Sure... you thought that the big shindig at the train station meant an end to all those 150th anniversary celebrations from the Chicago Bar Association, didn't you?
Well... as they used to say in the Ginsu knives commercial... "Wait! There's more!"
The CBA Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are throwing a 150th birthday concert this Saturday evening, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Cathedral, 65 E. Huron Street.
Pre-concert tickets are $15 ($10 for law students or young people, 18 or under). Program notes and pre-sale tickets are available at this link. Tickets will be available at the door, too, but for $20 apiece ($15 for students).
Cases, controversies, the occasional water-cooler rant, and news about Cook County judges and judicial elections Feel free to browse here or on page two of this blog.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
79 Cook County jurists file for retention
Two Appellate Court justices and 77 Cook County Circuit Court judges filed for retention this year, according to records released by the Illinois Secretary of State and obtained by FWIW.
Appellate Court Justices David W. Ellis and Thomas E. Hoffman have indicated that they will ask voters for new 10-year terms. The 77 Circuit Court judges who filed for retention (seeking new six-year terms) include 21 countywide Circuit Court judges and 56 subcircuit judges.
If history is any guide, a few judges who file for retention will withdraw from the ballot prior to the November election; indeed, one, Judge Thomas W. Murphy, already has. (His July retirement will create a 3rd Subcircuit vacancy in 2026).
The retention ballot is a straight 'yes' or 'no' proposition. For each judge seeking retention, voters are asked, 'shall judge X be retained in office?' To be retained in office, a judge must receive 'yes' votes from more than 60% of those voting on the question (or, as it sometimes phrased, 60% + 1). This requirement applies to judges of all Illinois courts, including justices of the Appellate and Supreme Courts.
This year's retention class is somewhat larger than those in recent years. For comparison sake, there were 58 Circuit Court judges filing for retention in 2022 (although there was a Supreme Court justice and six Appellate Court justices filing for retention then, too). In 2020, 64 Circuit Court judges (and two Appellate Court justices) filed for retention. In 2018, there were 61 Circuit Court judges (and one Suprme Court justice and one Appellate Court justice) who filed for retention.
Most of the Cook County judges up for retention were first elected in subcircuits. However, these judges, just like those initially elected countywide, must face the entire county electorate on the retention ballot. Generally, the longest serving judges are at the top of the ballot, the newest judges (those elected six years ago) are at the bottom. Judges with equivalent lengths of service (6 years, 12 years, 18 years, etc.) are listed in alphabetical order... some judges have longer service times because of Supreme Court appointments prior to their elections... but they are listed with the group according to the year they were first elected. Here, subject to correction as may (likely) be necessary, is a list of the judges filing for retention in expected ballot order (there are only 76 names because Judge Thomas Murphy's name has already been removed):
Appellate Court Justices David W. Ellis and Thomas E. Hoffman have indicated that they will ask voters for new 10-year terms. The 77 Circuit Court judges who filed for retention (seeking new six-year terms) include 21 countywide Circuit Court judges and 56 subcircuit judges.
If history is any guide, a few judges who file for retention will withdraw from the ballot prior to the November election; indeed, one, Judge Thomas W. Murphy, already has. (His July retirement will create a 3rd Subcircuit vacancy in 2026).
The retention ballot is a straight 'yes' or 'no' proposition. For each judge seeking retention, voters are asked, 'shall judge X be retained in office?' To be retained in office, a judge must receive 'yes' votes from more than 60% of those voting on the question (or, as it sometimes phrased, 60% + 1). This requirement applies to judges of all Illinois courts, including justices of the Appellate and Supreme Courts.
This year's retention class is somewhat larger than those in recent years. For comparison sake, there were 58 Circuit Court judges filing for retention in 2022 (although there was a Supreme Court justice and six Appellate Court justices filing for retention then, too). In 2020, 64 Circuit Court judges (and two Appellate Court justices) filed for retention. In 2018, there were 61 Circuit Court judges (and one Suprme Court justice and one Appellate Court justice) who filed for retention.
Most of the Cook County judges up for retention were first elected in subcircuits. However, these judges, just like those initially elected countywide, must face the entire county electorate on the retention ballot. Generally, the longest serving judges are at the top of the ballot, the newest judges (those elected six years ago) are at the bottom. Judges with equivalent lengths of service (6 years, 12 years, 18 years, etc.) are listed in alphabetical order... some judges have longer service times because of Supreme Court appointments prior to their elections... but they are listed with the group according to the year they were first elected. Here, subject to correction as may (likely) be necessary, is a list of the judges filing for retention in expected ballot order (there are only 76 names because Judge Thomas Murphy's name has already been removed):
- Kathy M. Flanagan
- Martin B. Agran
- Ronald F. Bartkowicz
- Stuart F. Lubin
- James M. Varga
- E. Kenneth Wright, Jr.
