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March 2022 • Volume 110 • Number 3 • Page 10
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It’s ISBA Election Season!
This April, ISBA members will choose between two highly qualified candidates for the office of third vice-president: Bridget Duignan and Ava George Stewart, both of Chicago. The winner will help lead major initiatives for the ISBA and will be installed as ISBA president for the 2025-2026 bar year.
In the following pages, you will find Duignan’s and George Stewart’s self-provided biographies. Biographies of those seeking seats on the Board of Governors follow.
Regarding competitive seats for the Board of Governors, seven candidates are seeking five seats in Cook County and two candidates are battling for one seat in Area 5 (circuits 5, 6, and 11).
There are no contested seats in the Assembly.
Ballots will be distributed to members on March 31. Meanwhile, be sure to take in one of two virtual candidate presentations. Board of Governors candidates outside of Cook County will participate in a Candidate Presentation at noon on March 29. Board of Governors candidates in Cook County will participate in a Candidate Presentation at noon the following day, March 30. Candidates for third vice-president will participate in both presentations. Each third vice-president candidate will be allowed five minutes and each Board of Governor candidate will be given three minutes. The candidate presentations will be moderated by ISBA Bar Elections Supervision Committee Chair Carl Draper. Complimentary registration is required in advance and members are welcome to attend both days.
For more information about candidates, candidate presentations, and the election process, visit the ISBA Election page.
Casting your vote is easy, secure, and only takes a few minutes. You can also vote by mail, e-ballot, or online. Be on the lookout for more election information. Your vote matters and your participation by those running for office is greatly appreciated.
Bridget Duignan, Chicago. Bridget is a managing partner at Latherow & Duignan, concentrating in medical negligence, construction negligence, sexual abuse, and wrongful death matters. She has been an active member of the ISBA since 2008. She served three terms on the Assembly and two terms on the Board of Governors, including the Under 37 Seat. She has served both as treasurer and secretary of the ISBA. She is currently chair of the Tort Law Section Council and vice-chair of the Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee. She is a member of three ISBA standing committees: Investments, Legislation, and Member Services. She has twice represented the ISBA at the Second District New Admittees Ceremonies, speaking to an auditorium of newly admitted attorneys about the benefits of being a part of this great organization. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Bar Foundation and as vice-chair of the Champions Committee. She also chairs the Lawyers Care Committee. Bridget has written, lectured, and advocated for women and diversity in the workplace during her entire career, including having written a column for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin; Women, Law & Politics. She has testified before an Illinois House Committee on the Equal Rights Amendment and before the House Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Task Force on non-disclosure agreements. Her testimony on non-disclosure agreements prompted her to draft the initial legislation that subsequently became 2019’s Workplace Transparency Act. Bridget is the recipient of the ISBA Board of Governors Award for Service to the Bar, the ITLA President’s Award, and was a 2020 recipient of the Top Women Lawyers in Leadership Award. Bridget is married to Jose Rivero, also an attorney and ISBA member practicing in the area of workers’ compensation. They have three children, Jose (12), Finian (10), and Ela (7).
Ava George Stewart, Chicago. Criminal Justice attorney. Education: B.A. and M.S.C., Northwestern University; J.D., University of Illinois. ISBA activities: Board of Governors (2016-present), treasurer (2021-present), secretary (2020-2021), Assembly (2007-2010, 2014-2016). Standing committees on Illinois Bar Journal Editorial Board (2010-2018), Marketing/ Communications (2015-2018). Section councils on Criminal Justice (chair, 2015-2016), Traffic Laws and Courts (chair, 2011-2012). Special Committee on Member Services (2017-2019). Board liaison to the following sections: Cannabis Law, Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Illinois Bar Journal Editorial Board, and Standing Committee on Member Services, Standing Committee on Corrections and Sentencing, Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Standing Committee on Women and the Law, Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics. Illinois Bar Foundation: Gold Champion and board member (2015-2021). ISBA Mutual (2005-present). Other activities: IICLE Board of Directors (2016-present), Illinois Judges Association, and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism working group Restoring Confidence in the Judiciary (2020-present). BWLA, Board Member-At-Large (2016-2018); Women Everywhere, board (2011-present). Served multiple terms as co-chair of the WBAI’s Criminal Litigation Committee (2010-2016), DUI Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2013-2016), Illinois Delegate for the National College of DUI Defense (2010-2015). Chicago Bar Association, Cook County Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, WBAI, and the Women’s Criminal Defense Bar Association. Board of Directors, Green City Market (2020-present); Board member, Minority Legal Education Resources (2005). Ava is a frequent speaker and author on criminal law, trial techniques, and unconscious bias. She teaches at UIC Law. Prior to becoming an attorney, she served as the Executive Director at several not-for-profit organizations serving homeless and disenfranchised women and children. Issue Statement: The ISBA must better serve its members by being innovative, nimble, and responsive to member needs. As President, I will continue to enrich the ISBA through outreach and listening.
