ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION JULY 2019 VOL 50 NO 1 Bench & Bar

The newsletter of the State Bar Association’s Bench & Bar Section

Meet Chief Judge Rebecca Meet Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer 1

Pallmeyer Strong women in law: A reflection on the WBAI Annual BY HON. ALFRED SWANSON (RET.) Dinner 1

On July first, Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer over which she was presiding she told me became the first woman to be chief judge “faith keeps a person humble. It makes Working together to increase awareness and reduce stigma in the 200-year history of the Federal you realize that you are not so special.” At of mental illness the beginning of our talk, Judge Pallmeyer District Court for the Northern District of 3 Illinois. Who is Judge Pallmeyer? wondered why anyone would want to Rebecca Pallmeyer was born in Tokyo speak with her. The answer is simple; her In honor of Miss Minor and grew up in St. Louis, the daughter of a becoming the first woman chief judge 4 Lutheran pastor. She told me she learned a in the Northern District of Illinois is lot from her parents, whom she described historical. Recent appointments and as faithful, dedicated, and humble people. Judge Pallmeyer told me she is “very retirements When we sat down in her chambers fortunate to be in this job,” referring not Continued on next page 5 recently during a break in a criminal trial Strong women in law: A reflection on the WBAI Annual Dinner BY NIHARIKA REDDY

The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Hilton . Margaret A. Manetti then Ph.D. in behavioral sciences and a J.D. (WBAI) Annual Dinner, held on May gave the welcoming remarks, followed from the University of Chicago. Before 30 this year, is always one of the most by an invocation by Father Jeremiah practicing law, she was senior study well attended events in the Chicago legal Boland. During the WBAI dinner, two director at NORC, at the University of community, drawing over 700 lawyers, distinguished members of WBAI and the Chicago, where she designed, analyzed, judges, and dignitaries. At this year’s legal community were honored. and reported on a range of survey research dinner, the WBAI installed Corinne C. Stephanie A. Scharf, who is a founding projects. She represented businesses in Heggie as president, as well as its other partner of Chicago’s largest women-owned complex litigation for 32 years as a partner officers and directors for 2019-20. law firm, Scharf Banks Marmor LLC, at Kirkland & Ellis and Jenner & Block Following a lively reception, the guests received the Myra Bradwell Woman of prior to starting her current firm. Scharf filtered into the Grand Ballroom at the Achievement Award. Scharf received a Continued on page 3 Bench & Bar ▼ JULY 2019 / VOL 50 / NO 1

