CBA Record

Judge Mulroy with his wife, Elaine Mulroy

SIMPLY PUT, JUDGE MULROY IS AN INSTINCTUAL mentor and a forward-looking leader with a clear vision for the CBA’s future. Painter, Army Water Polo Champion and Family Man Born in Winnetka, Judge Mulroy began working at a young age. One of his early jobs was “painting every fire hydrant in Win- netka.” After graduating from Loyola Academy, where he swam and played water polo, Judge Mulroy majored in history at the University of Santa Clara. During his junior year, he studied in Rome through Loyola University. “On the plane ride over, I met my future wife, Elaine.” Judge Mulroy returned to the University of Santa Clara for his final year of undergraduate study. “Just before graduation, the Dean of Students asked me, ‘What are you going to do now?’” Though he had not really considered his next step, Judge Mulroy spontaneously responded, “I’m going to law school.” Judge Mulroy earned his J.D. from Loyola University. While in law school, he joined the Army Reserves and reported for two weeks of active duty each year. During one assignment, an officer asked if anyone knew how to swim. “I didn’t know why he was asking, but as a swimmer and water polo player in high school and college, I thought I should raise my hand.” Little did Judge Mulroy know, the officer was asking so he could field a team for the base’s water polo tournament. “Our team ended up winning the championship. I remember officers on the other teams pointing at me, asking, ‘Where’d he come from?’” Judge Mulroy and Elaine married after college and have three children: Thomas (a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson), Kevin (a creative director and writer for BBDO Worldwide), and Heather (who co-founded the Standard Society, an agency that represents directors of commercials and movies). Judge Mulroy is also a proud grandfather of three.

Rigorous Career Filled with Challenges and Camaraderie After graduating law school in 1972, Judge Mulroy took a job as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “I loved it. I started out in appeals, and then went to the trial division. I tried 20 jury cases in three years.” He fondly recalls the camaraderie in the office. “We talked about trials and evidence all the time. When a jury was out, we would sit with our colleague whose trial it was and await the jury verdict.” He still has close friends from that time in the office. In 1976, Judge Mulroy was offered an associate position at Jenner & Block. “My first case was a probate matter for Bert Jenner,” the name partner of the firm. It was not a run-of-the- mill client matter. Jenner had just learned that a former client had passed away and named him one of many beneficiaries in the will, which was being vigorously contested in downstate Illinois. “I had no idea where I was going or what I was getting into, but it turned out well for Bert. I didn’t get a bonus, but I did get to keep my job.” Several years later, Judge Mulroy was up for partner. The day before the partner election meeting, the firm intercom announced that Mulroy had won a trial verdict in a major insurance coverage matter. “It was good timing.” Judge Mulroy rose through the ranks at Jenner & Block, served on its Executive Committee, and practiced at the firm until 2001. “I loved Jenner & Block, but wanted to try something new and challenging.” Judge Mulroy started his own firm. It attracted large clients and large matters. “Because of the size of some of the matters, we needed a bigger infrastructure.” He then joined McGuireWoods in 2003, where he practiced until 2007, when he became a judge.

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