Michael G. Bergmann, Chicago. Michael is Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), a statewide nonprofit connecting law students, recent law school graduates and lawyers with those in need of free civil legal help. Prior to PILI, Michael was a staff attorney with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. J.D, DePaul University; B.A, Catholic University. Admitted in 2002. Currently a member of the Assembly and serving as the chair of its Agenda & Program Committee. Also currently serves on the Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services (past chair), the Bench & Bar Section Council (current vice chair), the Leadership Academy Governing Board, and the Standing Committee on the Rural Practice Initiative. Previously served on Child Law Section Council (past chair), and the Young Lawyers Division Council. Formerly served on several special committees including Special Committee on Juvenile Justice Initiatives, Special Committee on Illinois Lawyer Finder, Special Committee on Fair & Impartial Courts, and Special Committee on Rule 711. Silver Champion of the Illinois Bar Foundation. Awards: DuPage County Bar Association Board of Governors Award, Illinois Judges Association Amicus Award, Law Bulletin’s “40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch,” Young Alumni Merit Award from Catholic University, Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from DePaul College of Law, ISBA Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Also active in the Chicago & American Bar Associations, holding a variety of leadership positions. Issue Statement: From my work across our state both through my ISBA leadership and from my “day job,” I have seen the importance and power of the ISBA as a force for good for its members, the larger legal community and the communities we serve. We must ensure the strength and stability of the ISBA and the legal profession for us now and for future generations of lawyers to come.
John V. Kalantzis, Chicago. Attorney focused on personal injury at Clifford Law Offices. B.A., Northwestern University; J.D., University of Notre Dame. Admitted: Illinois, Northern District of Illinois. ISBA activities: Tort Law Section Council. Other activities: Chicago Bar Association, member, Judicial Evaluation Committee; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois; Justinian Society of Lawyers; Women’s Bar Association of Illinois; American Bar Association; American Association for Justice. Issue statement: I would work to bring about a more balanced and vibrant ISBA by making it more inclusive and accessible. This can be achieved through the development and support of initiatives to increase diversity in our membership. Additionally, I would work to inform younger attorneys and law students about the services and benefits the ISBA provides while also emphasizing the opportunity to collaborate and influence the future of our profession by becoming involved. I would seek to increase members’ awareness of technology and communication platforms, so they may be leveraged to facilitate communication and collaboration while also providing services and programs at a lower cost to increase the value of ISBA membership. I look forward to earning the privilege to serve the members of the ISBA as we strive to meet the challenges facing our profession today and in the future.
