CBA Record September-October 2026

September/October 2026

The Chicago Bar Association & The Chicago Bar Foundation PRO BONO WEEK 2026 CBA

A MORE PERFECT JUSTICE SYSTEM

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Anatomy of “Absolute Equality” and the Constitution’s Broken Promise: Towards a More Perfect Justice System Building Dreams, Reducing Risk: The Unique Promise of Transactional Pro Bono Pro Bono Network: A Place for Every Lawyer

September/October 2026 • Volume 40, Number 5 CONTENTS CBA RECORD

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Editor’s Briefcase Your Time, and What You Choose to Do With It By Nikki Marcotte President’s Page Pro Bono Service: Privilege and Responsibility By Trisha M. Rich

THE PRO BONO ISSUE

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Anatomy of “Absolute Equality” and the Constitution’s Broken Promise: Towards a More Perfect Justice System By Judge Sophia H. Hall (ret.) William R. Ming, Jr.: Dedicated to the Promise of Equal Justice By Judge Sophia H. Hall (ret.)

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CBA News

18 The Pulse

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Building Dreams, Reducing Risk: The Unique Promise of Transactional Pro Bono By Melissa Picciola Pro Bono Network: A Place for Every Lawyer By Ronak Maisuria

20 Chicago Bar

Foundation Report

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37 Chicago Lore

The Original Fort Dearborn By Richard Lee Stavins

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

38 LPMT Bits & Bytes

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Small Firm, Big Pro Bono Impact By Aleksandra Petrovic A Pro Bono Odyssey: One Attorney’s Journey toward Serving at Scale By YLS Editorial Staff Pro Bono as a Leadership Accelerator By Tiffany E. Alberty

Stop Guessing: What Cyber Insurance Really Covers for Your Solo/Small Firm By Kevin Thompson

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40 Practical Ethics

Uninsured in Illinois? What Lawyers Need to Know About the New PMBR Self Assessment Requirement By Tayah E. Schuette

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42 Summary Judgments Keep Them Close By David Ellis

Reviewed by Daniel A. Cotter

The CBA Record (ISSN 0892-1822) is published six times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October, November/December) for $10 per year by The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604-3997, 312/554-2000, Subscriptions for non-members are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CBA Record , c/o Membership, Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Copyright 2026 by The Chicago Bar Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The opinions and positions stated in signed material are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of the Association or its members. All manuscripts are carefully considered by the Editorial Board. All letters to the editors are subject to editing. Publication of advertisements is not to be deemed an endorsement of any product or service advertised unless otherwise stated.

Have You Recently Changed Your Mail or Email Address? Please update your membership account at www.chicagobar.org

or send a note to membership@chicagobar.org with your new contact information. Thank you!

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nikki Marcotte Laurie & Brennan, LLP ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anne Ellis 2E Services, LLC SUMMARY JUDGMENTS EDITOR Daniel A. Cotter Aronberg Goldgehn YLS JOURNAL EDITORS Katherine Hanson First District Appellate Court George Schaller Duane Morris LLP CBA RECORD

EDITOR’S BRIEFCASE

BY NIKKI MARCOTTE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Your Time, and What You Choose to Do With It

E ach year, I attend the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Lavender Law Conference. This year, it was our great city’s turn to host it. On a hot Wednes day morning this summer, I made my way down to the conference hotel to speak on panels, cheer on friends, and joyously be with my community. It’s something I always look forward to.

Daniel J. Berkowitz Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet LLP Jacob B. Berger Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC Amy Cook Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Anthony F. Fata Kirby McInerney LLP Meredith A. Geller Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Kaitlin King Hart David Carson LLP Theodore Kontopoulos Internal Revenue Service J. Kopczyk Attorney at Law Marissa Longoria Circuit Court of Cook County’s Clerk’s Office Clare McMahon Reed, Centracchio & Associates, LLC Pamela Sakowicz Menaker

