2024 Judge of the Year Award
The Illinois Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) recognized Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Brendan A. O’Brien as its 2024 Judge of the Year.
Judge O’Brien was honored during ABOTA Illinois’ fall luncheon on December 5th at the Union League Club. ABOTA Illinois chapter members, Judge O’Brien’s fellow Circuit Court of Cook County judges, and special guests attended the luncheon. Judge O’Brien received a special framed War of 1812 American flag, following an introduction by ABOTA Illinois Member Mark McKenna of Hurley McKenna & Mertz.
In addition to Judge O’Brien, the chapter also recognized Circuit Court of Cook County Judge James Varga for his service to the Cook County Law Division. He was introduced by ABOTA Illinois Past President William J. Rogers of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP.
ABOTA Illinois President Jill M. Webb of the Law Offices of Jill M. Webb and Membership Chair Scott Bentivenga of Lewis Brisbois 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.
ABOTA Illinois President Jill M. Webb (right) of the Law Offices of Jill M. Webb presented Circuit Court of Cook County Judge James Varga (left) with an engraved vase recognizing his service to the Cook County Law Division.
Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Brendan A. O’Brien speaks to ABOTA Illinois members and guests after receiving the 2024 Judge of the Year Award.
ABOTA Illinois President Jill M. Webb (left) of the Law Offices of Jill M. Webb and Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Brendan A. O’Brien (right) show off his framed War of 1812 American flag given in recognition of being named 2024 Judge of the Year.