Kristen Kozlowski Lyons Catherine Brukalo President Treasurer

Lucas Figiel Jon athan Clark Green First Vice President Secretary

Kasia Kaczmarczyk Audrey Cosgrove Seco nd Vice President Historian

Allison R. Pawlicki Marta A. Zaborska Third Vic e President Immediate Past- President

The Advocate

Official Newsletter of the Advocates Society Assoc. of Polish American Attorneys - SPRING 2018 Issue

The 2018 Annual Installation Dinner was held on February 15, 2018 and in attendance were (left to right) Appellate Court Justice , Fr. Martin Bratek, Award of Merit Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza, Chief Judge of the Cook County Court Hon. Timothy Evans, Incoming President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons and MC of the evening, Past President L. Steven Rakowski NEXT GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, MARCH 14, 2018

SOUTHSIDE LOCATION 6:00 pm doors open with Polish buffet dinner 6:30 pm meeting and CLE Presentation By Law Division Judge Diane Larsen on Judicial Elections & Other Issues of the Court Currently

$10 Per Person for Dinner Sawa's Old Warsaw , 9200 W Cermak Road, Broadview, IL Please RSVP to [email protected] to ensure enough CLE materials are provided

2018 Judicial Election

The Advocates Society Steering Committee has approved the following report for the 2018 Judicial Election. This report has been presented to the general Advocates Society membership and approved. Note that if more than one candidate was recommended for a judicial race, the qualifications were noted to be even among the candidates.

ENDORSED

Jonathan Clark Green Countywide (Clay vacancy)

RECOMMENDED

Gonzalez, Hon. Peter Michael Countywide (McGinnis vacancy) Horan, Hon. Cecilia A. Countywide (Hartigan vacancy) Jones, Hon. Preston, Jr. Countywide (Flanagan vacancy) Quish, Hon. Clare Joyce Countywide (Jordan vacancy) Whiting, Hon. Oren Countywide (Brewer vacancy)

Stanton, Hon. Patrick T. 3rd Subcircuit (Delehanty vacancy)

Beach, Hon. Charlie 6th Subcircuit (Cooke vacancy) Delgado, Hon. Kent A. 6th Subsircuit (Chevere vacancy) Shapiro, James 8th Subcircuit (Fabri vacancy)

Forti, Hon. Michael A. 8th Subcircuit (Liu vacancy)

Salturos, Hon. Stephanie 10 th Subcircuit (O'Neill Burke vacancy)

Cleary, Hon. Gerald 10 th Subcircuit (Suriano vacancy) Daly, Colleen Reardon 10 th Subcircuit (Suriano vacancy) Gabryszewski, Thomas J. 10 th Subcircuit (Suriano vacancy)

Rosado, Hon. Joanne 11 th Subcircuit (Kennedy vacancy)

Chupack, Joel L. 12 th Subcircuit (Maki vacancy)

Gerber, Hon. Michael P. 13 th Subcircuit (Lawrence vacancy)

Advocates to be Special Guests of the Decalogue Society for Model Seder – please come!

RSVP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E254534&id=71 878787 ththth Annual InstallaInstallationtion Dinner

February 15, 2018

On a brisk Thursday evening, over 150 people celebrated the 87 th Annual Installation and Awards dinner at the Montgomery Club located in River North. An elegant setting and the former Montgomery Ward headquarters, the art deco location at 500 W. Superior was bathed in red, black and white. The cocktails flowed and conversation was lively as the guests made their way into the grand room for the Gibsons’ steak dinner and presentation. The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Advocates Society Past President, L. Steven Rakowski. Joining Steve at the head table included honored guests, Chief Judge Timothy Evans , Appellate Court Justice Aurelia Pucinski and the Award of Merit winner, Hon. Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza of the City of 10 th Ward located on the SouthEast side of the city. (Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza is pictured above with Advocates Member Mark Kupiec )

Introducing the Alderwoman was Advocates Society incoming Secretary Jonathan Clark Green who told of the Alderwoman’s accomplishments and years of service to the community and especially proud and rooted in her Polish heritage. Also the Alderwoman was shocked to learn that her family and that of 2018 Advocates Society President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons have been intertwined for years. The Grandparents of the women had been vast friends and travel partners living in the same building in the 1960’s. Also it was discovered that Alderwoman Sadlowski Garza husband, Raul Garza and mother of President Kristen, Judith Kozlowski , worked together just years before President Kristen was born. A common bond of Polish heritage between the ladies was made even stronger by the conclusion of the evening.

