Chicago Bar Record

April, 2007

President’s Page

By: Kevin P. Durkin, President

CBA Works to Meet Needs of Profession, Community

As the end of my term approaches, I would like to update you on some of the major initiatives and issues that the Associate is addressing this year.

First, I am pleased to report that our legislation to transfer governance of Cook County’s Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (SB1686) from the Cook County Board to the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County received the unanimous support of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is currently on third reading in the Senate. A companion bill introduced in the Illinois House by House Minority Leader, Tom Cross, my brother, James Durkin and David Miller is also expected to receive overwhelming support, and we are confident that this historic legislation will be approved by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Blagojevich.

This legislation is the leading recommendation of our Blue Ribbon Committee on the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center and has been embraced by Cook County Board President Todd H. Stronger and the Cook County Board. The Association’s Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by former Judge Patricia Brown Holmes will continue its work to reform the JTDC and has offered to assist Chief Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Timothy C. Evans and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts in the transition.

Another significant new program now underway is the YLS’s mentoring program "Pathway to the Profession." T his exciting new program builds mentoring relationships between incoming young lawyer section members and seasoned members. In my career, the mentoring that I received from my partner, Robert A. Clifford, and my father Tom has made a significant difference in my personal and professional life.

Under the able leadership of YLS Chair Megan Healy McClung and retired Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Ed Burr, young lawyers are paired with established members of the bar who provide guidance and mentoring assistance regarding such issues as surviving as an associate, handling pro bono cases, developing a client base and much more. The "Pathways to the Profession" mentoring program is invaluable to younger members. I would encourage all of our members to take advantage of this program either as a mentor or a mentee.

CLE Advantage Program

The Association’s CLEAdvantage Program continues to be our number one membership benefit. To date, more than 3,100 members have enrolled in this outstanding program. It is the most cost effective and convenient way for members to obtain their mandatory continuing legal education credits. Members currently pay $125 per year to become a CLEAdvantage member. For this low annual fee, members may attend many of the Association’s 150 annual continuing legal education seminars. Attendance at all qualified CBA CLE seminars and committee meetings is automatically tracked and recorded in the Association’s MCLE tracker, making it easier for members to check their MCLE credits on the Association’s Web site. In addition, members can add MCLE credits obtained from attendance at non-sponsored CLE seminars to the CBA’s MCLE tracking system. For more information about this extraordinary benefit, visit our web site at www.chicagobar.org.

Many of you have asked me what the Association’s position will be on the Governor’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax and Payroll Tax legislation. We have closely followed the Governor’s public relations campaign and newspaper accounts on both of these proposals. At our last meeting, the Board authorized the appointment of a special board subcommittee to work with our Large Law Firm Committee in examining these proposals. I assure you that The Association will be especially attentive to the constitutionality and fairness of both proposals as they relate to Illinois’ legal community and the public/clients that we serve.

The Governor intends to use the new Gross Receipts Tax to fund healthcare for uninsured Illinois residents and to fund education throughout the state. The Large Law Firm Committee, in conjunction with the board subcommittee, will conduct an extensive analysis of the Governor’s new proposals and will recommend appropriate action. We will also speak out against any provisions in the proposed legislation that are legally unsound or unfair to the legal profession and/or the clients we serve. We will keep you informed of the board’s decision regarding t his important issue.

Our first overseas Continuing Legal Education Program was a huge success. More than 100 members and guests attended our various programs in Dublin Ireland during the St. Patrick’s Day festival. Attendees received five hours of MCLE Credit and thoroughly enjoyed the program, which took place at the University College of Dublin. I know that our first Vice-President, Victor Henderson is planning a very special CBA CLS program in April of next year.

Ours is a great Association and I am proud to serve as your president.