I ll i no is J u dg es A s s o c ia t io n
Volume 46
THE GAVE L
IN
THIS ISSUE
Issue 1
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S SAG E
JUDGE ISRAEL A. DESIERTO
President’s Message
1-2
Judges Are….
3-7
Race Judicata
8
Committee Updates
8-10
IJ Foundation
11-12
IJA Retired Judges
Seminar
13
14
Photos
The Gavel
Celia Gamrath
Elizabeth Rochford
Editors
Illinois Judges Association
321 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago, IL 60604
312.431.1283
www.ija.org
e-mail: [email protected]
I am honored to serve as
President of the Illinois
Judges Association (20162017). I am grateful for
the opportunity to continue the legacy of our organization. The reason
that the Illinois Judges
Association formed almost 45 years ago is as
important now as it was
then: “Judges in Illinois
need a strong and unified
voice.”
Throughout the years,
the IJA has been able to
meet the challenges that
judges in Illinois have
faced (e.g., preserving the
COLA, monitoring Pension Reform, and securing
Associate Judge’s parity
in pay). Despite our successes, judges will continue to face more challenges. Together, I am
sure we will continue to
overcome them. As such,
I have chosen “Engaging
Membership and Encouraging Mentorship” as the
theme for this bar year.
The strength of our organization has always
been our members. To
engage our membership, I
have contacted chief
judges across the state
and supervising judges
throughout Cook
County so that I can
personally visit and
meet their judges. I
have also asked col-
leagues who serve as
officers and board
members of the Illinois
Judges Association and
the Illinois Judges
Foundation (including
Judges Rochford and
Reynolds) and other
active IJA members
throughout the state
and in various assignments in Cook County
to serve as
“ambassadors” (judges
who will recruit new
members by welcoming suggestions, addressing criticisms, and
rallying support for our
organization). Judges
Anderson, Crowder, and
Swanson continue their
important work in our
Media Response Committee by addressing unfair criticism of judges.
I’ve asked Judges Coady,
Spears, VandeWiele and
Rosenbloom to engage a
growing part of our membership (Tier 2 judges) to
address their concerns
and develop future leadership. Keeping the lines
of communication is important in any organization, and Judge Mullen
and her committee are
getting our website updated. Keeping the bottom line strong is also
important and Judges
Schuster, Shelley, and I
remain vigilant.
When encouraging a
new generation to action,
JFK said: “Ask not what
your country can do for
you, ask what you can do
for your country.” As
judges, we carry on that
commitment to public
service. To encourage
mentorship, I’ve asked
Justice O’Neill Burke to
Presidents Message cont. on page 2
continue her work with our In-School Programs. Judges continue
to work on other programs that promote public trust and confidence in the judiciary (Judge Carl Walker with high school students, Judge Snyder with college students, many of us with law
students, Judge Arong O’Brien with new admittees, and Justice
Schostok with practicing attorneys). We will continue our partnership and collaboration with bar associations including the ISBA
(Vince Cornelius, President and Bob Craghead, Executive Director) and the CBA (Dan Kotin, President and Terry Murphy, Executive Director). Mentorship among judges is also something that
helps continue the strength and legacy of our organization. To that
end, we will continue to seek guidance and support from the Conference of Chief Judges and from our Supreme Court.
Thank you to Judge Bob Anderson. Because of his leadership
over the past year, our organization continues to be vibrant and
strong. Thank you to IJA’s past presidents (Justices Theis, Divito,
Reyes, Pope, Nudelman, Jorgensen, Schostok, and Hyman; and
Judges Spears, Mathers, Novak, Nixon, and others) for their support and the advice they continue to provide. I will always be
grateful for the friendship and support of Chief Justice Thomas
Fitzgerald, Justice Laura Liu, and Judge Sandra Otaka. Thank you
to Justice Wolfson, my teacher and mentor, for swearing in me and
my fellow officers. Thank you to my fellow officers, Judges John
Coady, Jim Snyder, Margaret Mullen, Diane Shelley, and Barb
Crowder. Each brings leadership skills and unique insights that I
know we can all rely on and trust. Thank you to my Chief Judge,
Timothy Evans and my Presiding Judge, Ken Wright for their understanding and support. Thank you especially to Kathy Hosty,
IJA’s Executive Director, for her hard work, patience, and kindness. Most of all, thank you to the members of the Illinois Judges
Association for the trust you have placed in me.
