division, the stakes often involve life-changing matters like adop tion; marriage of minors; annexation and de-annexation of land to a tax body; elec tions; inheritance taxes; mental health proceedings; real estate taxes; municipal organizations; forfeiture of seized prop erty; name changes; and many others. Each case represents someone’s fundamen tal rights. In Law Division, where civil suits exceed $30,000, I preside over personal injury cases, medical malpractice claims, and complex contract disputes. Here, unrepresented plaintiffs often face well funded defendants with experienced legal teams. This creates stark imbalances that compromise the integrity of our adversar ial system. The contrast between represented and unrepresented parties is immediate and profound. In Traffic Division, I regularly see defendants who plead guilty to charges they don’t understand, accepting penalties that could have been reduced or avoided with proper legal guidance. A DUI con viction carries consequences far beyond fines—professional licensing restrictions, employment barriers, and insurance com plications that can affect families for years. In County Division, I have watched prospective adoptive parents struggle through complex paperwork that could delay or derail family formation. Mental health proceedings particularly concern me, as people facing involuntary commit ment often cannot effectively advocate for less restrictive alternatives without skilled

A fter seven years as a Circuit Judge in Cook County across the Traffic, County, and Law Divisions, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of pro bono legal representation. From that vantage point, the difference between represented and unrepresented parties is not merely procedural—it is the difference between meaningful access to justice and a system that can fail those who need it most. Courtroom Consequences Without Pro Bono Representation In my tenure across three distinct divi sions, I have observed how the absence of legal representation affects people facing vastly different circumstances. In Traffic Division, I see defendants grappling with DUI charges that could result in license suspension, job loss, and cascading finan cial consequences. Many arrive unaware of available defenses or alternative

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representation when they refuse the services of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission attorneys. Law Division presents perhaps the starkest disparities. Personal injury plaintiffs representing themselves against insurance com panies or corporations face sophisticated legal strategies designed to minimize settlements. Without understanding discovery proce dures, evidence rules, or damage calculations, these litigants often accept inadequate compensation for life-altering injuries. Pro Bono Attorneys Can Change Courtroom Dynamics When pro bono attorneys step forward, the entire courtroom dynamic changes. Represented parties present organized cases with proper documentation, understand their rights and options, and can articulate legal arguments that help me make informed decisions based on law and facts rather than confusion or des peration. In Traffic Division, I have seen pro bono attorneys help cli ents obtain work permits that allow them to maintain employ ment despite license restrictions or negotiate plea agreements that avoid the collateral consequences of certain convictions. These seemingly small interventions prevent individuals and families from spiraling into poverty. County Division cases benefit enormously from skilled advocacy. Pro bono attorneys ensure adoption proceedings move smoothly, protecting the best interests of children while guiding families through emotional and complex legal processes. In mental health cases, competent representation often means the difference between appropriate treatment and unnecessary institutionalization. Law Division pro bono work levels the playing field in civil litigation. When volunteer attorneys take personal injury or con tract cases, they ensure that legal rights are protected regardless of economic circumstances. This preserves the integrity of our civil justice system and prevents the law from becoming merely a tool for those who can afford it. Pro bono representation strengthens the entire judicial system. When parties are competently represented, cases move more effi ciently through the dockets. Legal issues are properly framed, evidence is presented effectively, and settlements reflect informed decision-making rather than confusion or power imbalances. From an administrative perspective, pro bono attorneys reduce the burden on court staff who would otherwise spend