That morning, I attended a session featur ing one of my closest friends as a panelist (it was their first time speaking at this massive conference). It was called, “Just Tell Me How to Help!” For over an hour, my friend and three other legal professionals put on a master class about how busy nonlitigators could effectively and efficiently pursue meaningful pro bono work—no matter how small the time commitment. It was that last part that stuck with me. We often talk about pro bono service as though it requires superhuman commitment: taking on complicated matters outside one’s area of expertise or agreeing to represent a client in complex, time-consuming litigation from start to finish. Those opportunities are absolutely important (and even critical for young lawyers learning the ropes). But, as I discovered, they are not the only ways we can serve our communities. For many busy lawyers, the biggest obstacle to pro bono work isn’t a lack of inter est. It is this stubborn belief that we cannot meaningfully contribute at all if we cannot commit a substantial block of our time and energy to do this work. But my friend’s panel forced me to reject that premise and start thinking more creatively about my schedule. How could I put my legal skills to good use in my free time? I started wondering: If every legal professional from all corners of our industry only had one hour per month to dedicate to pro bono work, how could we use it to make a small but mighty impact? That is the question I think we all need to ask ourselves. For example, could you make a few fundraising calls on behalf of a nonprofit whose mission you care about? It may not look like traditional legal work, but nonprofits need people willing to use their skills, networks, and time to advance important causes. Or maybe you could reserve one or two hours every week to review contracts for brand-new small business owners. For an entrepreneur signing their first commercial agreement, an hour of a lawyer’s time can provide enormous value. A brief review, a simple explanation of certain contractual provisions, or a conversation about potential risks can make an otherwise intimidating process manageable.

Clifford Law Offices Kathleen Dillon Narko Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Alexander Passo Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC Trisha M. Rich Holland & Knight LLP Adam J. Sheppard Sheppard Law Firm, PC Richard Lee Stavins Kevin A. Thompson Levin Ginsburg Rosemary Simota Thompson THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION Sharon Nolan Director of Marketing

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Perhaps you could spare a couple of hours each month to help a nonprofit legal organization with screening intakes. Organi zations serving low-income clients are frequently flooded with requests for assistance. Helping sort, organize, screen, or evalu ate those potential matters can allow staff attorneys and advo cates to spend more time on the cases themselves. None of these examples requires surrendering your evenings and weekends. None requires becoming someone’s lawyer for the foreseeable future. They simply require us to use our imagination and to stop measuring pro bono service in terms of how big the time commitment is. An added bonus in using this micro-service approach: Find ing small blocks of time to do pro bono work each week or each month leads to healthy habit-building. It’s a skill all legal profes sionals could truly benefit from. So, block an hour on your calendar every Tuesday to make some fundraising calls. Agree to review one contract each week

for a small business owner. Volunteer for one client intake shift a month. Or ask a local organization for help identifying other short-term pro bono opportunities for lawyers—one that immediately comes to mind is The Chicago Bar Foundation’s Pro Bono Opportunity Portal. These contributions may seem modest, but when repeated over time, they can add up to dozens of hours of service. Remember, there is no wrong way to volunteer. Sometimes, helping means taking a huge case. Sometimes, it means spend ing an hour doing something small but meaningful for an orga nization you love.

The point isn’t how much time you have. The point is what you choose to do with it.

Nikki Marcotte is a senior litigation associate at Laurie & Bren nan, LLP, where they focus on complex commercial and construction

litigation. A Special Notice to all Lawyers Who Reside in or Practice in Cook County

The Moses, Bertha & Albert H. Wolf Fund

T he Chicago Bar Association manages the Moses, Bertha and Albert H. Wolf Fund to aid attorneys who reside in or practice law in Cook County and are ill, incapacitated or superannuated. Through the Fund, the CBA provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loans. Eligible recipients also include lawyers in Cook County who receive assistance from the Lawyers Assistance Program and are in need of medical assistance. For more information, contact Beth McMeen, CBA Executive Director, at 312-554-2004 or bmcmeen@chicagobar.org.

CBA RECORD 5

PRESIDENT’S PAGE BY TRISHA M. RICH Pro Bono Service: Privilege and Responsibility

The Chicago Bar Association www.chicagobar.org President Trisha M. Rich First Vice President Kathryn C. Liss Second Vice President Jonathan B. Amarilio Immediate Past President Judge Nichole C. Patton Executive Director Beth McMeen BOARD OF MANAGERS Judge Jorge L. Alonso James V. Campell Elizabeth Carpenter Dora Cornelio Steven R. Decker Octavio Duran Kevin Gerow Secretary Andrew W. Vail Treasurer Adam M. Zebelian