Meet Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Bench & Bar This is the newsletter of the ISBA’s Bench & Bar Section. Section to her new position as chief judge, but just chief judge: Judges Aspen, Holderman, newsletters are free to section being a judge. Her career has been a series and Castillo. She also mentions former members and published at least four times per year. Section membership of events that fit together. She graduated Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary dues are $30 per year. To join a section, from Valparaiso University. Judge Ann McMorrow, who she called “a real visit www.isba.org/ Pallmeyer recalled the time at Valpo when a trail blazer.” Other women judges whose sections or call 217-525-1760. friend in the line for lunch at the dormitory accomplishments she deems significant OFFICE ILLINOIS BAR CENTER told her “you should become a lawyer over time are justices Sandra Day 424 S. SECOND STREET because you like to argue.” Before that, O’Connor, , and Sonia SPRINGFIELD, IL 62701 law school was not on Judge Pallmeyer’s Sotomayor. She doesn’t view herself as any PHONES: 217-525-1760 OR 800-252-8908 WWW.ISBA.ORG horizon. She enrolled at the University of sort of role model, but as someone who EDITORS Chicago Law School, graduating in 1979. simply “worked diligently at her career” as Evan Bruno Looking at her resume, it would seem a judge. As Judge Pallmeyer put it, perhaps Edward M. Casmere she pointed her career to being a judge, as a guide to others: “Hard work does pay PUBLICATIONS MANAGER but it is really a series of fortunate events, back.” Lawyers who have appeared before Sara Anderson  [email protected] of doors opened, and opportunities taken. her recognize her hard work as a judge. BENCH & BAR SECTION COUNCIL After graduating from law school, she Her immediate predecessor, Judge Ruben Hon. Stephen R. Pacey, Chair clerked for Minnesota Supreme Court Castillo, has described Judge Pallmeyer Sandy M. Blake, Vice-Chair Hon. Debra B. Walker, Secretary Justice Rosalie Wahl. Then she was a as often the first judge to arrive in the David W. Inlander, Ex-Officio James J. Ayres commercial litigator at a large Chicago courthouse in the morning and the last to Hon. Patrice Ball-Reed firm before becoming an administrative leave in the evening. Hon. Anna M. Benjamin Michael G. Bergmann law judge with the Illinois Human Rights Attorney Martin Greene recalls Hon. Donald D. Bernardi Elizabeth A. Bleakley Commission. On October 1, 1991, she appearing before Judge Pallmeyer in her Chris Bonjean was appointed as magistrate judge in the first hearing as an ALJ at the Human Deane B. Brown Evan Bruno northern district—a job she terms her Rights Commission. Greene said his early Edward M. Casmere Hon. Michael J. Chmiel, CLE Coordinator “biggest milestone.” President Clinton impression was that “she was younger Mike G. Cortina nominated her to become a judge on the than me. She was diligent, hard-working, Albert E. Durkin Karen A. Enright district court and she was confirmed on and determined to make the right Robert W. Fioretti Scott B. Gibson October 21, 1998. Then this spring, Judge decision.” Greene added that in subsequent Hon. Richard P. Goldenhersh Pallmeyer’s predecessor as chief judge, appearances before Judge Pallmeyer his Barry H. Greenburg Kaylan V. Huber Ruben Castillo who had become the first experiences were always positive “even Hon. Michael B. Hyman Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright Hispanic chief judge of the northern when she ruled against me.” Hon. Michael S. Jordan district, decided to do something. He During her more than two decades on Hon. Ann B. Jorgensen Hon. Lloyd A. Karmeier chose the International Women’s Day to the federal bench, Judge Pallmeyer has Daniel E. O’Brien Hon. John J. O’Gara announce he would not finish his term as presided over several significant cases. Melissa M. Olivero chief, to open the door for Judge Pallmeyer “Any long case is difficult,” she told me. Jayne R. Reardon James T. Reilly to become the first woman chief judge One was the corruption trial of former Hon. Jesse G. Reyes Juanita B. Rodriguez in the 200-year history of the northern Illinois governor George Ryan, whom she Frank J. Serio district. Had Judge Castillo not stepped sentenced in 2006 to six-and-a-half years Hon. Al M. Swanson Hon. April G. Troemper aside and finished the last year of his term in prison. Another was the trial of the man Douglas B. Warlick Shawn S. Kasserman, Board Liaison the next chief would have been a man who helped plot the murder of Heather Hon. Kenneth Wright, Jr., Board Liaison because the chief judge is the judge with the Mack’s mother in Bali, whom she sentenced Melissa L. Burkholder, Staff Liaison longest tenure in the northern district who to nine years in prison. is under age 65. Judge Pallmeyer has some specific goals She looks back on several mentors who in mind for her tenure as chief judge. One have guided her career. First is Justice Wahl, is the appearance of the Dirksen Federal DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for subscribers’ personal use only; redistribution is prohibited. Copyright Illinois State Bar Association. Statements or expressions recalling that they often sat side-by-side Building at 219 S. Dearborn in Chicago, of opinion appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Association or Editors, and likewise the publication of any advertisement is writing opinions during her clerkship. which she says must project the dignity of not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement.

