Chair’s Column: The Lawyers Trust Fund of IllinoisBy Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.)Senior Lawyers, February 2025The mission of the Lawyers Trust Fund is to support non-profit legal aid organizations throughout Illinois that assist low-income individuals with civil legal needs. Learn about the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois' important work.
The CurseBy William W. AustinSenior Lawyers, February 2025A review of an atypical World War II novel, The Curse of Pietro Houdini, written by American novelist Derek B. Miller and published in 2024. This art-heist-adventure tale is a compelling coming-of-age epic.
The Fifth TruthBy Michael J. RooneySenior Lawyers, February 2025The beginning of a new year often brings with it the need (or maybe it’s just a tradition) to make resolutions about what we’ll do this year to make it different from (and, presumably, better than) last year. Personally, I’m not big on new year’s resolutions for I find that they come and go and, in reality, very little changes based on how this year’s resolutions differ from those I so carefully thought through, wrote down, and consistently abandoned, in prior years. What I am big on is choosing always to be happy.
The Girl with a Bracelet: A Gripping Mystery and a Glimpse Into French JusticeBy John FoltzSenior Lawyers, February 2025What happens when a best friend is accused of murder, and the judge isn’t just observing but actively investigating? Stéphane Demoustier's gripping French mystery drama, “The Girl with a Bracelet” (“La Fille au bracelet”), offers an intriguing glimpse into a legal system very different from what most of us know. This thought-provoking film centers on 18-year-old Lise Bataille, portrayed by Mélissa Guers, who is accused of killing her best friend, Flora. As the trial unfolds, the movie gives audiences a rare, nuanced look at the French inquisitorial system of justice, while keeping the mystery at its core tightly woven.
The Illinois Court of Claims—What’s That All About?By Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, February 2025The Illinois Court of Claims serves any citizen with a claim of money damages or personal injury against a state agency or state employee. The Court also awards compensation to victims of violent crimes under the Crime Victims Compensation Act and to dependents of police officers, firefighters, and National Guard members killed in the line of duty.
Movie Review: Where Do We Go Now?By Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, February 2025A review of the 2011 Lebanese film directed by Nadine Labaki. Women in a war-torn Middle Eastern village conspire to prevent religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.
New Year’s Resolution—Pro BonoBy Timothy J. HowardSenior Lawyers, February 2025For recently retired lawyers, Supreme Court Rule 756(k) authorizes attorneys on inactive or retirement status to provide pro bono legal services under certain conditions. Where do you start to determine how you will execute your New Year’s Resolution?
2023 Annual ARDC Report / A Brief ReviewBy Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, October 2024A brief overview of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission's 2023 Annual Report.
Book Review: “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store”By Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, October 2024A book review of award-winning author James McBride's fictional novel, “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.”
Chair’s ColumnBy Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.)Senior Lawyers, October 2024A note from the chair in celebration of Pro Bono Week.
A Tale of Two LicensesBy Michael G. CortinaSenior Lawyers, October 2024“No person shall be eligible to be a Judge or Associate Judge unless he is a United States citizen, a licensed attorney-at-law of [Illinois], and a resident of the unit which selects him.”
What’s New in the Law SchoolsBy Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, October 2024A glance at the NextGen Bar Exam, the JD Next Admissions concept, and alternative licensing beyond the traditional bar exam.
Retirement: Some of Its Joys and Some of Its ConcernsBy Hon. Robert J. Anderson, (ret.), Albert Durkin, David M. House, Timothy J. Howard, & Gary T. RafoolEmployee Benefits, July 2024The ISBA's Senior Lawyers Section Council recently appointed a subcommittee to address some of the interests and concerns of retired attorneys.
Book or Movie: Part 3By Hon. Robert J. Anderson, (ret.)Senior Lawyers, June 2024Reviews of books and the movies they inspired.
Retirement: Some of Its Joys and Some of Its ConcernsBy Hon. Robert J. Anderson, (ret.), Albert Durkin, David M. House, Timothy J. Howard, & Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, June 2024The ISBA's Senior Lawyers Section Council recently appointed a subcommittee to address some of the interests and concerns of retired attorneys.
Editor’s NoteBy John H. MavilleSenior Lawyers, February 2024The Senior Lawyers Section Council's editor shares a collection of "day brighteners" from Herb Franks.
Hollywood Comes to Livingston CountyBy Judge Donald Bernardi, (ret.)Senior Lawyers, February 2024In 1983, Grandview USA was filmed in part at the courthouse in Pontiac, Illinois.
‘Finally Free of the Shakman Decrees’By Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, October 2023In 1969, one man—Attorney Michael Shakman—made his stand against the Chicago political machine.
It’s a Small World After AllBy Michael J. RooneySenior Lawyers, October 2023Reflections from a member of the Senior Lawyers Section Council's recent vacation.
Reflections for HistoryBy Hon. Michael S. JordanSenior Lawyers, October 2023Like the public officials we elect, all of us will be judged by our peers.
Senior TravelsBy Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.)Senior Lawyers, October 2023Reflections on recent travel that highlight the intersection of reality and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
New CommitteeBy Dave ChroustSenior Lawyers, June 2023The Senior Lawyers Section Council recently established a new committee, the Issues Facing Practicing Senior Lawyers Committee, which seeks to determine, understand, and address the issues facing senior lawyers who continue to practice, either on a full time or part time basis.
Retirement?By Roza GossageSenior Lawyers, June 2023A humorous potential idea for retirement.
Senior TravelsBy Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.)Bench and Bar, June 2023Reflections on recent travel that highlight the intersection of reality and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What Does Operation Greylord Have to Do With Senior Lawyers?By Robert K. DownsSenior Lawyers, June 2023Operation Greylord was an investigation conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Chicago Police Department Internal Affairs Division, and the Illinois State Police into corruption in the judiciary of Cook County.
‘Tis the Season for GivingBy Marylou Lowder KentSenior Lawyers, November 2022An introduction to this special issue of the Senior Lawyers newsletter from the chair.
2021 Annual ARDC Report: A Brief ReviewBy Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, October 2022A summary of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission's annual report.
A ‘QCD’ Can Make You a PhilanthropistBy Timothy J. HowardSenior Lawyers, October 2022Making a qualified charitable distribution to your favorite qualified organization creates an opportunity for you to be a philanthropist.