The theme of family, tradition and growing relationships was the message of new President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons. The importance of ethnic groups, like the Advocates Society, was the message relayed to the crowd. “Help me grow our Advocates family,” and a promise of a larger more involved Advocates Society is the hope for 2018. President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons welcomes all members to contact her during the year with any questions or comments at [email protected] or on her personal cell phone (773) 610-4175.

(Above pictured Advocates Society 2 nd Vice President Kasia Kaczmarczyk standing during the national anthem with Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride - Below President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons is pictured with Hon. Peter Michael Gonzalez , judicial candidate for countywide position)

(Left to Right) Polish American Police Assoc. (PAPA) President Marty Obrecki , Judge of Traffic Division Hon Diann Marsalek , PAPA Former President “Rocky”, PAPA member Harold Brown and Former PAPA President “Topper”

(Left) Past Advocates President Jan Stralka with member Richard Bogus (Right) Illinois Appellate Court Justice Hon. Aurelia Pucinski, Hon. Mark Lopez and Hon. Martin “Marty” Moltz

Advocates Society members, Marcy Kurowski-Labedz , Hon. James Piezonka and former Advocates President Regina Rathnau enjoy the evening at the Montgomery Club

Many non-Advocates Society guests join in the festivities. To left is Cathy Barr , guest of Advocates Member William “Bill” Marutzky and from the West Suburban Bar Association, Renee Koehler and Stephanie Dinkel

Advocates President Kozlowski Lyons is a lucky lady, not only surrounded by handsome men, but all Polish Judges too! From left to right, Hon. Frank Zelezinski (Ret), Hon. Steven Kozicki , Hon. James Piezonka , Hon. John Wasilewski (Ret.), Kristen Kozlowski Lyons and Hon. Michael Chmiel

(Upper Left) Judge Timothy Evans with Immediate Past President Marta A. Zaborska (Upper Right) Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Arbitrator Hon Barbara Flores, Atty. Matthew Jannusch, President Kozlowski Lyons and Atty. Lori Rosen (Bottom) Judge Timothy Evans speaks with Unberto Davi & Maria Sarantakis Current Board Members, Treasurer Catherine Brukalo , Immediate Past President Marta Zaborska pose with the future Advocates Society Board members, law student volunteers JoAnna Obrochta and Margaret Kawarski

(Upper Left) The Lucas brothers, Nicholas and Lucas Figiel take a picture with Lucas mother-in-law (Upper Right) The biggest fans of President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons is her husband John and step children Emily and Will (Bottom) Ted Makarewicz, Mayor Pederson of Franklin Park, Hon. Clare Quish who is a candidate countywide and MC of the evening Steve Rakowski 2018 Installation Dinner

Advocates Society Secretary Jonathan Clark Green and his wife Monica pose with Hon Martin Moltz, countywide judicial candidate Tom Sianis , and immediate past President of the Decalogue Society , Curtis Ross

Don’t Forget to Pay 2018-2019 Membership Dues

The Advocates Society dues are from February to February and the 2018-2019 due are now being accepted. Please know dues are due for the year on or before the April tax deadline. After the April deadline, the rate of dues are increased by $25 dollars for bar admitted members.

All checks should be made payable to “Advocates Society” and please note “2018-2019 dues” in the memo portion and mail your dues check to the Treasurer for secure delivery as follows: Advocates Society, C/O Catherine Brukalo 7610 W. North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL 60707

You may also visit our website to pay your dues by credit card on our website: www.advocatesociety.com

Membership dues 2018-2019 are as follows:

$175 Admitted to the Bar for 5 years or more

$100 Admitted to the Bar less than 5 years

$30 Law students

Thurs. April 26, 2018 ~ 5:00 pm General Meeting & CLE Hosted by ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. 20 S. Clark Street, Chicago, IL More details to come in your e-mail, please attend this great event and earn free CLE credit, guests of Advocates Society members welcomed!