considerable time explaining basic procedures to self-represented litigants. This allows courts to focus resources on adjudication, ultimately benefiting everyone involved with the courts. Pro Bono Representation Ensures Justice on the Merits Most importantly, pro bono service upholds the fundamental prin ciple that justice should be determined by the merits of each case, not the depth of one’s pockets. Our adversarial system depends on skilled advocates presenting competing arguments, allowing judges to make informed decisions based on law and facts. The legal needs in Cook County continue to expand. Eco nomic uncertainty has increased the number of people facing civil legal problems without resources for representation. Hous ing instability, consumer debt, family disruption, and employ ment issues drive thousands to our courtrooms each year seeking justice they cannot afford to obtain. The Chicago Bar Foundation serves as the vital bridge between this overwhelming need and our legal community’s capacity to help. Their programs connect attorneys with meaningful pro bono opportunities across all practice areas, providing training and support that ensures volunteer efforts are effective and pro fessionally fulfilling. My seven years on the bench have reinforced my belief that access to justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Every day, I see how pro bono representation transforms not just indi vidual outcomes but the integrity of our entire system. To my colleagues in the legal profession: your skills are des perately needed. The Chicago Bar Foundation offers numerous pathways for involvement, whether you can volunteer a few hours monthly or take on full cases. Contact Sarah Blair at sblair@chi cagobarfoundation.org to explore opportunities that match your expertise and availability. The attorneys who volunteer their time through pro bono work understand something essential about our profession: we are guardians of justice itself. Every brief filed, every client coun seled, and every case resolved brings us closer to the ideal that drew us to the law—equal justice under law for all who seek it. From my perspective across three divisions of our circuit court, I can assure you that pro bono service does more than help individual clients strengthen our entire system of justice and honors the highest calling of our profession.

The CBA mourns the passing of Thomas Z. Hayward, Jr., an expert in real estate, zoning, and corpo rate law. He was known for his unwavering commitment to access to justice and the ethical practice of law. Hayward was a career-long member of The Chicago Bar Association, serving as President from 1983 1984. He also served as President of The Chicago Bar Foundation in 2008 and as Chair of the Young Lawyers Section from 1972-1973. The CBA is forever grateful for Hayward’s contributions to our Association and the legal profession.

CBA RECORD 7

CBA NEWS Law at the Library: A Legal Volunteering Opportunity Worth Checking Out By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director

T he American Library Association offers the following advice: “When you absolutely, positively have to know—ask a librarian.” The CBA partners with the Chicago Public Library and the Evanston Public Library to provide librar ians and library patrons access to legal information from CBA member attorneys through our Law at the Library program. The program is a monthly legal information series offering practical resources and insights into today’s most pressing legal issues. Each session features a presentation from a CBA attorney followed by a brief question and answer session. All programs are free, open to the public, and conducted via Zoom. Behind the Scenes of a Typical Presentation CBA Member Jonathan Saffron of Swanson Martin & Bell, LLP, partnered with Chicago-Kent 3L Mollie Crook to present a session entitled “Entrepreneurship for the Creative Arts: Legal and Business Issues for Artists.” They discussed best practices for preserving intellectual property rights in the age of AI, basic distinctions among IP categories, and freedom of speech issues. “I particularly enjoyed being able to spotlight the work of local artist Robin Andrews, who learned the IP lesson the hard way—seeing an unauthorized repro duction of one of her original paintings for sale,” said Saffron. “We were able to illus trate the proper way to use multiple disclaimers regarding copyright, permissions, and licensure, which she now uses on her website.”

Jonathan Safron

Mollie Cook

Get Involved Nine Law at the Library sessions are sched uled for the 2025-2026 bar year, with topics including landlord/tenant issues, environmen tal law, and wills, trusts, and estate planning. See the full schedule on the next page and con tact Ann Glynn at aglynn@chicagobar.org to volunteer.

The CBA is pleased to announce the rejuvenation of the Corporate Law and Business Organizations Committee. The committee will feature meetings, speakers, and content focused on issues arising from representing corporations and other business organizations (both publicly traded and privately held) by lawyers practicing either in house or in law firms. The committee will also cover laws governing corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships in Illinois, Delaware, and other states that are popular jurisdictions for business entity formation. Jerry Holisky, a member at Aronberg Goldgehn, will chair the committee’s first year. All CBA members are invited to sign up (there is no extra fee—committees are a benefit of your CBA membership) and receive email notifications of upcoming meet ings at www.chicagobar.org/committees or send an email to CBA Committees Coordinator Meredith Loehr at mloehr@chicagobar.org. Join the New CBA Corporate Law and Business Organizations Committee

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THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

2025-2026

The Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Public Library, and the Evanston Public Library offer a free, virtual legal information series to answer legal questions and provide practical resources and insights into today’s most prevalent legal issues.

