CBA Record

Taking the helm at a CBA Board of Managers Boat Cruise event on July 19.

With CBA 1st Vice President Judge Thomas R. Mulroy.

“I’ll probably miss [being president] when it’s over.” Kotin has been a CBA member since his career began. “I tell everyone to join the CBA. When I started at a big firm, they paid for one membership–it could be anything. While some chose something like East Bank Club, I chose the CBA. I have been able to meet people with whom I would never have crossed paths otherwise. Great relationships have stemmed from my CBA work.” He continues, “The CBA does really good work ‒ very substantive work, things I couldn’t do on my own. And doing it with people who are good friends makes it fun.” Lawyers can choose from a multitude of organizations to network, enhance their careers and do community work. What’s different about the CBA? “Our bar association is broad based and equal,” he says. “There are bar associations that are political, ethnic or religious. The CBA is completely apolitical, non-partisan and focuses on improving our members’ prac- tice and the public’s access to lawyers.” Bar Year Goals Kotin doesn’t want to have a “theme” per se, because, he says, good ideas can get lost. Access to justice will continue to be a focus, but “that is such an enormous problem, there is no way we can fix it in one year. We will keep trying to make inroads to help our citizens.” Another priority for Kotin is preserving the wisdom of legendary Chicago lawyers. He is saddened, for instance, that Phil Corboy’s perspective on tort law has not

All of us at TKK are very proud of Dan and what he has accomplished in becoming the 140th President of the CBA! Dan’s presidency is simply a reflection of his many years of commitment to our legal profession and the CBA. He truly cares about making our profession a better one, as demonstrated by his tireless and unselfish contributions to the CBA and other important organizations. By the same measure, having practiced and tried cases with Dan, I am proud to say that he consistently upholds the highest principles of the legal profession in placing our clients first, and always tenaciously fighting to ensure exceptional outcomes for clients, often times under the most difficult circumstances. With Dan’s unwavering commitment to our profession and his leadership, this is no doubt going to be a fantastic year for the CBA. Tim Tomasik, Partner, Tomasik Kotin Kasserman Dan Kotinmentioned that he is active in the CBA because it is fun and because hemeets people he otherwise likely would not. We are thankful that he has been active– he is a great person to know andwill be a great leader of this organization. Dan is committed to the betterment of our profession and to the greater community. Hewill have an amazing year; we can be assured. Dan Cotter, Partner, Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd, Past CBA president I have known Dan Kotin for many years and have seen him rise up the CBA ranks for the past several years. We started out at the YLS during our early years- many moons ago! I have always been impressedwith Dan- he is intelligent and no doubt a great trial lawyer. He is well respected in the legal community.When you give hima project, you know it will be done well. He is a trusted man and his word carries weight. But what impresses me most about Dan is that despite all the successes he has had in his career, he remains the same nice guy who will go out of his way to help you when you need it. It is also equally impressive to see his deep commitment and love for his family and friends. I know Dan will be a great CBA president because he has what it takes: passion to help people, commitment to do the best for the organization, and the love to make a difference. I look forward to a great year with Dan leading one of the best bar associations in the country, if not the world! Aurora Austriaco, Austriaco & Associates, Past CBA president

40 JULY/AUGUST 2016