2022 James Otis Lecture

The Illinois Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) hosted its inaugural James Otis Lecture Series earlier this month.

ABOTA Illinois welcomed 150 Chicago public high school students and teachers to Chicago-Kent College of Law to provide civics education and knowledge of the Constitution through lectures by scholars, judges, and ABOTA members. Supported by the ABOTA Foundation, the James Otis Lecture Series encourages students to interact with speakers, ask questions and seek solutions for constitutional issues that exist today.

The Illinois Chapter’s series was organized by President Elect Jill M. Webb and Past President Cathy Reiter. Speakers included:

Welcome and Remarks: Jill M. Webb, President Elect, ABOTA Illinois and Principal, Law Offices of Jill M. Webb.

Greetings from ABOTA: William J. Rogers, President, ABOTA Illinois and Partner, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP.

Our Constitutional Democracy: Professor Carolyn Shapiro, Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Individual Rights and Governmental Authority during the Pandemic: The Honorable Sanjay Tailor, Presiding Judge County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Independence of the Judiciary: The Honorable Jesse G. Reyes, Illinois Appellate Court.

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.