More than 375 trial attorneys and Illinois judges were in attendance on the evening of October 16th as the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Chicago-based Law Bulletin Media, hosted its annual reception and awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence at RPM Events. Thirty-five professionals from both sides of the trial bar received individual Trial Lawyer Excellence awards in one of seventeen 2024 categories. Additionally, William J. Rogers and Bruce R. Pfaff were recognized with Lifetime Achievement awards for their body of trial work, leadership, mentoring and contributions to the legal community.
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 1
Fairness, education and other key pillars of the American Dream
Education is supported by our commitment to accurate, reliable reporting that informs our readers, highlighted by our Justice Under Siege series, examining judicial and courthouse safety and public trust in the legal system. Freedom is evident in the variety of viewpoints represented by our columnists both in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer magazine. Hard work defines our reporters, columnists, editors, graphic designers and digital experts, who work daily to deliver thoughtful articles, profiles, columns, case summaries and news briefs about the Illinois legal community. There are many ways to explore this year’s Law Day theme. In our special Law Day report, you will find additional perspectives, starting with Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. and continuing through the lenses of some of the state’s other legal leaders, association presidents and law school deans. Their essays are thought-provoking, insightful and important, and we are proud to present them here. Happy Law Day 2026!
PATRICK REGAN Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Editor
As I reflect on this year’s Law Day theme — “The Rule of Law and the American Dream” — I think about the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s newsroom and our role as journalists covering the Illinois legal community.
We believe the American Dream includes fairness, education, freedom and hard work, with plenty of room for other interpretations as well. Fairness is reflected in our coverage of recent judicial election primaries and last fall’s Cook County chief judge election.
The promise at the heart of the American Dream P. Scott Neville Jr. Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Illinois
Justice is a daily commitment, not an abstract ideal Virginia M. Kendall Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Law creates path for dreamers and stairway for those who aspire Charles S. Beach II Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County
Access to legal representation allows the rule of law to endure and keeps the American Dream possible. Nothing less will do.
Our rule of law is intended to provide a level playing field for everyone, regardless of income, race, gender, religion, country of origin or sexuality.
A strong and peaceful society depends on respect: respect for the law, for the process and for those entrusted to make difficult judgments.
The American Dream rests on more than opportunity and prosperity. At its heart is a promise that the same law governs everyone, and justice does not bend to power, wealth or status. This promise depends on the rule of law, and the rule of law relies on access to legal representation. Every day, people bring their own piece of that dream into a courtroom. Some are there to redress a wrong that has disrupted their lives. Others want to protect their rights, property, reputation or liberty. Many, however, appear without a lawyer. Often they cannot afford a lawyer, have a modest case where the fee outweighs the amount at stake or live in a legal desert with a shortage of attorneys. Yet the promise becomes more formidable without a lawyer. As former Justice Thurgood Marshall observed, “Mere access to the courthouse doors does not by itself assure a proper functioning of the adversary process.” Given that, the Illinois Supreme Court is advancing several initiatives to expand access to counsel and support self-represented litigants. Among them is a pilot project offering MCLE credit for pro bono service and a task force developing strategies to reduce legal deserts. Other task forces are working to modernize court-annexed alternative dispute resolution, improve remote access to court ser- vices and simplify family law procedures. The same promise extends to criminal defense. The right to an attorney has meaning only with properly resourced and structured representation. The Funded Advocacy & Independent Representation Act creates the Office of the State Public Defender, which will handle cases in over two-thirds of Illinois’ 102 counties. The Supreme Court is coordinating with the executive and legislative branches for the office’s January 2027 launch. Access to legal representation allows the rule of law to endure and keeps the American Dream possible. Nothing less will do.
