Vested Interest - June 2006 Issue

The President's Thoughts

"Champions and Heroes”

On Friday, June 9, 2006, I was honored to be installed as the first “woman” President of our esteemed Association. This article represents my first opportunity to comment on the great privilege which has been bestowed upon me. Therefore, I am going to seize the moment to “set the record straight.” I have never considered myself a “woman trial lawyer.” Instead, my perspective has always been that I should be the best advocate possible, without regard for my gender. (Of course, the fact that I gave a closing argument while 7-1/2 months pregnant, and argued that life was precious, did not hurt my efforts at persuasion, especially when two jurors approached me after the verdict and asked when I would be delivering that baby!)

So how did a woman from a smaller town in Illinois gain the respect of her peers and come to be elected as President of this prestigious Illinois Trial Lawyers Association? The simple answer is that I was fortunate enough to have a few special champions.

Webster’s defines a “champion” as a “militant advocate” or “one that does battle for another’s rights or honor.” Both of these definitions aptly describe the individuals who helped me along the path of my legal career. Each person offered me opportunity and, in some way, molded my personal or professional life. To my “champions,” I want to take this occasion to say “thank you.”

My first expression of thanks goes, to John (Jack) Norton, who is, unfortunately, no longer with us. Mr. Norton hired me in 1975, even before I entered law school. I desperately needed a job, and Jack took a chance that my writing skills could be used in his product liability/medical negligence practice. For the next couple of years, I followed Jack Norton to depositions and knew that litigation was the path I wanted to travel. The problem was, however, there were no “women trial lawyers” practicing plaintiff litigation at the time. Therefore, Jack and I devised a scheme that allowed me to enter the world of litigation, albeit, criminal prosecution. Jack was my first champion.

In 1977, Jack Norton introduced me to Clyde Kuehn, then St. Clair County State’s Attorney. Mr. Kuehn, my second champion, gave me my first job as a lawyer – Assistant States Attorney. (I even had a badge!) Shortly thereafter, John Baricevic became State’s Attorney and continued my employment. From 1978 through 1982, we had a very special team of prosecutors, including James Donovan, Patrick Young, Stephen Rice, John Mohan, John English and Michael O’Malley. Every one of these individuals gave me the opportunity to excel in my professional growth. As my trial experience grew, Mr. Baricevic granted me the latitude to focus on special interests: child abuse; criminal sexual abuse of women and murder cases. To Mr. Baricevic and the prosecutors of the day, I say “thank you” for allowing me to represent the People of the State of Illinois, on behalf of victims. You were my champions.

After gaining what I considered to be “enough” criminal trial experience, I decided to apply to a few law firms that I thought worthy of my expertise. Shockingly, not one firm responded to my letters. (Of course, there were no women lawyers in any of the plaintiff firms I had applied to.) Thus, I opened my own “shop.” After about sixty days, I received a call from a kind fellow who introduced himself as Sandy Korein. At the time, I did not know Sandy Korein, nor did I realize his importance as a trial lawyer. (Ignorance, of course, is bliss.) I will never forget the day that Sandy came into my tiny office, which had no windows or ventilation. He promptly lit up a cigar which I thought was at least 12 inches long!!

Mr. Korein invited me to interview with their office in East St. Louis. Of course, I had heard of Rex Carr, but was really unfamiliar with their practice. In 1982, I had my first and only interview with Rex Carr and Sandy Korein. The interview was a bit “rocky.” Mr. Carr asked me why I thought I could try a civil case. Mr. Korein suggested that a woman could probably not relate to a Jones Act worker. Nevertheless, I confidently explained to both of these icons that “I wanted to be a trial lawyer.” To my amazement, they offered me a job. Rex Carr and Sandy Korein opened the doors for me to become a real plaintiff’s advocate. They are, and remain, my champions.

Through my association with Rex and Sandy, I have been fortunate to have the support of many more champions. Jack Carey, Jerry Montroy, and Ed Brennan, to name a few, all gave me opportunities to grow professionally.

In 1997, when Rex and Sandy invited me to join their firm as a partner, I had the privilege of meeting Stephen Tillery. (Coincidentally, my brother, Steve Katz, was also working at the firm.) When I rejoined the firm, I asked Rex to help me become involved in ITLA. I remember that Rex was enthusiastic about my request and immediately picked up the phone to see how I might become more involved.

Since that time, Rex, Sandy and Steve Tillery have given me their unselfish support. Without reservation, they allowed me to become active in this organization. Even today, they continue to support me. They are my virtual champions. They are also my heroes.

Finally, I must thank the trial lawyers in ITLA who have always been supportive of my interests in the association. When Kim Presbrey first approached me with the idea of running for Third Vice-President, I was honored, but reticent. Others, however, joined with their voices, encouraging me to run for office. Giants of the legal world - Robert Clifford, Geoffrey Gifford, Joe Power, Laird Ozmon, and so many others – have given me their encouragement to represent this organization. I am honored to be among these champions who have devoted their lives to militantly advocating for the rights of others and preserving the civil justice system.

In closing, I want to say “thank you” to my family, who have sacrificed, repeatedly, for me. They are my personal champions. Without their love, I would not have had this great honor of representing trial lawyers throughout Illinois.

In conclusion, I must thank each and every member of this great association who continues, on a daily basis, to devote their practice to the preservation of the civil justice system. You are truly champions of the freedoms we enjoy each day and the commitment to a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” To each of you I say: “You are my heroes.” I am proud to be your President and proud to be a trial lawyer!

Judy L. Cates, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association