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provide human rights to everyone “regard-
less of race, religion, [or] gender.”
Judge Ramon Ocasio focused on the
need for diversity within the judicial
system, stating “when a judiciary doesn’t
reflect the community it serves, we fall
short: many miles of what justice requires.”
Ocasio urged attorneys to reflect critically
on the makeup and purpose of the judicial
system and seek diversity. Zaldwaynaka
Scott, honored by the Chicago Bar Asso-
ciation, emphasized “the power of law to
effect change,” citing changes in law to end
segregation.
Judge William J. Haddad (Ret.) of the
Arab American Bar Association of Illinois,
suggested a need for greater inclusion. He
noted the quarter million Arab-Americans
in the Chicago area are “very concerned
about the negative rhetoric they’re seeing
in the media, talking about barring people
based on religion or ethnicity. Our com-
munity is very proud of their history in this
country.” Haddad accepted the award on
behalf of the Arab-American community
in Chicago.
Serving the Underserved
Some of the honorees expressed their
gratitude for the opportunity to help
underserved populations through their
legal work. Sharon Hwang explained how
the Chinese American Bar Association
provides professional development for
Chinese-American lawyers and “a means
to provide legal services for our growing
Chinese-speaking population.” Mark
Dobrzycki, Executive Director of the
Amicus Poloniae Legal Clinic and honored
by the Advocates Society, was grateful for
“the opportunity to serve people who oth-
erwise would not have the chance to find
legal help that makes their lives better.”The
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chi-
cago honoredWill Thomas posthumously.
Presenters moted thatThomas was passion-
ate about the association’s scholarships for
law students to work at LGBT civil rights
organizations.
Bar Association Mentoring
Others thanked their sponsoring bar
associations for support throughout their
careers. “I am where I am today because
of this organization,” stated Judge Jessica
O’Brien, honored by the Asian Ameri-
can Bar Association of Chicago, noting
the mentoring she received from many
members. Rosa Maria Silva thanked the
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois,
stating, “They have provided me with many
mentors who have helped me along my
legal career. They have always encouraged
me and supported my endeavors.”
The 12 honorees show by example how
attorneys can make the law and legal pro-
fession more accessible to and reflective of
the community at-large.
Looking for Affordable
Meeting Space?
The CBA has a variety of meeting rooms and can
provide catering and audio/visual services for
client conferences, firmmeetings, social gather-
ings etc. Call Michele Spodarek, CBA Conference
Center Manager at 312/554-2124 for details.
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JULY/AUGUST 2016