Category: Class Notes

Susanna Lee has joined Shure Incorporated as Legal Director, Senior Product Counsel. Founded in 1925 and based in the Chicago area, Shure has been an industry leader in audio electronics, renowned for manufacturing world-class microphones and audio gear that have shaped the music and broadcast industries.

Laura Neubauer was appointed Chief of Organized Crime and Racketeering at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York, where she has served for over 30 years since earning her JD from Illinois in ’89. She also served two overseas assignments with the United States Department of Justice in 2001–05 and 2015–17.

Bruce Rather recently retired after spending 7 years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, 2 years as a Special U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, 24 years as a Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and 10 years as a contract Polygraph Examiner for the Federal Air Marshals and the U.S. Postal Inspection service. He now lives in Florida loving the Lord and working on his Pickleball game.

Judge Federico M. Rodriguez was recently elected 2nd Vice-President of the Illinois Latino Judges Association.

With the establishment by state law of the new NITA agency to operate Chicago area mass transit, Bill Coulson concludes in August a record 20 years of service on the Board of Directors of the Regional Transit Authority, NITA’s predecessor agency. Coulson was appointed four times to four year terms by the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Leonard R. Rumery of Monticello lost his battle with ALS on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the age of 78. Rumery earned a doctor of music and had a career in conducting concert choirs before deciding to pursue a career in law. He worked in private practice and as a public servant, being elected to two terms as a state’s attorney.

Paul Schmitt was named Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the Office of Legal Policy, U.S. Department of Justice.

Ryan Washburn has been promoted to Member at Bodman PLC. Washburn, a member of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, advises clients on a broad range of corporate matters including business formation and structuring, financing transactions, and commercial contracts.

Tron Fu has joined as a partner Kilpatrick’s Patent Litigation Team in their Chicago office. Mr. Fu previously practiced at Dickson Wright.

Terry L. Bruce of Olney passed away April 17, 2026, at Memorial Hospital, Springfield, Illinois, at age 82. From 1984 to 1992, Bruce served as U.S. Representative for the 19th Congressional District of Illinois.