Vested Interest - March 2007 Issue

The President's Thoughts

Bit & Pieces...

We have had a busy first quarter in 2007. Therefore, I thought it best to use this page to update you on some of the happenings and latest developments.

TRANSITION: I want to congratulate Michael Carrigan on his Presidency of the Illinois AFL-CIO. President Carrigan succeeds our good friend, Margaret Blackshere, who retired on February 15, 2007. We look forward to working with Mike as we both represent our friends in organized labor.

LEGISLATION: The legislative session is in full swing. Three bills have been introduced in the Senate – SB 738 Death of a Defendant; SB 1296 Dealing with 2-1117; & SB 747 which is the Arthur v. Catour bill. In predictable style, our opponents have launched their own campaign against these bills. Despite these protestations SB 1296 dealing with 2-1117, was passed 34-23 and now moves to the House for consideration. SB 738 (death of a defendant) awaits a final vote.

In addition to the Senate Bills, two bills have been introduced in the House – HB 1798 which adds the damages of grief and sorrow to the Wrongful Death Act and HB 3445 adding mandatory minimum insurance for nursing homes. These bills await their turn in the House.

We have been busy in Springfield in other ways. The Civil Justice League/ Chamber of Commerce found sponsors for their corporate wish list of bills. In the Senate, I had the pleasure of testifying against SB 1549, which would have required Daubert-like hearings in every case, when requested by any party. This bill was defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee. In the House past President Kevin Conway and I testified against four of these bills which would have put chains around the courthouse doors. I am happy to announce that none of these bills moved out of committee.

CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE: The case of Abigaile LeBron, born October 31, 2005, who suffers from extensive brain damage, continues to percolate, slowly, in Cook County. As of this date, the defendants have not even filed responsive pleadings. As a reminder, if you need any information regarding this case, please contact the ITLA office.

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: I have appointed some of our members to serve on this committee with Angela Vincent. Their mission is to respond to many of the suggestions which have been posted on the listserv. We are looking at the creation of a document depository, which would be accessible by members only. The committee, with Angela’s assistance, is also creating new seminars, which will be available to you via the Internet. If you have any suggestions, please contact Angela in the ITLA office.

PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE: In the next issue of the Trial Journal magazine, you will see two pages devoted to a challenge I am going to issue to all of our members. I am asking that each of you take a moment of your time to recruit at least one new member for ITLA. In my travels across the state this past year, I have realized there are many lawyers who are committed to the civil justice system. These highly qualified trial lawyers have never been asked to join our esteemed organization, and no one has taken the time to recruit their membership. These exceptional attorneys should be encouraged to join us in defending the rights of all to access freely our system of justice in Illinois. Therefore, I issue to each of you a challenge to find the best and brightest lawyers in our state!

FINALLY, I want to wish all of you a Happy Passover and Easter holiday. As we celebrate these holidays, we are forced to recall the freedoms we enjoy and the renewal of life. In addition, we also celebrate Springtime, which are symbolic of growth and rejuvenation. For ITLA, the Presidential Challenge will add new life to our membership so that we can continue making progress in our efforts to prevent special interest groups from trampling upon the rights of our clients. I challenge each of you to find the best and brightest lawyers in our state and invite them to be a part of our esteemed organization. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Judy L. Cates, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association