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John G. O'Brien

  • March 27, 2014 | ISBA News
    2 Minutes with the President: Paula H. Holderman interviews ISBA Mutual Chair John O'Brien

    ISBA President Paula H. Holderman interviews ISBA Past President and current Chair of ISBA Mutual John G. O'Brien about the company's history and activities to celebrate its 25th anniversary year.

  • July 5, 2012 | People
    ISBA Past President John O'Brien named vice president with Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund

    John G. O’Brien, one of the most recognized attorneys in Illinois, has been named vice president and counsel at Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG). O’Brien has resigned from the ATG Board of Directors to assume his new responsibilities; Chicago attorney Jonathan Sherry replaced him.

    O’Brien, who has practiced law in Arlington Heights since 1972, was president of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) in 2009-10 and is past president and current chairman of the board of directors of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association (IRELA), an organization he founded in 1994. IRELA, composed of real estate attorneys from all corners of Illinois, is the only bar association that represents the interests solely of real estate attorneys. ATG and IRELA have partnered over the years to advocate for real estate attorneys and the clients they serve.

    Largely through O’Brien’s advocacy efforts in the mid-90s, IRELA filed a lawsuit against a large Chicago-area realtor to prevent its agents from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law by their efforts to offer what amounted to legal advice to home buyers. IRELA won the lawsuit and continues, according to the ISBA, “to serve as a watchdog to prevent non-lawyers from offering what are essentially legal services to home buyers and sellers.” The impact of this ruling is clear not only for attorneys but also for the clients they represent.

  • March 22, 2012 | Events
    St. PADdy’s Day Luncheon to benefit Misericordia on March 25

    Take some time to break away from work and bring your family to a wonderful luncheon. Phi Alpha Delta Law (PAD) Fraternity, International, Chicago Alumni Chapter is hosting a benefit to support the Misericorida-Heart of Mercy home in Chicago on Sunday, March 25.

    Misericorida is a 31-acre residential facility that provides services and programs for persons with developmental disabilities. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, it has its own gift shop and fabulous bakery that produces, among other treats, traditional Irish soda bread, which will be served at the corned beef and cabbage luncheon. This fun and very worthwhile fundraising event is scheduled to start around noon on Sunday, March 25th with a buffet luncheon at 1 p.m. Honorary co-chairs for the 2012 St. PADdy’s Day Family Fest will be former Cook County State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine and ISBA Past President John G. O’Brien and retired Judge Sheila Murphy. Misericordia currently serves over 600 children and adults and is operated by the Sisters of Mercy. It is located at 6300 N. Ridge Road in Chicago.

  • November 11, 2009 | Events | People
    O'Brien, Thies attend Champaign County Bar Association event
    [caption id="attachment_5589" align="alignright" width="300" caption="ISBA 3rd Vice President John Thies (standing, fifth from right) and ISBA President John O'Brien (seated, center) meet with the Champaign County Bar Association Board of Governors on Tuesday night."][/caption] Illinois State  Bar Association President John O'Brien and ISBA 3rd Vice President John Thies attended a dinner with the Champaign County Bar Association Board of Governors on Tuesday night.
  • July 30, 2009 | ISBA News
    Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity welcomes 12 new members
    [caption id="attachment_2885" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Chief Judge James F. Holderman (left) and Chapter Justice Michele M. Jochner (second from right), welcome two members of the new initiate class: Hon. Arnette R. Hubbard of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and John G. O'Brien, president of the Illinois State Bar Association. "][/caption] The Chicago Alumni Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International welcomed 12 new alumni members - a record number for the Chapter as well as the International Fraternity. Among those who took the pledge were John G. O'Brien, President of the Illinois State Bar Assocation, and Hon. Arnette Hubbard, Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County and also a recipient of the ABA's Margarent Brent Women of Achievement Award. Other ISBA members initiated at the ceremony included ISBA Board of Governors member Paula Holderman, ISBA Assembly member Julie Ann Sebastian and co-editor of the Administrative Law Section Newsletter and editor of the ISBA Handbook of Illinois Administrative Law William A.
  • July 22, 2009 | Events | ISBA News
    ISBA President John O'Brien off to the races on July 24
    [caption id="attachment_2624" align="alignright" width="150" caption="John O'Brien"][/caption] John O’Brien, newly-installed president of the Illinois State Bar Association, will be trotted up to the Arlington Park Racetrack in Arlington Heights this Friday, July 24, for a fete hosted jointly by the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association (IRELA) and Northwest Suburban Bar Association (NWSBA) in celebration of his new post.  O’Brien was a founder of IRELA and serves as its board chair, and he is a long-time active member of the NWSBA. The sixth race will be called “The Flyin’ O’Brien,” and Johnny O will have his picture taken in the Winner’s Circle with the winning horse.  Reception is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the first race starting at 2:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the racetrack’s Million Room, 4th floor.  Cost to attend is $35 which includes admission to the track, program, hors d’oeuvres and open bar.  For reservations, call (847) 221-2601.
  • July 21, 2009 | ISBA News
    ISBA honored for Judicial Evaluations
    [caption id="attachment_2461" align="alignright" width="300" caption="ISBA President John O'Brien and Chief Judge Timothy Evans"][/caption] The Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area honored the Illinois State Bar Association for its work with Judicial Evaluations during its Installation Ceremony Thursday night. Timothy Evans, Chief Judge of Cook County Circuit Court, presented ISBA President John O'Brien with a plaque to recognize this service. Judge Evans also presented the ISBA's Joyce Williams with an honorary sculpture for her service spearheading this massive effort. The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening recently evaluated 264 candidates for 9 associate judge vacancies.
  • June 12, 2009 | ISBA News
    A message from ISBA leaders, members
    Renew your membership today!
  • June 9, 2009 | People
    Pamela Church receives 2009 ISBA Law Enforcement Award
    [caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Western Springs Police Chief Pamela Church (center) received the 2009 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Monday evening, June 8, during a ceremony at the Western Springs village hall. ISBA President-elect John G. O’Brien (left) and Russell W. Hartigan, a Chicago attorney and ISBA board member who resides in Western Springs, presented the award."][/caption]