GOOD NEWS PAGE

Congratulations to Kasia Kaczmarczyk , our Third Vice President, on joining the firm of Foley & Mansfield, PLLP. Foley and Mansfield, PLLP is a national law firm with more than 150 attorneys in offices from coast to coast. Kasia’s new firm provides legal expertise, creative solutions and extensive trial experience across multiple jurisdictions. Through exemplary service and legal prowess both in and out of the courtroom, Foley & Mansfield, PLLP succeeded in becoming one of the nation's leading firms, serving clients ranging in size from multi-million dollar corporations to small businesses and their owners. Advocates Society wishes Kasia the best of luck as she advances in her new career. Kasia’s new contact information: Foley & Mansfield, PLLP, 55 West Monroe, Suite 3430, Chicago, Illinois 60603 [email protected]

Advocates Society member Agnieszka (Ptasznik) Renz who works for the Illinois Attorney General office has many things to celebrate in 2018. Besides being a member of the Chicago Intercollegiate Council (CIC) and spreading the importance of mentorship as a key to success, Agnes is also expanding her family. On January 15, 2018 a second healthy girl was born to mom and dad. Baby Sofia Gerda Renz makes Olivia a Big Sister! The best to the entire Renz family! GOOD NEWS PAGE Cont’

Congratulations to L. Steven Rakowski , past President of the Advocates Society and current President of the Chicago Society PNA for being awarded the Civilian of the Year Award bestowed upon him by the Polish American Police Association (PAPA) ! The award will be given to Steve at the annual PAPA banquet on FRIDAY, MAY 4th at the White Eagle. More information about tickets to the event can be found at the end of the newsletter in the News from Other Associations section. Sto Lat! Congratulations Steve!

“GOOD NEWS” Page – each month we celebrate all that is GOOD for our members! Send in your job promotion information, that new baby, engagement/wedding picture or whatever “good news” you like to share with the membership! Any “good news” information can be sent to [email protected] for publication and please spread the GOOD NEWS!

NEXT BOARD MEETING Would You Want To Host? Monday – APRIL 9th

6:30 pm Board Meeting – Location to be Determined If you would like to host the April board meeting, please contact Kristen Kozlowski Lyons immediately to coordinate at (773) 610-4175 or [email protected]

15030 S. Ravinia Ave., Suite 39, Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: (708) 349-1001 [email protected] koneywealthadvisors.com • Retirement and estate planning strategies • Retirement income and distribution strategies • Insurance and investment strategies • At Koney Wealth Advisors our goal is to help you simplify the demands of managing and protecting your wealth, so you can spend more time with your family, friends and on personal goals. Our team will collaborate with you to develop an actionable financial plan based on your individual needs so you can feel more confident about your retirement.

EXTERNS WELCOME

By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel

Throughout Illinois, various courts, law firms, and organizations welcome externs, who are individuals who volunteer their time in exchange for experience. Externships serve as excellent opportunities for students to gain experience in the legal system. Through an externship, an individual is able to learn whether and to what extent further efforts to pursue a career in the law is for the individual. Externs are able to develop skills, and to network.

In the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, externs are welcome to participate through established programs at a law school. The Circuit operates at the McHenry County Government Center in Woodstock, Illinois. Externs are welcome to sit in courtrooms and work in chambers, but are also welcome to telecommute through the Court’s electronic docket, CourtCall.com , and other technology the Court uses to virtualize its operations.

Students who are interested in an externship with the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit or elsewhere are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, list of references, and writing sample, to Judge Michael Chmiel at [email protected] , or at 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois 60098.

Polish Constitution

DDayay Parad e in Chicago is the largest Polish parade outside of Poland, and celebrates the anniversary of the ratification of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, which is known as the “the first constitution of its kind in Europe". As usual, the Advocates Society shall participate in the parade on SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 with a trolley. (Watch your email in the upcoming weeks for specific details) We welcome all members, their families and friends to participate in this years parade. Please contact the Advocates parade organizer, 333rdrdrd Vice President ALLISON PAWLICKI for more details or to volunteer to help decorate the trolley or donation of food and beverages for the event! [email protected]

Historian Corner The Advocates Society is looking for old pictures, documents or other interesting things all Polish and especially from the Advocates Society. We welcome the information and would love to share it with the membership in future issues. Please contact our Historian Audrey Cosgrove at [email protected]

CAN YOU NAME ANY ADVOCATES SOCIETY MEMBERS IN THIS PICTURE?!?

The Advocates Society on March 2, 2018 was proud to be attend and be part of the Mayor Emanuel’s Polish American Advisory Council . The Chairperson and Advocates Society member, DAN PIKARSKI , ensures the Polish community and its concerns are relayed to the Mayor at these meetings. The open forum discussed many issues including the pending visit to Chicago by President Duda of Poland. Groups represented were the PNA, PAPA, Polish Museum of American, PRCUA and many others. Fellow Advocates members in attendance included MAUREEN PIKARSKI and CONRAD NOWAK .

DO YOU HAVE A CLE PRESENTATIPRESENTATIONON YOU WISH TO SHARE?