Mark L. Karno, Chicago. Incumbent. Owner of Mark L. Karno and Associates, LLC, a five-attorney law firm with offices located in Chicago and Aurora. Practice primarily consists of plaintiff personal injury claims, along with some general civil litigation and transactional matters. Education: B.S. Finance-High Honors, University of Illinois, Champaign; J.D., I.I.T./Chicago-Kent College of Law (1982). Admitted to Illinois Bar (1982), Florida Bar (2021), Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (1984), U.S. District Court: N.D. Illinois (1982) and Trial Bar (1985), S.D. Illinois (2018). ISBA activities: Board of Governors (2012-2013, 2014-2016, 2019-present). Assembly (2010-2011, 2013-2014). Board of Governors liaison to Elder Law Section Council (2015-2017, 2020-2021), Tort Law Section Council (2015-2016, 2019-2022), Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council (2016-2017, 2021-2022), Intellectual Property Law Section Council (2014-2015), Standing Committee on Professional Conduct (2014-2017, 2020-2021), and Standing Committee on Military Affairs (2014-2015). Past chair of Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council (2011-2012) and Insurance Law Section Council (2002-2003). Co-chair of the 2013 Allerton House Conference, member of steering committees that put on various Allerton House Conferences (2008, 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2018), 30-year member of the Tort Law Section Council, and former member of the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee Cook County (1998-2000). Contributor and former co-editor of ISBA’s Tort Trends (1999-2003). Lecturer and moderator at ISBA Seminars. Testified before the Illinois General Assembly regarding ISBA sponsored legislation. Illinois Bar Foundation: treasurer (2017-2021), Board of Directors (2014-2021), Platinum Fellow, and co-chair of the 2015 IBF GALA Fundraiser. Past chairperson of two sub-sections of the Chicago Bar Association Civil Practice Committee (1995-1996 and 1997-1998). Other bar associations: ITLA, AAJ, National Trial Lawyers, WBAI, Justinian Society of Lawyers and Decalogue Society of Lawyers. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyer from 2009-2022, Lead Counsel Rated, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Emily N. Masalski, Forest Park. Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Counsel at Eaton Corporation, a global power management company. Previously CEO & Founding Partner of Hunter Masalski LLC. Former partner at Rooney Rippie & Ratnaswamy LLP and Principal at Deutsch, Levy & Engel, Chartered. Advised Fortune 500 companies, mid-size companies, and startups in regulatory and environmental, health and safety law, including OSHA and EPA compliance. Handled commercial litigation in state and federal court, arbitration, and administrative forums. Served as Agency Attorney, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Wastewater Treatment Bureau. B.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Communications and Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; J.D. and Environmental Law Certificate, Pace University School of Law; Articles editor, Pace Environmental Law Review. Admitted to practice in Illinois, New York, and Connecticut. ISBA activities: Elected ISBA At-Large Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates (2017-present); Assembly (2010-2013, 2020-present). Civil Practice & Procedure Section Council (vice chair 2021-present, secretary 2020-2021); past chair, Environmental Law Section Council (2016-2017); past chair, Standing Committee on Women and the Law (2015-2016); Standing Committee on Member Services (2019-2021); Cannabis Law Section Council (2019-2021); Diversity Leadership Council (2014-2017). Illinois Bar Foundation, Silver Champion. Additional activities: Chicago Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation Committee (2017- present); ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources; The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago; Hispanic National Bar Association; National Association of Women Lawyers; Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. Finance committee, Ascension Catholic Church; commissioner, Oak Park Liquor Control Review Board. Honors: Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyer (2015-present); Illinois Rising Star, Super Lawyer (2010-2013, 2015-present); The Best Lawyers for Environmental Law (2021, 2022); Illinois “Forty Under 40” Attorneys to Watch, Law Bulletin Media (2017); CBA Alta May Hulett Award (2018). Issue Statement: I will ensure that ISBA remains fiscally sound and responsive to the immediate needs of members.
Mary L. Milano, Chicago. Executive Director of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, a State Executive Branch agency supporting and advocating for persons with disabilities (2006-present). Prior: International Hunger Relief and Advocacy (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), Theological educator; corporate and commercial real estate (Baker & McKenzie); of counsel, Amari & Locallo. Education: Mundelein College (now Loyola) AB (scl) ’73; McCormick Theological Seminary (M.Div. ’77); Northern Illinois University College of Law (JD (mcl) ’78). Admitted Illinois (1978). Graduate Theological Foundation (D.Min, ’94); University of Leicester (PGDip EU Law, 2002). Fellowships: international law and human rights, Northwestern University; ULB Belgium, Siracusa International Institute, Italy. ISBA activities: Assembly Cook County (multiple terms). Member, special committee on MCLE; founding member and officer, Special Committee on Issues of Sexual Orientation; later member and chair, Standing Committee on SOGI; member, Diversity Leadership Council; member and chair, section councils on Real Estate Law; International and Immigration Law; Human Rights Law; member and chair, standing committees on Government Lawyers; SOGI; Disability Law; Law Related Education for the Public; and founding co-chair Steering Committee on Racial Inequality. ISBA speaker: CLE programs in real estate, foreign investment, immigration, professional and governmental ethics. Author contributing to various newsletters and IBJ. Illinois Bar Foundation: Pillar of the Foundation. Awards: Board of Governors Award (co-recipient 2021); Illinois Bar Foundation Changemakers Award (2020); NIU College of Law awards Career Achievement and Distinguished Public Service; Distinguished Service Awards (ISBA 1990, 1989); Judith Shanahan Memorial Leadership Award (SMWC Graduate Alumni 2001); Girl Scouts of America Women’s Leadership Award (1988). Other activities: Justinian Society of Lawyers, ABA, National Italian American Bar Association. Other service: John Marshal Law School Board of Visitors (2013-18), NIU College of Law Board of Visitors (2018-present), Italian American Political Coalition (former officer), Illinois Alzheimers Advisory Committee.
