The 2024-2025 Bar year was a wonderful year of events, initiatives, and accomplishments. We thank our members for their continued support, active participation, and steadfast membership, which are vital to the CBA’s continued success. Some of the highlights of the year include:
Impact
The CBA convened a panel of experts to discuss the role of the legal community in shaping the discourse and outcomes related to gun violence. The discussion on guns, laws, and the effects of gun violence on our communities was moderated by WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek. It featured Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Hon. Anna Demacopoulos, the First Assistant at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., Cook County Public Defender, Curtis Amir Toler, Director of CVA Innovation, Chicago CRED, and Antoinette Ursitti, Chief of Detectives, Chicago Police Department.
The CBA in partnership with the Illinois Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois and the Illinois Judges Association convened a Judicial Security Forum, “Judicial Independence and Protecting the Judiciary: Threats and Security Issues” with key stakeholders, including judges and security experts from across Cook County, to discuss security issues judges face today and develop ideas to address these issues. After the forum, the CBA placed a Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Sun-Times urging Illinois to strengthen judicial security to protect the rule of law, signed by Chief Judge, Timothy C. Evans, Circuit Court of Cook County, State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, 8th Legislative District and John C. Sciaccotta, President, The Chicago Bar Association.
For the Chicago Law Day of Action, the CBA convened hundreds of attorneys from more than a dozen bar associations in Federal Plaza to stand for the rule of law and join in an attorney oath reaffirmation ceremony.
The CBA joined a nationwide coalition with 15 other bar associations to file amicus briefs in support of Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale in response to Executive Orders directed against the firms, which, among other things, imposed severe restrictions on the firms’ ability to represent clients who conduct business with the federal government.
The CBA made a public statement in support of Jenner and Block and the Rule of Law after an Executive Order was issued targeting the firm based on its representation of clients in matters adverse to the current Administration. The CBA’s statement encouraged fellow members of the legal profession and the general public to honor and defend the Constitution and the rule of law and support the essential role of the legal profession in our society.
Collaborations
To raise awareness of domestic violence, The Chicago Bar Association and WINGS, Inc., along with The Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, hosted a Domestic Violence Summit highlighting the issues involved in domestic violence, discussing changes and reforms (including possible new legislation), and sharing real-life testimonials from those affected by domestic violence. The Summit featured a keynote address by Denise Brown, an activist against domestic violence and sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson. Other speakers included Illinois Senator Cristina Castro, former Chicago Bear Rashied Davis, Chief Judge Timothy Evans, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Justice Jesse Reyes, Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, and domestic violence expert Mark Wynn.
The CBA hosted a national ADR symposium titled “The Ultimate ADR Seminar: A Conversation with ADR Experts,” which featured experts in ADR discussing the most recent developments in this rapidly evolving area, as well as provided attendees with strategies for successful dispute resolution. The symposium featured a keynote from the Hon. Margaret A. Brennan (Ret.)
In partnership with the Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago, the CBA hosted a discussion with Cook County State’s Attorney, Eileen O’Neill Burke, to share her vision and priorities for Cook County. Joe Donlon, veteran journalist and CBS 2 Chicago Anchor, moderated the discussion.
Sponsored by the CBA, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Stand Up to Intimidation: Confronting Bullying in the Legal Profession Summit highlighted the best practices for preventing and addressing bullying. CBA President John C. Sciaccotta and 1st Vice President Judge Nichole Patton took the Stand Up to Bullying Pledge and invited all members of the CBA and legal community to join him.
The CBA hosted the CBA Leadership Institute to enhance leadership skills and foster the professional growth of emerging leaders within Chicago’s legal community. The Institute aims to share practical knowledge among excellent lawyers and enhance business development strategies essential for the ever-more demanding practice of law. Eighteen young lawyers from Chicago-area law firms participated in this unique training featuring dynamic faculty, interactive skill-building exercises, and networking opportunities.
In partnership with the Chicago and Evanston Public Library systems, the CBA Law at the Library series featured monthly presentations from members on a variety of legal topics. Hundreds of residents participated in the free, virtual series that covered topics like wills and estate plans, tips on buying and selling a home, raising your credit score and other legal areas of interest to consumers.