- Maura Slattery Boyle
- Maragaret Mary Brosnahan
- Daniel Patrick Brennan
- Ellen L. Flannigan
- Carol M. Howard
- Jill C. Marise
- Mike McHale
- James Patrick Murphy
- Ramon Ocasio, III
- Mary Colleen Roberts
- Carl Anthony Walker
- Carl B. Boyd
- Tommy Brewer
- Michael R. Clancy
- Daniel B. Degnan
- John H. Ehrlich
- Terry Gallagher
- William G. Gamboney
- Celia Louise Gamrath
- Elizabeth Mary Hayes
- Lionel Jean-Baptiste
- Martin C. Kelley
- Kimberly D. Lewis
- Aicha Marie MacCarthy
- Lisa Ann Marino
- Diann Karen Marsalek
- Michael Tully Mullen
- Karen Lynn O'Malley
- Paul S. Pavlus
- Cynthia Ramirez
- Erica L. Reddick
- Beatriz Santiago
- Regina Ann Scannicchio
- Michael B. Barrett
- Tianna Ellis Blakely
- Joel Chupack
- Elizabeth Ciaccia-Lezza
- H. Yvonne Coleman
- Kevin Patrick Cunningham
- Colleen Reardon Daly
- Adrienne Elaine Davis
- Kent Delgado
- Beatriz A. Frausto-Sandoval
- Peter Michael Gonzalez
- Ieshia Gray
- Jack Hagerty
- Robert Harris
- Toya T. Harvey
- Cecilia Anne Horan
- Lindsay Huge
- Preston Jones, Jr.
- Kathaleen Theresa Lanahan
- Thomas F. McGuire
- Scott McKenna
- David R. Navarro
- Shannon O'Malley
- Erika Orr
- Linda Perez
- Marian Emily Perkins
- Clare Joyce Quish
- Joanne F. Rosado
- Stephnanie Saltouros
- Debra A. Seaton
- James "Jamie" Shapiro
- Tom Sam Sianis
- Rosa Maria Silva
- Kathryn Maloney Vahey
- Andrea Michelle Webber
- Arthur Wesley Willis
- Jeanne Marie Wrenn
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
For all you planners out there: A 'Save the Date' from the ILJA
Summer calendars fill up fast. The Illinois Latino Judges Assocation will install its new board at a gala on Thursday, July 25 at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. More later.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Tonight: John Hock fundraiser in Niles
Most Cook County judicial elections are essentially over. But not all.
Voters in two subcircuits still have judicial choices to make in November. One of these subcircuits is the 18th, where Democratic nominees John Hock will face off against Republican Lynn Terese Palac.
And, thus, Hock's campaign continues.
Hock's supporters are holding a fundraiser tonight, Tuesday, May 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at D'Agostino's Pizza, 7530 W. Oakton, Niles. Tickets are $50 each (kids admitted for $25). Sponsorships are available: Friend - $250, Supporter - $500, Sponsor - $1,000. For any questions, or to RSVP, email johnhock@gmail.com.
Voters in two subcircuits still have judicial choices to make in November. One of these subcircuits is the 18th, where Democratic nominees John Hock will face off against Republican Lynn Terese Palac.
And, thus, Hock's campaign continues.
Hock's supporters are holding a fundraiser tonight, Tuesday, May 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at D'Agostino's Pizza, 7530 W. Oakton, Niles. Tickets are $50 each (kids admitted for $25). Sponsorships are available: Friend - $250, Supporter - $500, Sponsor - $1,000. For any questions, or to RSVP, email johnhock@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Matthew Taylor judicial campaign launches Facebook campaign page
Matt Taylor is the Republican nominee for the Schleifer vacancy in the 12th Subcircuit; he was unopposed in the March Republican primary.
Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 2004, according to ARDC, Taylor's LinkedIn page notes that he became a lawyer after first serving as a police officer (from 1994). He currently practices as M. J. Taylor Law, LLC, with an office in Palatine.
Taylor's campaign now has a campaign Facebook page. FWIW has been so far unable to find a campaign website; however, when and if FWIW learns of one, a link will be posted on this site's Sidebar.
Taylor's opponent in November, who was unopposed in the Democratic Primary, is James "Jack" Costello. There are three contested races in the 12th Subcircuit. There are only four contested judicial races in all of Cook County; the only other judicial contest on the November ballot is in the new 18th Subcircuit. All other Cook County judicial races are uncontested in the forthcoming general election.
Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 2004, according to ARDC, Taylor's LinkedIn page notes that he became a lawyer after first serving as a police officer (from 1994). He currently practices as M. J. Taylor Law, LLC, with an office in Palatine.
Taylor's campaign now has a campaign Facebook page. FWIW has been so far unable to find a campaign website; however, when and if FWIW learns of one, a link will be posted on this site's Sidebar.
Taylor's opponent in November, who was unopposed in the Democratic Primary, is James "Jack" Costello. There are three contested races in the 12th Subcircuit. There are only four contested judicial races in all of Cook County; the only other judicial contest on the November ballot is in the new 18th Subcircuit. All other Cook County judicial races are uncontested in the forthcoming general election.
Thursday, May 09, 2024
Sponsors sought for 2nd Annual Salute to Veterans; tickets now available for June 3 event at Soldier Field
The Decalogue Society and at least 40 bar groups and judges' associations are co-hosting the Second Annual Salute to Veterans in the Legal Profession on Monday, June 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Solider Field.
This event recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of veterans in all branches of the U.S. Military who, in addition to their service to this country, have also dedicated their careers to the legal profession as judges, lawyers, paralegals, law students, and legal administrative staff.