Make no mistake about it; judges in Illinois will continue to face
challenges. Despite the difficulties that exist in the other branches
of government, the judiciary must remain strong and united, reasonable in our approach to issues that affect us. We must continue
our efforts to monitor both legislative and executive actions that
impact the judiciary. We must continue to preserve judicial independence and protect separation of powers. We must “Engage
Membership and Encourage Mentorship.”
As an immigrant to this country, I am both humbled and honored
to serve as your president.
My dad used to tell me “let
your actions speak louder
than your words.” Over the
next year, I am going to let
my actions speak to my efforts to continue the legacy
of our organization. With
your continued encouragement, help, and support, I am
certain I can meet this challenge.
2016-17 OFFICERS
Israel A. Desierto
President
[email protected]
50 W. Washington, Rm. 409
Chicago, IL 60602
312/603-2652
John P. Coady
First Vice President
[email protected]
207 S. Othelle Street
Taylorville, IL 62568
217/820-4631
James E. Snyder
Second Vice President
[email protected]
50 W. Washington, Rm. 2001
Chicago, IL 60602
312/603-6022
Margaret J. Mullen
Third Vice President
[email protected]
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
847/377-3775
Diane M .Shelley
Secretary
[email protected]
50 W. Washington, Rm. 2401
Chicago, IL 60602
312/603-4811
Barbara Crowder
Treasurer
[email protected]
155 N. Main
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618/296-4411
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JUDGES ARE…..
BY JUDGE ELIZABETH M. ROCHFORD
The summer season has arrived, but the lure of vacations and summer sun are not enough to distract the fine
judges of Illinois from their tireless commitment to the advancement of the judiciary, the promotion of the legal profession, and providing assistance to our communities. It is with genuine pride, and pleasure, that I share
with you a sample of the fine work and achievements of the Illinois judiciary. As always, sincere thanks to all
who contributed by sharing information with me. Please continue to send details of the good work and accomplishments of our colleagues to my attention at [email protected].
I am proud to share that JUDGES ARE…..
TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD….The Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments at
Benedictine University in Lisle. The one-day change of venue is a credit to CHIEF JUSTICE RITA B.
GARMAN’s initiative for greater transparency in the judicial process.
COMING TO THE TABLE….JUDGE JEANNE REYNOLDS led the WBAI Domestic Relations Roundtable
discussion on “Complex Issues and Out of the Box Solutions for the Intermediate Family Law Practitioner.”
She was joined by participating colleagues from several counties as follows: GREG AHERN, HELAINE
BERGER, KAREN BOWES, JOHN CARR, RODNEY EQUI, CELIA GAMRATH, LIONEL JEANBAPTISTE, JIM KAPLAN, JOAN KUBALANZA, MARK LOPEZ, VERONICA MATHEIN, TIMOTHY
McJOYNT, CHRIS MOROZIN, RENEE GOLDFARB, TIM MURPHY, ELIZABETH ROCHFORD, MARY
ROBERTS, NAOMI SCHUSTER, DEBRA WALKER, and RAUL VEGA.
PROMOTING FEMALE LITIGATORS….JUDGES SHARON JOHNSON COLEMAN, JUDGE LeROY K.
MARTIN JR., AND JUDGE CHARLES P. BURNS, contributed to a panel discussion encouraging female
litigators into courtroom leadership roles, at a symposium titled, “Women Lawyers in the Courtroom.” U.S.
District JUDGE AMY ST. EVE headed the symposium’s planning committee.
PROVIDING BAR LEADERSHIP…JUDGE REGINA A. SCANNICCHIO assumed the position of Treasurer of The Justinian Society of Lawyers.
JUDGE MARY COLLEEN ROBERTS was sworn as President of the Alliance of Illinois Judges.
JUDGES KENNETH WRIGHT, JESSICA O’BRIEN and ELIZABETH ROCHFORD were elected to serve
on the ISBA Board of Governors. JUDGE CELIA GAMRATH was elected to the ISBA Assembly Agenda
Committee and JUDGE RUSS HARTIGAN was installed as ISBA Vice President.
EYEING THE FUTURE….CHIEF JUSTICE RITA GARMAN was a featured speaker at the ISBA’s “Future
is Now: Legal Services 2016” conference.
MAKING US PROUD….JUDGE NEIL COHEN was honored with the NWSBA’s Public Service Award
2016.