Pro bono service is sometimes described as an act of generosity. It is certainly gen erous, but it is also something more. It is an expression of our professional identity and of our shared commitment to the fair administration of justice. A legal system may promise equal treatment, but that promise has limited meaning if only some people can understand the process, assert their rights, or make their voices heard. When lawyers provide pro bono assis tance, we help make that promise real. Pro bono benefits extend well beyond the individual matter. Pro bono work strengthens courts by helping cases pro ceed more efficiently and ensuring that judges receive clearer presentations of the facts and the law. It supports communities by helping people preserve their housing, protect their families, secure necessary benefits, and resolve problems before they become crises. Pro bono also reinforces public confidence in the legal profession by demonstrating that lawyers recognize an obligation to serve the broader community. And pro bono service benefits lawyers themselves. It can place us in courtrooms, communities, and areas of law that we might not otherwise encounter. It helps us develop judgment, confidence, empa thy, and practical skills. For younger law yers, a pro bono matter may offer an early opportunity to interview a client, develop a strategy, negotiate with opposing coun sel, or argue before a tribunal. For expe rienced lawyers, it can reconnect us with the reasons we entered the profession in the first place. Pro bono service can take many forms. It may involve accepting full representa tion of a client, staffing a brief-advice clinic, assisting a nonprofit organization,

A defining characteristic of the legal profession is that our work is not simply a business. Lawyers occupy a unique place in our justice system. We are advocates, counselors, officers of the court, and stewards of institutions that cannot function as intended unless people have meaningful access to them. With that privilege comes a responsibility: to use our training and experience in service of those who would otherwise face the legal system alone. That responsibility is especially impor tant now. For someone confronting evic tion, domestic violence, the loss of public benefits, an immigration proceeding, or another life-altering legal problem, the difference between having—or not having—a lawyer can be profound. Yet the need for legal assistance continues to exceed the resources available to provide it. Legal aid organizations do extraordi nary work, but they cannot close that gap by themselves. The private bar must be part of the answer.

William T. Gibbs Martin D. Gould Noah J. Graf Elizabeth A. Kaveny Sarah F. King

Jennifer F. Kuzminski Kenneth Matuszewski Judge Thomas A. Morrissey Judge Michael T. Mullen Ryan M. Nolan Brandon E. Peck

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counseling a small business owner, conducting legal research, or mentoring another attorney. Meaningful work is available for lawyers in every practice area and at every stage of their careers. Some lawyers hesitate to take on pro bono work because they do not have expertise in the areas where the need is greatest. That concern is understandable, but it should not become a barrier. Our legal aid partners provide training, mentoring, and subject matter support. Time, of course, is another obstacle. Lawyers are busy, and the demands of practice are real. But our calendars reflect our priorities. If we treat pro bono service as something to under take only when every billable matter, client request, and personal obligation has been completed, we may never begin. The answer is not to wait for a surplus of time. It is to make a deliberate commitment, select an opportunity of manageable scope, and ask our firms and colleagues to help create the space necessary to fulfill it. Legal employers have an important role as well. Firms, corpo rate legal departments, government offices, and other organiza tions can build cultures in which pro bono work is encouraged,

supported, and celebrated. That means more than simply approv ing a policy. It means providing visible leadership, recognizing the value of the work, connecting lawyers with trusted commu nity partners and ensuring that pro bono service is treated as an integral part of professional development. The Chicago legal community has a remarkable tradition of answering this call. Through The Chicago Bar Association, The Chicago Bar Foundation, and our many outstanding legal aid organizations, lawyers can find opportunities that match their skills, interests and availability. During this bar year, I hope every CBA member will consider taking on a new pro bono commitment. If you already serve, invite a colleague to join you. If you supervise younger lawyers, help them identify an opportunity and give them the support to pursue it. If you have been waiting for the right time, let this be it. Our profession is at its best when we recognize that legal ability is not merely an asset we possess, but a resource we are entrusted to share. Pro bono service reminds us who we are, whom the jus tice system must serve, and what lawyers can accomplish when we lean into our collective responsibility.

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CBA RECORD 7

CBA NEWS

Composed entirely of volunteer attor neys, the JEC evaluates candidates seeking judicial office by examining their legal ability, integrity, experience, diligence, judicial temperament, and professional conduct. Investigators conduct confi dential interviews with attorneys, judges, and members of the legal community. They are dedicated to providing voters, appointing authorities, and the legal profession with trusted, nonpartisan evaluations that help ensure qualified individuals serve on the bench. “The JEC’s success depends on the strength of its volunteers,” Shapiro noted. “This committee is fortunate to have attorney volunteers who take that respon sibility seriously.” The William J. White Award of Excel lence, awarded to volunteers whose ser vice to the judicial evaluation process best reflects White’s spirit of rigorous, fair, and impartial inquiry, was presented to past JEC Chairs Michelle Carey and Brian H. Boyle, Jr. The JEC Commitment Award was presented to individuals demonstrating the qualities essential to the success of the judicial evaluation process: preparation, fairness, professionalism, and a sincere commitment to protecting the integrity of the judiciary. Award winners included Edward Austin, William J. Barr, Jr., Michael J. Baumel, Richard F. Burke, Jr., William Roy Coulson, Randy Curato, Thomas A. Demetrio, Larry S. Kowal czyk, Grace Allen Newton, Michael J. Murray, Timothy Gerald Nickels, Mark E. Rakoczy, and Timothy S. Tomasik. The JEC Distinguished Service Award was presented to members whose many years of service have had a lasting impact on the committee. Award win ners included Erika G. Baldonado, Amit