September 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. How to Find a Lawyer When You Can’t Afford One October 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning November 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Changes in the Tax Law: Know Before You File January 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Navigating the Justice System: Know Your Rights February 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Tenant and Landlord Rights March 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Legal and Business Issues for Creatives April 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Environmental Updates Affecting Your Community May 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. LGBTQIA+ and the Law: Transgender Rights June 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Guardianship and Power of Attorney

Registration is required. Visit https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events or https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events. All events are free, open to the public, and conducted via Zoom. If you would like to volunteer to speak at a program, email Ann Glynn at aglynn@chicagobar.org.

CBA RECORD 9

YLS Honored at ABA Meeting By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director

previously honored at the 2023 ABA Annual Meeting. The CLE, co-sponsored by the Black Women Lawyers’ Associa tion of Chicago, focused on the current administration’s “illegal DEI” plans, phases, and pitfalls. It also examined recent filings against the “illegal DEI” policy as well as its implications for fed eral workers and the country at large. “These awards recognize the YLS’s continued commitment to creating and implementing programming that assists our members in becoming well-rounded attorneys in the community,” said Ken neth Matuszewski of Rozier Hardt McDonough, Immediate Past Chair of the YLS. The ABA YLD has recognized numer ous YLS programs in years past, includ ing the Law Student Mentoring Program; the CBA Law & Debate Club; the Work ing Women’s Legal Summit; the Lawyers Lend a Hand to Youth program; the CBA @theBar Podcast; the Law Committee’s Times Up on Workplace Harassment pro gram; the Intra-Professional Networking Event; a four-week course on represent ing Spanish-speaking clients; and the YLS Racial Justice Commission’s public pre sentation “Preparing for Protest.” The YLS, founded in 1971, was cre ated to encourage young lawyers to work together on projects for their commu nity and for their profession. It provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, community service, and net working to its approximately 7,000 mem bers, who include attorneys in their first 10 years of practice and law students. The YLS offers 30 committees, including sub stantive practice areas and public service offerings, implements member and public service projects, and hosts numerous sem inars and networking events. For further information, contact the Young Lawyers Section at 312‐554‐2070 or yls@chicagobar.org.

YLS First Vice Chair Aleksandra Petrovic, Damisch & Damisch Ltd., and YLS Immediate Past Chair Kenneth Matuszewski, Rozier Hardt McDonough, accepted the Young Lawyers Section’s Award of Achievement at the 2025 ABA Annual Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

T he CBA’s Young Lawyers Section recently received not just one, but two awards from the American Bar Association at their Annual Meet ing in Toronto. The ABA’s Young Law yers Division presents annual Awards of Achievement to recognize local, state, and national YLD affiliates across the country for their contributions to the public and the betterment of the legal profession. The YLS earned 2025 ABA Awards of Achievement in categories for Service to the Public and Diversity. In the Service to the Public category, the YLS was recognized for its Lawyers in the Classroom Volunteering program, which took place during Law Week and the YLS Fundraiser. The program, sponsored by

the YLS, allowed YLS members to serve as one-time volunteer teaching attorneys for the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program. The program brings attorney volunteers into 2nd through 10th grade classrooms to help students better understand the U.S. Constitution, the legal system, and the legal profession. To learn more about Lawyers in the Class room and how to volunteer, contact Man aging Director, Tiffani Watson, M.Ed., at twatson@chicagobar.org. The YLS was also recognized In the Diversity category for a CLE program entitled “DOGE & What it Means for DEI Hiring in Government.” This semi nar was held in collaboration with YLS Diversity Week in April, which was

