CBA Record September-October 2026

2026-2027

Adam Miel Zebelian Treasurer Partner, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck

Judge Nichole C. Patton Immediate Past President Circuit Court of Cook County, Law Division

Andrew W. Vail Secretary Partner, Jenner & Block

What motivated you to serve on the CBA board? My involvement is rooted in having been mentored by Tom Sullivan, Jeff Colman, and Terri Mascherin, who encouraged my CBA engagement. Current challenges to the rule of law make service to further the CBA’s mission strong motivation. What do you appreciate most about the CBA? The people. Learning from and col laborating with the amazing and dedicated members and staff. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? Our family dog, T-Bone Charlie, is half pit bull and half chihuahua. What is the greatest challenge facing the legal profession? The critical importance of protecting the rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary, as the foundation of a demo cratic country. What are you watching or reading now? The Cubs (preferably at Wrigley) and the new “Cape Fear” miniseries. I am mostly reading books the kids choose for bedtime. What is your best advice for young lawyers? Build your core skills and get involved in the organized bar immediately. Finding good mentors made all the difference in my career. Where is your favorite vacation spot and why? Somewhere warm, with family, near water (and fishing). The Virgin Islands or Mexico.

What motivated you to serve on the CBA board? I was motivated to serve because of my love for the CBA and the legal profession as a whole. What do you appreciate most about the CBA? The CBA community and the support it provides to lawyers. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I have played kickball for the past 14 years. What is the greatest challenge facing the legal profession? The greatest challenge right now is the integration of artificial intelligence in the practice of law. What are you watching or reading now? Books about Romania—I will be taking a trip soon with my brother to visit the city my grandfather’s family immigrated from. What is your best advice for young lawyers? Network and find as many mentors as possible. Where is your favorite vacation spot and why? My parents’ place in Northern Michigan, where I can truly relax and enjoy time with family.

What motivated you to serve on the CBA board? My passion for the CBA’s mission and its members. The CBA gave me mentor ship, community, and professional oppor tunities. I serve to give back to the organi zation that helped shape my career and to support the next generation. What do you appreciate most about the CBA? The collegial atmosphere. It feels like a professional home. The CBA prepares members for the future through CLE, policy engagement, and initiatives like AI 2035. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? Many assume that because I’m com fortable on the bench or at the podium, I’m naturally outgoing in every setting. I have a more reserved side that shows up in small er or unfamiliar settings. What is the greatest challenge facing the legal profession? AI is reshaping the practice of law faster than we anticipated, and it carries profound implications for lawyers, judges, and the entire justice system. We need to be proac tive, not reactive, about understanding and regulating its use. What are you watching or reading now? Spark the Heart: Engineering Empathy in Your Organization, by Dr. Nicole Price. What is your best advice for young lawyers? Join the YLS. It’s a fast way to build knowledge and connections. The early re lationships you build often matter just as much as legal skills. Where is your favorite vacation spot and why? Negril, Jamaica. There’s a stillness: The pace slows, the water is stunning, and I can fully unplug and recharge. CBA RECORD 17