At the Decalogue Annual Award’s Dinner, JUSTICE LAURA LIU was honored posthumously. JUDGE
CHARLES E. FREEMAN received the Judicial Merit Award. JUDGE TIMOTHY EVANS installed the new
officers, and JUSTICE MICHAEL B. HYMAN served as the master of ceremonies.
AIDS Legal Council presented its 2016 Liberty Bell Award to JUSTICE MAUREEN E. CONNORS at the
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annual Judges Reception.
CHIEF JUSTICE RITA GARMAN was the 2016 recipient of the ISBA’s Myra Bradwell Award.
The Hellenic Bar honored SUPREME COURT JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS with the annual Socrates Dikastes Award. JUSTICE THEMIS N. KARNEZIS (Ret.) received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The CBA co-hosted the annual Vanguard Awards with several other local bar associations. This year’s recipients were: JUDGE WILLIAM J. HADDAD (Ret.), Arab American Bar Association honoree; JUSTICE MICHAEL B. HYMAN, Decalogue Society of Lawyers honoree; JUDGE JESSICA A. O’BRIEN, Asian American Bar Association of Chicago honoree; and JUDGE RAMON OCASIO, Puerto Rican Bar Association honoree.
CHIEF JUSTICE RITA B. GARMAN was awarded the Award of Exemplary Professional Service at the Distinguished Professional Service Joint Dinner. She was commended for her service to the Illinois legal profession and the public.
JUDGE RUSS HARTIGAN received the President's Award from the John Marshall Alumni Association for
hours of leadership, service and commitment to The John Marshall Law School.
JUDGE NANCY KATZ received an award “Honoring Women and the Profession,” from the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and the Arab American Bar Association of Illinois.
WBAI hosted its annual Judicial Reception at the Chicago Cultural Center. This year’s recipients of the Mary
Heftel Hooton Award included JUDGES GRACE G. DICKLER, KENNETH E. WRIGHT, PATRICE BALLREED, and RUBEN CASTILLO.
TRANSITIONING FROM BENCH TO BAR….JUDGE CLAYTON JAY CRANE returned to the practice of
law by joining Coplan & Crane, after serving 20 years on the bench.
SHOWING OFF….The Lake County Bar Association’s bi-annual Gridiron Show, “Bar Wars, May the Farce
Be With You,” received its direction, star performances and writing contributions from the judiciary. The
hugely successful event was directed by JUDGES VERONICA O’MALLEY and JANELLE CHRISTENSEN.
Singing, dancing and comedic performances were given by JUDGES THOMAS SCHIPPERS, GEORGE
STRICKLAND, DANIEL JASICA, JOHN PHILLIPS (Ret.), and CHUCK JOHNSON. And the top-notch
writing team included JUDGES MARGARET MULLEN and MITCHELL HOFFMAN.
FAKING IT…The annual Lake County High School Moot Court Competition was led once again by
JUDGES VICTORIA ROSSETTI and CHRISTEN BISHOP. Volunteering judges included: JUDGES
CHRISTOPHER STRIDE, JOSEPH SALVI, JAMES SIMONIAN, LUIS BERRONES, MICHAEL FUSZ,
MITCHELL HOFFMAN, JORGE ORTIZ, CHRIS LOMBARDO, and ELIZABETH ROCHFORD.
MODELS OF GOOD MANNERS…ISBA Bench and Bar hosted a civility CLE, moderated by JUDGE
JEANNE M. REYNOLDS. She was joined by participating members of the judiciary: JUSTICE LLOYD A.
KARMEIER, JUDGE MICHAEL CHMIEL, and JUDGE ANDREA M. SCHLEIFER.
CELEBRATING DISPUTE RESOLUTION…The International Academy of Dispute Resolution Gala was co
-chaired by JUSTICE ROBERT E. GORDON. CHIEF JUDGE TIMOTHY C. EVANS served as Master of
Ceremonies.
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RESTORING JUSTICE…Cook County JUDGE COLLEEN F. SHEEHAN now presides over a new initiative called Restorative Justice Community Court. The innovative court is funded grant, and its goal is to restore relationships between nonviolent offenders and their victims.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE…SUPREME COURT JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS led the conversation on
promoting public confidence in the court system during the CBA’s Young Lawyer Section, “Lunch with a
Judge.”
MAKING COMPARISONS TO HELP US IMPROVE…The Catholic Lawyers Guild and The John Howard
Association sponsored a seminar, “Harsh Justice: The Widening Divide Between America and Europe.” The
program moderator was JUSTICE ANNE M. BURKE, and JUDGE COLLEEN SHEEHAN was a panelist.