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CBA RECORD 11

When accepting the award at the CBA Annual Meeting, Bobb said, “I love being a trial lawyer. I love practicing in Chicago.” She added, “We all have a responsibility to mentor young lawyers, especially as we know our profession and the rule of law are under attack. I think we all have an obligation to stand up and do what we can to represent people who need representation and to support the judiciary, who are also under attack.” Bobb followed in her father’s footsteps as a lawyer. “I was greatly influenced by my father and loved as a child to go into court with him. I knew early on it was something I wanted to do,” she said. She received her law degree from Notre Dame Law School, graduating in 1972 and entering a profession still dominated by men. Connecting with Juries After cutting her teeth in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office trying felony cases, Bobb soon transitioned to private prac tice, where she found her calling in civil litigation—particularly plaintiffs’ medi cal malpractice and wrongful death cases. She founded Patricia C. Bobb & Associates in 1985, determined to build a law firm centered on trial excellence, client trust, and doing the right thing. She has tried more than 100 jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. She also serves as Of Counsel to Meyers & Flowers, and she serves as a mediator, having arbitrated more than 50 major medical malpractice cases. Her courtroom style is commanding but never theatrical. Colleagues say she wins cases not through bluster, but with precision, preparation, and an uncanny ability to connect with juries, bringing clarity, conviction, and compassion to everything she does. A Chicago Sun-Times story referred to her as the Iron Butterfly, which she considers a compliment. Bobb’s cases are often emotionally wrenching: a baby permanently injured during birth; a misdiagnosis that cost someone their life; a family torn apart by a preventable accident. Yet she never becomes numb to the suffering. Even as she has taken on powerful hospitals,

Patti Bobb and Immediate Past CBA President John C. Sciaccotta

Patti Bobb: A Tireless Mentor and Champion for Lawyers By Pamela Sakowicz Menaker L ong before diversity became a buzzword, Patricia C. Bobb was actively mentoring young women attorneys and fighting for gender equity in the profession. She is unafraid to speak her mind about injustice when she sees it and is just as blunt about the work that still needs to be done. Bobb has been a trailblazer for women in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury litiga tion. She is the 2025 recipient of the Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award—the annual award bestowed on a CBA member of at least 15 years who has demonstrated Clif ford’s devotion to the highest principles of integrity and traditions of the legal profession. For more than four decades, Bobb has been a formidable presence in Illinois court rooms, representing plaintiffs in complex and emotionally charged cases. Known as a no nonsense litigator with razor-sharp instincts, Bobb is not just one of the most respected trial lawyers in Chicago, she’s one of the most admired. “With a remarkable record of advocacy, this year’s honoree has made a lasting impact on the legal community in Chicago, across Illinois, and beyond,” said John C. Sciaccotta, Immediate Past CBA President. “She has been a shining example to all of us as to how professionals should conduct themselves by giving back to the profession, by paying it forward, by making the world a better place.”

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insurance companies, and giant corporations, Bobb is equally passionate about defending the justice system itself. Perhaps her most memorable case was when she represented two Chicago firefighters who were injured and the family of a firefighter who died in a Chicago high-rise fire. They were trapped in the building after building workers locked the eleva tor escape hatches, and they were unable to communicate with the outside world because phones were inoperative. The case made new law that broadened building owners and landlords’ legal responsibilities in similar circumstances, and it resulted in the city providing radios to more firefighters and strengthening their safety equipment. “She doesn’t just present the facts,” says fellow trial lawyer and longtime friend Robert Clifford, founder and senior part ner of Clifford Law Offices. “She tells the human story behind them. She comes prepared and her trial skills are outstanding. From the courtroom to the community, her integrity has never wavered. She has used her voice to speak for those who so often go unheard, and she has shown the rest of us what it means to practice law, not as a profession, but as a calling.” Clifford continued, “She listens with empathy, fights with purpose, and leads with quiet strength. In a time when public trust in our legal system is more essential than ever, Patti’s work reminds us that justice isn’t just an ideal, it’s a daily responsibility. She has inspired a generation of lawyers to be better, bolder, and more courageous in the pursuit of justice. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.” Timothy S. Tomasik, former CBA President and cofounder and shareholder of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, said, “Patti Bobb has been a titan in the Chicagoland legal community for decades. Her countless successes in and out of the courtroom are unpar alleled. She is a formidable and skilled advocate who is fiercely committed to civility in the courtroom. She is a naturally gifted leader, a wonderful mother, and a loyal friend and colleague to so many of our peers. She is truly a Champion of Justice.” Shaping the Profession beyond the Courtroom Over the years, Bobb has secured millions in verdicts and settle ments for clients who have suffered devastating injuries or losses due to negligence. But her influence extends well beyond the courtroom. As a mentor, teacher, and bar leader, she has helped shape the profession from the inside out. Bobb was the third woman president (1998) of the CBA, an event in her professional life that she considers one of her “proud est moments.” She served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Illinois State Bar Association; was elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; and was a fellow of the International Society of Barris ters. She’s a long-standing member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice. She has been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to many committees. She is involved in training other lawyers as a member of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy’s board, having previously

