Gregory L. Shevlin, a partner at Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer & Shevlin in Belleville, will be installed as the 59^th President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) on Friday, June 8, 2012, at its annual convention. Shevlin received his Bachelor’s degree in 1985 from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. In 1988, Shevlin earned his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka Kansas and was admitted to the Illinois Bar shortly thereafter.

Shevlin began his legal career at the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office where he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney until 1989. While serving in that office he gained significant trial experience prosecuting various types of cases. After leaving that position, Shevlin entered private practice, eventually becoming a partner at his firm. 

Currently, Shevlin focuses his practice representing plaintiffs in products liability, motor vehicle accidents, construction injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation and medical malpractice cases.

Shevlin is involved in many professional organizations. He has been an active member of ITLA since 1990, having served on the Executive Committee and the Board of Managers before becoming president. He is a former member of the board of directors and past president of the St. Clair County Bar Association. He has served as president of the East St. Louis Bar Association. Shevlin is also currently a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, American Association for Justice, National Trial Lawyers Association, and Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.

Charity is important to Shevlin and he is involved in several different charitable organizations. He is a founding board member of the St. Clair County Bar Foundation, which is a newly created charitable arm of the St. Clair County Bar Association. Shevlin has donated his time and legal services doing pro bono work for the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.  Prior to serving on the Board of Directors, Shevlin served as co-chairman for the last two capital campaigns at the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation. Shevlin also organizes various fundraising events that directly benefit the foundation.

Shevlin prides himself on being an honorary gold card member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, which was awarded to him in recognition for his representation of their members over his career.  

“I am honored and humbled to be selected by my peers to lead this prestigious organization,” says Shevlin.  “I will devote all of my efforts to continue the great work of the presidents who have served before me and the many ITLA members who selflessly devote their time and energy to preserving the right to trial by jury in the state of Illinois.”

Shevlin is a pilot who enjoys flying in his free time. He also enjoys woodworking and restoring vintage automobiles. He is a proud father of his daughter Olivia, who is 9 years-old.