One of the great advantages of being an Advocates Society member is the CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits given at our general meetings. If you, a colleague or organization have a CLE presentation you wish to share with the Advocates Society, please contact our Historian, Audrey Cosgrove at [email protected] for an upcoming meeting and schedule your presentation!

STATEMENT ON SUPRESSION OF SPEECH IN THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND

Since 1931, the Advocates Society, the Association of Polish American Attorneys, has worked to ensure the administration of justice, improve the legal profession and promote all freedoms granted by the rule of law here in the United States. The Advocates Society wants to inform its members of the new legislation in the Republic of Poland which criminalizes language and expressions of thought that attempts to regulate speech about a time in Polish history, World War II, the Holocaust and the Nazi occupation. The 1st Amendment, a sacred long-established basic right of the United States, protects all citizens from government intrusion. Our society of jurists and lawyers recognizes that in the Republic of Poland the legislation would interfere with the expression of speech. The Republic of Poland fought against communist rule as well as German and Russian occupation to establish the now democratic society, but the law as proposed is a step away from democratic ideas. A law which criminalizes speech is an interference of the exchange of ideas, scholarship and free thought in a democratic society. The Advocates Society encourages our members to educate themselves to this issues and potential ramifications with this suppression of speech.

Polish Museum of America is connected to the Advocates Society in Many Ways… Each Fall the Judges of Cook County get excited to receive the invitations about the Annual Judges’ Night! In 2018 the Advocates Society will host its annual Judges Night on Thursday, October 18, 2018, but that is not the only event the Advocates Society will be at the Polish Museum of America for! On Monday, March 12, 2018, thethethe official State ofofof Illinois Day celebration was held at the museum. Numerous Advocates Members were in attendance and mingled with many high profile political guests of honor. The Governor of Illinois Bruce Rauner, Mayor Emanuel, Maria Pappas were just some of the speakers for the event. The common theme of the speeches was the love and self sacrifice Casimir Pulaski had for freedom and the independence dream is what made him a true hero to two countries. Pictured right is President Kozlowski Lyons, Hon Jesse Reyes, Hon Diann Marsalek and Dan Pikarski MEET THE MEMBERS

ANNA P. KROLIKOWSKA was born in Poland but raised primarily in Chicago. She is a proud graduate of Lane Technical High School and the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Polish School. Following her graduation from Lane Technical High School Anna attended Loyola University Chicago where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Political Sciences and International Relations with a minor in Spanish magna cum laude. While at Loyola University Chicago, Anna also studied for a semester at the Loyola University’s Rome Center. Subsequently, Anna chose to continue her education at Loyola and obtained her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Anna’s experiences at Loyola deeply impacted her belief in and commitment to the Jesuit ideals of being a “person for others” and has devoted her time and energy to a variety of community and legal causes. Anna has s erved on the Loyola University Chicago’s Young Alumni Board and the Friends of St. Jude’s Young Professionals Board. Anna is also a Silver Fellow of the Illinois Bar Foundation. She currently serves as a member of the Junior Board of the Gift of the Heart (“Dar Serca”) Foundation and is proud to have helped raise thousands of dollars to provide necessary and life changing medical care for children from Poland and Eastern Europe. She welcomes fellow Advocates Society members to speak to her about how you can help the Gift of the Heart Foundation! Anna is a proud member of the Advocates Society of Lawyers, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Catholic Lawyer’s Guild, the Decalogue Society, the Justinian Society of Lawyers, the WBAI, ITLA, HLAI, FALA, the North Suburban Bar Association, the North West Suburban Bar Association, the West Suburban Bar Association, and the DuPage County, Lake County, and Peoria County Bar Associations. From 2012-2013, Anna had the privilege and the pleasure of serving as the President of the North Suburban Bar Association. Anna hopes to continue to contribute her time and energy to the legal profession by serving as the next 3 rd Vice-President of the Illinois State Bar Association and asks for your vote. The ISBA election ballots will be distributed electronically via email to all current ISBA members the week of March 26 th As a past president of the North Suburban Bar Association, Anna is the only candidate for ISBA 3 rd Vice-President who has served as a bar association president. She is currently serving her second term on the ISBA Board of Governors and served multiple terms on the ISBA Assembly. She is a past chair of the ISBA General, Solo and Small Firm Section Council. Anna Co-Chaired the ISBA YLD Holiday Party (2009-2011), raising over $35,000 for the Children's Assistance Fund for children-friendly waiting rooms in Illinois courthouses. Anna has been appointed to the ISBA Mutual Company’s Sales and Marketing Committee (2012- present). She also currently serves on the following ISBA Committees: Board of Governors Scope and Correlation, Marketing Committee, and Special Committee on Membership Strategy. Since 2008, Anna has had the pleasure of working with Steven Rakowski, a Past-President of the Advocates Society. Their firm, K & R Family Legal Services, represents clients in family law matters in Cook and Lake Counties. In addition to litigation matters, Anna is also a trained mediator, and both she and Steve are trained in the collaborative process. Anna has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Illinois Super Lawyers in 2015 and 2016, and as an “Emerging Lawyer” by the Leading Lawyers in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Anna is happily married since 2017 to Eric Hanis and reside in the northwest suburbs. When not busy with her law office or running for ISBA 3 rd Vice-President, Anna enjoys traveling and ballroom dancing with her husband. Anna can be reached at [email protected] , phone (847) 715-9328 and www.vote4anna3rdvp.com