Robert A. Clifford and Patti Bobb

served as its chair. She is a former adjunct professor of Trial Advo cacy for the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, and for over 30 years, she has taught, spoken, and written for state and national bar associations and advocacy programs. Among her many awards is a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jury Verdict Reporter Awards for Trial Lawyer Excel lence in 2014. For hundreds of young lawyers in Chicago, Bobb has been a powerful force—offering advice, encouragement, and sometimes a push to take risks and stand tall. Blending Prowess and Integrity She continues to litigate complex cases, advise young lawyers, and push the profession toward higher standards. In a city known for its tough lawyers and tougher cases, Bobb stands out for her skills and values. She is, in many ways, the conscience of the courtroom—a lawyer whose reputation is built on winning and fighting with pur pose. She cares about doing right by her clients and making sure the legal system works for everyone simultaneously making space for young lawyers to grow. Her advice to young lawyers: “Find a mentor as early as you can in your practice. It is important to pick someone who has demonstrated the highest ethics and practice standards possible. Remember that your integrity and trustworthiness will follow you always. A good reputation as an honest and ethical lawyer is the key to success in whatever area you choose to practice in.” In the heart of Chicago’s legal community, where courtroom giants rise and reputations are earned through grit, intelligence, and fearless advocacy, one name has come to symbolize that blend of legal prowess and unwavering integrity: Patti Bobb.

Pamela Sakowicz Menaker is a Communications Partner at Clifford Law Offices, a CBA Record Editorial Board member, and a former member of the CBA Board of Managers.

CBA RECORD 13

Be the Spark: Step into a Classroom and Inspire Future Civic Leaders

A s the CBA’s Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program gears up for a new school year, we invite lawyers and law students to join us in bringing the U.S. Con stitution to life for thousands of young people. Our program empowers students to think critically, speak confidently, and lead with purpose. In an age where social media increasingly shapes civic under standing, our program helps students see themselves not just as observers of democracy, but as future jurors, advocates, policy makers, and lawyers. By investing in students’ constitutional knowledge and critical thinking skills, LIC equips them to become the change-makers their communities need. Each year, the program places hundreds of attorneys and law students in classrooms throughout Chicago and Cook County to teach students about the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and their rights and responsibilities as engaged citizens. For many, meeting an attorney through LIC is a first, and powerful, perspective-shifting moment that counters misinformation and broadens their vision of what’s possible. As we enter the 2025–2026 school year, LIC plans to serve over 60 schools, with a continued focus on historically under resourced communities. With your support, we can deepen this By Tiffani M. Watson, M.Ed., Managing Director, Edward J. Lewis II CBA Lawyers in the Classroom Program

LIC Volunteer and Past CBA President Daniel A. Cotter, a member at Aronberg Goldgehn.

impact—one classroom, one conversation, and one student at a time. Returning and new volunteers are encouraged to sign up and learn more at www.chicagobar.org/LIC or email Tiffani Watson at twatson@chicagobar.org.

Benefits of Volunteering with Lawyers in the Classroom

BEST AND WORST ADVICE I RECEIVED AS A NEW LAWYER • Make a Real Difference. Inspire civic agency and constitutional awareness in 2 nd -10 th grade students. • Grow Your Skills. Hone your communication and teaching abilities while helping students connect their everyday lives to the law and the legal system. • Connect with Peers. Join a community of more than 600 legal professionals who care about the next generation of civic leaders and the future of democracy. • Be Classroom-Ready. Use our ready-made lesson plans, teacher partnerships, and training to ensure you’re prepared and supported.

