Vested Interest - April 2003 Issue

The President’s Thoughts

We are in the middle of the legislative session. The bills ITLA is supporting are a result of the suggestions that many of you submitted. Obviously, we could not put forth every suggestion. Be assured that every suggestion we received remains in our compendium of future proposals. You can be assured that the Executive Committee and the Legislative Committee of ITLA are doing everything possible to promote and pass these bills. Two rather trite phrases come to mind: "There are no guarantees in life." and "You can’t make everybody happy." We will do everything we can to refute these colloquialisms.

On Tuesday, April 29 ITLA will be hosting our annual Legislative Reception from 5-7 p.m. at our new ITLA Headquarters. We have invited all 177 Legislators and the six Constitutional Officers. This is a very important event for ITLA. I would encourage every member to attend. This reception is an opportunity to meet your legislators in an informal setting. If you have wondered what you can do to support our legislative efforts, attending this reception is one very tangible answer.

Our Seminar Planning Committee is presenting a 2003 Advocacy Showcase on May 3 in Chicago at the DoubleTree Guest Suites. The seminar features some of ITLA’s most respected trial lawyers conducting a one-day trial. It should be a very worthwhile presentation.

Robert J. Bingle, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association