This year's event is intended to build on last year's inaugural Salute, which attracted 350 attendees and over 100 Judges who came out to honor service members who went on to work in the legal profession. The program this year will include speakers (lawyers and judges) who have served or currently serve in each branch of the military, as well as Color Guard, Pipes & Drums, and Rifle Team presentations. Event Challenge Coins will also be presented to all servicemembers. John Vincent, who sings the National Anthem at Cubs home games, will be singing at the event.
Food (heavy hors d'oeuvres) will be provided and there will be an open bar.
Active servicemembers, reservists, and veterans can attend for free with registration. All are encouraged to attend in uniform and provide photos of themselves in service (send pictures by May 20 to joel.bruckman@gmail.com for a "digital montage" that will be playing throughout the event).
Tickets for Decalogue members are $125 each; tickets for non-Decalogue members are $150 each.
Sponsorships are also available. Sponsorships include:
Registration for veterans, reservists, and active servicemembers; event tickets; sponsorships; and ad book ads are all available at this link.
This event recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of veterans in all branches of the U.S. Military who, in addition to their service to this country, have also dedicated their careers to the legal profession as judges, lawyers, paralegals, law students, and legal administrative staff.
This year's event is intended to build on last year's inaugural Salute, which attracted 350 attendees and over 100 Judges who came out to honor service members who went on to work in the legal profession. The program this year will include speakers (lawyers and judges) who have served or currently serve in each branch of the military, as well as Color Guard, Pipes & Drums, and Rifle Team presentations. Event Challenge Coins will also be presented to all servicemembers. John Vincent, who sings the National Anthem at Cubs home games, will be singing at the event.
Food (heavy hors d'oeuvres) will be provided and there will be an open bar.
Active servicemembers, reservists, and veterans can attend for free with registration. All are encouraged to attend in uniform and provide photos of themselves in service (send pictures by May 20 to joel.bruckman@gmail.com for a "digital montage" that will be playing throughout the event).
Tickets for Decalogue members are $125 each; tickets for non-Decalogue members are $150 each.
Sponsorships are also available. Sponsorships include:
Even the casual reader will have noticed several references to a program ad book. Program organizers are selling quarter-page ads for $150, half-page ads for $350, and full page 5" x 8" ads for $750. Ads do not include event tickets.
- Silver Sponsor - $500
Includes 2 event tickets; free underground stadium parking for one vehicle; social media, written and verbal recognition at the event; and a quarter-page ad in the program ad book.
- Gold Sponsor - $1,000
Includes 5 event tickets; free underground stadium parking for up to three vehicles; social media, written and verbal recognition at the event; and a half-page ad in the program ad book.
- Soldier Field Video Board Sponsor - $2,500
Premier recognition on the Soldier Field video board and a half-page ad in the program ad book. This package does not include any event tickets.
- Challenge Coin Sponsor - $3,500
You or your representative will present Challenge Coins to veteran attendees during the program. Includes 8 event tickets; free underground stadium parking for up to four vehicles; social media, written and verbal recognition at the event; and a half-page ad in the program ad book.
- Platinum Bar Sponsor - $7,500
Includes speaking opportunity during the event program; recognition on the Soldier Field video board and on on video monitors in the entranceway; signage on bars at the event; 12 event tickets; free underground stadium parking for up to six vehicles; social media, written and verbal recognition at the event, and a full-page ad in the program ad book.
- Presenting Sponsor - $15,000
Includes exclusive screen recognition on the Soldier Field video board and on video monitors in the entranceway; speaking opportunity during the program; 20 event tickets; free underground stadium parking for up to 10 vehicles; personalized giveaway; social media, written and verbal recognition at the event; logo on the cover of the program ad book and a full-page ad within.
Registration for veterans, reservists, and active servicemembers; event tickets; sponsorships; and ad book ads are all available at this link.
Ticket sales for PRBA's 30th Anniversary Gala close tomorrow, May 10
The Puerto Rican Bar Association's 30th Anniversary Gala will be held Saturday, May 18, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, at the Fountain Blue, 2300 Mannheim Road, Des Plaines.
All the information you may require about this event is reproduced in the 2-page flyer, below. The key piece of date, per the PRBA's Instagram page, is that ticket sales close tomorrow, May 10. For tickets, click here.
All the information you may require about this event is reproduced in the 2-page flyer, below. The key piece of date, per the PRBA's Instagram page, is that ticket sales close tomorrow, May 10. For tickets, click here.
Wednesday, May 08, 2024
CBA's 150th Anniversary celebrations conclude with May 10 event at Union Station; tickets still available
If it seems like the Chicago Bar Association has been going on about its 150th Anniversary for some time now, that's because it actuallly has. Special website, special logo (at left)... it's been almost exactly a year since FWIW carried an initial post about the anniversary.
Some readers may be grumbling that this is all too much already. But look at it this way: If you made it to 150, you might want to make a big deal about it, too.
Founded in 1874, CBA has become one of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States. During its 150 years of existence, the CBA has worked diligently to maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivate relationships between members, and promote the administration of justice and the public good.
"We take enormous pride in the CBA's legacy of championing justice, building connections, and making an impact in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The CBA continues to lead the legal community by standing for the rule of law, upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting equitable access to justice, and advocating for the just treatment of all people. It has been my honor to lead this organization during this milestone year," said Ray J. Koenig III, CBA President.