While she says all judges have been a courthouse, albeit from a black, metal- Articles are prepared as an educational service to members of ISBA. They should supportive, Judge Pallmeyer mentioned and-glass box. She wants to be active and not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal research. The articles in this newsletter are not intended to be used and may not be relied specifically some of her predecessors as continue the Court’s efforts in outreach on for penalty avoidance.

2 to “help explain the rule of law to the Judge Pallmeyer says that “every judge the judges in the northern district in doing community.” She also plans to remain active feels he or she has the ability to do the the best jobs they can.n in the district court’s historical display at the job well” and she made it clear in our courthouse. conversation that she wants to support all of

Strong women in law: A reflection on the WBAI Annual Dinner

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 is one of the nation’s leading lawyers for Law Firm LLC, a firm dedicated to helping delivered a phrase that resonated with advancing women in the law and has individuals and companies preserve their the whole room: “Nice is a superpower.” designed and conducted a broad range of wealth. Before joining the Wochner Law She went on to explain that it is “nice to empirical studies about women in the law. Firm, Heggie practiced as a partner at a be important but more important to be Ms. Scharf has also served as the chair of national law firm and then as counsel at the nice.” Oftentimes, being nice is seen as a the American Bar Association Commission largest majority women-owned law firm weakness in attorneys as it may convey on Women in the Profession and co- in Illinois. She has chaired several events a message of being a “push-over.” But, chairs the ABA Presidential Initiative, and committees in service to the WBAI as Hickey explained, we must “choose Achieving Long-term Careers for Women and has also spoken about diversity in the respect, decency, and kindness” in order Lawyers. This initiative focuses especially legal profession on the WBAI’s behalf at the to uphold the civility and sanctity of the on innovative research projects, which Northwest Suburban Bar Association and legal profession. Being nice and a zealous are being conducted in collaboration St. Louis University College of Law. advocate are not mutually exclusive.I, with the American Bar Foundation. As Maggie Hickey, a partner and practice along with a few of my classmates from the an aspiring attorney, Ms. Sharf’s inspiring group leader at Schiff Hardin LLP, delivered University Of Illinois College Of Law, left speech and words of wisdom, left me the keynote address for the evening. Hickey the evening with ambition running through feeling empowered. Often times, female has a wealth of experience in internal us. Being surrounded by attorneys and law students find ourselves faced with investigations, compliance programs, sexual judges who have all left their impact on the imposter syndrome and second guessing harassment issues in the workplace, and legal profession inspired us to strive further our decisions. Seeing an extremely ethics training. In 2015, she was appointed and earn our place among the remarkable accomplished and experienced attorney executive inspector general for the Agencies professionals who attended the WBAI give a speech about the impact that we can of the Illinois Governor, an independent annual dinner. Strong women in law are make was nothing short of remarkable. executive branch state agency that ensures paving the way to a day when it won’t come Next, the incoming President, Corinne accountability across state government, nine as a surprise when a woman is in a position Cantwell Heggie, was sworn in by Justice state public universities, and four Chicago- of power. n Thomas L. Kilbride of the Illinois Supreme area regional transportation boards. Court. Heggie is an owner of Wochner During her powerful speech, Hickey Working together to increase awareness and reduce stigma of mental illness

BY SANDY BLAKE

For the first time in many years, the somewhat sparsely attended, due in large door to the Illinois Supreme Court, for an Mental Health Section Council held its part to the blizzard that hit the state on amazing event planned by Justice Anne monthly meeting outside the Chicago Sunday, April 14. For those who braved the M. Burke. Although the Court was not in Regional Office. On April 15, the Section hazardous weather, the agenda after the session, Justice Burke not only agreed to host Council conducted its business in the Illinois meeting was well worth the trip. the gathering, she made it a priceless event! Bar Center in Springfield. After the business meeting adjourned, Justice Burke and Supreme Court Unfortunately, the actual meeting was Section Council members walked next Historic Preservation Commission Executive