Each day, in the Dirksen Federal Building, the quiet, steady work of justice unfolds. Behind its courtroom doors, judges of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois carry out a fundamental promise of our Constitution: that the rule of law applies equally to all. Law Day invites us to reflect not on abstract principles alone, but on the daily practice of justice. In our courtrooms, individuals from every background — of every race, color and creed — stand on equal footing. Each person is heard. Each claim is considered. Each decision is grounded in the law and the facts, not in status, popularity or power. The work is deliberate and often demanding. Judges listen carefully and patiently, weighing evidence, inter- preting statutes and applying precedent. These are not always easy decisions. They can carry profound con- sequences for individuals, families and communities. Yet the legitimacy of those decisions depends on a process that is fair, transparent and impartial. Central to this system is judicial independence. Courts must be free to decide cases without fear of retribution, influence or harm. This independence is not a privilege of judges — it is a protection for the public. It ensures that rights are safeguarded, that disputes are resolved peace- fully and that the law remains a steady guide in times of uncertainty. A strong and peaceful society depends on respect: respect for the law, for the process and for those entrusted to make difficult judgments. On this Law Day, we are reminded that justice is not an abstract ideal. It is a daily commitment — one carried out with care, integrity and an unwavering dedication to fairness.
The American Dream is the idea that the United States is a land of opportunity offering freedom and equality for all, and a chance for upward mobility for those with the will to succeed. These aspirations can only be achieved through the sturdy infrastructure of the rule of law. It is the law that creates the path for dreamers, and a stairway for those who aspire. The law acts to protect property and personal safety, while ensuring that those accused of wrongdoing do not lose their freedom without due process. Our rule of law is intended to provide a level playing field for everyone, regardless of income, race, gender, religion, country of origin or sexuality. The principle that no person is above the law is key to our democracy and way of life. As one of the country’s largest unified court systems, the Circuit Court of Cook County has a unique role in administering justice and making sure the law is applied fairly to the county’s more than five million residents. Since I became chief judge, our office has worked to establish clearer lines of accountability, improve communication and transparency, and strengthen court operations — all with the goal of enhancing justice and supporting the rule of law. But the rule of law is not sustained by systems alone. It depends on the people entrusted to carry it forward. This court is not merely a collection of buildings and procedures. It is the forum where our community resolves its most difficult conflicts and upholds its most cherished ideals. On Law Day 2026, we are reminded that the American Dream and the rule of law are inseparable. Each depends on the other. Each requires our continued commitment. We must recommit ourselves to the fair and faithful administration of justice and to ensuring that the promise of the American Dream remains within reach for all.
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 2 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
EXPERT LITIGATION SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR
Providing the comprehensive expertise you need to overcome complex challenges and position your clients for success.
Expert Advisory & Analysis Expert Witness Search Litigation Consulting Medical Legal Consulting
30 + Years of Experience
5.8K + Expert Placements Since 2016
65K + Total Cases Served
Explore our expanded services in Chicago and request a consultation today.
imslegal.com | 877.668.0971 | contactus@imslegal.com
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 3
The Lawyers and Staff of Corboy & Demetrio honor Law Day 2026 and our dear pal,
Judge Abe, who firmly believed in upholding the Rule of Law, as do we.
“You don’t have to be rich or white, Catholic or Jewish. You just have to recognize each person for what he is on the inside not on the outside.”
-Senior U.S. District Judge Abraham Lincoln Marovitz on how to succeed in America as he spoke to 2,180 immigrants from 82 countries granted citizenship in 1993.
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 4 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
Maintaining a justice system worthy of public tr ust Mariyana Spyropoulos Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
Striving for equal access to the American Dream Joan A. Akalaonu President, Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago
grown into one of the most active bar associations in Illinois. Through its committees, professional develop- ment programs and leadership initiatives, the WBAI provides opportunities for lawyers and judges across the state to engage in meaningful dialogue, support one another and contribute to a fair and effective justice system. The WBAI’s current presidential theme, “Justice and Empowerment Through Service,” reflects the belief that leadership in the legal profession carries a responsibility to serve the broader community. The WBAI advances this commitment through continuing legal education pro- grams, judicial evaluation efforts and initiatives that promote civic engagement and mentorship. Signature events such as the Annual Judicial Reception bring together members of the bench and bar to foster col- legiality and strengthen professional relationships, while partnerships with other bar associations expand col- laboration throughout the Illinois legal community. In addition, the WBAI’s Political Action Committee supports legislative initiatives that advance the association’s mis- sion and uphold the rule of law. Through its programs, partnerships and service ini- tiatives, the WBAI works to support the legal profession while promoting fairness, access to justice and public confidence in our courts — helping ensure that the promise of the American Dream remains attainable for all. What can we do to make the American story possible? Bridget C. Duignan President, Illinois State Bar Association
The rule of law, like the American Dream, is a promise. Both necessitate the belief that all people are equal and deserve equitable treatment and opportunity.
