Late Attorney John Phipps Awarded ISBA Medal of Merit
Longtime ISBA member John Phipps was posthumously awarded the ISBA's Medial of Merit—the ISBA's highest honor—during the Assembly meeting on Dec. 11.
The award is reserved for attorneys whose accomplishments are truly exemplary. The medal is awarded to ISBA members who have made a significant contribution to the altruistic goals of the profession or the public.
Accepting on his behalf was Phipps' daughter, Anne Martinkus, who is also a lawyer and active in the ISBA.
Phipps was recognized for a number of contributions he made to the ISBA throughout his long legal career. He led the ISBA’s Sale of a Solo Practice Committee, a group that inspired the Illinois Supreme Court to adopt its rule permitting the sale or transfer of a law practice.
Phipps also chaired the ISBA’s Special Committee on Succession and Transition Planning to help lawyers prepare for the closure of their law practices in response to both planned and unplanned life events. He also took the lead in bringing Fastcase to ISBA members as chair of the Computerized Legal Research Committee.
Member Comments (2)
A very well-deserved honor, indeed! Despite the pandemic, I was able to attend John's memorial service in Champaign and recalled his service on the IICLE Board of Directors and the General Practice Section Council of the ABA in addition to his many ISBA contributions. John always had the best interests of lawyers and their clients at the top of his mind and those of us who knew him and served with him are fortunate to have had such a fine example of service beyond self. Rest in peace, my friend.
I had the honor to serve with John on a number of committees over the years. He was an inspiration for us all.