CBA Record May-June 2024

ing with circuit court and bar association leaders. The next step will include opportunities to engage with attorneys more broadly, possibly at town hall meetings. She aims to conclude the listening tour by the end of the calendar year and for it to culminate with a comprehensive three-year strategic plan for her, the Commission, and Illinois courts. Gutierrez’s position also gives her a platform to extol the plethora of services the ARDC provides that are not disciplin ary in nature. For example, the ARDC provides the general public as well as attorneys with its Ethics Inquiry resources, free of charge – namely case law and answers to general ques tions regarding lawyers’ professional responsibilities. Further,

the ARDC offers resources regarding lawyers’ well-being and on-demand CLE programs. Educating attorneys and the public about the breadth of ARDC’s services speaks to Gutierrez’s goal of rebranding the ARDC. By expanding the Commission’s edu cational efforts, Gutierrez also hopes to restore the public’s faith in the profession. Armed with the values her parents instilled in her and further motivated by her drive to create a better world for her children, Gutierrez has embarked on this next chapter of her career at the ARDC with intention. Her passion for advocacy, the public inter est, and education is her not-so-secret weapon as she advances the ARDC’s mission and reach.

The Chicago Bar Association mourns the passing of Dick Phelan, a legendary trial lawyer who was devoted to the law, to public service, and to the legal profession. Phelan was a lifelong member of The Chicago Bar Association and served as CBA President from 1985-1986. Phelan's vision and leadership paved the way for the purchase of the current CBA Building at 321 S. Plymouth Court. Between 2004 and 2020, The Chicago Bar Foundation awarded the Richard J. Phelan Public Service Award to attor neys who dedicated a significant portion of their careers to the public sector. The CBA is forever grateful for Phelan's contributions to our Association and the profession.

Local Solutions. Global Reach.

CBA RECORD 11