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CBA RECORD
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SIMPLY PUT, JUDGE MULROY IS AN INSTINCTUAL
mentor and a forward-looking leader with a clear vision for the
CBA’s future.
Painter, Army Water Polo Champion and Family Man
Born in Winnetka, Judge Mulroy began working at a young age.
One of his early jobs was “painting every fire hydrant in Win-
netka.” After graduating from Loyola Academy, where he swam
and played water polo, Judge Mulroy majored in history at the
University of Santa Clara. During his junior year, he studied in
Rome through Loyola University. “On the plane ride over, I met
my future wife, Elaine.”
Judge Mulroy returned to the University of Santa Clara for
his final year of undergraduate study. “Just before graduation, the
Dean of Students asked me, ‘What are you going to do now?’”
Though he had not really considered his next step, Judge Mulroy
spontaneously responded, “I’m going to law school.”
Judge Mulroy earned his J.D. from Loyola University. While
in law school, he joined the Army Reserves and reported for two
weeks of active duty each year. During one assignment, an officer
asked if anyone knew how to swim. “I didn’t know why he was
asking, but as a swimmer and water polo player in high school
and college, I thought I should raise my hand.” Little did Judge
Mulroy know, the officer was asking so he could field a team for
the base’s water polo tournament. “Our team ended up winning
the championship. I remember officers on the other teams pointing
at me, asking, ‘Where’d he come from?’”
Judge Mulroy and Elaine married after college and have three
children: Thomas (a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson), Kevin (a
creative director and writer for BBDO Worldwide), and Heather
(who co-founded the Standard Society, an agency that represents
directors of commercials and movies). Judge Mulroy is also a proud
grandfather of three.
Rigorous Career Filled with Challenges and Camaraderie
After graduating law school in 1972, Judge Mulroy took a job
as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District
of Illinois. “I loved it. I started out in appeals, and then went to
the trial division. I tried 20 jury cases in three years.” He fondly
recalls the camaraderie in the office. “We talked about trials and
evidence all the time. When a jury was out, we would sit with our
colleague whose trial it was and await the jury verdict.” He still
has close friends from that time in the office.
In 1976, Judge Mulroy was offered an associate position at
Jenner & Block. “My first case was a probate matter for Bert
Jenner,” the name partner of the firm. It was not a run-of-the-
mill client matter. Jenner had just learned that a former client
had passed away and named him one of many beneficiaries in the
will, which was being vigorously contested in downstate Illinois.
“I had no idea where I was going or what I was getting into, but
it turned out well for Bert. I didn’t get a bonus, but I did get to
keep my job.” Several years later, Judge Mulroy was up for partner.
The day before the partner election meeting, the firm intercom
announced that Mulroy had won a trial verdict in a major insurance
coverage matter. “It was good timing.” Judge Mulroy rose through
the ranks at Jenner & Block, served on its Executive Committee,
and practiced at the firm until 2001.
“I loved Jenner & Block, but wanted to try something new
and challenging.” Judge Mulroy started his own firm. It attracted
large clients and large matters. “Because of the size of some of
the matters, we needed a bigger infrastructure.” He then joined
McGuireWoods in 2003, where he practiced until 2007, when he
became a judge.
Judge Mulroy with his wife, Elaine Mulroy