Pictured from left: Fitzgerald “Jerry” Bramwell, Michael Shapiro, and Jeffrey Finke.

Members Recognized for Extraordinary Service for Judicial Evaluations By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director T he CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) recently hosted an awards ban quet to celebrate its members for their extraordinary service to the legal profes sion and the public. Following CBA President Trisha Rich’s welcome, newly appointed JEC Chair Michael Shapiro and Immediate Past JEC Chair Jeffrey Finke shared remarks and recognized the award winners.

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S. Bindra, Deborah L. Borman, Mat thew R. Bowman, Brian H. Boyle, Jr., Tracy Brammeier, Fitzgerald (“Jerry”) Bramwell, Erica N. Byrd, Jason P. Cerni, Thomas P. Cernek, Paul Chevlin, James E. Coogan, Jennifer L. Conter, Joseph G. Dusek, Jeffrey W. Finke, John D. Galarnyk, Matthew J. Gardner, Susan N. Graham, Alexadra D. Healy, Jacque lyn Haynes, Phillip A. Hewes, Joseph Edward (“Eddie”) Hettel, Bonnie Ken nedy, Robert A. Kezelis, Michelle M. Kohut, Jeannie M. LaBarbara, Frank C. Marino, Emily N. Masalski, Jeffrey M. Marks, Sandra D. Mertens, William K. McVisk, Michael P. Rohan, Leslie J. Rosen, James Saranteas , Michael S. Sha piro, Jill S. Vorobiev, Harold L. Wallin, Victor Yanz, and James P. Ziegler. The JEC Is looking for more investi gators. CBA Members with two years of experience are encouraged to apply. For more information on the JEC or to learn more about becoming a JEC investigator, reach out to Phyllis Lubinski at plubin ski@chicagobar.org.

The CBA is pleased to announce the formation of the CBA In-House Counsel Committee. The committee will support attorneys who work inside the legal departments of Chicago businesses as well as exter nal law firms that advise such in-house lawyers. Members will discuss issues and topics specific to the mission and management of cor porations and other business organizations, provide a forum for an exchange of ideas and best practices, and offer an opportunity for in house and external counsel to connect and develop their networks. Committee officers for the first year will be Carl Bergetz, general coun sel at Rush University System for Health, Chair, and Justin T. Johnson, a client services partner at Latitude, Vice Chair. All members are invited to sign up (there is no extra fee; committees are a benefit of your CBA membership). Receive email notifications of upcoming meetings by joining the committee at www.chicagobar.org/committees or send an email to committees@chicagobar.org. Join the New CBA In-House Counsel Committee Carl Bergetz Justin T. Johnson

History of First Codified Laws he mythological god Shamash narrates the story of how Hammurabi may have arrived at the kingship and judicial pronouncements declared in his famous stele.

T

Purchase on website or on the University of Chicago campus ( ISAC Suq or Seminary Co-Op Bookstore).

CBA RECORD 9

City University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She earned her J.D. at the University of Illi nois Chicago Law School. Upon gradu ation, she joined the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General. In that role, she gained valuable litigation and governmental experience while developing a reputation for profes sionalism and legal skill. She developed significant expertise in healthcare law, serving as Associate General Counsel and Civil Litigator at Loyola University Chicago. Justice Cun ningham also served as Senior Vice Presi dent, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, one of the nation’s premier healthcare systems. She also served as law clerk to the late Illinois Appellate Court Justice Glenn T. Johnson. In 1996, Justice Cunningham entered the judiciary when she was sworn in as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Assigned to the Civil Trial Division, she presided over a wide range of cases and was known for her fairness, preparation, judicial temperament, and commitment to the rule of law. She remained deeply committed to the judiciary. In 2006, she was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. Her colleagues recognized her leadership abilities as she served on numerous committees dedicated to judi cial education, performance evaluation, and diversity within the court system; she ultimately served as Chair of the Court’s Executive Committee and Co-Chair of its Diversity Committee. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices who established this award in 2024, said, “Justice Cun ningham approaches every case with intellectual rigor, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to justice. Her thoughtful opinions reflect not only a pro found understanding of the law but also an appreciation for the real people whose lives are affected by every decision.” In 2022, Justice Cunningham was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court, where she has worked to improve judicial administration and strengthen public

Pictured at the 2026 CBA Annual Meeting: CBA President Trisha M. Rich, Justice Joy V. Cunningham, and CBA Immediate Past President Judge Nichole C. Patton.

