Vested Interest - May 2000 Issue

The President’s Thoughts

I close my final president’s column as I began the first—with thoughts from my predecessors. They ring as true today as when first published.

May 1991 - “ITLA’s most active Committee is far and away the Amicus Committee. Led by Kevin Conway [Bruce Pfaff today], the Amicus Committee meets on a regular basis and does marvelous work. The Committee has members from throughout the state, and follows cases in each of the five Appellate Courts as it attempts to make certain the Supreme Court is aware of the Association’s position on every case that impacts your practice.” Robert A. Clifford, President 1990-91

May 1992 - “Each of the seminars was outstanding. To each of the seminar planning chairs, and to every member who participated as a speaker, goes my sincere appreciation. The consistent quality of the programs is a great credit to ITLA.” Larry Calvo, President 1991-92

May 1993 - “As we look to the future together, we should not talk about what we have done, but what we will do. I want to thank each of you for the opportunity to serve you and ITLA. I hope I have left it a little better than I received it. I will continue to work to make it even better.” Joseph A. Power, Jr., President, 1992-93

May 1994 - “We must resolve ourselves to the proposition that persons and entities who would like to take away the tort victims right of full and fair compensation are not ever going to give up trying, and therefore, we need to maintain strength and commitment to preserving the system permanently.” Patrick A. Salvi, President 1993-94

May 1995 - “The loyalty to ITLA’s goals is what will keep this organization a powerful voice in the fight to preserve the right to trial by jury.” Curt N. Rodin, President 1994-95

May 1996 - “For all of those contemplating seeking an office within ITLA, my advice is if you think it may serve your professional, financial or ego needs – forget it. If you love this profession and want an opportunity to feel really good about making a contribution – do it.” David V. Dorris, President 1995-96

May 1997 - “You have every reason to be proud of your chosen profession and your membership in ITLA.” Geoffrey L. Gifford, President 1996-97

May 1998 - “With or without the Bulls, our membership has cause to look ahead with great optimism. We have earned it. Although I now fade from the forefront, I remain loyal and committed to the aspiration of this Association. I bid you all a fond farewell!” Laird M. Ozmon, President 1997-98

May 1999 - “As an organization, we are very fortunate to have an exceptional staff in Springfield. Headed by our very capable Executive Director, Jim Collins, Assistant Director Linda Benedict, Ed Peck, Paula Gansbauer, Tracey Bohannon [now Tate], Jody Racey and Rachel Tribbett [new from last year] do an outstanding job. My sincere thanks to all of them.” Martin J. Healy , Jr., President 1998-99

It has been a true pleasure to represent your interests as President of ITLA.. My special thanks to Jim Collins who has guided me the past year in a position where success is marked by what did not happen—adverse legislation. We were pro-active in adding ethics topics to several seminars and started the Illinois Trial Lawyers Charitable Foundation which awaits IRS Section 501 (C) (3) approval.

On June 2, 2000, at Oak Brook Hills, I will relinquish the reins to the very capable Larry Rogers. We are fortunate to have him lead us into a November election which will elect the legislators who will draw the re-apportionment map that we will live with for the next 10 years.

Lastly, and most importantly, I thank Elaine, Justin, Mick, Brad and Jon for putting up with a “drive-by” husband and father over the past year.

Keep the faith.

Michael J. Reagan President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association