3 Bench & Bar ▼ JULY 2019 / VOL 50 / NO 1

Director John A. Lupton greeted Section Cheryl Potts, Director, The Kennedy Forum personally or professionally by mental illness, Council members at the door to the Court. Illinois, each talked about the programs the challenge seems a little less daunting. The The two then personally conducted a guided they work with and the mental health Mental Health Section Council is looking at tour of the Supreme Court building—from implications. ways to meet the challenge and accomplish the basement where Court records were Justice Burke concluded the program with the goal of increased awareness and reduced originally archived to the Justices’ living a call to action, challenging the members stigma of mental health issues and treatment, quarters when court is in session. Attendees of the ISBA Mental Health Section to work and welcomes any ideas. Please consider met with Carolyn Taft Grosboll, the Clerk to increase awareness of mental health this your personal invitation to join in that of the Supreme Court, and Supreme Court issues and treatment. Recognizing the many effort!n Research Director John Robinson and part of resources of the ISBA—newsletters such his team. as this one, CLE programs, “Ask a Lawyer” Sandy Blake is the current chair of the Mental Health Section Council and vice-chair of Bench and Bar. During lunch in the appellate courtroom, videos for the public and “Quicktakes” videos Contact her at [email protected]. the group watched an edited version of for lawyers—as well as the many practice the Insanity Retrial of , sections in which lawyers are affected focusing on the examination of expert witnesses Bennett L. Leventhal, MD and James L. Cavanaugh, MD. Following the re- enactment, the group moved across the hall to the Supreme Court Courtroom, where Justice Burke and John Lupton concluded the tour in the Court’s deliberation chamber. They then led a discussion following the video in the courtroom. Present day mental health issues became the next focus of the discussion, as Hon. Mary K. O’Brien, Appellate Justice in the 3rd District and President of the Lawyer’s Assistance Program Board of Directors; Hon. Lauren Ediden, Associate Judge in Cook County 2nd Municipal District Court, who oversees the Mental Health Court; and

In honor of Miss Minor

BY ADRIENNE W. ALBRECHT

When I was growing up, my parents had played in forging the route for women like career was one of the longest. She practiced ten children and no wealth. Surprisingly, me. law for over 50 years. though, they had an attorney, Miss Eva Miss Minor, you see, studied in a lawyer’s During her long career, she was Minor. I remember my mother’s uncle, who office and passed the test to become a enormously successful. One prominent was conservator for his friend’s widow, had lawyer in 1924. Yes, 1924. She told me that aspect of her career was representing the frequent occasion to visit her. My parents she went to work in order to help provide railroads. As testament to her success as had one of her famous $10 wills. So, the support for her parents’ large family. When a trial attorney, Dick Ackman, another thought of a woman being an attorney she passed the Bar Exam, in a year when legendary attorney who came along much seemed normal to me. How very fortunate many men failed it, it was big news. There later, told me that he once tried a case against and naïve I was. It was only later that I were newspaper articles in towns across her to a small verdict in his client’s favor. learned that the path for women in the the Midwest. She even made front-page When he asked her how his client would get practice of law was not easy. Later still, I headlines in Havana, Cuba. Not only was paid, she told him that she’d have to check on came to appreciate the role that Miss Minor she the first female lawyer in Kankakee, her it. She’d never lost a case before.

