CBA Record

Y O U N G L A W Y E R S J O U R N A L

during the holiday season. I’m reminded of Robert Fulghum’s book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Fulghum emphasized the importance of (1) sharing, (2) playing fair, (3) not hitting people, (4) putting things back where you found them, (5) don’t take things that aren’t yours, and (6) say you are sorry when you hurt somebody.These are simple in thought but difficult in practice. I question whether people recall what they learned in kindergarten when I watch the news and see rioting, protesting, and looting due to the recent decisions in New York and Missouri. Our Constitu- tion provides us with free speech and the ability to gather, thereby permitting lawful protesting, which can be impactful and meaningful. By contrast, looting and rioting only take away from the overall message of lawful protest. The rioting takes center stage, oftentimes distancing groups by attacking those unrelated to the central issue. It’s easy to point the finger at others, become caught up in the mob mentality, and take aggressive action against the wrong parties. However, it is not as easy to analyze one’s own actions and thoughts and to point the finger inward. The holidays afforded us multiple opportunities to gather and socialize. This time can also be spent considering what we hoped to accomplish throughout the year and lessons we have learned. In August, I challenged readers to get involved in some organization and to participate in some project. Please consider adding this to your 2015 goals. So many organizations need assistance. There must be an organization out there that fits your abilities and time commitment. The YLS and its members have accom- plished so much in such a short period of time. I look forward to 2015 and the several new projects we are undertaking, none of which could be accomplished without the support of our CBA staff and YLS volunteers. Thanks to each and every one of you for your efforts and dedication throughout this bar year. It has been a pleasure serving as Chair of the YLS this year and working with you.

CBA YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION Chair Paul J. Ochmanek, Jr. Paul Ochmanek Legal Office First Vice-Chair Matthew A. Passen Passen Law Group Second Vice-Chair Kathryn Carso Liss Law Offices of Jean Conde Member Service Manager Matthew T. Jenkins Corboy & Demetrio PC Public Service Manager Malcolm “Skip” Harsch American Bar Association Project Officer Gabriela C. Sapia Law Offices of Patrick Markey Secretary/Treasurer Vickie Argueta City of Chicago YLS Journal Co-Editors in Chief Jonathan B. Amarilio Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Geoffrey Burkhart American Bar Association Assistant Co-Editor Trisha Rich Holland & Knight LLP Brandon E. Peck Peck Bloom LLC Project Officer

Happy New Year

By Paul J. Ochmanek, Jr. YLS Chair W ell, it’s January–where did 2014 go? It feel like yesterday I was training for the Shamrock Shuffle, and now leaves have fallen and we have snow on the ground. For the past eight years, my Christmas season started with the CBA Bar Show–the first six as a cast member, the last two as an audience member. For those unfamiliar with the show, imagine “SNL” focusing on hot button topics in Chicago and the world at large. Aside from its longevity (91 years and running), what is so amazing about the show? It’s written and performed by lawyers and judges in the Chicago area! Sometimes we get so caught up working and serving clients that we forget lawyers have lives outside of the office. It’s incredible to see the talented writers, singers, dancers, and actors in action–remembering that most have full- time positions and family commitments. Nonetheless, these CBA members devote countless hours practicing to light up the stage the first week in December. Congratu- lations to the cast on another great show. I recommend you see next year’s Show, as it’s sure to delight. I hope that we were all taught to be a little more loving, open, and giving

YLS Administrative Director Jennifer Bertolino

30 JANUARY 2015