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CLE & MEMBER NEWS We hope not! If you haven’t yet renewed your membership, now’s the perfect time. Cancellation notices were sent to members whose dues weren’t received by August 31, 2025. If you got one of those notices, we truly don’t want to lose you. Renewing is quick and easy—just visit www.chicagobar.org/renew or call us at 312-554-2020. We also offer installment plans and a special $75 rate for retired practitioners. Have questions? Email us at billing@chicagobar.org—we’re happy to help. To our members who’ve already renewed—thank you! We’re excited to serve you in the new bar year. Fall is around the corner, and the CBA is buzzing with opportunities Is This Your Last Issue? All members are asked to review or change their committee assign ments for the new bar year via the online committee sign up form at www.chicagobar.org. All committee members will remain on their current assignments unless they make changes to their com mittee record. We invite members who do not currently serve on committees to become active this year. A complete description of all CBA and YLS committees, along with their meeting dates and new leadership information, is available at www.chicagobar.org. Most committee meetings qualify for free Illinois MCLE credit. The amount of credit depends on the length of the presentation (average credit is 0.75 hours). Most committee meetings are webcast live, so you can earn free credit without leaving your office or home (only live webcasts CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton invites all members to join one of 10 new working committees aligned with her 2025-2026 special project, “AI 2035: The Legal Profession and the Judiciary in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”This effort will position the CBA as a national thought leader on AI and the law. The initiative brings together 10 interdisciplinary committees, each co-chaired by a judge and an attorney, to examine AI’s impact on billing practices, access to justice, legal research, corporate client demands, and more. The committee’s work will culminate in a sym posium in May 2026. Committees include: • AI & Access to Justice: Technology’s power to democratize legal services • AI & Courtroom Operations: Revolutionary changes in judicial proceedings New AI 2035 Committees

to help you grow, connect, and stay ahead. From in-person and vir tual committee meetings to CLE programs you can access any time, anywhere, your membership keeps you plugged in to trusted legal resources, networking, and professional development. Whether you want the latest court updates, insight into emerging legal trends, business referrals, speaking opportunities, young lawyer training, or want to join one of our AI working committees—we’ve got you covered. We look forward to seeing you this year—online, in person, and everywhere in between. count for credit, not archived meetings). Plus, CBA members can attend committee meetings for free—a great way to earn MCLE credits at no cost! Contact CBA Committee Coordinator Meredith Loehr at mloehr@ chicagobar.org with any questions. (Note: Members listed on com mittee rosters will receive direct emails about committee meetings, speakers, handout materials, legislation, etc. However, you do not have to be listed on the committee roster to attend its meetings. Any member may attend any committee meeting.) Check the weekly CBA e-Bulletin, which is emailed to all members every Thursday, or visit learn.chicagobar.org for a current list of meetings. • AI & Criminal Justice: Technology’s impact on law enforcement and justice • AI & Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: Protecting clients in an AI driven world • AI & Ethics in Advocacy: Navigating uncharted ethical territory • AI & Fairness, Transparency, and Inclusion: Ensuring justice in the digital age • AI & Future of Legal Education: Preparing tomorrow’s lawyers today • AI & Law Firm Economics: The business transformation you can’t afford to miss • AI & Legal Practice and Litigation: From case strategy to courtroom presentation • AI & Legal Research & Writing: The efficiency revolution is here

Have You Updated Your CBA and YLS Practice Area Committees Lately?

Learn more and sign up for a committee(s) at www.chicagobar.org/AI2035Committees.

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CBA RECORD 15

to Athens, Greece, April 27-30, 2026. CLE programming with an international flair will be included. Special tours and social events will also be on the itinerary. An extension to Santorini is planned from April 30-May 2. Watch your inbox or visit www.chicagobar.org/Greece for more information. Expand Your Legal Network through CBA Committees It’s not too late to sign up for a CBA or YLS substantive law committee. Com mittees include everything from Adop tion to Workers’ Compensation. The programming year kicks off in September; meetings will be in-person, virtual, and hybrid. Attending live committee meet ings is a convenient way to earn Illinois MCLE credit at no additional cost (meet ings are archived for on-demand viewing, but archived versions do not count for IL MCLE credit). See a full list of commit tees and sign up at www.chicagobar.org/ committees. Send your questions about CBA committees to Meredith Loehr at mloeher@chicagobar.org; for YLS com mittees, contact Emily Anderson at ean derson@chicagobar.org. CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton invites all members to join one of 10 new working committees aligned with her 2025-2026 special project, “AI 2035: The Legal Profession and the Judiciary in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Justice Rena Van Tine, Illinois Appellate Court; Judge Megan Goldish, Circuit Court of Cook County; and Joel Bruckman, Smith Gambrell Russell, are serving as the AI 2035 Project Strategic Leadership Execu tive Committee. The work of the committees will cul minate in a multi-day CLE conference in May 2026. Committees include Access to Justice, Courtroom Operations, Crimi nal Justice, Law Firm Economics, Data Privacy & Security, and more. See a full list and sign up to receive email notice of meetings at www.chicagobar.org/ AI2035Committees. New AI 2035 Committees Announced