CBA members, community and civic leaders, and legal community members will gather on Friday, May 10, at Union Station’s historic great hall for a grand celebration. In addition to the celebration at Union Station, CBA President Ray J. Koenig will throw out the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox game on May 13 and the Chicago Cubs game on May 21. Earlier this month, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and members of the Chicago City Council, including 4th Ward Alderman Lamont J. Robinson (the CBA Building on S. Plymouth Ct. is located in his ward), honored the Association by passing a resolution to recognize the CBA for this special anniversary.
"As I look back on this wonderful year of celebration, I am reminded of all the fabulous events and activities our 150th Anniversary Committee brought forth for our community," said Judge Nichole Patton, a Co-Chair of the CBA’s 150th Anniversary Committee along with former Executive Director Terry Murphy. "From the Community Legal Fair we hosted with over 40 legal resource organizations, to our Know Your Rights Legal Series with the Chicago and Evanston Libraries to our 5K Impact Day Run/Walk and so much more. I am in awe of all we accomplished this year to engage with our members, inform the public and celebrate the legal community."
Since the CBA’s founding in 1874, the practice of law has undergone many changes. Through these changes, the CBA has continued to be a driving force in reshaping the law, advocating for change, and expanding the availability of legal services.
Championing Justice
Throughout its history, the CBA has been a proponent of a unified, fair, and available state and local court system. It has also worked to provide opportunities for all residents of Illinois and Chicago to have access to justice and the courts:
With more than 17,000 members, including attorneys from every practice area of law, state and local judiciaries, law students from across Illinois, and non-lawyers working in the legal industry, the CBA is home to Chicago’s impressive legal community:
Throughout its history, the CBA has been committed to improving access to justice for people in need, making the legal system fairer and more efficient, and educating the public on our legal system:
All are invited to join the CBA for the culmination of its 150th Anniversary year at Union Station on May 10. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while mingling and dancing to big band music from the CBA’s Big Barristers Band. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a new annual award to CBA Past President and renowned attorney, Robert Clifford. Named in his honor, the Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award will be presented annually to celebrate an outstanding member who champions justice in the Illinois legal community, just as Clifford has done throughout his distinguished career.
"Robert A. Clifford is a Champion of Justice, always embodying the historic underpinnings of our 150-year-old organization," said CBA Immediate Past President Timothy Tomasik. "Bob’s extraordinary professional and charitable accomplishments have benefited the nation, the State of Illinois and Chicago. He is a superior trial lawyer who has always fiercely protected the rule of law by adhering to the highest ethical principles and at all times demonstrated outstanding integrity and character."
Visit here for more information and to purchase tickets: https://www.chicagobar.org/150.
Sponsors of the CBA 150th Anniversary include Clifford Law Offices; Jenner & Block; Tomasik, Kotin, Kasserman; Tully & Associates; Aronberg Goldghen; CBA Insurance Agency; JAMS; ADR Systems; Elrod Friedman LLP; Katten; Taft; Valentine, Austriaco & Bueschel PC; Holland & Knight; Nijman Franzetti LLP; and Laurel and Joel Bellows | David C. Hilliard.
Some readers may be grumbling that this is all too much already. But look at it this way: If you made it to 150, you might want to make a big deal about it, too.
Founded in 1874, CBA has become one of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States. During its 150 years of existence, the CBA has worked diligently to maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivate relationships between members, and promote the administration of justice and the public good.
"We take enormous pride in the CBA's legacy of championing justice, building connections, and making an impact in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The CBA continues to lead the legal community by standing for the rule of law, upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting equitable access to justice, and advocating for the just treatment of all people. It has been my honor to lead this organization during this milestone year," said Ray J. Koenig III, CBA President.
CBA members, community and civic leaders, and legal community members will gather on Friday, May 10, at Union Station’s historic great hall for a grand celebration. In addition to the celebration at Union Station, CBA President Ray J. Koenig will throw out the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox game on May 13 and the Chicago Cubs game on May 21. Earlier this month, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and members of the Chicago City Council, including 4th Ward Alderman Lamont J. Robinson (the CBA Building on S. Plymouth Ct. is located in his ward), honored the Association by passing a resolution to recognize the CBA for this special anniversary.
"As I look back on this wonderful year of celebration, I am reminded of all the fabulous events and activities our 150th Anniversary Committee brought forth for our community," said Judge Nichole Patton, a Co-Chair of the CBA’s 150th Anniversary Committee along with former Executive Director Terry Murphy. "From the Community Legal Fair we hosted with over 40 legal resource organizations, to our Know Your Rights Legal Series with the Chicago and Evanston Libraries to our 5K Impact Day Run/Walk and so much more. I am in awe of all we accomplished this year to engage with our members, inform the public and celebrate the legal community."
Since the CBA’s founding in 1874, the practice of law has undergone many changes. Through these changes, the CBA has continued to be a driving force in reshaping the law, advocating for change, and expanding the availability of legal services.
Championing Justice
Throughout its history, the CBA has been a proponent of a unified, fair, and available state and local court system. It has also worked to provide opportunities for all residents of Illinois and Chicago to have access to justice and the courts:
Building Connections
- The CBA supported legislation that impacted how the courts interpret matters, such as repealing the Torrens System and abolishing the Rule Against Perpetuities and the Rule in Shelley’s Case. Other legislation created new rights that involved families, children, the environment, public health, liens, human rights, real property, alternative dispute resolution, animal rights, mental health and developmental disabilities, aging, housing, insurance, business organization, business transactions, elections, employment, and education.
