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been memorialized, and he doesn’t want to
lose others’ insights. He plans to interview
distinguished Chicago lawyers and hopes
to capture their perspective and what they
think their legacy might be.
“I hope this bar year is one that’s remem-
bered and talked about positively. If we
can make a dent in the access to justice
crisis, I’ll be proud of that. I’d also like to
maintain member enthusiasm. Bar associa-
tion membership around the country is
declining because of how lawyers live their
lives. We don’t need to go to law libraries;
we don’t need to go somewhere to sit in a
meeting. But with that convenience, you
lose face-to-face contact. The CBA helps
maintain that contact, and we want to keep
members physically and directly involved.”
London Calling
Kotin asks all members to get ready for
a special spring CLE trip to London. He
realizes that many folks in the Chicago
legal community have travelled to London
before, but says, “I can guarantee access to
a London you’ve never experienced before.”
He notes that the location and getting CLE
credit are important, but what will make
the trip great instead of good is the people.
Have a Profession, Not a Job
When asked to give advice to help someone
be a better lawyer, Kotin responds, “Make
sure that you’re doing something in law you
believe in. Caring about what you’re doing
is 90% of the battle. If you think of your
work in law as a profession, rather than as
a job, you’ll have a big head start.”
Amy Cook runs a legal communications
consulting firm and is Editor-in-Chief of the
CBA Record
“I have served with Dan on the CBA Board and Executive Committee. No one has more energy
or works harder on CBA projects. Those attributes will serve him well as president.”
Tim Eaton, Partner, Taft Stattinius & Hollister
To paraphrase Emerson, “The good lawyer does not have an eye to every side and angle of
contingency, and qualifies all his qualifications, but one who works so heartily on your behalf,
that you get out of a scrape.” That is Dan Kotin, a good lawyer, who works as hard for the CBA
as he does for his clients. We are lucky to have him.
Judge Thomas Mulroy, Circuit Court of Cook County
Dan Kotin is a guy you want in the foxhole with you. He outworks, outthinks and outperforms
his adversary each and every day. Dan has never looked for, nor accepted, the easy path. Instead
he simply works hard, is honest and loyal. It has served him well over his career and frankly
makes him the best friend and partner I could have. I am blessed to have had Danny in my
life….this time next year the entire CBA will feel the same way.
Shawn S. Kasserman, Partner, TKK
CBA MEMBERSHIP
The CBA is one of the nation’s leadingmetropolitan
bar associations, and is regarded for its committee
programs, CLE seminars, Young Lawyers Section,
LawPracticeManagement“HowTo”programs, and
more. Your membership supports the important
work of the association in serving our legal commu-
nity, the administration of justice, and the public.
Need further assistance? Call 312/554-2031.
The TKK team.
Receiving the gavel of leadership.
With Justice Thomas L. Kilbride.
CBA RECORD
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