THE CBA PULSE

BY BETH McMEEN, CBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin addressed CBA members at a “Lawyers as Leaders” seminar. Watch the on-demand video at Learn.ChicagoBar.org. Front row from left: U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman; U.S. Senator Dick Durbin; U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer; CBA Second Vice President Katie Liss; CBA General Counsel Howard Suskin. Top row from left: Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Michael Cabonargi; CBA First Vice President Trisha Rich; CBA Treasurer Jonathan Amarilio.

Justice John Paul Stevens Awards Join us on October 7 to celebrate Illi nois attorneys who have demonstrated extraordinary integrity and service to the community throughout their careers. The 2025 honorees are: Aurora Austri aco, 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 Illi nois; Michael R. Lufrano, Executive Vice President, Community, Government and Legal Affairs, Chicago Cubs; and Profes sor Michael P. Seng, University of Illinois Chicago Law School. The luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club. Make your reservation at www.chicagobar.org/stevens. 21st Annual Pro Bono Week and Community Service Fair 2025 Pro Bono Week activities will be

held October 27-31. The week, a pioneer ing CBA tradition, is chaired by CBA Second Vice President Katie Liss from DePaul University School of Law and Kimberly Washington from Ascend Jus tice. It features outstanding programs, including a Pro Bono and Community Service Fair with 30-plus organizations that provide pro bono legal services to the public. The fair introduces lawyers to a wide array of pro bono opportuni ties available through these organizations. The week’s programming will focus on empowering people and communities to give back and will include free CLE ses sions and a story slam focused on this year’s theme, “Justice Can’t Wait.” Look for more information at chicagobarfoun dation.org/probonoweek. CLE in Greece The CBA and President Judge Nichole C. Patton are planning a CBA CLE Abroad

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Save on CBA CLE with the CLE-Advantage Plan The CBA’s Continuing Legal Education Department is off to a robust start with a full calendar of new seminars this September. Visit learn.chicagobar.org to see what’s new and register for the programs of your choice. Now is also the perfect time to sign up for the Association’s budget-friendly seminar plan. With the CLE-Advantage Plan, CBA members can attend most continu ing legal education seminars for only $160 per plan year (to put that in perspective… a single 3-hour CLE is typically priced at $95 for a CBA member). Plan details can be found at learn.chi cagobar.org or email cle@chicagobar.org. Free Malpractice Insurance Quote CBA Insurance Agency is pleased to offer CBA members a compli mentary comparison quote for Legal Malpractice Insurance. Visit www.cbainsurance.org to learn more and apply for a free quote. Tutor Elementary Students Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth is looking for volunteers to tutor Chicago elementary school students. These in-person sessions focus on reading. Lend-A-Hand provides the curriculum, learn ing materials, and training for volunteers. Tutoring takes place on Tuesdays at the CBA from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and runs through mid-May. For more information, contact Kathryn McCabe at kmccabe@lawyerslendahand.org. Congratulations To the winners of the 2025 CBA/CBF Pro Bono and Public Service Awards: Spencer Haydary , Law Center for Better Hous ing, the Kimball R. Anderson and Karen Gatsis Anderson Public Interest Law Fellowship; Kathy Malamis , Zurich North America, Exelon Outstanding Corporate Counsel Award; Judge Veronica O’Malley , 19th Judicial Circuit, Justice Thomas L. Kilbride Public Service Award; Rich Klawiter , DLA Piper LLP (US) Edward J. Lewis II, Pro Bono Service Award; Missy Turk Firmage , Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award; Michelle Vodenik , Chicago-Kent College of Law, Leonard Jay Schrager Award of Excellence; and Cynthia Cornelius , Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Thomas H. Morsch Public Service Award.