I know that public faith in the rule of law is shaped not by rhetoric, but by whether the courts function as they should for the people who rely on them.
The Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago Inc. (BWLA) is committed to advancing civil and human rights and improving the administration of justice by increasing the participation of African American women and other underrepresented communities throughout the legal system. This year, the United States of America turns 250 years old. Although African Americans have always been part of this nation’s history, we have not always received the same rights, opportunities and access to the American Dream as others. Today, BWLA’s mission remains as vital as it was nearly 40 years ago at our founding. As president, I have worked alongside our Board of Directors, Scholarship Fund Board and Committees to uphold the theme of Enduring Legacy through on-going initiatives that provide support and mentorship for law students and young attorneys, com- munity service that promotes and recognizes the agency and dignity in our communities, and by providing in- formation about important issues that affect our lives. Those include our Annual Judicial Voting Guide and recent Know Your Rights campaign to assist people when in- teracting with law enforcement. Recently, BWLA collaborated with other bar associations to reaffirm our support for the rule of law and the fair administration of justice. The rule of law, like the American Dream, is a promise. Both necessitate the belief that all people are equal and deserve equitable treatment and opportunity. These concepts are not theoretical. As we’ve seen, there is a delicate balance to upholding America’s ideals and ensuring that everyone is treated equally in our justice system. Leaders within the legal profession are uniquely positioned to champion these ideals through education and advocacy. BWLA will continue its work to increase representation in the legal field and encourage the profession to embrace the rule of law to improve equal access for everyone to the American Dream.
For most Americans, the rule of law is experienced in whether the justice system treats them fairly when the stakes are personal and the outcome matters. As Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, I know that public faith in the rule of law is shaped not by rhetoric, but by whether the courts function as they should for the people who rely on them. That question arises every day in matters involving family stability, personal safety, hous- ing, debt and accountability. At those moments, the legitimacy of the system depends on whether people believe the law will be applied fairly and the process will hold. That is what makes the rule of law indispensable to the American Dream. Opportunity cannot be sustained where outcomes appear contingent on wealth, status or in- fluence. The promise of equal justice under law is what gives people the confidence that rights will be protected, obligations enforced and power constrained by process rather than preference. The clerk’s office has a direct stake in that public trust. Maintaining the official court record and ensuring mean- ingful access to court information are not merely ad- ministrative functions. They are part of the infrastructure of due process. When the system is clear, accurate and accessible, confidence in its fairness is strengthened. The American Dream depends on more than aspiration. It depends on a justice system worthy of trust and on a rule of law strong enough to protect ordinary people from unequal treatment under the law.
Some people come fleeing hardship or persecution. Some people come in search of work or an education. All people come for the freedom and the opportunity that this country offers.
Preserving the rule of law and our system of government is not just about maintaining “laws” and norms. Preserving the rule of law means to care for and maintain the conditions that make the American story possible, all built on the framework of our democratic institutions. Our framers relied on enlightenment philosophers and political thinkers who believed in natural rights of life, liberty and property. They embraced the vision of sep- arated powers through checks and balance, while adopt- ing the concept of a “social contract” built on ac- countability by government and the governed. Our framers integrated a strong belief and a commitment to civil liberties, and the idea of separation of church and state, both of which serve as a backbone of our individual rights. All of these political philosophies were woven into the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and into the Preamble to our Constitution, which affirms that the power lies in, “We the People.” This was how the American Dream was started; the radical belief in human potential. But we cannot have “We the People” without the people — so who are the people? From the very beginning, our government was created and continues to be shaped by people who come from somewhere else. Some people come fleeing hardship or persecution. Some people come in search of work or an education. All people come for the freedom and the opportunity that this country offers. All people contribute to creating the fabric of our government and the rich, cultural landscape of our country. And although women’s contributions went unrecognized, the framers under- stood that the phrase “all men are created equal,” was not self-executing. Instead, every generation has an obligation to expand this promise to the people left out and to empower those who are not, with its preservation. Because after all, to realize the American story is to live the American Dream.