- The CBA was the driving force behind the creation of the nation’s first Juvenile and Family Court, a reform that has helped millions of children.
- The CBA Committee on Defense of Prisoners was established in 1912. Criminal Court judges appointed volunteer members as defense counsel for indigent defendants. The Committee pre-dated the Cook County Public Defender's Office, established in 1930.
- In 1948, The Chicago Bar Foundation was formed as the charitable arm of The Chicago Bar Association to improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system fairer and more efficient for everyone. Through the years, the CBF has developed programs dealing with mortgage foreclosure, eviction, consumer credit, divorce, immigration, and other areas where representation of underserved people was needed.
- The CBA worked tirelessly for the passage of the Judicial Article of 1964, which established a unified court system, with judges reelected on their records without party labels; a Supreme Court with three justices from Cook County and four from downstate; an Appellate Court; and the creation of the Illinois Courts Commission.
With more than 17,000 members, including attorneys from every practice area of law, state and local judiciaries, law students from across Illinois, and non-lawyers working in the legal industry, the CBA is home to Chicago’s impressive legal community:
Making An Impact
- Through more than 300 CLE offerings, mentorship opportunities, and pro-bono projects, the Association provides resources for attorneys of all ages, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the modern practice of law.
- With over 100 substantive law committees, CBA members have countless speaking, leadership, and engagement opportunities.
- The CBA Young Lawyers Section (YLS) encourages young lawyers to collaborate on projects for their community and profession. It provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, community service, and networking to its approximately 9,000 members, which include attorneys in their first ten years of practice and law students.
- The CBA Law School Ambassador program appoints two to three CBA members to be Ambassadors to the ten Chicago area law schools to engage students at law student activity fairs and serve as a resource for law students’ representatives, law school career directors, and other law school staff.
- The CBA Leadership Institute is a unique training program that aims to increase leadership skills among excellent lawyers and enhance business development strategies essential for the ever more demanding practice of law. Fourteen young lawyers from Chicago-area law firms participate annually.
Throughout its history, the CBA has been committed to improving access to justice for people in need, making the legal system fairer and more efficient, and educating the public on our legal system:
150th Anniversary Celebration
- The CBA has a long history of judicial evaluation, dating from before the turn of the century. To this day, the CBA provides nonpartisan judicial evaluations for candidates seeking to become judges in Cook County, including those seeking a seat on the Illinois Appellate Court and the Circuit Court, as a public service to Cook County voters. The CBA’s judicial ratings, available in English, Spanish, and Polish, are provided to voters so they can cast informed votes for judicial candidates.
- The CBA provides legal resources, information, and education to the general public through public outreach programs like Law at the Library: a free, monthly, legal information series for Chicago residents in partnership with the Chicago Public Library system; Call-A-Lawyer: A monthly call-in program where the members of the public can call in for free general legal advice and self-help strategies provided by a CBA attorney; and Lawyers in the Classroom: a civic education program where attorney volunteers go into 2nd-8th grade classrooms to help students to understand better the U.S. Constitution, the legal system, and law-related careers.
- Implemented in January 1940, The CBA’s Lawyer Referral Service was the first of its kind in the United States. It served as a model for referral systems in large cities and continues to serve the public in need of legal advice and representation.
All are invited to join the CBA for the culmination of its 150th Anniversary year at Union Station on May 10. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while mingling and dancing to big band music from the CBA’s Big Barristers Band. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a new annual award to CBA Past President and renowned attorney, Robert Clifford. Named in his honor, the Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award will be presented annually to celebrate an outstanding member who champions justice in the Illinois legal community, just as Clifford has done throughout his distinguished career.
"Robert A. Clifford is a Champion of Justice, always embodying the historic underpinnings of our 150-year-old organization," said CBA Immediate Past President Timothy Tomasik. "Bob’s extraordinary professional and charitable accomplishments have benefited the nation, the State of Illinois and Chicago. He is a superior trial lawyer who has always fiercely protected the rule of law by adhering to the highest ethical principles and at all times demonstrated outstanding integrity and character."
Visit here for more information and to purchase tickets: https://www.chicagobar.org/150.
Sponsors of the CBA 150th Anniversary include Clifford Law Offices; Jenner & Block; Tomasik, Kotin, Kasserman; Tully & Associates; Aronberg Goldghen; CBA Insurance Agency; JAMS; ADR Systems; Elrod Friedman LLP; Katten; Taft; Valentine, Austriaco & Bueschel PC; Holland & Knight; Nijman Franzetti LLP; and Laurel and Joel Bellows | David C. Hilliard.
Tuesday, May 07, 2024
Weeping Angels amend Election Code... but why?
In a rational polity, legislatures would not act on anything important without investigation (extensive committee hearings, for example) and deliberation. Important legislation would take time... to ripen, to refine, to polish... to consider consequences. Public input and opinion would be sought or, if necessary, guided and shaped by wise legislative leaders.
That's not how we do things in Illinois, of course.
Not for anything important. When our General Assembly does something important, or at least something it thinks is important, it materializes a statute out of seeming nowhere, in an eyeblink, and zips it through the process before anyone on the Outside has a chance to know it is happening.