Daniel R. Saeedi, Chicago. Incumbent. Daniel is a partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. He focuses his practice on issues relating to employment law, data privacy, information security, restrictive covenants, trade secrets and unfair competition. He leads a team of lawyers in a national practice that analyzes legal issues related to a variety of different technologies, including those that employ artificial intelligence and machine learning. Daniel’s practice touches on several industries, including manufacturing, logistics, health, food, entertainment, retail and online services. Daniel is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He currently serves on the ISBA Board of Governors, and on the Scope & Correlations Committee for the board. In these capacities, he has actively contributed towards setting and implementing the ISBA’s strategic planning. Daniel has served as a chair for ISBA’s Member Services, Marketing & Communications (now merged), and Racial & Ethnic Minorities and the Law, and as a CLE coordinator and board liaison to several different committees and sections. Daniel frequently speaks for ISBA CLE programs on a variety of topics including restrictive covenants and trade secrets law. Daniel is celebrating his tenth anniversary this year with his wife Daniela. He has two sons that are his pride and joy: Lucas and Nicolas. Issue Statement: Daniel is most passionate about looking for ways to improve the ISBA’s platform of services for its members. This means working to perfect the programs and services for ISBA members, and the technology to better connect them to the association and to each other. Daniel works hard to make sure that the ISBA speaks to all members across generations, geography, practice areas and perspectives. He understands and respects the great ISBA traditions, and also looks to establish new ones that benefit the association.
Sarah E. Toney, Chicago. Incumbent. The Toney Law Firm, LLC with a focus in Criminal and DUI Defense. Education: J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law; B.S., Miami University. Admitted Illinois (2004), United States Supreme Court (2009). ISBA activities: Board of Governors (2019-present), Assembly (2012-present), Standing Committee on Scope and Correlation (2020-present). Former chair of LAWPAC, the Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics, and the Traffic Laws and Courts Section Council. Former vice-chair, Standing Committee on Marketing and Communications. Newsletter editor, Traffic Laws and Courts Section Council (2008-present); former CLE co-chair, Standing Committee on Women & the Law; member, Criminal Justice Section Council; Standing Committee on Member Services; and the Solo and Small Firm Practice Institute Planning Committee. Former member of the Young Lawyers Division and co-chair of the Holiday Party. Board liaison, Standing Committee on Judicial Evaluations Cook County. ISBA Speaker at 17 seminars. Illinois Bar Foundation board member (2019-present), Lawyers Care Committee and Silver Champion. Attended Trial Lawyer’s College (September 2016), now on staff (2018-present). Mentor, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism (2015-2016); adjunct professor, Loyola University School of Law (2006-2020); board of directors, DUI Defense Lawyers Association (2014-2018); trustee, Justice Foundation (2019-present); secretary, Women’s Criminal Defense Bar Association (2018-present). Awards: WBAI Top Women Lawyers in Leadership 2021, ISBA Young Lawyer of the Year (2014) and Newsletter Service Award (2013, 2018). Illinois Super Lawyer, Top 50 Women Lawyers and Top 100 Lawyers (2020-2021). Native of DuPage County. Resided in Chicago for the past 21 years, now with her husband Patrick and their golden retriever Nola. Issue statement: To continue to serve the membership in practical ways so that the cost of membership is minimal compared to the value. To never let the organization be stagnant, but to continue to improve upon what is already so great.
Tamika R. Walker, Rockford. I have been an active ISBA member since 2009. I am an associate with DeRango & Cain, LLC in Rockford, