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  • April 4, 2012 | Events
    Women's Bar Association of Illinois to host 98th Installation Dinner on June 7

    The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) will kick off a new term of office on Thursday, June 7, 2012, during its 98th Annual Installation Dinner at the Chicago Hilton Towers. The dinner serves as one of the largest annual celebrations within the Chicago legal community, with over 700 judges, attorneys, corporate supporters and prominent community leaders attending the event each year.

    This year, the WBAI celebrates the installation of its incoming President, Karina Zabicki DeHayes, a partner in the Chicago law firm Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC. Incoming President Karina Zabicki DeHayes was named in the Law Bulletin’s “40 Under Forty”—Illinois Attorneys to Watch in 2008 and was named an Illinois “Rising Star” by her peers in SuperLawyers® magazine for three consecutive years beginning in 2009, a distinction reserved for the top 2.5 percent of Illinois lawyers who are under 40 or in practice for 10 years or less. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Bar Foundation. At the Dinner, incoming President Karina Zabicki DeHayes will detail the goals for her term and unveil her mission for the upcoming year, “Women and Men Partnering for Excellence.”

  • April 3, 2012 | People
    Clifford Law Offices hires 2 new associates

    Clifford Law Offices has hired two new associates, both recent graduates of DePaul University College of Law.

    Kristofer S. Riddle and Sarah F. King have been hired as associate attorneys at Clifford Law Offices, a nationally renowned Chicago-based personal injury firm.

    Riddle worked as a clerk at the firm for the past three years. Prior to attending law school, Riddle worked for the General Counsel’s Office of the New York City Council, for Former New York Congressman Major R. Owens and for Duke University’s School of Public Policy. Riddle received his undergraduate degree from the City University of New York’s City College, majoring in Political Science where he was a McNair Scholar, a Rosenberg/Humphrey fellow and named to the Dean’s List.

    Also hired was Sarah F. King who graduated summa cum laude from DePaul Law School, being in the top five percent of her graduating class in May. She was on DePaul Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. For the past two years, King has served as a law clerk to partners Keith Hebeisen and Susan Capra at Clifford Law Offices.

    King also received the CALI Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy II, Legal Writing III and Commercial Paper. She was on the Dean’s List. King attended Loyola University of Chicago where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Women’s Studies.

  • April 2, 2012 | Events
    Northwest Suburban Bar Association to honor Justice Theis

    Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis will receive the Northwest Suburban Bar Association’s 2012 Public Service Award at the association’s Judges’ Night April 26. Reservations are requested by April 19.

    The event will be at Rosewood Banquets, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont. Cocktails (open bar) and hors d’oeuvres will be available beginning at 6 p.m., with dinner (with a choice of beef, chicken, salmon or a vegetarian entree) served at 7:30 p.m.

    The association also will recognize the recipient of the 2012 Honorable Timothy C. Evans Scholarship.

    Cost is $150 for members and $200 for non-members until April 19, after which the price increases to $165 and $215, respectively. Judges are guests of the NWSBA.

    Justice Theis has served at every level of the Judiciary in the state of Illinois. She was appointed an associate judge in Cook County in 1983. She served there for five years, before being elected in 1988 to the Circuit Court, where she was assigned to the Criminal and Chancery divisions. She presided over hundreds of trials involving murder, robbery, sexual assault and other serious felonies, and also handled civil cases ranging from mortgage foreclosures, to class action cases and other multimillion-dollar lawsuits.

    She served for 17 years on the Appellate Court, including several terms as presiding judge. When Chief Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald retired from the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010, the Court appointed Justice Theis to serve the remainder of his term. In March 2012, she won the Democratic primary election for the seat and will run in the general election in November.

  • March 28, 2012 | Events | People
    Judge Carl A. Walker to be inducted into Phil Beta Sigma's Distinguished Service Chapter on March 30

    On Friday, March 30, 2012, the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., will host a reception celebrating the Honorable Judge Carl Anthony Walker’s induction into its Distinguished Service Chapter, at the Metropolitan Club of Chicago. Several international officers of the fraternity and local dignitaries are expected to attend.

    The Distinguished Service Chapter is the highest honor bestowed on a member that has been active in the Fraternity for at least 10 years and who has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions and extraordinary service to the Fraternity and/or in his respective communities. Membership in the Distinguished Service Chapter must be recommended and approved by the awardees’ Chapter, Region and by the General Board of the Fraternity prior to being voting upon at the International Conclave.

    Judge Walker is a native of Chicago. He was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in April of 2006. He is assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Prior to ascending to the Bench, Judge Walker matriculated through the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where he received an academic achievement award, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy. While in Champaign-Urbana, Judge Walker served as a Resident Advisor, and a student justice of the Judicial Commission. After earning an undergraduate degree in Accountancy, he became a Certified Public Accountant. 

  • March 28, 2012 | People
    Frank M. Covey 1932-2012

    Frank M. Covey Jr. of Barrington Frank M. Covey Jr., 79, formerly of Mount Prospect, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 18, 2012. Frank was born Oct. 24, 1932, in Chicago.

    He was a dedicated husband, loving father, accomplished lawyer and law professor. He was a person of the upmost moral character who in his career, with his family or in any aspect of his life placed everyone ahead of himself. He met the love of his life, Patricia, in high school during a debate. He represented Loyola Academy and she represented Aquinas High School. Thirteen years later they reunited through a random encounter at the famed Chicago restaurant, The Bergoff. After much trepidation, Patricia asked her twin sister to call Frank and pretend it was her. Frank called Pat back and asked her out. One year later they were engaged and then married at St. Phillip Neri on Chicago's south shore. Frank and Pat celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past October.

    Professor Covey joined the School of Law faculty in 1988 as a visiting professor of law and retired in 2002. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable U.S. Schwartz of the Illinois Appellate Court, then spent one year as a teaching associate at Northwestern Law School. From 1960 to 1988, he was in practice in Chicago with McDermott, Will & Emery. He had chaired a number of committees and sections of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

  • March 28, 2012 | People
    Charles William Spencer 1933-2012

    Charles William Spencer, 78, passed away Feb. 28, 2012, in Naperville. He was born Nov. 16, 1933, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

    Charles graduated from Elmhurst College and earned his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent School of Law. He practiced law his entire career with several firms and was a life member of the DuPage County Bar Association. He was an associate judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County for 12 years and when he retired from the bench, enjoyed performing marriages.

    Charles was a 32-year sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous and was a veteran of the Army. He enjoyed the theater and was an actor in his own right. He also loved to travel and to spend time with his family.

    Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marilyn; his loving sons, Scott and Jeff (Shelly) Spencer; his sister, Judy (Sam) Hipple of Albuquerque, N.M.; and his brother-in-law, Frank (Carolyn) Jacobs of Kansas. He was an uncle to many and great friend to all. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roswell and Effie Spencer; his parents-in-law, Harry and Eunice Jacobs; his brother, Richard; and sister, Shirley (the late Ed) Boyer.

    For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to the life of Charles Spencer, memorials to the American Heart Association, would be greatly appreciated.

  • March 28, 2012 | People
    Cynthia B. Lafuente 1963-2012

    Cynthia B. Lafuente, 49, of Wilmette, Ill., was the beloved partner of Jerry L. Smith; loving daughter of Henry and Dini Burt; dear sister of Henry J. and Linda Burt and Stephen and Emily Burt; loving aunt of Maddy, Claire and John; and loving supporter of Lexie and Brodie Smith.

    Cyndi was a graduate of Duke University and Chicago-Kent College of Law which led to a distinguished career in international tax in both the private and public sectors. Cyndi's professional and volunteer work included the Chicago Finance Exchange (The Enterprising Kitchen), Tax Executives Institute, and International Fiscal Association.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Finance Exchange, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606 or www.chicagofinanceexchange.org. The family was assisted by Leonard Memorial Home, Ltd., 630-469-0032.

  • March 28, 2012 | People
    Oliver M. Wolcott 1918-2012

    Oliver M. Wolcott, 93, a lifelong resident of Batavia, passed away March 9, 2012 at his residence at Park Manor, The Holmstad. He was born April 25, 1918 in Batavia the son of Laurens and Ethel (nee Patchin) Wolcott. He was united in marriage to Leota Capps on November 25, 1951 in Avon, IL.

    Oliver graduated from Batavia High School. He then pursued his bachelor's degree in business from Northwestern University. Following his graduation he was drafted in 1941 into the United States Army. Ollie proudly served his country, and following the war continued his education at Northwestern University Law School, earning his Juris Doctorate degree in 1948.

    Oliver was employed by Merchants National Bank in Aurora for 30 years where he served as Vice President and Trust Officer. During his professional career he donated countless hours and his talents to civic and professional organizations. A member of the Illinois State Bar Association since 1948, he also served on the Advisory Board of Mercy Hospital, Board of Directors of Sunnymere Home in Aurora, Board of the Juvenile Protective Association, and Founding Board of the Kane-Kendall Mental Health Association. In addition, he served as President of the Aurora Rotary Club and two terms as President of the Boy Scout Council (Ke-De-Ka area council).

    He was proud to have earned his Eagle Scout award. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry and as Junior and Senior Warden.

  • March 27, 2012 | People
    Friedman receives Donald Hubut Award from Cook County Bar Association

    The Cook County Bar Association has awarded Chicago attorney Eugene F. Friedman with the Donald Hubut Award.

    Friedman is a partner with Friedman and Friedman Ltd., where he concentrates his practice in U.S. and internationa patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, commercial litigation and professional responsibility. He has been admitted as a patent attorney for the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

    He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association's Professional Conduct Committee, the ISBA Assembly, the Intellectual Property Section Council adn the Business Advice and Financial Planning Section Council.

    Friedman graduated first in his class from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1973 where he was order of the coif. He also earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in 1966.

  • March 27, 2012 | People
    Rosenblat and Associates moves office to Northbrook

    The Chicago law office of Michael Rosenblat has moved from the Chicago Loop to Northbrook to provide easier commutes for clients. The new location offers ample free parking and easy access to I-94 and I-294 and is located just north of Dundee on Skokie Boulevard, at 707 Skokie Blvd., Suite 600, Northbrook. The new office telephone number is (847) 480-2390.

    “I am very excited to have moved the office and I believe that my clients, even those in the southern suburbs will find this location more convenient then the loop. I will however keep a Chicago Loop presence for those clients who still find going downtown easier” said Mike Rosenblat. Rosenblat’s practice focuses on criminal law, qui tam litigation, False Claims Act, civil rights, and military justice.