The Advocates Society would like to welcome new members submitted to the Board and approved for admission on 2/28/2018 ADRIANA NOWOROLNIK & RACHEL PREZEK Advocates “About the Town”

(Right to Left) Advocates Society Past President Ted Makarewicz , Board Member and Candidate of Judge Countywide Jonathan Clark Green and Retired Judge John Wasilewski in their fancy threads at the Chicago Society PNA Installation dinner on January 27, 2017 at Victoria in the Park Banquet Facility

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas welcomed over 30 members of the Polish Community to her office on March 12, 2018 to celebrate the national hero Casimir Pulaski. Also at the meeting, Treasurer Pappas revealed the Cook County website in Polish that will assist people pay their property taxes. Advocates Society Treasurer Catherine Brukalo (pictured with Treasurer Pappas) and President Kristen Kozlowski Lyons were in attendance for the event.

Legion of Young Polish Women Red White Ball – March 3, 2018 On Saturday, March 3, 2018 another elegant affair was held by the Legion of Young Polish Women with the Annual Red and White Ball held at the Hilton Chicago on South Michigan Avenue with over 400 guests in attendance. After an excellent cocktail hour and dinner, the presentation of the debutantes and their father’s was followed by dancing. The Advocates Society very own Hon. Michael Chmiel and his daughter were in attendance – who knows, maybe a debutant next year?!?! Congratulations to all the young ladies!

Court Closed = Lunch On Monday March 5, 2018, the official Casimir Pulaski Day celebration in Cook County, many Advocates Society members once again gathered at SMAK TAK (5961 N. Elston, Chicago) for the annual party organized by Past President Michele Hendrickson and husband Mark Douglas. Thank you for giving us something to do on a day the City and County offices are closed! Sto Lat!!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Mon. April 9, 2018 Board Meeting

Sat. April 21, 2018 Amicus Poloniae

Tues. April 24, 2018 Vanguard Awards Lunch

Thurs. April 26, 2018 General Meeting & CLE Hosted by ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., 20 S. Clark Street

Sat. May 5, 2018 Polish Constitution Day Parade

Wed. May 9, 2018 Board Meeting

Sat. May 19, 2018 Amicus Poloniae If you want to advertise in the newsletter or have any questions, suggestions, corrections and comments please contact [email protected]

Next Edition – Summer (June) 2018

NEWS FROM OTHER BAR ASSOCIATIONS & POLISH GROUPS IS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES

POLISH AMERICAN POLICE ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO AND ILLINOIS P.A.P.A

Cordially invites you to attend their 54th Annual Awards Banquet and Celebration of Polish Constitution Day. Friday, May 4th, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. At White Eagle Banquets and Restaurant 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, Illinois Social hour 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m. Tickets $85 each HONORING PAPA’s 2018 PERSONS OF THE YEAR: PAPA Member L. STEVE RAKOWSKI and World War II Veteran and Retired Chicago Police Officer EDWIN OGONOWSKI For more information call (312) 409-7878 Tickets can also be reserved through Kristen Kozlowski Lyons – please e- mail her with questions [email protected] To Pay by PayPaL: [email protected] www.PolAmPolice.org Get Egg-cited about at Pisanki Workshop!

Easter is on its way and get in the spirit by learning the intricate art of making Pisanki -Polish egg decorating on Saturday, March 17, 2018 , from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m.

Polish Museum of America, 984 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.

The workshop registration fee is $25 and includes the cost of stylus and wax. Each participant is asked to bring 3-4 hard-boiled eggs. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire workshop.

Museum admission is complimentary for each paid participant on the day of the workshop.

Guarantee a place today by calling 773-384-3352, ext. 2109

Checks should be made payable to: Polish Museum of America.

Credit card payment is also accepted. Parking is free.