ITLA President Sara M. Salger: Advocate for Justice

The following letter by ITLA President Sara M. Salger was published in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin for Law Day.

Advocate for justice

It is an honor to be the 71st President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and only the third woman to have filled this position. Serving as ITLA president fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It’s a privilege to lead an organization dedicated to upholding justice and advocating for those who need it most.

Leading one of the most prestigious trial lawyer associations, my goal is to encourage young lawyers, especially women, to get involved. I never fathomed I would have the privilege to serve as this group’s president when I attended my first ITLA seminar many years ago, but it all started with just showing up.

Engagement is the lifeblood of any association.  It requires vision, dedication, and the ability to unite legal professionals around a common purpose: advocating for justice.

Trial lawyers come from different backgrounds, each with their own experiences and viewpoints. An inclusive space must be created where everyone feels heard while maintaining focus on the core objectives. This requires active listening, fair representation, and a commitment to finding common ground.

I am committed to working closely with our membership, other law associations and elected officials to ensure that fairness and accessibility within our legal system is upheld. The work can be incredibly difficult, emotionally taxing, and stressful, but I am so proud of the work that we do.

Together, we can strive to make a meaningful impact on behalf of individuals and communities across Illinois.

Sara M. Salger, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association