2021 Judge of the Year Award

The Illinois Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) recognized Illinois Appellate Court Justice Terrence J. Lavin as its 2021 Judge of the Year.

Justice Lavin was honored belatedly due to COVID during ABOTA Illinois’ spring luncheon on May 11, 2022 at the Union League Club. More than 130 ABOTA Illinois chapter members, Illinois Appellate Court justices and Cook County Circuit Court judges attended the luncheon, along with ABOTA National Board members. Justice Lavin spoke and received a special framed War of 1812 American flag, following an introduction by Pfaff Gill & Ports partner Bruce R. Pfaff, a past ABOTA Illinois president and a current ABOTA National Board member.

In addition to Justice Lavin, the chapter also recognized Nicholas J. Motherway, a partner at Motherway & Napleton and chapter historian, for his many years of service to ABOTA Illinois including as past president. He was introduced by Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP founder Kevin T. Martin, another past chapter president.

Chapter President William J. Rogers of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, President-Elect Jill M. Webb of the Law Offices of Jill M. Webb, and Membership Chair Sammi L. Renken of Johnson & Bell also spoke to attendees, along with ABOTA National Board President Lewis Sifford and ABOTA Foundation President John Kim.

ABOTA dedicates itself to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment, which guarantees the right to civil jury trials. ABOTA also promotes the independence of the judiciary and professionalism among trial lawyers. Membership in this group of plaintiff and defense lawyers is by invitation only. Approximately 7,500 lawyers and judges are involved in ABOTA chapters in all 50 states.