CBA Record

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Most remarkably, we planned and hosted a large Chicago Violence Summit, featur- ing all stakeholders in the crisis, with the common goal of finding a workable solution. Nobody knew that Archbishop Blase Cupich would join as a speaker for a sold- out CBA luncheon just days after the Pope announced his elevation to Cardinal. Nobody knew that the CBA would be fortunate enough to hire producer/director Ricardo Islas from WYCC-TV. We then built our very own television studio off the lobby of the CBA, and now have unlimited capabilities for television production and other media services. You see, none of these events were on anybody’s radar screen as I tried to plan my year. But they happened and we reacted, and that is what makes the CBA the vibrant and dynamic organization that it is. Now, I really don’t have the space to mention the dozens of programs that took place which we did know about and plan in advance. However, a couple of events need to be highlighted. We all did know that a portrait of our Executive Director Terry Murphy would be commissioned, completed, and that the long overdue dedication of the “Terry Murphy Lobby” would finally take place. Terry’s portrait now hangs above the fire- place. The dedication event was held on March 23 rd , and I will always remember it as a highlight of my bar year. I am so happy that Terry is finally allowing folks to recognize and honor his contributions to this bar and our city. I am even happier that he has agreed to continue serving as Executive Director for at least another three years! We also did know that our CLE trip to London was going to be a big success. After all, we had more than 100 lawyers and judges join us on the excursion, and we had remarkable assistance and support from lawyers and law firms, both here and abroad. Still, I think we were all a bit surprised that the whole trip came off without a hitch, and that all of us had as much fun as we did. (The only thing that

CLE inLondon, April 10-13. More than100CBAmembers and their guests joinedCBAPresident Daniel M. Kotin to enjoy the sights and sounds of London, England while attending the CBA’s CLE in London in April. Highlights of the trip included tours of the Supreme Court of England andWales, the Royal Courts of Justice, Runnymede andWindsor Castle. CLE sessions were held at the London headquarters of LexisNexis, and featured topics such as security and legal ethics and an exploration of the differences between U.S. and U.K. courts. The CBA would like to offer a special thank you to our event supporters, LexisNexis and Deloitte. Mark your calendar to join 2017-2018 CBA President Judge Thomas R. Mulroy and the CBA for CLE in Rome, Italy on April 16-19, 2018. Highlights will include the marvels of ancient Rome, cooking classes, dinner in the Borghese Gardens of the Pincio, and four hours of continuing legal education.To receive notice of the programagenda and travel information, email tdrees@ chicagobar.org.

life” gets in the way of his grand plans, Judge Mulroy will react, adapt, and ensure that the CBA remains the relevant and important organization it has always been. For me, this year has been a highlight of my personal and professional life. I had no idea that I had so much left to learn–yet I learned so much. I had no idea that I had so much room to grow as a person–yet I grew so much. A few months ago, I saw the hit Broad- way production of Hamilton. For those of you who have seen the show, you will remember a song called “The RoomWhere it Happens.” Well, for me, this year serv- ing as President of this organization has offered me so many opportunities to be in “the room where it happens.” I would have never been invited, but for the CBA. Thank you so much for that. This is the best legal organization I know. I may be stepping aside as President, but I am not going far.

could possibly top London will be Judge Mulroy’s trip to Rome next year.) In February, I was asked to speak to a national conference inMiami and describe what services we provide our members beyond “simply collecting dues.” I was given only 20 minutes, and frankly, the concept of summarizing all the CBA does was rather absurd. The truth is that Terry, Beth McMeen, Tamra Drees, Sharon Stepan, and everyone at the CBA all work tirelessly to provide countless services and opportunities to all of us. They really do not get credit for all they do. I cannot take the space to thank all of them by name, but we should all make a point of thanking them for their efforts when we see them. Next month I will hand off the title of “President” to Judge Tom Mulroy. If you do not know already, Judge Mulroy is far more accomplished, competent, and energetic than I could ever be. He’s been a fantastic Vice-President and a good friend. He already has more planned for his year than anyone else could accomplish in two years. And, I am certain that when “real

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