Several judges received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award, including the Hon. Joy Cunningham, Illinois Supreme Court, First District; the Hon. Debra Walker, Illinois Appellate Court, First District; the Hon. Michael Chmiel, Chief Circuit Judge, McHenry County; and the Hon. Matthew Maurer (posthumously), Associate Judge, Sangamon County.

The IJF, the charitable arm of the Illinois Judges Association, was established in 2007 to fund educational, Civic, and scholarship projects that advance the rule of law, the legal profession, and the administration of justice. It encourages the participation of active and retired judges in these endeavors.

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The IBF’s mission is to ensure that low-income families have access to the justice system and offer aid to attorneys and their families during times of crisis. In 2024, the Foundation will distribute approximately $900,000 from its fundraising efforts to promote equal access to justice and support attorneys across the state.

Jay Edelson, founder and CEO of Edelson PC, was the 2024 Distinguished Award for Excellence honoree. His leadership in Illinois’s legal and philanthropic communities and his work in plaintiffs’ class and mass actions make him a shining star of the plaintiffs’ bar.

The event took place on October 18th at Chicago’s Old Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren, Chicago. The black-tie event featured a raffle and auction prizes.

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The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives of fallen heroes through its support of the families of Chicago Police Officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. More than $20 million has been distributed to date.

Chicago’s police officers who will be honored in 2024 include Police Officer Luis M. Huesca, posthumously, and Officers Charles Villanova, Lashon Morris, Edwin Gramajo, and Gregory St. Louis. The recipients of the Golden Vest Award are Charlie Walker and Charles Attal.

The event will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. on October 23 at the Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago.

For further information, contact Events@CPDMemorial.org or call 312-499-8899.

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 “I’m honored to be receiving this award from my alma mater,” Clifford said. “I remember those days well, and the education and disciplined training I received there have carried me throughout my life.”

Alumni awards will be presented at the school’s second annual fundraising event, A Night of Honor, Glory & Fame, held at 5:30 p.m. on December 7 at the Larry Tucker Marist Sportsplex, 12221 S. Ridgeland, Chicago. Proceeds from the event will support student financial aid.

The dinner dance will feature a silent auction, live auction, and paddle raising. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Allie Bowles at 773-881-5311 or Bowles.allie@marist.net.

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Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes (1st Dist.) was the honored guest and keynote speaker for the event themed “Step Into a New Adventure: Pave Your Path to Wellness.” LAP is a non-profit dedicated to helping Illinois judges, lawyers, and law students get assistance with substance use, addiction, and mental health problems.

Other honorees included Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans, who will receive the Hon. John Powers Crowley Award for his contributions to LAP’s goals. Attorneys Lester Munson, Matthew S. Sims, Lisa G. Williams, and Dr. Roueen Rafeyan will also receive awards.

The event took place at the Brookfield Zoo. Guests roamed the zoo beginning at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception, auction, raffle, and dinner.

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John V. Kalantzis, partner at Clifford Law Offices, has been appointed to the National Hellenic Museum’s Board of Trustees.

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, John Kalantzis is a first-generation Greek-American active in the community through his volunteer work for his church and other Greek-American organizations. Growing up working in his family’s restaurant, Kalantzis experienced firsthand the challenges and cultural bias his family faced as immigrants assimilating to life in the U.S. These experiences highlighted for him the importance of community and inspired pride in his heritage.

“Greek civilization has profoundly influenced nearly every aspect of modern life. I take pride in representing my heritage in partnership with the National Hellenic Museum to educate the next generation, celebrating the cultural and historical contributions of Greek culture.” – John V. Kalantzis, partner, Clifford Law Offices

In addition to his continued support of the National Hellenic Museum over the years, Kalantzis is a leader in numerous professional organizations, including the Hellenic Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice. He is a member of the Assembly for the Illinois State Bar Association, serving on the Tort Law Section Council and the Bar Elections Supervision Committee. He also serves on the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association.

At Clifford Law Offices, Kalantzis is involved in many complex personal injury and wrongful death cases including the pending litigation in federal district court against Boeing in the crash of a 737 MAX8 in Ethiopia that killed all 157 on board from 35 countries. He is known for the care and compassion he shows to every client while forcefully advocating for their needs and compensation.

“We are proud of John’s accomplishments over the years. His legal skills and insights are a testament to his dedication to his clients and to the profession.”
– Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner, Clifford Law Offices

Congratulations John, on your recent appointment!

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The DuPage County Expungement Clinic is an annual clinic that usually takes place on a Saturday during the Summer where volunteer attorneys provide free legal services to people from across the Chicagoland area who are trying to get their records expunged or sealed. Tomasik took time to learn, train, and subsequently spend an entire Saturday volunteering to help people with the sealing or expungement of their records.

