Vested Interest - May 2002 Issue

The President’s Thoughts

We are in a political year of monumental importance. We have spent the last twelve months attempting to prepare this organization for the next twelve months. We have increased membership. We have worked hard on raising PAC money. We have traveled throughout the State informing members of our intentions and listening to their ideas and concerns. By November of this year, we will have a new governor, every state senator and representative will have gone through an election, and we will be choosing a U.S. Senator in a Senate that is controlled by one vote. As an organization, we must do everything we can to make sure the politicians elected support victim’s rights.

If I have had one member walk up to me, introduce themselves, and thank me for the sacrifices I have made to do this job, I have had a hundred. One thing everyone understands in this organization is that we need to maintain strong, visible, and attentive leadership. This can only be accomplished by spending time on behalf of the organization and the victims we represent. It has been gratifying, a lot of work, and a lot of fun.

This is not a one-person job. I could never have done what I have done this year without the help of my office stalwarts: Kurt Niermann, Michele Porro, Sandy Byrd, and Margie Putzler. There has never been a complaint or the requirement of an explanation. Everyone has pitched in when necessary and served the clients of the office while I performed this job to the best of my ability. I also could never have done this without the great staff of our organization. Headed up by Jim Collins and supported by Linda, Paula, Tracey, Julia, Angela, Ed, Rachel and others. It has been a true group effort. All deserve the credit received for what has been accomplished.

Our next president will be Robert Bingle. He is a long-time board member from Chicago who has worked many years on behalf of our organization. He has a great task ahead of him. He will be leading this organization in the elections that will occur this November. I can assure all of you that our fate will be in capable and experienced hands. But as I said before, this is not a one-person job and everyone in the organization needs to partake in this monumental task.

On the non-political front you should all know that Supreme Court Rule 213 has been amended and is available from the ITLA office. It will go into effect on July 1, 2002. They did not roll the rule all the way back to 220 as many of us desired, but I do think it will be better than 213 was. Our appreciation needs to go out to the members of our organization who worked so hard to make this amendment happen.

You should also know that we are moving our offices this summer. After years of searching, we have finally been able to secure new and larger office space to house our staff and voluminous documents. It is about two blocks from our present office at the corner of West Edwards and Pasfield and will have a member’s office for those of you who need to take a deposition or a place to work while you are in Springfield. One of my non-political goals last June was to find a new building, and I am very happy we were able to accomplish this. Our present office is for sale in case you know of anyone who might be interested in purchasing it. At some point we hope to have a sort of grand opening for the new office, and we will be inviting the entire organization. More on that to come from President Bingle.

We will also be coming out with a follow-up book to our complaint book. This book will be on the topic of auto litigation, a subject that will touch the vast majority of our organization. We had a very positive response to the complaint book, and we felt this topic would also be well received. Some of our most accomplished members have agreed to be authors, and I think you will also be very impressed with the chapters contained in the book. A special thanks needs to go to JamieTrapp for volunteering to be the editor of this book. A lot of phone calling, pleading, and review is required to put these books together.

You should be receiving the next issue or our Trial Journal very soon. We have had many positive remarks about the rejuvenation of this magazine, and I think you will all be very impressed with the largest issue published to date. Arnold Rubin is responsible for the role of editing the workers' compensation articles of this issue. He is a good friend and another member who has been responsible for many contributions to our organization over the years including lobbying, writing, and financial contributions. He and Chuck Haskins are the two members most responsible for my taking this job in the first place. However, contrary to published reports, they did not plan my 50th birthday last year.

Finally, I would like to congratulate George Cullen on his receipt of this year’s Leonard M. Ring award. In the dictionary next to the term "political scientist," they have George’s picture. For the many years I have spent around Springfield and the many more I hope to spend, I hope one day I know half as much about our state legislature as George has forgotten. He has been a mentor to many of us and has always had the best interests of our organization at the front of his efforts. For those of you who have never met George, meeting him at this year’s convention is reason enough to attend. He is a fine man and a great member.

Thanks to everyone for a great year.

We stand together for the rights of victims.

Kim E. Presbrey, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association