Justice Margaret Frossard (ret.), (second from left), director of Professionalism and Engagement at The John Marshall Law School, extends thanks to (from left) Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Stuart E. Palmer; Brian Sexton of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Kenneth Wadas; and John Marshall student Mark Winstorfer to a Sept. 21, 2011, appreciation luncheon. Justice Frossard welcomed more than 80 judges, practitioners, alumni and other members of the legal community who are assisting with the newly established In-Classroom Professionalism Program.
The John Marshall Law School welcomed more than 80 judges, practitioners, alumni and other members of the legal community to an appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, as a “thank you” for their assistance with the newly established In-Classroom Professionalism Program.
Justice Margaret O’Mara Frossard (ret.), director of Professionalism and Engagement, initiated the program in July in an effort to incorporate professionalism into the curriculum of all students, regardless of their class year. To date, approximately100 judges and attorneys have agreed to be part of the In-Classroom Professionalism Program. This initial group has hired, mentored and advised John Marshall students over the past several months, Frossard said.
“The law school is responding to the challenge from the Carnegie Report that law schools teach professionalism across the curriculum,” she explained. “With this innovative program, we are bringing judges, practitioners, alumni and other members of the legal community into the classroom to explain what professionalism means, how to resolve an ethical challenge in a professional manner and how to acquire the professional skills valued by employers in the workplace.”
Judges in attendance included United States District Court Judge Charles Kocoras; Circuit Court of Cook County Judges Kenneth Wadas and John Doody of the Criminal Division; Judge Stuart E. Palmer of the Chancery Division; Judge Gilbert Grossi from the 4th District in Maywood; and Judge Rita Novak of the Law Division.
Practitioners attending included Anthony Longo, Cassiday Shade LLP; Steve Levin of Levin & Perconti; Paula Morency of Schiff Hardin LLP; Robert Chemers and Scott Howie of Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered; Timothy J. Touhy of Touhy Touhy Buehler & Williams LLP; Bruce Brandwein of Brandwein & Smolin; Heath D. Brewer with Spencer Stuart Inc.; and Dr. Mary Milano, executive director at the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission.
Frossard also received greetings from Jayne Reardon, executive director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, who was unable to attend the luncheon but applauded Frossard’s efforts.
“Experienced judges and practitioners sharing with law students their personal stories of ethical and professionalism issues is an extremely valuable activity most consistent with the mission of the Commission on Professionalism to promote increased integrity, civility and professionalism in the legal profession,” Reardon said.
