Vested Interest - December 2003 Issue

The President’s Thoughts

With the Holiday Season once again upon us, it’s appropriate to take stock of our collective good fortune. There is certainly much to be thankful for.

• ATLA has beaten back the attempts of the Republican controlled House and Senate to overhaul our civil justice system and severely limit the rights of victims of medical negligence and asbestos. Our opponents will be back, but ATLA has once again demonstrated their political might in protecting our clients’ rights.
• Congratulations to our members who have joined ATLA’s Leadership Forum. Last November, ATLA was faced with the daunting task of funding efforts to stop a rollback of our clients’ rights. Since then, ATLA’s Leadership Forum was created with the goal of raising funds to bolster ATLA’s lobbying efforts. The number of firms that have participated in Illinois has risen to 25.
• Increased civility. Last December at the ISBA Supreme Court dinner Justice Thomas spoke passionately about increasing the civility amongst lawyers and judges. He was one of many bar leaders who has commented on the subject. Over the last several years, I have noticed lawyers being more civil to each other. Other colleagues have made the same observation. If true, it demonstrates that if we keep preaching to each other about becoming more civil, it may actually have a positive impact.
• Give thanks to our U.S. Military, especially those in Afghanistan and Iraq. Regardless of your political affiliation, it’s important to remember that our soldiers are putting their lives on the line every day. Pray for them and their families during what must be a most difficult Holiday Season.
• Take the opportunity during this Holiday Season to give thanks, love, and support to our families and friends. Emersed in the busy practice of law, it’s easy to forget the sacrifice our spouses and children make for us. Aren’t they really who we are working for? Be thankful that our families are safe and healthy. Considering the work that we do, it’s easy to be reminded of how precious and fragile our lives are. On behalf of my wife, Mary, and myself, I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and fruitful Holiday Season.

Talk to you next month.

Michael P. Schostok, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association