F ew jurists in Illinois have traveled a professional path as diverse and accomplished as Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham. Her career spans four decades in healthcare, private practice, public service, trial courts, appellate courts, and, ultimately, the highest court in the state. Along the way, she has broken barriers, earned widespread respect within the legal community, and established herself as one of Illinois’ most influential legal leaders with a lifelong commitment to public service. It is for these reasons that Justice Cunningham was honored with the 2026 CBA Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award. The award is bestowed each year on a person who has embraced the highest principles of integrity and traditions of the legal profession, demonstrated superior professional competence, and dedicated one’s self to preserving judicial independence. Kerry Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC, and CBA Past President (1999 2000), said, “Joy is the perfect recipient for the Champion of Justice Award. Her depth of experience as a member of the judiciary has solidified her commitment to the rule of law. She demonstrates compassion, grace, and fairness in all circumstances. Joy is a true ‘champion of justice.’” Born and raised in New York, Justice Cunningham pursued higher education at the Justice Joy V. Cunningham: Winner of the 2026 CBA Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award By Pamela Sakowicz Menaker

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confidence in the courts. “Being a member of the Illinois Supreme Court represents many things to me on a personal and a professional level. It is truly the highest and best use of my life and experience, education, judgment, and desire to do something meaningful with my life,” she said. “As a member of this state’s highest court, I have a unique opportunity to be a change agent in many ways. I embrace this position as the vehicle through which I can accomplish good things in a way that would otherwise not be possible.” Beyond her judicial service, Justice Cunningham has been an active leader in the organized bar. A defining moment of her professional career came in 2004, when she became the first Black woman elected president of the CBA. Her elec tion represented a historic milestone and reflected the respect she had earned from attorneys throughout the Chicago legal community. During her presidency, she focused on professional excellence, public service, and increasing diversity within the legal profession. Throughout her career, Justice Cun ningham has devoted substantial time to civic and charitable organizations. She has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit and legal service organizations including The Chicago Bar Foundation and the American Law Institute. Her commitment to community service has earned her numerous awards and recog nition from legal, educational, and civic institutions. Clifford stated, “Her leadership extends far beyond the courtroom. She has served as a mentor, an advocate for diversity within the legal profession, and a champion for equal access to justice. Her professionalism, humility, and tire less work ethic have inspired generations of lawyers and judges to pursue excel lence while never losing sight of human dignity, the heart of our legal system.” Among the honors Justice Cunning ham has received are the CBA Justice John Paul Stevens Award, the CBA Earl Burrus Dickerson Award, the Solidarity Award from the Coalition of Bar Asso ciations, the Mary Heftel Hooton Award from the Women’s Bar Association of Illi

Justice Cunningham and Robert Clifford

nois, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Judges Association. She has also received several community awards, including the Torchbearer Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Faces of Success Award from the March of Dimes, the Vision and Leadership Award from Loyola University, and the Honesty Humility Human Award from the Boys & Girls Club. Of the Champion of Justice Award, Justice Cunningham said, “The award carries the imprimatur of two important pillars of the Chicago legal community: Robert A. Clifford, for whom the award is named, and The Chicago Bar Association, which selects the recipient. Having an award underpinned by these pillars of our legal community is a high honor and signals something special to our entire community.” Justice Cunningham’s career reflects a rare combination of legal excellence, public service, and leadership. Clifford observed, “Her remarkable career stands as a testament to what judicial excellence truly means: independence, wisdom, courage, and service. Justice Cunningham has strengthened the judiciary, elevated the legal profession, and is leaving an enduring legacy of fairness and public trust. She is a role model whose influ ence will continue to shape the administration of justice for years to come.” Asked for her advice to young lawyers, Justice Cunningham said, “I tell young people to lean into every experience, no matter how mundane or boring it may seem. The pres ent experience is preparing them for a later opportunity which is yet to be revealed but is certain to arise, and preparation will make the difference in how those opportunities are embraced.” Justice Cunningham’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers, judges, and public servants across Illinois and beyond.