The CBA’s Lawyer Referral Service has more than 150 pre-screened, qualified lawyers
experienced in more than 30 areas of law that offer their services to the public. The LRS
matches those in need of help with an attorney in the specific legal area in which they seek
guidance. On average, the LRS receives about 2,100 inquiries per month, resulting in 100
to 150 actual retained cases. The LRS hosts the “Call A Lawyer” program monthly, which makes attorneys available to take calls from the public at no charge.
The CBA Law Museum Exploratory Committee received approval from the Board of Managers to proceed with plans for the creation of the Chicago Museum of Law.
Our Young Lawyers Section is known as one of the best YLS organizations in the country.
Chaired by Kenneth Matuszewski, the YLS sponsored many events, CLE programs and
social events this year, such as a brand-new Judicial Externship Fair and a holiday party held at the CBA. The YLS continued its successful Diversity Week with the assistance of several affinity bar associations. The programming aimed to unpack some of the most important diversity topics in the legal field. In the spring, the YLS hosted a Law Day celebration at Daley Plaza, featuring keynote remarks from Judge Alison C. Conlon and music from the CBA’s Chorus. The Liberty Bell Award was given to Alexandra Sossa, CEO of FLAP Illinois. The YLS also hosted a successful fundraiser event to support the Lawyers in the Classroom Program. This year’s event was held at the CBA and titled “A Four-Star Night,” which featured Chicago-themed food and cocktails, a silent auction, and music. The event raised over $18,000 for Lawyers in the Classroom.
The CBAs @the Bar Podcast has more than 197,000 downloads and is downloaded by 4,000 listeners per month. The podcast continues to grow in popularity, garnering a substantial audience while hosting notable guests and timely topics. This year, the podcast welcomes a new group of hosts, each bringing a unique background and fresh perspective. From personal injury law to innovative legal practices, the new hosts of @theBar joining continuing host Margaret Mendenhall Casey include Tracy Brammeier, a partner at Clifford Law Offices; Nikki Marcotte, a litigation associate at Kirkland Ellis; Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney LLC; and Kellie Snyder, an associate attorney at The Law Offices of Lane & Lane. Topics covered on the program this year include an interview with attorney Jay Edelson about how his firm’s work with the Girardi & Keese law firm led them to discover the ongoing exploitation by Tom Girardi of personal injury clients, a conversation with Alan Mills of the Uptown People’s Law Center about the issues surrounding gender affirming care in Illinois prisons, the impacts of politics and media, and how attorneys can get involved in prisoner rights issues.
Awards
The annual Justice John Paul Stevens Awards honor lawyers and judges who exemplify the integrity and professionalism of Justice Stevens, a proud alumnus of the CBA’s Board of Managers. This year’s recipients were Judge David H. Coar (ret.), JAMS, Daniel A. Cotter, Dickinson Wright; David A. Decker, Former ISBA President and ITLA President; Nina Fain, JS Schirn Family Trust; E. Lynn Grayson, Nijman Franzetti; John (“Jack”) Jiganti, Madden, Jiganti, Moore & Sheridan LLP; and Justice Margaret Stanton McBride, Illinois Appellate Court.
The CBA’s Media and Civic Education Inc.’s Lawyers in the Classroom (LIC) program presented the 3rd Annual Civic Education Appreciation Awards to schools and organizations for their participation in the program and dedication to civic education. For over 40 years, the LIC program has offered civic and social justice education to Chicago elementary and middle school students. The program partners law professionals with teachers and students in Chicago-area schools to provide early and critical access to civics education, reaching 5,000 students in 60 Chicagoland schools each year. The 2024 honoree organizations and schools included: Baker Hostetler and Skinner North Classical; Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office – Markham and Prairie Hills Junior High; and Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., and Barton Elementary.
The Earl B. Dickerson Awards recognize individuals who have fought for justice and equality in the legal profession throughout their careers. They were established in honor of the late Earl B. Dickerson, who was an outstanding lawyer and among the first African American members of the CBA. This year’s honorees were Ronald Austin, Jr., Principal, Grant Austin LLC, Hon. Fredrick H. Bates, Circuit Court of Cook County, Margaret Mendenhall Casey, Deputy Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago’s Office of Corporation Counsel, Hon. John A. Fairman, Circuit Court of Cook County, Hon. Judith C. Rice, Presiding Judge, Domestic Violence Division, Circuit Court of Cook County, and Ami N. Wynne, Partner, Morgan Lewis.
