Vested Interest - April 1998 Issue

The President’s Thoughts

April brings us showers, flowers, taxes and of course April Fools Day! - that occasion when pretending and fooling others is a national past-time. For most this only comes once a year and by April 2nd reality is re-acknowledged and honesty re-established. However, for many in this profession the pretending is perennial.

Practicing law is a privilege for which all of us should be willing to sacrifice. Vigilantly safeguarding it should be a paramount concern to anyone who believes he/she has the right to call themselves a lawyer. This requires meaningful participation outside one’s practice involving both time and money. It is the rent for the space we occupy. Some owe more than others, but everyone owes something. Those practitioners who think and do otherwise deceive themselves and this profession. The law is not served by those who will not protect it and those who do not serve the law cannot without pretension call themselves lawyers. For if they do, they become April Fools.

On the other hand, the sacrifices, commitments and contributions of our membership helped to preserve the tort system for all the citizens of this State. Further, the efforts of those members on the constitutional challenge, seminar planning, amicus curiae, web site and other committees continue to go beyond the call in order to embetter the legal environment. Such devotion entitles our members to rightfully call themselves lawyers.

With such continued participation, our endeavors to insure victims rights can only be augmented. In furtherance of that objective, we are currently supporting legislation to address: 1) the Burrell decision - medical liens; 2) HMO liability; 3) re-institution of the Structural Work Act; and 4) willful and wanton liability under the Tort Immunity Act. The success of these bills are, as always, integrally connected to the political landscape. Unfortunately, the lay of that land has been all too familiar.

We must conjure the winds of change within the Governorship and Senate while maintaining a healthy climate in the House. The primaries have bestowed just such an opportunity. However, we must seize the moment and take the political high ground. It is an advantage potentially within our grasp which we cannot casually let slip away. So, when you’re asked to "render unto Caesar," remember what can be achieved through a successful election in November.

Our web site is ready for your perusal. Surf us at www.ILTLA.com. It will provide 24 hour access to ITLA information and services while creating a rapid response capability heretofore unavailable to this organization. In conjunction with our public relations network, it should greatly improve our pro-active presence. This technology will greatly assist our growth into the next century. Tell us what you think.

This organization has overcome one of the most prolific assaults in its history and has emerged stronger than ever. The irony of such success is that it compels us to intensify our efforts. Heightened campaigns of disinformation and judicial contamination have already begun and we must continue to answer. With upcoming elections to address, our plate will most certainly be full. It usually is. However, with the indomitable character and resolve of ITLA lawyers and the power of truth, we will confidently confront it all.

As for those April Fools, maybe they should be forced to practice in "pointy" hats or at least be required to wear them on April 1.

Laird M. Ozmon, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Jim Collins, and his wife Catherine on the birth of their daughter Kathleen Louise on March 22nd.