Pamela Sakowicz Menaker is the Communications Partner at Clifford Law Offices and is a member of the CBA Record Editorial Board.

CBA RECORD 11

CLE & MEMBER NEWS If you haven’t renewed your CBA membership, this may be your last issue of the CBA Record . We hope you’ll choose to remain part of the CBA community. Renewing is quick and easy—just visit www.chicagobar.org/renew or call us at 312-554-2020. We also offer installment plans and a special $75 rate for retired practitioners. Have questions? Email us at billing@chicagobar.org. We are happy to help. The legal profession is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rapid advancement of AI. Don’t Let This Be Your Last Issue! All members are asked to review or change their committee assign ments for the new bar year via the online committee sign-up form at www.chicagobar.org. All committee members will remain on their cur rent assignments unless they make changes to their committee record. We invite members who do not currently serve on committees to become active this year. A complete description of all CBA and YLS committees, along with their meeting dates and new leadership information, is available at www.chicagobar.org. Most committee meetings qualify for free Illinois MCLE credit. The amount of credit depends on the length of the presentation (average credit is 0.75 hours). Most committee meetings are webcast live, so you can earn free credit without leaving your office or home (only live webcasts Have You Updated Your CBA and YLS Practice Area Committees Lately?

The CBA is committed to providing the education, resources, and conversations you need to navigate these changes with confidence. This past year, our AI Symposium brought together judges, practi tioners, and technology leaders to explore emerging trends, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for integrating AI into legal practice. This year, we’ll continue that conversation through com mittees, seminars, and practical guidance. As technology transforms the practice of law, the CBA remains your trusted resource for staying current, connected, and prepared. We look forward to seeing you this year! count for credit, not archived meetings). Plus, CBA members can attend committee meetings for free, a great way to earn MCLE credits at no cost! Contact CBA Committee Coordinator Maeve Mascarenhas at mmas carenhas@chicagobar.org with any questions. (Note: Members listed on committee rosters will receive direct emails about committee meetings, speakers, handout materials, legislation, and the like. How ever, you do not have to be listed on the committee roster to attend its meetings. Any member may attend any committee meeting.) Check the weekly CBA e-Bulletin, which is emailed to all members every Thursday, or visit learn.chicagobar.org for a current list of meetings.

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YLS Receives Outstanding Affiliate Award at ABA Meeting By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director

representing Spanish-speaking clients; the YLS Racial Justice Commission’s “Prepar ing for Protest” public presentation; and a CLE program entitled “DOGE & What it Means for DEI Hiring in Government.” Founded in 1971, the YLS was cre ated to encourage young lawyers to work together on projects for their community and for the legal profession. Today, the YLS provides opportunities for profes sional growth, community service, and networking to its approximately 7,000 members, who include attorneys in their first 10 years of practice and law students. The YLS offers 30 committees, including substantive practice areas and public ser vice offerings, implements member and public service projects, and hosts numer ous seminars and networking events. For further information, contact the Young Lawyers Section at 312‐554‐2070 or yls@chicagobar.org. YLS Secretary/Treasurer Ayo Jide-Omole, VentureWell, and Immediate Past CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton, Circuit Court of Cook County, at the 2026 ABA Annual Meeting.

T he CBA’s Young Lawyers Section recently was recognized with three awards, including the Outstanding Affiliate Award, from the American Bar Association at its annual meeting in Chicago. The ABA’s Young Lawyers Division annually presents Awards of Achievement to recognize local, state, and national YLD affiliates across the country for their contributions to the public and the betterment of the legal profession. The ABA YLD gives the Outstanding Affiliate Award to honor local and state young lawyer affiliates for broad ranges of programming, community service, and overall proj ect excellence. The YLS also earned a Comprehensive Award, which recognizes its vast array of programming during the 2025–2026 bar year. Events included an Open House, Judi cial Externship Fair, Law Student Speed Networking, Board Match, and 19th Annual Fundraiser Benefitting CBA Lawyers in the Classroom. In the Diversity category, the YLS was honored for a CLE program, “Neurodiversity in the Legal Profession.” The program examined how traditional concepts of “profes sionalism” in the legal field may unintentionally disadvantage neurodivergent attorneys. It explores how implicit bias—particularly around communication style, demeanor, and social expectations—can affect evaluations, advancement, and disciplinary outcomes. The ABA YLD has recognized numerous YLS programs in years past. These have included the Law Student Mentoring Program; the CBA Law & Debate Club; the Working Women’s Legal Summit; the Lawyers Lend a Hand to Youth program; the CBA @theBar Podcast; the Women in the Law Committee’s “Time’s Up on Workplace Harassment” program; the Intra-Professional Networking Event; a four-week course on YLS Chair Aleksandra Petrovic, Kellogg, Abrams, & Jovanovic, LLC, at 2026 ABA Annual Meeting.