Justice and empowerment through service Katherine A. Twardak President, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
After a year of tumult, Illinois attorneys were chosen as Chicago Lawyer magazine’s Person of the Year. Find out why by reading the Person of the Year article, currently available for free at lawyerport.com/law-day .
The WBAI works to support the legal profession while promoting fairness, access to justice and public confidence in our courts — helping ensure that the promise of the American Dream remains attainable for all.
The rule of law is the foundation that makes the American Dream possible. It ensures that opportunity is shaped not by power or privilege, but by a system of laws applied fairly and consistently. By protecting individual rights, resolving disputes peacefully and providing stability for communities and businesses, the law plays an essential role in everyday American life. For more than a century, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) has worked to strengthen that foun- dation. Founded in 1914 by nine pioneering women attorneys committed to advancing the legal profession and improving the administration of justice, the WBAI has
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 5
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 6 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 7
Improving civil justice in an adversary system
Democracy hinges on our duty to earn public trust Elizabeth M. Rochford President, Illinois Judges Association The American Dream endures because each generation chooses to guarantee it anew. That is our calling. And we accept it. dream, the promise that perseverance and opportunity can combine to produce a better life, is not self-executing. It requires infrastructure. And the most foundational element of that infras- tructure is the rule of law. The rule of law is a structural commitment: a guarantee that legal authority operates through transparent, stable and equally applied principles rather than through the discretion of the powerful. It is the bedrock upon which every person, regardless of wealth, background or status, can assert their rights and trust that institutions will respond with integrity. When it holds, the courthouse door is not merely open in theory. It is open in fact. The Chicago Bar Association works every day to keep it open. Through the Coalition of Chicagoland Bar As- sociations, an alliance of more than 20 bar groups, we defend judicial independence collectively. Through our Judicial Evaluation Committee, we equip voters with merit- based assessments of judicial candidates. Through the Chicago Bar Foundation, we extend legal assistance to those who might otherwise face the justice system alone. And through our AI 2035 Symposium this May, we are preparing the profession to defend the rule of law in the age of artificial intelligence. I have sat on the bench long enough to know that the rule of law is not maintained by its existence alone. It is maintained by people, lawyers who show up, judges who hold the line, bar associations that refuse to be silent.
R. Mark Cosimini President, Illinois Defense Counsel
For a closer look at the state of judicial safety, courthouse secu- rity and public trust in the legal system, check out the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s award-winning Justice Under Siege series, now available for free at lawyerport.com/ law-day . The series includes the perspectives of Illinois justices and judges, law school professors, as- sociation leaders, security experts and U.S. District Judge Joan H. Lefkow, who has lived through the
Donald Patrick Eckler Vice President, Illinois Defense Counsel
The Illinois Defense Counsel is committed to advocating for the interests of those that represent civil defendants because in absence of a fair civil justice system, there can be no justice for anyone.
There are two sides to the “v.” And both sides are entitled to fair rules and procedures. The Illinois Defense Counsel is committed to advocating for the interests of those that represent civil defendants because in absence of a fair civil justice system, there can be no justice for anyone. Everything that the IDC does is focused on our core value of “ensuring civil justice with integrity, civility, and professional competence.” With respect to working to improving the administration of justice for all, we have long advocated a change to 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 so that all potentially culpable parties are on the verdict form. We have also resisted efforts that prejudice the administration of justice, including opposing prejudgment interest, ef- forts to abolish the doctrine of intrastate forum non conveniens , and to instantiate six-person juries contrary to the guarantee of the Illinois Constitution. Those positions have often placed us at odds with the organized plaintiffs’ bar, but in the last year we have partnered with Illinois Trial Lawyers Association in ad- vocating change to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 9 and have filed joint amicus briefs with the plaintiffs’ bar in two cases before the Illinois courts of review. This is in addition to working with our usual adversaries to support to preserve the letter and spirit of Rule 5.4 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct by forbidding the encroachment of non-lawyer interests in Illinois law firms. Our work both with and in opposition to those with whom we disagree is always aimed at improving civil justice as such advocacy is the heartland of the adversary system. A personal calling and one for each generation Nichole C. Patton President, Chicago Bar Association
tragic consequences of unchecked threats and violence against the judiciary.