4 I had the good fortune of being able to enforceability of a covenant not to compete, that she was very sorry; but could do nothing seek out Miss Minor’s advice as I began my estate contests involving well known families, to see that he was compensated. Listening legal career. It was most enlightening. When and complicated contests over real estate. to them, I think they were confused by the I reported a job offer that I received after law Many of them are still good law. juxtaposition of her personality with her school from a lawyer who I’ve since learned As she told me, her solo career got started advocacy. was notorious for his irascible and selfish during the depression. She represented The male lawyers also blamed her for nature, her diplomatic response was simply, farmers who had defaulted on their loans “ruining” the annual bar picnic. It used to be “Best to keep looking.” When I reported an and were in foreclosure proceedings. At that held on the Parish Island in the Kankakee interview with Lenny Sacks, with whom I time, mortgage foreclosures were tried before River outside Momence. By all accounts, successfully partnered in the practice of law juries. She said that the fellow farmers would they were drunken brawls predominated for 26 years, she assured me that working fill the courtroom gallery for these trials. The by drinking, nudity, and poker games. The with him would be rewarding. She was right sole purpose was intimidation, she reported. most trusted deputy was tasked with tasting on both counts. It frequently worked. At community the moonshine in the evidence locker and One day, as I was working on an esoteric meetings the farmers would pass the hat to selecting the best of it for the picnic. One day, question involving real estate litigation, I pay Miss Minor. What they collected was they looked up to see Miss Minor and Miss was having difficulty wrapping my brain not enough to keep her law office open. Jesse Sumner, the pioneer female lawyer in around the issues. Since her office was just However, after the depression, when times Watseka, holding on to one another as they below mine, and she was in the twilight of were better and farmers wealthier, they all waded across to the picnic. After that, their her practice, I walked down the stairs and remembered the job she had done for them wild shenanigans were no longer permitted. asked if she was available. She was happy to and came to her with their estates. At one of our last conversations, I was see me. During our conversation, she pulled Miss Minor was not perfect or an pregnant. Miss Minor remarked to me how out her “appeal book.” In there, she’d logged angel; and she frustrated and sometimes wonderful it was that I could have a family her extensive list of cases she’d handled angered her male colleagues. Her polite and and a law career at the same time. In her on appeal. One look at the list made me demure demeanor concealed the heart of day, she reminded me, in order to have a realize that she’d participated in most of a relentless warrior. Even after her death, successful career, she had to eat, breathe, and the landmark cases in the Illinois Supreme lawyers complained about an incident when sleep the law. The times did not afford her Court and appellate court to come out of she had an attorney appointed receiver the opportunity to do both. How grateful our county. Researching her name in a legal of a farm, which appointment was later I am that she was there so that her career search engine reveals that she participated reversed. By their version, when he went to could inspire my imagination to think that in lawsuits involving the construction her complaining that he had enlisted all his I could be a lawyer. She lighted the path for of the trust establishing the Fortin Villa, friends to farm the ground during his brief all Kankakee County women attorneys to the breakup of a medical practice and tenure, she very politely explained to him follow. n Recent appointments and retirements

1. Pursuant to its Constitutional authority, Circuit, 1st Subcircuit, June 25, 2019 Circuit, June 30, 2019 the supreme court has appointed the • Erin H. Antonietti, Cook County • Hon. Richard D. Schwind, Cook following to be circuit judge: Circuit, 3rd Subcircuit, June 26, 2019 County Circuit, June 30, 2019 • Hon. Michael P. Gerber, Cook 2. The following judges have retired: • Hon. Patricia Anne Vander Meulon- County Circuit, 13th Subcircuit, • Hon. William P. Brady, Associate Walton, 9th Circuit, June 30, 2019 June 4, 2019 Judge, 23rd Circuit, June 30, 2019 • Hon. Anthony W. Vaupel, 9th • Cara L. Smith, Cook County • Hon. Janet m. Hormberg, Associate Circuit, June 30, 2019 n Subcircuit, 7th Subcircuit, June 17, Judge, 20th Circuit, June 30, 2019 2019 3.The terms of the following associate judges • Thomas M. Cushing, Cook County have expired: Circuit, June 19, 2019 • Hon. Jennifer L. Hightower, 3rd • John G. Mulroy, Cook County Circuit, June 30, 2019 Circuit, 10th Subcircuit, June 21, • Hon. Patricia M. Logue, Cook 2019 County Circuit, June 30, 2019 • Tyria B. Walton, Cook County • Hon. Kirk D. Schoenbein, 109th

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