CBA RECORD 13

Bring the Constitution to Life with the CBA Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program By Kelli Landes, Director of Civic Education and Engagement, CBA Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program F or almost 40 years, Lawyers in the Classroom has been preparing students to become thoughtful, engaged citizens and future leaders. Volunteer attorneys help students in grades 2–8 develop the critical thinking skills and civic under standing that strengthen our democracy. Civic participation is about much more than voting. It begins with learning to think critically as they evaluate different perspectives, use the Socratic method to ask thoughtful questions, understand the rule of law and the Constitution, and recognize that every citizen plays a role in building strong communities. LIC also introduces students to the legal profession, helping them see attorneys as leaders, problem solvers, and advocates. Every classroom visit broadens students’ understanding of how the law shapes everyday life and opens the door to future pos sibilities. Volunteering is simple and flexible, and LIC volunteers are fully supported. LIC pro vides standards-based, nonpartisan lesson plans, volunteer training, scheduling and ongoing staff support, and opportunities to serve in communities across Chicagoland.

The program has a particular need for bilingual volunteers, including Spanish speakers, to support classrooms request ing instruction in Spanish. Tomorrow’s civic leaders are sitting in today’s classrooms. By sharing just a few hours of your time, you can help students discover the power of civic par ticipation, strengthen their understand ing of the law, and invest in the future of our communities. To find out more about the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom program, visit www.chi cagobar.org/LIC. Email your questions to LIC@chicagobar.org.

Sponsor or register at https://givebutter.com/2026LICCivicEducation

14 September/October 2026

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CBA RECORD 15

Meet Your CBA Officers By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director

Trisha M. Rich President

Kathryn C. Liss First Vice President

Jonathan B. Amarilio Second Vice President Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Partner, Holland & Knight LLP

DePaul Univ. College of Law: Asst. Dean and Director, Office of Professional & Career Development; Executive Director, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center What motivated you to serve on the CBA board? I want to help further the CBA’s mission, especially by improving the effectiveness of the administration of justice and advo cating for the public’s access to quality, affordable legal services. I enjoy working with CBA staff, the Board of Managers, and members. What do you appreciate most about the CBA? The relationship building. When you find your people (and you will at the CBA!), you have a strong support system to encour age you to be a better lawyer and person (and you can do the same for them). What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I have eight names (born with five). What is the greatest challenge facing the legal profession? Decreased rapport. With technology advancements, we are losing time to build relationships. Bar associations play an im portant role in the legal profession—per haps now more than ever—because of their ability to bring people together. What are you watching or reading now? “Lucky” and “Trying” on Apple TV. What is your best advice for young lawyers? Your reputation is the most important part of your professional identity. Protect it by showing up, doing the work, and going above and beyond expectations. Where is your favorite vacation spot and why? A spot that makes me feel happy and relaxed: a warm coastal town with a cool ocean breeze, not a lot of people, and a lo cal cafe that makes a strong cappuccino and flaky, buttery pastries.

What motivated you to serve on the CBA board? The CBA is my professional home. By serving, I can give back to an organization that has given me so much. I want to help ensure that the CBA continues to evolve and serve lawyers at every career stage. What do you appreciate most about the CBA? Its ability to bring together lawyers from all corners of the profession. The CBA cre ates a community among people who might otherwise never meet, with opportunities to learn from and support one another. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I am a Master Scuba Diver, the highest nonprofessional level in recreational diving. What is the greatest challenge facing the legal profession? Keeping pace with extraordinary change while preserving independence and trust. Technology and new business models cre ate opportunities, but lawyers must remain thoughtful about how we embrace them. What are you watching or reading now? “Better Call Saul” and Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny: 20 Lessons from the 20 th Century.” What is your best advice for young lawyers? Say yes to opportunities. Do excellent work, protect your reputation, and invest in relationships: The people you meet will shape your career in ways you cannot predict. Where is your favorite vacation spot and why? Cozumel, Mexico. Mexico is a beautiful country and has some of the best diving anywhere in the world.