The discussion focused on drawing comparisons between the European and American legal systems, in an effort to reveal ways to improve our Illinois courts.
BREAKING NEW GROUND… JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS presided over the first installation ceremony
of the Illinois Latino Judges Association. Judges installed as officers are: JUDGE RAUL J. VEGA, President;
JUDGE SANDRA GISELA RAMOS, Vice President; JUDGE CYNTHIA RAMIREZ, Secretary; and JUDGE
ALFREDO MALDONADO, Treasurer. The Board of Directors is comprised of the following judges: DAVID
GARCIA, RAMON OCASIO III, MARK J. LOPEZ, MAURICIO ARAUJO, and BEATRIZ SANTIAGO.
JOINING FORCES…Under the proud leadership of JUDGE BOB ANDERSON, the IJA teamed up with
ISBA, The John Marshall Law School, and the Justinian Society of Lawyers, to host the first ever Distinguished Professional Services Joint Dinner. The event was attended by approximately 200 members of our
legal community.
NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA…JUDGE GRACE DICKLER presented at the CBA’s subcommittee on the
representation of children on the topic of “Role of Social Media and Divorce and Separation.”
TAKING THE LEAD ON GIVING PROPER INSTRUCTIONS…JUDGE DANIEL SHANES was appointed to the committee on Pattern Jury Instructions for criminal cases.
ASSISTING SENIORS…JUDGE ALLEN P. WALKER offered assistance to seniors by presenting at the
Cook County Elder Justice Center seminar on “Reverse Mortgages and Foreclosures: What you Should
Know.”
TURNING THE PAGE ON LITERACY…Illinois judges remain committed to the “One Book. One Judge.
One Goal.” reading initiative. Will County JUDGE RAYMOND ROSSI found time in his busy schedule to
read “Abe Lincoln’s Hat,” with grade school students in Mokena and Lockport.
In addition, the judiciary from the Nineteenth Circuit covered classrooms all over Lake County. Those judges
included CHIEF JUDGE JORGE ORTIZ, and JUDGES MITCHELL HOFFMAN, MARGARET J.
MULLEN, THOMAS M. SCHIPPERS, LUIS BERRONES, MICHAEL B. BETAR, MICHAEL FUSZ,
SARAH P. LESSMAN, DANIEL JASICA, D. CHRISTOPHER LOMBARDO, MARGARET MARCOUILLER, CHRISTOPHER B. MOROZIN, VERONICA O’MALLEY, ELIZABETH ROCHFORD, JOSEPH SALVI, JAMES SIMONIAN, and NANCY SCHUSTER-WAITES.
SERVING WITH DISTINCTION…The Cook County Bar Association held its 102nd Awards and Installation Banquet, honoring several judges for their distinguished service and commitment to justice. JUDGE
FRANKLIN VALDERRAMA received the Kenneth E. Wilson Award and JUDGES LEONARD MURRAY
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and SIDNEY A. JONES, III (Ret.) received Senior Counselor Awards. The following judges received the Judicial Award, which is awarded to new judges: JOHN F. LYKE, SOPHIA ATCHERSON, ROBERT JOHNSON, FREDERICK BATES, DEVLIN SCHOOP, AND GERALDINE D’SOUZA.
PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIP… A college scholarship is awarded to a high school student annually, in
honor of JUDGE RAYMOND D. COLLINS in recognition of his efforts, and contributions, in establishing,
and advancing Teen Court in Lake County.
PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM…JUDGE DEBRA B. WALKER continues to tour the state in support
of cross-disciplinary professionalism training sponsored by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism.
EDUCATING THE JUDICIARY…The Illinois Supreme Court recently established the new Illinois Judicial
College Board of Trustees. The members are: JUDGES DAN SHANES, THOMAS DONNELLY, LISA
HOLDER WHITE, CYNTHIA COBBS, COLLEEN SHEEHAN, CHRISTY SOLVERSON, and LISA WILSON.
CROSSING STATE BORDERS....JUDGE DANIEL SHANES was honored by an invitation from the Tennessee Supreme Court to teach at the annual Tennessee judicial education conference on evidence and judicial
discretion.
IN TRANSITION… The Illinois Supreme Court appointed JUDGE MARY LANE MIKVA of Cook County
to the 1st District Illinois Appellate Court. JUDGE CELIA GAMRATH was assigned to replace her in Chancery.