That's how we know P.A. 103-0586 must be important. It must be really important because it sprang into existence, fully formed, out of less than nothing, in the course of 48 hours or less -- and was signed by the Governor the very next day.
In fact, P.A. 103-0586 must be really, really important because the Springfield Weeping Angels chose to rush this statute through before the end of the current legislative term.
Those of you familiar with these legislative shenanigans can skip ahead a few paragraphs, when we get to the specifics of what P.A. 103-0586 is trying to accomplish. But, for the rest of you, a brief look at the legislative history of SB2414 may prove entertaining. Or terrifying.
As introduced, SB2414 was apparently a substantive attempt to amend the Children and Family Services Act. It was filed in February 2023, and, in due course, referred to committee. It passed through committee unanimously and, by March 29, 2003, it passed its third and final reading in the State Senate 57-0. Not controversial. Also, not anything that would be on the radar of anyone tasked with monitoring changes to Illinois election law.
SB2414 arrived in the House without apparent incident. But on May 16, 2023, Assistant Majority Leader Robert "Bob" Rita introduced an "amendment" to SB2414. Here is that amendment: You've heard of "shell bills" perhaps. This is what one looks like. This is what the Weeping Angels seem to need in order to weave their magic.
On account of this brilliant piece of legislative drafting (deleting "and" and then inserting "and" back in -- it sort of makes my heart swell with patriotic pride at the craftsmanship of of it all) the newly 'amended' bill had to go back to committee... where it passed on what looks like a party line vote. Then it was set up for a Second Reading in the House. With legislation, though, it's the third time that's the charm, and the legislative history reveals that SB2414 was set up for its third reading/final action through May 31, 2023.
And then nothing happened.
Except... on May 31, 2023 it was "re-referred" to the Rules Committee. Ready for whenever it might be needed.
Whenever came 11 months and one day later: On May 1, 2024 SB2414 got a new sponsor, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, from downstate Belleville, and all new language (via House Floor Amendment No. 2, an amendment filed by the aformentioned Rep. Hoffman). In fact, it got the language it has now. And on May 1, it went back to committee, and back out of committee. Still on May 1, the amendment was adopted on the floor of the House and the newly amended SB2414 passed on its third and final reading, 67-4. Forty abstentions were recorded; apparently the Republican members of the House walked out, rather than vote against the bill.
SB2414 went back to the Senate at this point, where the two "amendments" to the innocuous, not-election-related proposal that it had been when it was last in the State Senate were adopted, in sequence. Senate Republicans apparently boycotted these votes (recorded as 35-3-18). All of this on May 2.
And, as already noted, the Governor signed SB2414, now P.A. 103-0586, on May 3, effective immediately.
In Springfield, don't blink!
So... what does P.A. 103-0586 purport to do?
Well, this is where it gets interesting: Some of it appears to be fairly standard election year theatrics. Some of it appears to be a helpful reform to our very congested election calendar. And the middle part of it -- the one that apparently triggered the Republican boycott -- prevents political parties from putting candidates on the ballot in the general election where no candidate of that party came forward in the primary.
The election year theatrics are found in Articles 2, 3, and 4 of the new law. These articles certify three advisory referendum questions for the statewide November ballot:
The potentially helpful part of the statute is in the amendments to §§7-11 and 7-12 of the Election Code, 10 ILCS 5/7-11 and 7-12, moving up petition filing dates by 28 days. This would allow more time for election boards to consider challenges to nominating petitions and potentially allow for their disposition prior to the start of early voting. Perhaps, in the next election cycle, we can avoid any necessity to 'halt early voting' whilst appeals proceed on petition challenges.
I believe this will move the entire election calendar up by those same 28 days. Petition signing may begin 28 days sooner, perhaps. But that is my hunch, not yet backed up with research or authoritative opinion. Actual election lawyers are looking into this carefully, I am sure. Persons interested in running for office in 2026 should be paying careful attention to this as well... and, of course, should be consulting an election lawyer sooner rather than later. (At least 28 days sooner, I would say.)
The controversial part of P.A. 103-0586 appears to be the amendments to §7-61 and §8-17 of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/7-61 and 10 ILCS 5/8-17) and related statutes. Clearly, judging by the partisan outrage, the Legislature did this for somebody specific... or to someone specific. Maybe both. Those of us on the Outside are unlikely to find out the particulars.
Before P.A. 103-0586, where no candidate ran in the primary, or was nominated as a write-in, the leaders of that party could thereafter appoint someone to 'fill in the blank' on the ballot. If you clicked on the news link a few paragraphs above, you may have noticed that this practice was referred to as 'slating.' Apparently.
Obviously, 'slating' Downstate and slating in County Cook are different things.
There were hoops that had to be jumped through by the person so appointed, and apparently these have grown more complicated over time. Entropy increases is a law of physics. When it comes to legislation, it is complexity that increases.
Probably most FWIW readers have never even heard of this practice. Since I've been on this beat, this was done exactly once in a Cook County judicial race, in 2014, in the 4th Subcircuit. I wrote about it then.
But the new act purports to preclude political parties from nominating candidates for election without going through a primary.
The operative language appears to be in §8-17 of the Election Code which, on its face, seems to be about candidates who die on or before the primary. It previously provided, and continues to provide, a procedure for parties to replace a candidate who dies before or after the primary, or declines his or her nomination, or withdraws from the general election.