The Alliance for Women honored women leaders in the law during Women’s History Month with a CLE panel presentation entitled “Celebrating Women Leaders,” followed by their annual awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding women lawyers who have significantly contributed to the advancement of women in the legal profession or other areas, and whose careers exemplify the highest level of professional achievement, ethics, and excellence. The Founder’s Award, given to women who have demonstrated a sustained, active commitment to the advancement of women throughout their careers, was awarded to Mary Smith, Vice Chair, VENG Group and American Bar Association Immediate Past President, 2024-2025. The Alta May Hulett Award, named for the first woman lawyer in Illinois and awarded to a woman who meets the Founder’s Award criteria but has been qualified to practice law for fifteen years or less, was awarded to Gail Eisenberg, Partner, Loftus & Eisenberg. The CLE program was moderated by Judge Nichole Patton, Circuit Court of Cook County, and featured past women presidents of the CBA, including Anita Alvarez, Chief Legal Counsel, Maryville Academy, 2009-2010 CBA President; Aurora Austriaco, Valentine, Austriaco and Bueschel, 2012-2013 CBA President; Laurel Bellows, The Bellows Law Group, 1991-1992 CBA President; Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham, 2004-2005 CBA President; E. Lynn Grayson, Nijman Franzetti, 2021-2022 CBA President; Patricia Brown Holmes, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila, 2015-2016 CBA President; and Terri L. Mascherin, Jenner & Block LLP, 2010-2011 CBA President.
The Vanguard Awards, presented by the CBA and 17 other bar associations, spotlight the outstanding work of lawyers and judges who are leaders in promoting professionalism and diversity across the legal community. The award recipients included: Amrith Kaur Aakre, South Asian Bar Association of Chicago; Howard H. Ankin, Decalogue Society of Lawyers; Judge Aileen Bhandari, Filipino American Lawyers Association; Judge Jacqueline P. Cox, Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.; Judge Thomas More Donnelly, Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago; Hilda Frontany, Puerto Rican Bar Association; Ray J. Koenig III, Chicago Bar Association; Thomas G. Massouras, Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois; Leena Odeh, Muslim Bar Association of Chicago; Judge Linda J. Pauel, LAGBAC -Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association; L. Steven Rakowski, Advocates Society; Judge Mary Colleen Roberts (ret.), Women’s Bar Association of Illinois; Larry Rogers, Jr., Cook County Bar Association; Frank A. Sommario, Justinian Society of Lawyers; Homero Tristan, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois; Alan K. Tse, Chinese American Bar Association of Greater Chicago; Nura Yanaki, Arab American Bar Association of Illinois; and Theodore Yi, Asian American Bar Association.
The first annual “CBAY” Awards were held to honor the outstanding and extraordinary dedication, leadership, contributions, and service of members who helped make the CBA a vibrant and impactful organization throughout this bar year. The 2025 CBAY Winners were: The Maestro Award, John Vishneski, Reed Smith LLP; Outstanding Committee Meeting, Trust Law Committee, Co-Chairs: Theresa M.H. Marx, CIBC Private Wealth and Elise J. McGee, McDermot, Will & Emery; Outstanding Seminar, Unauthorized Practice & Multidisciplinary Practice Committee, Co-Chairs: Myrrha B. Guzman, ARDC and Scott A. Kozlov, Cook County Clerk’s Office; Committees of the Year, Well-Being & Mindfulness Committee, Co-chairs: Gina A. Crumble, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and Karen Munoz, Dolan Law and Judicial Evaluation Committee, Chair: Michelle Carey, ServPro; Outstanding Committee Leaders, Noah J. Graf, Legislative Committee, Chair and Jonathan S. Safron, Chair of the Media and Entertainment Committee; CBA Media Award, Hon. Michael B. Hyman; Law Firm of the Year Award, Jenner & Block; CBA Legacy Award, Hon. Maryam Ahmad; CBA Lawyer of the Year Award, Hon. Thomas R. Mulroy; The Richard W. Culver, Donald J. Hubert & Ald. William J.P. Banks CBA Outstanding Mentor, Alderman William J.P. Banks, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, and Anthony R. Licata, Taft; President’s Award of Excellence, Jonathan B. Amarilio, CBA Treasurer, 2024-2025, Aurora Austriaco, CBA President, 2012-2013, Laurel G. Bellows, CBA President, 1991-1992, Robert A. Clifford, CBA President, 2011-2012, Daniel A. Cotter, CBA President, 2014-2015, Hon. Joy V. Cunningham, CBA President, 2004-2005, Kevin P. Durkin, CBA President, 2006-2007, Ray J. Koenig III, CBA President 2023-2024, Daniel M. Kotin, CBA President, 2016-2017, Kenneth A. Matuszewski, YLS Chair, 2024-2025, Hon. Nichole C. Patton, Incoming CBA President, 2025-2026, Trisha M. Rich, CBA Secretary, 2024-2025 and Timothy S. Tomasik, CBA President, 2022-2023.
