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President’s Page

continued from page 8

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

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

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.

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

.

CBA RECORD

45