But §8-17 used to allow this procedure to be used "should the nomination for any other reason become vacant." That language is now stricken by P.A. 103-0586. Further, the second sentence in that second paragraph now reads, "However, if there was no candidate for the nomination of the party in the primary, no candidate of that party for that office may be listed on the ballot at the general election."
So... assuming the law holds up against an expected legal challenge (on the grounds that the rules of the election are being changed in the middle of the election cycle, and not just for the future)... all currently unopposed candidates will remain unopposed (pending, if you really want to be technical, the vanishly small possibility that some independent candidate might somehow qualify for the November ballot).
Again, however, the provisions now amended by P.A. 103-0586 have only been used once in Cook County judicial races in many years. There was a rumor that the Republicans were going to field a candidate in, oddly enough, the 4th Subcircuit, but, from what I heard, the prospective candidate in question decided against running this time... even before the Weeping Angels struck. It seems highly unlikely that all this legislative effort was made to prevent a contest in the 4th Subcircuit.
But you can bet your mortgage this was done for a reason. Probably to help a specific person, presumably an incumbent, or to prevent a specific person from slipping onto the November ballot. But who?
That's not how we do things in Illinois, of course.
Not for anything important. When our General Assembly does something important, or at least something it thinks is important, it materializes a statute out of seeming nowhere, in an eyeblink, and zips it through the process before anyone on the Outside has a chance to know it is happening.
That's how we know P.A. 103-0586 must be important. It must be really important because it sprang into existence, fully formed, out of less than nothing, in the course of 48 hours or less -- and was signed by the Governor the very next day.
In fact, P.A. 103-0586 must be really, really important because the Springfield Weeping Angels chose to rush this statute through before the end of the current legislative term.
Those of you familiar with these legislative shenanigans can skip ahead a few paragraphs, when we get to the specifics of what P.A. 103-0586 is trying to accomplish. But, for the rest of you, a brief look at the legislative history of SB2414 may prove entertaining. Or terrifying.
As introduced, SB2414 was apparently a substantive attempt to amend the Children and Family Services Act. It was filed in February 2023, and, in due course, referred to committee. It passed through committee unanimously and, by March 29, 2003, it passed its third and final reading in the State Senate 57-0. Not controversial. Also, not anything that would be on the radar of anyone tasked with monitoring changes to Illinois election law.
SB2414 arrived in the House without apparent incident. But on May 16, 2023, Assistant Majority Leader Robert "Bob" Rita introduced an "amendment" to SB2414. Here is that amendment: You've heard of "shell bills" perhaps. This is what one looks like. This is what the Weeping Angels seem to need in order to weave their magic.
On account of this brilliant piece of legislative drafting (deleting "and" and then inserting "and" back in -- it sort of makes my heart swell with patriotic pride at the craftsmanship of of it all) the newly 'amended' bill had to go back to committee... where it passed on what looks like a party line vote. Then it was set up for a Second Reading in the House. With legislation, though, it's the third time that's the charm, and the legislative history reveals that SB2414 was set up for its third reading/final action through May 31, 2023.
And then nothing happened.
Except... on May 31, 2023 it was "re-referred" to the Rules Committee. Ready for whenever it might be needed.
Whenever came 11 months and one day later: On May 1, 2024 SB2414 got a new sponsor, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, from downstate Belleville, and all new language (via House Floor Amendment No. 2, an amendment filed by the aformentioned Rep. Hoffman). In fact, it got the language it has now. And on May 1, it went back to committee, and back out of committee. Still on May 1, the amendment was adopted on the floor of the House and the newly amended SB2414 passed on its third and final reading, 67-4. Forty abstentions were recorded; apparently the Republican members of the House walked out, rather than vote against the bill.
SB2414 went back to the Senate at this point, where the two "amendments" to the innocuous, not-election-related proposal that it had been when it was last in the State Senate were adopted, in sequence. Senate Republicans apparently boycotted these votes (recorded as 35-3-18). All of this on May 2.
And, as already noted, the Governor signed SB2414, now P.A. 103-0586, on May 3, effective immediately.
In Springfield, don't blink!
So... what does P.A. 103-0586 purport to do?
Well, this is where it gets interesting: Some of it appears to be fairly standard election year theatrics. Some of it appears to be a helpful reform to our very congested election calendar. And the middle part of it -- the one that apparently triggered the Republican boycott -- prevents political parties from putting candidates on the ballot in the general election where no candidate of that party came forward in the primary.
The election year theatrics are found in Articles 2, 3, and 4 of the new law. These articles certify three advisory referendum questions for the statewide November ballot:
Nothing binding here... just a means of potentially ginning up turnout from among constituencies that the Democratic majority would like to see at the polls on Election Day. (Just a side note here for our elected leaders: Do you see how easy it would be to put a referendum on the ballot calling for fair election maps drawn by a nonpartisan commission?)
- Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker's official duties?
- Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?
- Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?
The potentially helpful part of the statute is in the amendments to §§7-11 and 7-12 of the Election Code, 10 ILCS 5/7-11 and 7-12, moving up petition filing dates by 28 days. This would allow more time for election boards to consider challenges to nominating petitions and potentially allow for their disposition prior to the start of early voting. Perhaps, in the next election cycle, we can avoid any necessity to 'halt early voting' whilst appeals proceed on petition challenges.