What motivated you to serve on the CBA board? The CBA reminds me that the practice of law comes with responsibilities to the le gal community. Serving helps me live up to those responsibilities and feel connected to something more important than my own practice. What do you appreciate most about the CBA? Its ability to bring together lawyers from every part of the profession, to learn from each other, work cooperatively toward com mon goals, and form lifelong friendships. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I am a voracious reader of history, clas sic English literature, and physics. What is the greatest challenge facing the legal profession? I am concerned that increasing reliance on AI will reduce the ability of lawyers to think critically and, consequently, prevent them from learning to discern facts, ana lyze thoughtfully, reason creatively, and write well. What are you watching or reading now? A history of the campaigns of Alexander the Great. What is your best advice for young lawyers? Be ambitious but patient, work harder than your peers, take responsibility for your own failures and shortcomings instead of blaming others for them, and listen more than you talk. Where is your favorite vacation spot and why? Sailing the Caribbean.

16 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

CLE in Edinburgh The CBA and President Trisha M. Rich are planning a CBA CLE Abroad to Edinburgh, Scotland, May 2-5, 2027. CLE programming with an international flair will be included. Special tours and social events will also be on the itinerary. An extension to London is planned from May 5-8. Watch your inbox or visit www. chicagobar.org for more information. Celebrate Civic Education For almost 40 years, the CBA Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program (LIC) has connected attor neys and students in grades 2-8 through engaging civic education experiences that strengthen democracy and bring the Constitution and legal system to life. Join us for the 2026 Annual Civic Education Celebration on November 12 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. to recognize spon sors and donors and highlight LIC’s active volunteers and partners. Find more information at https://givebutter. com/2026LICCivicEducation. The CBA’s Continuing Legal Educa tion Department is off to a robust start with a full calendar of new seminars this September. Visit learn.chicagobar.org to see what’s new and register for the pro grams of your choice. Now is also the perfect time to sign up for the Associa tion’s budget-friendly seminar plan. With the CLE Advantage Plan, CBA members can attend most continuing legal educa tion seminars for only $160 per plan year (to put that in perspective, a single 3-hour CLE is typically priced at $95 for a CBA member). Plan details can be found at learn.chicagobar.org or email cle@chica gobar.org. Free Malpractice Insurance Quote CBA Insurance Agency is pleased to offer CBA members a complimentary comparison quote for legal malpractice insurance. Visit www.cbainsurance.org to learn more and apply for a free quote. Save on CBA CLE with the CLE Advantage Plan

THE CBA PULSE

BY BETH McMEEN, CBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Justice John Paul Stevens Awards Join us on October 20 to celebrate Illinois attorneys who have demonstrated extraordi nary integrity and service to the community throughout their careers. The 2026 honor ees are: Margaret Benson, Executive Director, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services; U. S. Senator Dick Durbin; Bob Glaves, Executive Director, Chicago Bar Foundation; Mary Robinson, Of Counsel, Robinson Stewart Montgomery & Doppke LLC; Judge Mary M. Rowland, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; Timothy Tomasik, Tomasik Kotin Kasserman; and Andrea Zopp, Managing Partner, CAST US, Cleve land Avenue. The luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club. Make your reservation at www.chicagobar.org/stevens . 22nd Annual Pro Bono Week and Community Service Fair 2026 Pro Bono Week activities will be held October 26-30. The week, a pioneering CBA tradition, is chaired by Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Michael T. Mullen and Kristen Harrison from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. It features outstanding programs including a Pro Bono and Community Service Fair with 30-plus organiza tions that provide pro bono legal services to the public. The fair introduces lawyers to a wide array of pro bono opportunities available through these organizations. The week’s programming will focus on empowering people and communities to give back and will include free CLE sessions and a story slam based on this year’s theme, “A More Perfect Justice System.” Look for more information at chicagobarfoundation.org/probonoweek. The CBA Well-Being and Mindfulness Committee and the Animal Law Committee sponsored a new CLE, “The Power of Connection for Lawyer Well-Being.” Over 65 attorneys gathered to understand how therapy animals can improve well-being and reduce stress, along with the legal frameworks surrounding therapy animals. Attendees were able to interact with therapy dogs and miniature horses from the SOUL Harbour Ranch, a comprehensive nonprofit animal therapy program. Pictured from left: Tracy McGonigle, McKenna Storer; Jennifer Russo, Murphy Law Group; Lisa Velez, MedPro Group; and Karen Munoz, Roaring Grace Mindful Wellness.

18 September/October 2026