David E. Morewitz, tax attorney, financial specialist, and founder of the Steamship Quanza Project, passed away at the age of 91 in New York City.
Author: Chris Davies
James Kearns ’75
Champaign native and Army veteran James Kearns passed away in early October at age 79. He spent the entirety of his legal career with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen and continued actively practicing law and sharing his wisdom with colleagues until his death.
John Wildeboer ’73
John L. Wildeboer recently published An Illinois Slavery Primer: Slavery and Indentured Servants Through the Lens of the Illinois Supreme Court (Amazon Books), in conjunction with his presentation, “Slavery in Illinois” at the 8th Annual Slave Dwelling Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 3–5, 2024.
Michael Chmiel ’90
Elected in 2022, Michael Chmiel’s term as Chief Judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois runs through the end of November of 2024. He was previously appointed and then elected as a Circuit Judge in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
S. Asra Husain ’09
S. Asra Husain has joined the executive board of Muhsen, a national disability rights and inclusion organization.
Marlén Cortez Morris ’06
Marlén Cortez Morris was featured by Hispanic Executive magazine as a “catalyst for change.” In this feature, Marlén talks about her personal journey to a career in law as a first-generation Latina lawyer, the need for more Latino/a lawyers in the legal field, and tips and resources to help others navigate this path.
Jeffrey Ford ’76
Judge Jeffrey Ford (ret.) was awarded The Leadership and Therapeutic Justice Award by the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts at its 2024 conference. The award is in recognition of substantial contributions to promoting problem-solving courts in Illinois by implementing and enhancing therapeutic justice responses to persons with behavioral health disorders.
Christen Bishop ’94
Lake County Circuit Judge Christen L. Bishop was honored as the 2024 Justinian of the Year by the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism for her work as the presiding judge of the Restorative Justice Division.
Thomas J. Penn ’67
Thomas “Tim” J. Penn, Jr. passed away at his home in Peoria, Ill., on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Sang-yul Lee ’95
Sang-yul Lee, a partner at the firm of K&L Gates, started his term this fall as President of the Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF). Sang-yul served as first vice president and second vice president during the previous two years. He has been a leader within the bar and foundation communities, including past service as the president […]