I believe this will move the entire election calendar up by those same 28 days. Petition signing may begin 28 days sooner, perhaps. But that is my hunch, not yet backed up with research or authoritative opinion. Actual election lawyers are looking into this carefully, I am sure. Persons interested in running for office in 2026 should be paying careful attention to this as well... and, of course, should be consulting an election lawyer sooner rather than later. (At least 28 days sooner, I would say.)
The controversial part of P.A. 103-0586 appears to be the amendments to §7-61 and §8-17 of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/7-61 and 10 ILCS 5/8-17) and related statutes. Clearly, judging by the partisan outrage, the Legislature did this for somebody specific... or to someone specific. Maybe both. Those of us on the Outside are unlikely to find out the particulars.
Before P.A. 103-0586, where no candidate ran in the primary, or was nominated as a write-in, the leaders of that party could thereafter appoint someone to 'fill in the blank' on the ballot. If you clicked on the news link a few paragraphs above, you may have noticed that this practice was referred to as 'slating.' Apparently.
Obviously, 'slating' Downstate and slating in County Cook are different things.
There were hoops that had to be jumped through by the person so appointed, and apparently these have grown more complicated over time. Entropy increases is a law of physics. When it comes to legislation, it is complexity that increases.
Probably most FWIW readers have never even heard of this practice. Since I've been on this beat, this was done exactly once in a Cook County judicial race, in 2014, in the 4th Subcircuit. I wrote about it then.
But the new act purports to preclude political parties from nominating candidates for election without going through a primary.
The operative language appears to be in §8-17 of the Election Code which, on its face, seems to be about candidates who die on or before the primary. It previously provided, and continues to provide, a procedure for parties to replace a candidate who dies before or after the primary, or declines his or her nomination, or withdraws from the general election.
But §8-17 used to allow this procedure to be used "should the nomination for any other reason become vacant." That language is now stricken by P.A. 103-0586. Further, the second sentence in that second paragraph now reads, "However, if there was no candidate for the nomination of the party in the primary, no candidate of that party for that office may be listed on the ballot at the general election."
So... assuming the law holds up against an expected legal challenge (on the grounds that the rules of the election are being changed in the middle of the election cycle, and not just for the future)... all currently unopposed candidates will remain unopposed (pending, if you really want to be technical, the vanishly small possibility that some independent candidate might somehow qualify for the November ballot).
Again, however, the provisions now amended by P.A. 103-0586 have only been used once in Cook County judicial races in many years. There was a rumor that the Republicans were going to field a candidate in, oddly enough, the 4th Subcircuit, but, from what I heard, the prospective candidate in question decided against running this time... even before the Weeping Angels struck. It seems highly unlikely that all this legislative effort was made to prevent a contest in the 4th Subcircuit.
But you can bet your mortgage this was done for a reason. Probably to help a specific person, presumably an incumbent, or to prevent a specific person from slipping onto the November ballot. But who?
Thursday, May 02, 2024
Tickets now available for ILJA Spring Social
The Illinois Latino Judges Association will hold its Spring Social on Wednesday, May 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Chief O'Neill's, 3471 N. Elston.
Tickets are available for $75 each at this link. Those who understand such things may also use the QR code in the graphic above.
Tickets are available for $75 each at this link. Those who understand such things may also use the QR code in the graphic above.
The Advocates will be marching Saturday
The Advocates Society will have a unit in Saturday's Polish Constitution Day Parade.
The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. and moves north, up Columbus Drive, from Balbo to Monroe. Persons wishing to march with the Advocates should gather at 10:30 a.m.
This being the Internet, that's probably about as much detail as I think it prudent to share. But it should be sufficient for those who may be interested.
The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. and moves north, up Columbus Drive, from Balbo to Monroe. Persons wishing to march with the Advocates should gather at 10:30 a.m.
This being the Internet, that's probably about as much detail as I think it prudent to share. But it should be sufficient for those who may be interested.
Wednesday, May 01, 2024
Thursday: IBF Lawyers Care Reception at Ditka's Oak Brook
The Illinois Bar Foundation will hold a Lawyers Care Reception tomorrow, Thursday, May 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Ditka's Oakbrook, 2 Mid America Plaza, #100, Oakbrook Terrace.
The event will honor Michael J. Scalzo, of Scalzo Law Offices, and former Cook County Circuit Court Judge Russell Hartigan "for their many dedicated years of service to the IBF and the Lawyers Care Fund Committee."
Proceeds of the event will benefit the Warren Lupel Lawyers Care Fund, which has provided financial assistance to lawyers and their families in times of crisis since 1951.
Tickets for this event are $75 each. Sponsorships may yet be available (although, at this last minute, one should not expect to get one's name on the event signage or promotional material). Tickets and sponsorship information are available at this page of the IBF website.
The event will honor Michael J. Scalzo, of Scalzo Law Offices, and former Cook County Circuit Court Judge Russell Hartigan "for their many dedicated years of service to the IBF and the Lawyers Care Fund Committee."
Proceeds of the event will benefit the Warren Lupel Lawyers Care Fund, which has provided financial assistance to lawyers and their families in times of crisis since 1951.
Tickets for this event are $75 each. Sponsorships may yet be available (although, at this last minute, one should not expect to get one's name on the event signage or promotional material). Tickets and sponsorship information are available at this page of the IBF website.