As we approach the end of the spring legislative session, there are several ITLA-supported bills that we are keeping an eye on and hoping they pass this session. The first is HB 3359, the alternate juror legislation. The bill amends the Jury Act and the Code of Civil Procedure to increase the number of jurors and alternates in civil trials. 

As the legislative session is now in full swing, one of my favorite ITLA events of the year is quickly approaching next month: the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Women’s Caucus Lobby Day. This event was one of the first caucus events implemented with the addition of the Women’s Caucus almost eight years ago and currently has expected record attendance for this year. 
 

The legislature is back in full swing after being sworn in for the 104th General Assembly on January 8th, 2025. Since that date, over 6,300 bills have been introduced. I can assure you that no matter what your area of practice, there is a bill or bills that impact you and your clients, most likely in a negative way. 

Looking ahead in 2025, this year has already proven to be eventful, while not even a full month in. The need for engagement in ITLA to protect the rights of our clients and the citizens of Illinois is at an all-time high, so this month I wanted to highlight some of the upcoming opportunities to engage.
 

As 2024 comes to a close, and we look forward to a new year, it is a great time to reflect on the past year and look ahead with purpose and intention. Looking back at the first six months of my presidency, it has brought many ups and downs. From the ups of multiple successful, well-attended events and seminars with our members, elected officials and the judiciary, and numerous amicus briefs, including those filed in cases pending before the Illinois Supreme Court; to the significant lows of the loss of multiple cherished members of our organization and what can only be considered a difficult election cycle for the rights of many of our clients. 

I always find it interesting that not too many years ago it was “taboo” to discuss your political, religious or financial status openly.  Fast forward to today, and we are flooded with social media posts featuring non-sensical and uneducated rhetoric on politics, memes about religion and Instagram images of lavish lifestyles and exuberant wealth.  

Goodbye, Madame President

To My Fellow Trial Lawyers:

At this point, the news of Kathy Byrne’s untimely passing has likely reached all in this organization. It came as a shock to all who knew her and had the pleasure of practicing with her, making it not only to the Chicago Law Bulletin, but also the pages of the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune. However, when sitting down to write my thoughts for this edition of Vested Interest, I could think of nothing else to write about than to say a final goodbye to the incredible Kathy Byrne.

To my Fellow Members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association,

It was an absolute honor to stand before so many of you a few weeks ago and officially become the 71st President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. I have very big shoes to fill, taking the helm from the amazing Kathy Byrne for whom I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with on the Executive Committee for the past several years. 
 

Gratitude. Thanks. Appreciation. 

This year has gone by in a flash. I have so many people to thank and acknowledge for their generous and unflagging support of ITLA and of me personally. 

Above all I want to thank Jim Collins. More than any other individual, Jim is the essence of ITLA. I don’t think a blade of grass grows in Springfield without Jim knowing about it. He knows strategy, data and every ally and opponent of our clients’ rights. Our daily 8:15 calls kept us on track and moving forward throughout the year. I can’t thank him enough.
 

March Madness. 

I don’t mean basketball, I’m referring to the generally crazy state brought to us by social media, click-based journalism, and the reckless blathering of he-who-shall-not-be-named.  The mass hysteria over Kate Middleton’s family photo is a great example of how patterns of normal behavior have altered.