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“I’ll probably miss [being president] when
it’s over.”
Kotin has been a CBA member since his
career began. “I tell everyone to join the
CBA. When I started at a big firm, they paid
for one membership–it could be anything.
While some chose something like East
Bank Club, I chose the CBA. I have been
able to meet people with whom I would
never have crossed paths otherwise. Great
relationships have stemmed from my CBA
work.” He continues, “The CBA does really
good work
‒
very substantive work, things I
couldn’t do on my own. And doing it with
people who are good friends makes it fun.”
Lawyers can choose from a multitude
of organizations to network, enhance
their careers and do community work.
What’s different about the CBA? “Our
bar association is broad based and equal,”
he says. “There are bar associations that
are political, ethnic or religious. The CBA
is completely apolitical, non-partisan and
focuses on improving our members’ prac-
tice and the public’s access to lawyers.”
Bar Year Goals
Kotin doesn’t want to have a “theme” per
se, because, he says, good ideas can get lost.
Access to justice will continue to be a focus,
but “that is such an enormous problem,
there is no way we can fix it in one year.
We will keep trying to make inroads to
help our citizens.”
Another priority for Kotin is preserving
the wisdom of legendary Chicago lawyers.
He is saddened, for instance, that Phil
Corboy’s perspective on tort law has not
All of us at TKK are very proud of Dan and what he has accomplished in becoming the 140th
President of the CBA! Dan’s presidency is simply a reflection of his many years of commitment
to our legal profession and the CBA. He truly cares about making our profession a better one,
as demonstrated by his tireless and unselfish contributions to the CBA and other important
organizations. By the same measure, having practiced and tried cases with Dan, I am proud
to say that he consistently upholds the highest principles of the legal profession in placing
our clients first, and always tenaciously fighting to ensure exceptional outcomes for clients,
often times under the most difficult circumstances. With Dan’s unwavering commitment to
our profession and his leadership, this is no doubt going to be a fantastic year for the CBA.
Tim Tomasik, Partner, Tomasik Kotin Kasserman
Dan Kotinmentioned that he is active in the CBA because it is fun and because hemeets people
he otherwise likely would not. We are thankful that he has been active– he is a great person
to know andwill be a great leader of this organization. Dan is committed to the betterment of
our profession and to the greater community. Hewill have an amazing year; we can be assured.
Dan Cotter, Partner, Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd, Past CBA president
I have known Dan Kotin for many years and have seen him rise up the CBA ranks for the past
several years. We started out at the YLS during our early years- many moons ago! I have
always been impressedwith Dan- he is intelligent and no doubt a great trial lawyer. He is well
respected in the legal community.When you give hima project, you know it will be done well.
He is a trusted man and his word carries weight. But what impresses me most about Dan is
that despite all the successes he has had in his career, he remains the same nice guy who will
go out of his way to help you when you need it. It is also equally impressive to see his deep
commitment and love for his family and friends.
I know Dan will be a great CBA president because he has what it takes: passion to help
people, commitment to do the best for the organization, and the love to make a difference. I
look forward to a great year with Dan leading one of the best bar associations in the country,
if not the world!
Aurora Austriaco, Austriaco & Associates, Past CBA president
Taking the helm at a CBA Board of Managers Boat Cruise event on July 19.
With CBA 1st Vice President Judge Thomas R. Mulroy.
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JULY/AUGUST 2016