Standing for order, accountability and fair ness Timothy J. Cavanagh President, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Our duty is not only to serve justice, but also to earn public trust. Our democracy depends on it.
The rule of law is increasingly under attack these days. Protecting it is essential because it provides order, accountability and fairness in our country.
These are fraught times for our beloved legal pro- fession. I shudder to learn of verbal and physical attacks on lawyers and judges, or to read headlines proclaiming the public’s withering confidence in our courts. The negative misconceptions are often the result of misunderstanding or lack of accurate information about the law and its processes. In response, the Illinois Judges Association is ad- vancing the “Build a Bridge from Courthouse to Com- munity” initiative and asking all members of our pro- fession to step out with us. The IJA has identified topics of significant public interest and developed talking points on matters such as, ethics rules for judges and attorneys, the Pretrial Fairness Act, the appeals process, artificial intelligence in courts, jury service, and SRL resources, to name a few. These engaging presentations are being delivered to community and civics groups across the state including local Rotary, League of Women Voters, public libraries, town halls, community centers or wherever neighbors gather. We are especially encouraging lawyers and judges to appear together. The broad scope of experience and perspective is more interesting and fun for both the speakers and the audience. There are no better liaisons, no more qualified people to carry our message to society, than the members of our Illinois bar and judiciary. Initiating an invitation to a judge in your hometown is as easy as visiting our website or by email at info@ija.org. Despite these challenging times, I am eternally op- timistic and enjoy a deep and enduring pride in the work we do every day. Our duty is not only to serve justice, but also to earn public trust. Our democracy depends on it. Stride with us into the community. Through transparency we will inevitably build confidence in the work of our courts and our profession. Together we will make a meaningful impact, one conversation at a time.
It is an honor to serve as the 72nd President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and to lead an organization devoted to protecting and advocating for the rights of victims. As a trial lawyer for nearly 40 years, I have seen firsthand how the civil justice system and the 7th Amend- ment ensure that justice is not reserved for the powerful, but accessible to everyone. This broad access to justice helps sustain the American Dream. The rule of law is increasingly under attack these days. Protecting it is essential because it provides order, ac- countability and fairness in our country. It allows injured individuals, workers and consumers to stand against cor- porations, insurers, health care providers and other powerful interests. Without access to courts and the right to a jury trial, these victims of negligence would be victimized twice. At ITLA, our more than 2,000 members are committed to maintaining the highest standards representing injured individuals and protecting civil rights. We promote high standards of ethics and advocacy through education and training, while working to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice. At ITLA, we are committed to the civil justice system and the rule of law. As lawyers we are the guardians of the civil justice system. But we can always do more by expanding civic education, encouraging engagement and reinforcing public trust in our courts. As president of ITLA, I am committed to upholding the rule of law as a cornerstone of American exceptionalism and ensuring justice remains within reach for all.
The rule of law is a structural commitment: a guarantee that legal authority operates through transparent, stable and equally applied principles rather than through the discretion of the powerful.
I did not come to the law by accident. I came to it by calling. That conviction has shaped every chapter of my career, as an assistant state’s attorney, as an advocate in private practice and now as a judge in Cook County’s Law Division. It also shapes how I understand the American Dream. That
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 8 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 9
Without the rule of law, the American Dream is just a dream Jawad R. Shalabi President, Arab American Bar Association
and never achieved happiness. I believe Scarface presents a warped version of the American Dream that highlights why the rule of law is so important. Beyond the simple idea that following the law is good and not following it is bad, there is the reality that our actions have consequences for society, not just ourselves. For America to remain the land of opportunity — and for every resident to pursue happiness — we must all play by the same rules. If laws are not followed, unethical behavior becomes normalized, social structures erode and trust in our system vanishes. The American Dream becomes just that — a dream, rather than a reality grounded in law and order. Happy Law Day to all of my fellow attorneys!
