“
I have shared with Tom many of the im- portant relationships which the practice of law offers–being opposing counsel, co-counsel in the circuit court, and work- ing together on intricate appeals. From those vantages, I have seen firsthand the tremendous intensity he devotes to his cases. His unflagging attention to detail defies description. Yet at the same time, he possesses an unparalleled ability to seize the essence of a case from those details, and to then cast the key contro- versies, and their best resolution, in starkly simple terms. It is emblematic of Tom’s scholarship and concern for the law itself that he has described the many years he devoted to service on the Supreme Court’s Commit- tee on Pattern Instructions for Civil cases as being among the most important of his non-client legal endeavors, and that it was as fine a post-graduate legal education as could be found. His great generosity, of his time, expertise, and resources, is practiced quietly, with widespread benefit. Tom’s clients, his firm, and truly the law have immensely benefit - ted from his sustained work at an extreme- ly high level.”
Dooley try a case. Demetrio remembers that he wasn’t overly impressed with Dooley’s courtroom presence. As Demetrio remembers, Dooley had a habit of twirling his glasses while he spoke. He didn’t stand when questioning witnesses, remaining in his seat in- stead. He lacked the booming, authoritative voice that Demetrio expected. When Demetrio later asked Corboy why Dooley was considered such a force, Corboy cited the attorney’s prep skills. “No one ever enters a courtroom more prepared than Jim Dooley, Phil told me,” Demetrio said. “The key to being successful is preparation. That has not changed. That is still the number-one factor.” But there are other skills that have been critical to Demetrio’s long success. He cited his ability to control witnesses on cross-examination as another example. “Jurors are rooting for you when you are a plaintiff’s attorney,” Demetrio said. “They want to see you win the battle of words, especially when you are cross- examining witnesses. They want to like who you are. Likability is important.”
Michael T. Reagan, Law Offices of Michael T. Reagan
Tom Demetrio with Gerry Spence
“ I have known Tom Demetrio from early on in his legal career starting when he was a young associate of Phillip A. Corboy. Since that time, Tom has achieved the pinnacle of success as a trial lawyer, bar association leader, fam- ily man and mentor. Jurors like Tom because he is person- able, credible, and charismatic. Judges and defense lawyers respect him as well because he is well prepared and a man of his word. If Tom tells you something, you take it to the bank. I am honored to call him a friend. Tom has been devoted to his fam- ily and dedicated to his clients and our community. He has been philanthropic throughout his career. He has donat-
ed large sums of money to his alma maters, the University of Notre Dame and the Chicago Kent College of Law. In addition, he helped raise large sums of money for Chicago Kent College of Law to honor one of his mentors, Judge Abraham Lincoln Marovitz, for whom its courtroom was named. When Tom was President of the Chicago Bar As- sociation, he founded the Lend A Hand program which raises money and helps mentor young people in Chicago area grammar and high schools. He has obtained numerous seven and eight figure verdicts and settlements benefiting the clients of Corboy and Demetrio. In addition, he is a Past Presi- dent of the Illinois Trial Lawyers and Chicago Bar Association. He has been
a fellow of the invitation-only Ameri- can College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy for many years. He has also served on the Illinois Su- preme Court Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. Many of his proteges have gone on to serve as president of many bar associations and other related legal organizations. I wish to congratulate Tom on this well- deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. He has had a wonderful career.”
Joseph A. Power Jr., Power Rogers LLP
60 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Powered by FlippingBook