2022 Judge of the Year Award
The Illinois Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) recognized Cook County Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth M. Budzinski as its 2022 Judge of the Year.
Judge Budzinski was honored during ABOTA Illinois’ fall luncheon on November 17th at the Union League Club. ABOTA Illinois chapter members, Illinois Appellate Court justices and Cook County Circuit Court judges attended the luncheon. Judge Budzinski spoke and received a special framed War of 1812 American flag, following an introduction by Illinois Appellate Court Justice Terrence J. Lavin, a past Judge of the Year honoree.
In addition to Judge Budzinski, the chapter also recognized two additional honorees:
Judge Irwin J. Solganick for his service to the Cook County Law Division. He was introduced by ABOTA Illinois President William J. Rogers of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP.
Bruce R. Pfaff of Pfaff, Gill & Ports for his years of service to ABOTA Illinois, including as past president. He was introduced by fellow Pfaff, Gill & Ports partner and ABOTA Illinois member Michael T. Gill.
ABOTA Illinois 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.
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.