On April 29, 2005, the ISBA’s Committee on Government Lawyers co-sponsored, with the Local Government Law and Practice Committee of the DuPage County Bar Association, the brown-bag luncheon seminar, “What’s Next for a Government Attorney.” The program,  held at the DuPage County Bar Center in Wheaton, was attended by 26 of the area’s assistant public defenders, assistant state’s attorneys, municipal attorneys, and private practitioners.

A panel of three speakers discussed their experiences in both public and private practice. Stacey McCullough, of the Law Office of Thomas & McCullough located in Naperville, spoke extensively on her experiences in leaving the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office and starting her own firm. Ms. McCullough prepared an extensive bound handout detailing various aspects and need-to-know items of interest regarding opening a private law practice. The handout included Web sites of interest, business structure information, and ARDC and ethical concerns, to name just a few items.

McCullough was followed by Judge George Sotos of the 18th Judicial Circuit, Domestic Relations Division. Judge Sotos spoke of his various public service roles including two stints at the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, an appointment by then Attorney General James E. Ryan as Chief Counsel to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, and Chief of Government Representation for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Although Judge Sotos intermixed periods of private practice amongst his public service commitments, it was his love for public service that led him to leave private practice and pursue his appointment to the judiciary. Judge Sotos spoke of how he cherishes the variety of issues he hears on the bench and appreciates his opportunity to devote the time necessary to research and tackle those issues.

Following in the sentiments of Judge Sotos, former Illinois Attorney General James E. Ryan discussed his pursuit of and commitment to public service. Mr. Ryan, who served 10 years as the State’s Attorney for DuPage County and two terms (eight years) as Illinois Attorney General, spoke of the commitment,  made by both his family and himself, that was necessary to pursue a career path in public service. Mr. Ryan articulated the importance and rewards of public service, rewards that included both personal satisfaction and personal growth. Mr. Ryan emphasized the professionalism and skills that he has witnessed new attorneys develop through his service at the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Though he has refrained from seeking additional government positions, Mr. Ryan continues to give to the public as a Distinguished Fellow at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois where he lectures in the area of law and government.

The seminar concluded with Kate Kelly sharing her perspective of federal government work. Ms. Kelly noted that exploring job opportunities at a federal agency or the U.S. Attorney’s Office may be beneficial to those who want to stay in public service work, but would like a change or some variety. Her comments were well received by the audience, especially when she mentioned the rather competitive starting salaries for a few of the federal agencies.

The presentation of the first brown bag luncheon seminar in DuPage County was a great success. The Committee is looking forward to presenting other brown bag luncheon programs in DuPage County, as well as the first brown bag luncheon program in Lake County. Watch for announcements through this newsletter and other ISBA publications.