The Rev. Jesse Jackson described America as a “quilt: many patches, many pieces, many colors ... all woven ... together.” The strength of this well-woven textile depends on rules and rights that create both structure and flexibility. The law provides the threads that hold our diverse and dynamic society together and is therefore essential to the fabric of American life. Without law, the social fabric would fray, leaving individuals vulnerable and institutions un- stable. The law quietly but powerfully shapes how Americans live. Contract law governs agreements from employment to home purchases, ensuring promises are honored. Criminal law protects public safety, deterring harm and promoting accountability. Constitutional law safeguards fundamental rights and allows individuals to seek redress when wronged. Even routine activities like driving on public roads, attending school or starting a business depend on a legal framework that provides order and predictability. The durability of this fabric depends not only on the law, but on those who interpret and uphold it. This is where lawyers play a critical role. Lawyers from both the bench and the bar serve as both weavers and stewards, helping to maintain the strength of the fabric through application and enforcement of the rule of law, and mend any fabric tears through both advocacy and dispute resolution. Engagement with law students is also vital to ensure that future attorneys are both intellectually prepared and grounded in practical skills and ethical judgment. Through mentoring and modeling professionalism, attorneys contribute to students’ abilities to navigate real-world complexities with integrity. This important connection ensures that new lawyers enter the pro- fession ready to reinforce, rather than unravel, the legal fabric ensuring that the law remains not just a system of rules, but a living, resilient weave that sustains American life.
The rule of law supports the pursuit of the American Dream because it is, itself, the only legitimate means of obtaining it.
It is telling that America is known as the “land of opportunity” — not the land of fulfillment and not the land of promised happiness. We have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and in pursuing happiness, we are all expected to follow the same laws. The American Dream is the idea that everyone in the United States has the opportunity to achieve a richer, fuller life, regardless of their background, through hard work, determination and, of course, by following the law. Without the rule of law, the American Dream cannot exist in any meaningful or sustainable way. The rule of law supports the pursuit of the American Dream because it is, itself, the only legitimate means of obtaining it. In the movie “Scarface,” Tony Montana, a low-level criminal from Cuba, comes to the United States and quickly rises in wealth and power, ultimately moving toward his own destruction. His presence in America gave him the opportunity to obtain more than he ever dreamed possible in his homeland, but he did so through illegitimate means
The law serves as an essential piece of the fabric of American life Nicky Boothe Dean & Professor, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
The law provides the threads that hold our diverse and dynamic society together and is therefore essential to the fabric of American life.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard is hiring trial lawyers!
Take your career to the next level. Be a part of the team that has been ranked the #1 law firm in Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s Settlement Report in both 2024 and 2025 and achieved the following recent verdicts and settlements:
$363M TOXIC TORT JURY VERDICT
$241M WRONGFUL DEATH JURY VERDICT $148M PREMISES LIABILITY JURY VERDICT $79.8M WRONGFUL DEATH JURY VERDICT $75.8M BIRTH INJURY JURY VERDICT
$60.7M WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENT
$52M PERSONAL INJURY/WRONGFUL DEATH JURY VERDICT
$50.3M BIRTH INJURY JURY VERDICT
$45M CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT
The ideal applicant should have at least 10-years of trial experience working at a plaintiff’s firm. Send your resume to tjsaye@salvilaw.com. All applications will be kept strictly confidential.
SALVILAW.COM
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 10 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
PROUD SPONSOR of ITLA SINCE
The Right Bank for Law Firms
Lending Solutions
Technology
Case Cost line of Credit
Custom Corporate Card Credit solutions Finrails AP ™
Working Capital
Se led Case Loans
Positive Pay ™
Deposit Solutions
Investment Solutions
IOLTA Accounts
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans
Business Banking
Tax-deferred strategies
Money Market Account
Wealth Management strategies
Let's Talk. Call us today on how we can help your firm needs.