The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed JUDGE RENE CRUZ to the vacancy of JUDGE JUDITH M.
BRAWKA. JUDGE THOMAS CLINTON HULL, III will fill the vacancy of JUDGE THOMAS E. MUELLER. JUDGE CHRISTOPHER STRIDE has been appointed to the vacancy of JUDGE JOHN PHILLIPS.
JUDGE CHARLES SMITH has been appointed to the vacancy of JUDGE GEORGE BRIDGES. JUDGE
CHRISTEN BISHOP has been appointed to the vacancy of JUDGE KIP STARCK.
More new Circuit Judges include JAMES B. KINZER, 21st Circuit; AMY C. LANNERD, 8th Circuit; MICHAEL D. KRAMER, 21st Circuit; JOSEPH F. FACKEL, 14th Circuit; MARK A. FELLHEIMER, 11th Circuit; and ELIZABETH A. KARKULA and CLARE QUISH, Cook County.
New associate judges around the state are as follows:
SOPHIA ATCHERSON, GEORGE L. CANELLIS, VINCENZO CHIMERA, JEAN M. COCOZZA,
GERALDINE A. D’SOUZA, MOHAMMAD M. GHOUSE, PATRICK J. HENEGHAN, ROBERT W.
JOHNSON, JAMES L. KAPLAN, MARC W. MARTIN, MARY C. MARUBIO, EDWARD ROBLES, all of
Cook County; JANELLE CHRISTENSEN and PAUL B. NOVAK of 19th Circuit;
AMY L. MC FARLAND, 11TH Circuit; TERENCE M. SHEEN, 18th Circuit; JANET M. HORMBERG, 20th
Circuit; JOHN J. O’GARA, 20th Circuit; JENNIFER M. ASCHER, 7th Circuit; SUZANNE L. REZAK, 10th
Circuit; and ALICIA N. WASHINGTON, 10th Circuit.
Newly retired judges include: GORDON LEE LUSTFELDT, 21st Circuit; SHEILA McGINNIS, Cook County;
JAMES A. ZAFIRATOS, Cook County; CANDACE J. FABRI, Cook County; JERELYN D. MAHER, 10th
Circuit; ROBERT LOPEZ CEPERO, Cook County; DAVID J. DUBICKI, 10th Circuit; STEVEN H. NARDULLI, 7th Circuit; WILLIAM O. MAYS, 8th Circuit; WILLIAM R. JACKSON, Cook County; GEORGE
BRIDGES, 19th Circuit; JOHN T. PHILLIPS, 19th Circuit; LORI M. WOLFSON, Cook County; and CHRISTOPHER C. STARCK, 19th Circuit.
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AND LAST, BUT MOST CERTAINLY NOT LEAST,
REMEMBERED FONDLY AND RESPECTFULLY…JUDGE ROBERT BASTIEN; JUDGE RICHARD B.
BERLAND (Ret.); JUDGE LOUIS B. GARIPPO (Ret.); JUSTICE LAURA LIU; JUDGE JEAN PRENDERGAST ROONEY; JUDGE WILLIAM F. WARD (Ret.); JUDGE BERNARD B. WOLFE; JUDGE WILLIAM
C. WITTE and JUDGE IRWIN COHEN (Ret.).
Race Judicata
The 22nd annual Race Judicata will be held September 15, 2016 and IJA will be there. Race Judicata is an annual 5km (3.1 mile) running event that raises funds for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. CVLS provides vital assistance to thousands of self-represented and poor litigants every year.
If you are a runner, a casual walker or want to get started on a new exercise program now please join the IJA
team. The whole legal community turns out for this fun, and social, athletic event. Historically, IJA partners
with other groups like the Womens Bar Association of Illinois and the Illinois State Bar Association. Dozens
of judges turn out for this event; running or walking, and first-timers are always welcome.
Save The Date and start training now!
Looking for a running or walking buddy?
Want a little advice about how to get your get-in-shape program launched?
Contact IJA. We will be glad to link you up with a work out buddy!
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MEDIA RESPONSE COMMITTEE
BY CO-CHAIRS BARBARA CROWEDER
AND
AL SWANSON
Calling all Retired Judges!