Illinois Supreme Court Appointments: Justice Joy V. Cunningham appointed Sara McGann as a Circuit Judge to fill the resident judgeship in the 19th Subcircuit… Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Clare J. Quish was assigned to the First District Appellate Court… and Acting Presiding Judge Andrea M. Buford , Circuit Court of Cook County’s Child Protection Division, received the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judge’s Impact of the Year Award. Cassie Lively has stepped down as Executive Director of the Center for Conflict Resolution and joined the American Arbi tration Association… Johnson & Bell added Conor M. Crad dock and Joshua Jenkins as associates… Amundsen Davis added Matthew G. Gorski as a partner to its workers’ compensation service group… the Center for Disability and Elder Law added Kate Milvert as a staff attorney, who will work with the group’s community legal clinics throughout Chicago and suburban Cook County… Tala Abusharif joined the law firm of Levin Ginsburg as an associate attorney… the family law firm of Schil ler DuCanto & Fleck added Rachel Kolesar as a partner, and Loverde Law LLC added Katherine V. Faught as an attorney… Tabet DiVito & Rothstein hired Kaitlyn N. Kloss as an associate and Buchalter hired Kendall Woods as a shareholder in its litiga tion practice group. Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC (LP) added Robin Maher and David Lieberman as partners to the firm’s Trust & Estates Group…Rieff Schramm Kanter & Guttman added Alicia Ayala as an associate to its real estate tax appeals, eminent domain, exemptions and incentives practices… Levin & Perconti promoted Paul Connery to partner… Schoenberg Finkel Bederman Bell Glazer LLC added Morris G. Dyner, David W. Inlander, and Robert W. Kaufman to the firm… Aronberg Goldgehn added Daniel A. Cotter as a member… Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP added Suzanne M. Crowley as a partner… and Duane Morris LLP added Jeffrey B. Charkow as a partner in the firm’s trial practice group. Condolences To the family and friends of Past CBA President and Past YLS Chair Thomas Z. Hayward, Jr.; Herbert L. Caplan; David L. Cwik; Thomas A. Durkin; Justice Thomas E. Hoffman ; and Allan Horwich .

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CBA RECORD 17

Chicago Bar Foundation Report

From left to right: Marlon Lutfiyya, Neal, Gerber& Eisenberg LLP; Judge Veronica O’Malley, 19th Judicial Circuit; Missy Turk Firmage, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.; Spencer Haydary, Law Center for Better Housing; Cynthia Cornelius, Cabrini Green Legal Aid; Rich Klawiter, DLA Piper LLP (US); Michelle Vodenik, Chicago-Kent College of Law; Chantal Kazay Rivera, McDonald’s Corporation; and Kathy Malamis, Zurich North America. Celebrating Pro Bono and Public Service Champions in Our Community By Courtney Solomon

N early 500 people gathered at the Hilton Chicago in July to honor seven heroes in our legal community at the CBA and CBF 27th Annual Pro Bono and Public Service Awards luncheon. The event again was a powerful reminder that, wherever we are in the legal profession, we each have a unique ability to make the justice system more fair, acces sible, and effective for people in need. More on this year’s inspiring award recipients: Kimball R. Anderson and Karen Gatsis Anderson Public Interest Fellowship Still early in his legal career, Spencer Haydary has already made a strong impact as a staff attorney at the Law Center for Better

Housing, where he advocates for tenants facing eviction and housing instability. At LCBH, Haydary has helped hundreds of tenants secure rental assistance, waive back rent, and seal eviction records. Known for his creative, persistent advocacy, he routinely develops new legal strategies to enforce tenant rights. He also shares his legal knowledge through community out reach, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. As president of the Lambda Law Alliance at UVA Law, he supported fellow students committed to LGBTQ+ advocacy. With support from the Anderson Fellowship, he will continue his work represent ing low-income tenants across Cook County with passion and purpose.

18 September/October 2025