Mick O’Rourke President & CEO
Nate Dinger Senior Vice President 312.386.6904 ndinger@signaturebank.bank
312.506.3416 morourke@signaturebank.bank
www.signaturebank.bank
191 N. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 11
Legal support for small businesses drives the American Dream Geoffrey Rapp Dean and Professor of Law, College of Law, DePaul University
Leadership in service to the rule of law demands a commitment Hannah Brenner Johnson Dean, Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School business and economic development. Our popular Busi- ness Law Clinic provides students with experience rep- resenting small business clients. Students review contracts and licensing agreements, draft organizational documents and engage in and lead negotiations. Student clinical participants also counsel clients on employment law matters and develop employee manuals and handbooks. Their work supports the small businesses at the heart of the American Dream, one of our country’s true engines of economic mobility.
where their choices carry consequences that extend far beyond any individual client or courtroom. Lawyers draft the contracts that govern commerce, argue the cases that define individual rights, advise the institutions that shape communities. Whether they recognize it or not, lawyers lead. But leadership in service of the rule of law demands more than technical skill or doctrinal knowledge. It demands a commitment to the principle that law must apply equally — that no person and no institution stands above it. This is not a passive belief. It requires active engagement, especially in moments when the rule of law faces pressure. Law schools sit at the center of this work. As ed- ucators, we are of course charged with training future lawyers. But as importantly, we also have the re- sponsibility of educating the next generation of legal leaders. Our students turned lawyers will carry with them into their work a deep understanding that their professional identity is interconnected with their civic obligation. Every classroom conversation about con- stitutional limits or legal clinic where a student ad- vocates for a client who could not otherwise afford representation and every moment a student learns to hold competing values in tension are acts of preparation for leadership. Here in southern Illinois, I encounter both sides of this equation every day. Our Simmons Law School graduates go on to practice in small firms and public defender offices, in county courthouses and legal aid organizations, in the judiciary, and beyond. They do the quiet work of making the rule of law real for ordinary people. They lead not because the world is watching, but because their formation as lawyers taught them about the intrinsic value of this calling. The law students we educate today will help determine whether the rule of law remains a living commitment or becomes a hollow phrase. On Law Day this year, that is reason enough to take this work seriously as a matter of genuine consequence for the communities that depend on law to be more than a promise.
As a nation, we have faith that hard work by one generation opens up new opportunities for the next.
One manifestation of the American Dream is the story of the start-up small business. As a nation, we have faith that hard work by one generation opens up new opportunities for the next. Your parents might have started on someone else’s payroll, carefully saving their wages to launch their own business. You may have worked in that business, may take it over some day and expand it. Or you may benefit from access to education and new career pathways thanks to their hard work building the enterprise. The rule of law is at the foundation of this version of the American Dream. Without confidence that entrepreneurs will be able to keep what they have built and use it to provide for their families’ futures, founders wouldn’t have the same incentives to take risks and build. New businesses flourish and grow because of our collective understanding that we operate in an orderly system governed by an established procedural framework — where contracts will be enforced and property rights will be respected. At DePaul Law, we’re training purpose-driven lawyers who will lead growth in a variety of areas, including
The law students we educate today will help determine whether the rule of law remains a living commitment or becomes a hollow phrase.
This year’s Law Day theme, The Rule of Law and the American Dream, offers a moment to reflect not just on what the law is today, but on who is responsible for what it becomes. That responsibility falls, in no small part, on lawyers. And at the center of that reflection stands the legal profession: a discipline rooted in advocacy that carries with it a distinctive capacity to lead. Leadership is not a title. It is a practice. And the legal profession, by its very nature, places lawyers in positions
The Legal Buzz
There’s more to know about the Illinois legal community
SIGN UP NOW for our new weekly newsletter
We are excited to bring you The Legal Buzz , a newsletter that delivers the latest updates in the Illinois legal community to your inbox every Friday. Available to all legal professionals. FEATURES • Profile Spotlights on attorneys and legal leaders • Moves & News covering hirings, promotions, and other notable developments • Upcoming Events to keep you informed on the latest legal programs and gatherings
• Post Event Highlights with photos and recaps of legal events • Polls + Results showcasing weekly polls about the profession • Unique Spaces giving an inside look at Illinois law firms • And more to come!
