Fellow ITLA Members:

I am incredibly proud to be the 73rd President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. 

I have admired ITLA since 1996, when I was a student member of ITLA.  One Saturday that spring, when I probably should have been studying for final exams, I attended my first ITLA seminar. I was amazed that the presenting lawyers, who were competitors with each lawyer in the audience, were sharing their secrets and experiences, and were trying to help their competitors become better advocates.

Reflections on My Term as ITLA President

As my term as President of ITLA comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and optimism for the future of this organization. Over the past year, ITLA has continued its critical role advocating for victims’ rights. I am honored to have served as President and am grateful for our dedicated Executive Committee, Board of Managers, and every ITLA member.

Since its founding in 2017 by Margaret Battersby Black, Sarah King, Sara Salger and Kate Conway, the ITLA Women’s Caucus has become one of the most dynamic and impactful components of our organization. What began as a response to a clear need for greater connection, visibility, and leadership opportunities for women trial lawyers has grown into a powerful force within the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
 

Clients First: Holding the Line Against Private Equity  

Innovation in law is important, but at what expense? Private equity promises efficiency and capital, but its interest in legal services poses an existential risk to professional independence, ethical judgment, and most importantly, what is best for the client. 
 

Fellow ITLA Members,

As we begin a new year, ITLA continues to offer meaningful opportunities for education, advocacy, and connection and a chance to escape this winter cold. Here is what ITLA has in store for you this spring:

Let’s get to the good stuff first. If you are ready for warmer weather, join us in Las Vegas on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, for The Psychology of Persuasion Seminar. This day-and-a-half master class is designed for plaintiff trial attorneys who want to move jurors to action, overcome institutional skepticism, and make jurors comfortable awarding what justice requires. The program features Sybil Dunlop, a nationally recognized trial lawyer and teacher of persuasion who blends psychology, neuroscience, and real-world courtroom experience to strengthen advocacy at every stage of litigation.
 

Challenges Ahead 
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m proud of the work ITLA has done to protect our clients and future clients. We continue to fight for access to justice and are committed to pushing back against powerful institutions that try to erode the civil justice system. Taking a sober look at the challenges ahead, we can see that the landscape for plaintiffs’ work is changing quickly. If we want to continue delivering results for the families who rely on us, we must understand the pressures that are gathering force in 2026. 

A Legacy of Service
 
It was an evening devoted to recognizing important events, milestones, and people. At ITLA’s Annual Convention last June, one extraordinary staff member was honored for her many years of dedicated service and received a standing ovation. But she wasn’t in her seat to take in the moment. True to form, Linda Benedict was off tending to ITLA members’ needs.
 

To My Fellow Members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association,
 
We enter the fall season gratified that two ITLA-supported bills that protect our citizens have become law. It reflects the strength of our collective voice as we stand up to powerful interests and work together on behalf of our clients and the clients yet to come.

To My Fellow Members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association,
 
It is an honor to serve as the 72nd President of ITLA.
 
In my view, ITLA stands as the preeminent trial lawyers’ organization in the country.  Every lawyer in Illinois who represents injury victims owes it to their clients and future clients to be part of an organization that is on the frontline in defending their access to justice and their constitutional right to a jury trial.  Thank you for being part of ITLA.
 

Reflections on My Final Month as ITLA President

As my final month as President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on this past year and express my deepest gratitude to those who have supported me along the way. Leading this organization has been an absolute honor — an experience I will always cherish and remain profoundly grateful for