Vested Interest - June 1999 Issue

The President’s Thoughts

THE PASSING OF THE ITLA PRESIDENT’S GAVEL

On Friday, June 11, 1999, I became the 46th President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and after a year of distinguished service, Martin J. Healy Jr. was bestowed the title “Immediate Past President”. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Marty for his tireless efforts on behalf of our organization. He sacrificed professionally and personally. Under his tenure we made progress in the legislature while his bicycle helmet safety program continued to emphasize our desire and goal of reducing injuries. Larry Rogers, who will succeed me in June, 2000 can only hope and pray that I leave him with such a well-honed ITLA as Marty left me.

MEMBERSHIP

There is strength in numbers and I plan to nominate a membership committee that will work diligently to increase our membership roles 10% from the current level of 2100. I joined ITLA two months before I became a licensed lawyer and I intend to bring more young lawyers into the fold. Additionally, I am also going to contact some of the old stalwarts who have abandoned the organization that helped get them where they are today—find out why they left—and invite them back.

LEGISLATION

We will continue to pursue the return of the Structural Work Act (it passed the House last session). Y2K immunity will be fiercely opposed. The “copy cost” bill, which limits photocopy charges for medical records, is high on our agenda, as is HMO liability.

We will continue to strongly resist efforts in the legislature to protect hazardous worksites, unsafe products and medical negligence. There is no economic basis for our adversaries to support these measures. The real cost of workers compensation insurance fell 44% nationally, 45% in the industrial states and 51% in Illinois. Illinois is the most profitable state in the nation for products and other liability insurance, and the second most profitable when medical malpractice and workers compensation profits are added. Profits in Illinois have increased 138% since 1990. The real cost of medical malpractice insurance has fallen 12% nationally, 11% in the industrial states and 9% in Illinois. Market competition has more influence on insurance costs than does legislation; the real battle is between insurers and insured.

ATLA CONVENTION - SAN FRANCISCO - JULY 17-21, 1999

As representative of ITLA, I will present the Civil Justice Foundations “Community Champion Award” to Nancy Donley of Chicago on July 20, 1999during the Breakfast of Champions in San Francisco. Donley became actively involved in food safety after the tragic death of her 6 year old son Alex, from E.coli in July 1993. She was outraged to learn that Alex’s death could have been prevented with proper slaughtering techniques, government inspection, and cooking procedures. Donley turned her loss into a mission to prevent this tragedy from befalling other families. Currently, Donley serves as president of Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.). S.T.O.P. was instrumental in the passage of historic inspection reform regulations implemented in the meat and poultry industries. S.T.O.P. has also worked on safe juice and produce issues.

TRIAL JOURNAL

The first issue of the Trial Journal will be sent to members by the end of the month. Marty Healy deserves full and undiluted credit for this first-class publication and I intend to continue his lead and publish additional issues in the next year.

PAST PRESIDENT’S PAGES

In preparing my first Presidents column, I took the opportunity to review the words of my predecessors in their initial Presidents Thoughts to the membership. I am incorporating a few passages because they ring as true today as when first published and will guide me through the next year.

June 1990 - “I hope you enjoy this first issue. Let us know how you feel about this new effort. Suggest topics or ask for greater coverage on specific issues, we will try to comply with your requests. It is, after all, ITLA’s publication, and you are ITLA.” —Robert A. Clifford, President 1990-91

June 1991 -“If we can organize our efforts and direct our energies toward the attainment of worthy goals, then ITLA will benefit as will each of us. Thank you for the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization.” —Larry Calvo, President 1991-92

June 1992 -“Last year’s Continuing Legal Education programs were outstanding, and we intend to have a repeat performance this year.” —Joseph A. Power, Jr., President 1992-93

June 1993 - "In the coming year, it is also my intention to continue the excellent seminar presentations of our organization which, in my opinion, are regarded as the finest in the State.” —Patrick A. Salvi, President 1993-94

June 1994 - “You are all going to be asked like never before to contribute to ITLA and ITLA-PAC. The rights of our clients and the practices we have built are at stake.” —Curt N. Rodin, President, 1994-95

June 1995 -“Yes, we must raise the necessary money to remain a powerful political force, but just as importantly, we must work in our local districts and statewide identifying appealing electable candidates.” —David V. Dorris, President 1995-96

June 1996 -“With the training and guidance of ITLA’s past presidents, officers, membership and staff, I am aware of the responsibility and eager to assume it.” —Geoffrey L. Gifford, President 1996-97

June 1997 -“The prospects for the coming year look great.” —Laird M. Ozmon, President 1997-98

June 1998 - “A very necessary part of being President is to encourage support, financial and otherwise, for the right candidates.” —Martin J. Healy, Jr., President 1998-99

IN CONCLUSION

Thanks for your support and keep the faith.

Michael J. Reagan
President,1999-2000
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association