Committees
Our practice, service, and special committees meet regularly throughout the year providing education and networking opportunities to all members. The CBA has more than 100 substantive law, service, and special committees.
The Legislative Committee, chaired by Noah Graf, has reviewed more than 40 proposed bills/legislation scheduled for consideration by the Illinois State Legislature this year. Collaborating with our legislative counsel, Larry and Tom Suffredin, the CBA is one of the most effective local and statewide voices representing the highest and best interests of our legal profession.
Under the leadership of Chair Michelle Carey, the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) completed an ambitious review of 78 sitting judges seeking retention and 50 candidates vying to fill vacancies on the Appellate and Circuit Courts for the November 2024 election in Cook County. The Committee’s vital work continues this summer as it evaluates judicial hopefuls being considered for endorsement by the Cook County Democratic Party ahead of the March 2026 primary election. Looking ahead, the JEC is also preparing to launch the evaluation process for an additional 76 sitting judges expected to run for retention in November 2026. With a growing caseload and ongoing demand for fair, thorough evaluations, the JEC is actively seeking dedicated investigators to support its mission of ensuring an informed electorate and a qualified judiciary. To help citizens cast informed votes for judicial candidates, the JEC provided the Judge Smart Pocket Guide for the November 2024 general election for voters in English, Spanish, and Polish.
The CBA added two committees this year: Domestic Violence and Veteran and Military Affairs.
Continuing Legal Education
The CLE Department collaborated with 100-plus committees to develop 450-plus CLE-accredited seminars and committee meetings. Over 53,000 participants took part in CBA seminars and committee meetings during the bar year. The CBA maintains an archive of 200+ on-demand CLE-accredited seminars, including 90 professional responsibility-accredited programs, which enable lawyers to learn and earn Illinois MCLE credit at their convenience. The CBA also maintains a robust library of over 500 committee meeting videos covering a wide variety of substantive law topics.
The CBA continues to offer a mix of in-person and virtual events. Feedback from our members indicates continued appreciation for the convenience of attending committee meetings and seminars via Zoom, with the vast majority of attendees participating online. For this reason, we continue to offer a virtual option for the majority of the CBA’s continuing legal education programming.
In-person interactive and skills-based learning programs remain in high demand and members enthusiastically participated in various interactive opportunities during this bar year, including the CBA Trial Academy and the CBA Leadership Institute.
We hosted our International CLE Program in Sicily. More than 100 CBA members and guests traveled together to Palermo and Taormina. The CLE portion of the trip took place at the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palermo Court of Appeals, where we were joined by several members of the Palermo Bar Association, as well as Italian Politician and Former Mayor of Palermo, Leoluca Orlando, who spoke about the efforts to curtail organized crime in Palermo. In addition to amazing CLE opportunities, guests enjoyed guided tours of Palermo, as well as the nearby cities of Monrele and Taormina, and a cable car ride up to the top of Mount Etna.
Celebrations
The annual 50-Year Member Luncheon honored 66 lawyers and judges for their steadfast commitment and dedication to the legal profession and the CBA as they marked 50 years of association membership this year.
The CBA’s irreverent musical comedy revue returned to the stage for its 101st Annual Bar Show. More than 50 CBA attorneys performed in the annual rousing production that parodied local and national political figures in the show, “Bar to the Future.”
The Barristers Big Band hosted their 22nd annual benefit to support the CBA musical ensembles, including the CBA Symphony and the CBA Chorus, which provide classical musical programs for members of the bar and the broader Chicago community. This year’s theme was “Simple Pleasures,” a celebration of delicious food, great music, fantastic company, and lots of dancing!
As we close this extraordinary year for the CBA, we thank all of our members for your dedication and support. We look forward to continuing our mission of championing justice, building connections, and making an impact with you in the 2025-2026 bar year.
Visit http://www.chicagobar.org to learn more about The Chicago Bar Association.