“I’m happy that I can be of help to those who deserve to have unnecessary or minor criminal records expunged from their history so that they can move forward with their lives in a productive way,” Tomasik said. “Sometimes these records can be a burden on a person who was either young or whose punishment has expired, keeping them from qualifying for a mortgage, getting a job, or even continuing with their education. They’re stuck and can’t afford a lawyer to remove these barriers of personal or professional growth. So it was particularly rewarding to provide these people with the relief that they previously couldn’t afford.”

To find out more information or to volunteer, contact PILI Managing Attorney Jessica Schneider at jschneider@pilo.org or at 312-832-5125.

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The program educates the public by creating access to information from the lawyers, judges, policymakers, and community leaders that shape the laws essential to promoting the ideals of DSF. By highlighting the diverse experiences of attorneys, the Diversity Scholarship Foundation helps link the legal community to the people it serves.

Sarah F. King is a highly-ranked trial attorney in Illinois recognized for her record-breaking case results forged with intelligence, grit, and perseverance. She works with dedication and tenacity to investigate and prepare complex medical malpractice cases that pursue justice for those harmed by medical negligence and wrongdoing, particularly on behalf of injured women and children. In 2024, she was installed as the President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, leading the interests and impact of women lawyers across the state.

Sarah King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, with Justice Jesse Reyes, President of the Diversity Scholarship Foundation.

Sarah King joined Justice Jesse Reyes for a “Profiles In The Law” interview at CAN TV.

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The Law School hosts four competitions annually, which are open only to UIC Law students. Each competition is judged, critiqued, and scored by practicing attorneys and judges. Thursday’s mock trial involved a criminal case involving possession of illegal drugs.

Devin Piper, a graduate of UIC Chicago Law, served as Vice President of the American Constitution Society and is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Corporate Law Society, Future Trial Attorneys Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association. Courtney Berlin is a DePaul University School of Law graduate and served as an executive member of the DePaul Journal of Health Care Law.

For further information, contact Clifford Law Offices Communications Partner Pamela Sakowicz Menaker at 847-721-0909 (cell).

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Among those partnerships is Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, a unique Chicago school that provides a Catholic, college preparatory education and professional work experience to students from Spanish-speaking families with limited financial means. By partnering with local businesses, Cristo Rey has built a unique program that provides its students with immersive experience in industry work aligned with their career goals, and real-world exposure to the expectations and responsibilities of working in a professional setting.

Since 1997, Clifford Law Offices has built a wonderful relationship with Cristo Rey, providing meaningful opportunities for lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants to interact with, mentor, and inspire students. Over the decades, the firm has invited dozens of students to engage in and build an interest in the legal profession, gain and apply practical experience, and develop a sense of pride and responsibility.

“I learned so much in the work-study program with Clifford Law Offices. It molded who I am and influenced how I thought about my future. I am grateful for the opportunities Bob Clifford granted us as well as the guidance and skills taught by my mentors at the firm.”
Rafael Pelayo, Cristo Rey class of 2005

Partnerships with local businesses like Clifford Law Offices effectively remove institutional barriers and provide opportunities for talented students to fully experience their workforce placement, gaining skills and insight that otherwise might not be available to them. The supportive and engaging environment at the firm makes it an ideal workplace for aspirational students to learn about the important work of personal injury law and experience firsthand how the law influences society. Inspired by the transformational work of the firm, several Cristo Rey graduates have since become full-time employees at Clifford Law Offices.

“The first day I stepped into Clifford Law Offices changed my life. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the life lessons and education I received from the firm. There is a culture of excellence and high expectations here that I have carried with me into my career.”
– Ana Ortega-Davila, Cristo Rey Class of 2001

Among the students who participated in the program through Clifford Law Offices is a collective appreciation for Bob Clifford, the firm’s founder and senior partner, and the positive environment he created for young people to learn and challenge themselves. Rafael Pelayo, Cristo Rey class of 2005, said of Bob, “Bob took a risk by opening his firm to teenagers, but here we are because he has provided us with an opportunity to grow in ways that most successful businesses would consider unconventional.”

“In order to continue our impactful legacy it is important to nurture the minds of the next generations and teach the importance of investing in themselves and in the communities around them.”
– Robert A. Clifford, Founder and Senior Partner at Clifford Law Offices

Clifford Law Offices’ culture of excellence is deeply rooted in the pursuit of knowledge. Bob exemplifies this in his consistent drive for professional, personal, and community advancement. Clifford Law Offices is proud to support Cristo Rey Jesuit High School’s unique work-study program and continue engagement with the future leaders of Chicago.

Current Clifford Law Offices Cristo Rey alumni from left to right: Gabriel Becerra (class of 2017), Ana Ortega-Davila (Class of 2001), Natali Barrios (Class of 2010), and Rafael Pelayo (Class of 2005).

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