To sign up, scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/buzz-subscribe
COURT REPORTING P owerful LITIGATION SUPPORT
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 12 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
LEGAL VIDEOGRAPHY
REMOTE DEPOSITIONS
TRIAL PRESENTATION
LEGAL TRANSCRIPTION
COPYING AND SCANNING
LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
NAEGELIUSA.COM (800) 528-3335
NAEGELI is a leader in the court reporting and trial support industry. We provide exemplary client service while leading the country in technology and innovation. NAEGELI utilizes only the most qualified professionals to assist you and your client at every stage of the legal process. SERVING CHICAGO AND THE ENTIRE NATION
Established 1980
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
T H U R S D AY, APRIL 30, 2026 | PAGE 13
Be more efficient
LAST DAY FOR EARLY BIRD RATES!
AI
Did that attorney really just do that?
EARN UP TO 6 PMCLE! ETHICS 2026 LIVESTREAM AND ON-DEMAND WED . MAY 13
How do I get business?
Complete your ethics requirements through streaming our annual Ethics Conference featuring leadership from the Illinois ARDC, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP), and other experts on attorney and judicial conduct.
8:30 - 9:30am: T uning out the chaos: How to stay mentally healthy during difficult times (Wellness) 9:40 - 10:40am: M arketing your practice: Navigating the digital and AI landscape to avoid ethical pitfalls 10:55 - 11:55am: Y our new law firm: Exploring emerging business models that provide increased productivity and involve nonlawyers in the practice AM PROGRAM 8:30AM - 12:00PM (3 hours)
1:30 - 2:30pm: Preventing bullying in the legal profession: An ethical case for courage and change (DEI) 2:40 - 3:40pm: You, your client and AI usage: When and what type of client notice and consent is needed? 3:55 - 4:55pm: Whose work is it when you use AI or other tech? Does it matter? Know your duties under the rules PM PROGRAM 1:30PM - 5:00PM (3 hours)
RICHARD C. GLEASON
AARON W. BROOKS
CHRISTINE P. ANDERSON Director of Probation & Intake Group Manager, Illinois ARDC
MARY F. ANDREONI
Chief Information Security Officer, Illinois ARDC
Litigation Group Manager, Illinois ARDC
Senior Counsel, Ethics Education, llinois ARDC
HON. JEFFREY A. GOFFINET Associate Judge, 1st Judicial Circuit Court
KATHRYNE “KATIE” R. HAYES Partner, Collins
JOCELYN BRUMBAUGH Founder, Builden Partners
NIKHIL A. MEHTA Partner, Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.
Bargione & Vuckovich
DANIEL F. KONICEK Partner, Konicek & Dillon, P.C.
JULIA ROUNDTREE LIVINGSTON
SCOTT RENFROE Deputy
AMIR R. TAHMASSEBI Partner, Konicek & Dillon, P.C.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
Administrator, Litigation and Appeals, Illinois ARDC
MATTHEW J. O’HARA Partner, Smith Gambrell Russell LLP
DR. DIANA UCHIYAMA
ADRIAN M. VUCKOVICH Partner, Collins
Executive Director, Lawyers’ Assistance Program
Bargione & Vuckovich
Prices through April 30th.
SAVE WITH EARLY BIRD RATES Scan the QR code or go to LawBulletinMedia.com/ethics2026 to register and receive Early Bird rates. Attend either program or both at a discount. Group rates available.
Early Bird Regular $109
Early Bird Government $99 one program $159 both programs
$179 both programs
one program
Prices after April 30th.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Amanda Monto: amonto@lawbulletinmedia.com 312-644-7068
Regular
Government
$149 one program
$229 both programs
$119 one program
$179 both programs
CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM
PAGE 14 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14Powered by FlippingBook