Retired judges are very highly prized and sought after by the Media Response Committee. Retired judges are a
wealth of information about various areas of law and are also able to voice opinions about unfair criticism of
sitting judges. If you are retired and willing to be a resource for the media response committee (although we
may never ask you, and you are always free to decline in any situation), please give your contact information,
including where and when you served as a judge, to Judge Barb Crowder ([email protected]) or Al
Swanson ([email protected]). We appreciate you, and more importantly, you may be a careersaver for a former colleague who is being unfairly criticized.
JUDICIAL SELCTION AND RETENTION COMMITTEE
BY CO-CHAIRS JULIE KATZ
AND
RICHARD GOLDENHERSH
The Judicial Selection and Retention Committee will be scheduling a telephone conference later this month.
In the meantime, our activities for the summer will be monitoring the judicial election and retention races. If
anyone encounters a situation which, in his or her opinion, requires action or advice from the IJA, including
this Committee, we encourage contact with any member of the Committee so the matter can be taken up by the
full group. The names and emails of the members of the Committee are listed below:
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
We wish everyone a good and happy Summer.
Judges Participate in Mock Trials
By Jim Borbely
I thought you would like to know about some good work being done in the community by several central Illinois judges. Several judges presided at mock trials in connection with the Trial Advocacy program at the U of
I law school during the month of March 2016. Professor Steve Beckett does a great job running the program
and he has been a terrific friend of the judiciary throughout his career. Trials took place at the law school, the
Champaign County Courthouse, and the Federal Court, in Urbana. Jurors for the trials came from several local
high schools, and a few from the Retired Senior Volunteers Program; the Trial Ad cases are a wonderful way
for the students to get a first hand look at the administration of justice. For the law students, Trial Ad cases are
a rite of passage and a sure sign of Spring as well! It is truly heartwarming to see our IJA members participating in the program.
Here's the list of judges who heard Trial Ad cases this year: Brett Olmstead; Steve Pacey; Heidi Ladd; Jim
Borbely; Michael Jones; Mike Roseberry; Michael Kramer;
One of the law students who participated in the criminal trial was Katy Karayannis - daughter of Judge Kathy
Karayannis from the 16th Circuit. Retired Judge Jim Borbely had this to say about Katy: "I've been doing
Trial Ad cases for 26+ years, and Katy is one of the best I have ever seen! We have a budding superstar on
our hands! Judge Karayannis must be very, very proud of her daughter."
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P A G E I T F O R WA R D
MARY S. SCHOSTOK
Thank you to all the judges that participated in the Page it Forward reading program this year. The Illinois
Judges Foundation has purchased "Abe Lincoln's Hat" for the IJA to aid you in educating our children on
Illinois' most famous lawyer, and our beloved past president. We ask that you begin reaching out to the schools
this fall, as curriculum is prepared well in advance. This program also includes any tutoring or additional
volunteer work you want to do with a school in your district. We all know just how important reading is in our
world, and it is important that we assist our young students become proficient readers. The response to this
program has been fantastic, and we have the photos to confirm! Thank you to all who have participated in the
past, and we look forward to your unending support in the upcoming year.
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Illinois Judges Foundation Update
By Christine Athanasoulis, Auxiliary Chair of IJF
The Illinois Judges Foundation’s 9th year was an unqualified success.
More than 150 members of our state’s legal community attended the 2015 Annual Summer Reception. Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis, Chief Judge Diane Wood, and Chief Judge John Phillips, were celebrated as “Judicial Icons,” and a donation of 500 “Abe Lincoln’s Hat” books was made to the “Page It Forward” initiative, in honor of each of them. Judge Sharon Sullivan was on hand to award financial education
assistance to the three Harold Sullivan Scholarship recipients. The event grossed more than $17,000 thanks to
the generosity of those who attended and contributed, in addition to our sponsors: BAUCH & MICHAELS,
LLC; CLIFFORD LAW OFFICES; JOHNSON & BELL; KRALOVEC JAMBOIS & SCHWARTZ; SIDLEY
AUSTIN; and WINTERS SALZETTA O’BRIEN & RICHARDSON.
The Annual Pledge Drive evidenced more commitment and collected donations of $10,000. The proceeds
continue to support the mission of the IJF through funding of the Harold Sullivan Scholarship and other grants
of the Foundation.
The IJF Auxiliary Committee continues to be a tireless resource in fundraising and enthusiasm. This year, the
committee purchased 1500 copies of “Abe Lincoln’s Hat” for statewide distribution in conjunction with the
IJA’s literacy program. The foundation is enormously grateful to the members of the committee for their enduring effort and support.
The IJF and IJA joined forces in hosting a first-ever cocktail reception during the Judicial Education Conferences held on February 3, and April 6, 2016. Although the event was free, attendees were gracious and openhanded in make contributions. The net proceeds were used to purchase 2,000 books for the IJA’s literacy program and replenish the dwindling book supply. The event’s financial success is also attributable to, and could
not have been achieved, without the sponsorship of JENSEN LITIGATION and COURT CALL.
In June 2016, Honorable Elizabeth Rochford concluded her term as president, and the new officers and board
took the oath of leadership. There is no question that the Illinois Judges Foundation is in most capable hands
with our new slate of officers: Honorable Jeanne Reynolds (President); Honorable John Hauptman (Vice President); Honorable Diann Marsalek (Treasurer); and Honorable Sarah Smith (Secretary).
The 2016 Summer Reception will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at the CBA Building from 5:00 to
7:00 p.m. Judicial Icons honored will be Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke, Honorable Gino DiVito (Ret.) Illinois Appellate Court/Tabet DiVito & Rothstein, and Chief Judge Jorge L. Ortiz, Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. There will also be a special memorial recognition to Justice Laura Liu The IJF officers and
board extend a warm welcome to you to join us and look forward to seeing you there!
S AV E T H E D AT E !
I J A L U N C H E O N A N D M I D Y E A R M E E T I N G F R I D AY,
D E C E M B E R 9 , 2 016
S H E R AT O N H O T E L , C H I C A G O
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WILL BE SENT TO
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Illinois Judges Association Retired Judges Seminar
By John P. Coady
Joint seminars conducted by the Retired Judges Committee of the Illinois Judges Association on May 4th
were filled to capacity at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office. Both seminars were given high ratings by participants.
The day began with a morning Continuing Legal Education Seminar focusing on case updates and ethical
matters for retired judges. The CLE seminar was co-sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association with the
IJA Retired Judges Committee.
Retired Judge Don O’Shea reviewed recent US Supreme Court criminal cases, with Retired Judge Ron
Spears reviewing recent Illinois Supreme Court civil cases.
Retired Judge Ray McKoski and ARDC Deputy Administrator and Chief Counsel James Grogan gave ethics
presentations on matters that particularly affect retired judges. Ethics topics included giving oaths, conducting
marriages, giving references, endorsing candidates, soliciting charitable donations, and use of “Judge” and
“Justice” upon leaving the bench. Active, inactive, and retired status and fee structure with the ARDC were
explained, as was the new concept of preventive ethical measures for attorneys to prevent missteps before they
happen.
The afternoon Retirees and Spouses Benefits Seminar addressed matters of interest to the spouses of retired
judges. Speakers included Judicial Retirement System Manager Jayne Waldeck, CMS Insurance Manager Pam
Kogler, and Social Security Administration Specialist Andrew Salata. Topics included JRS services, Medicare
and Medicare Advantage issues, and impact of Social Security on retired judges and their spouses.
Retired Justice Tom Homer, currently
a Certified Financial Planner, gave an
overview of retired judges’ benefits and
options for prudent financial planning for
retirees.
The benefits seminar concluded with a
panel discussion that included the presenters plus former JRS Manager and
now Illinois State Employees Association of Retirees Executive Director Rudy
Kink, IJA Health Insurance Consultant Mike Mahorney of Nicoud Insurance Services, and CMS Agency Services Manager Grant Brauer.
As a result of the ISBA’s technological resources, both seminars were recorded. It is expected that the CLE
will be available this fall on the ISBA website and the Benefits Seminar will be available this fall on the IJA
website. IJA will notify its members when this occurs.
The Retired Judges Committee thanks ISBA Immediate Past-President Umberto Davi, the ISBA staff, and
IJA Executive Director Kathy Hosty for their excellent help and assistance with the seminars.
I J A P H OT OS
Photos from the June 3, 2016 IJA Installation
Left to Right: Judges Diann Marsalek, Ken Wright, Izzy Desierto
and Chief Judge Tim Evans
Left to Right: Judges Steve Wagner, Christen Bishop and
Retired Justice Warren Wolfson
2016 Newly Installed IJA
Board of Directors
Judges Mark Drummond and J. Frank McCartney
presenting 7 Reasons to Leave the Party in Pike County
Judges Bob Anderson and Jeanne Reynolds present their
class on Custody, Visitation and Removal at EdCon 2016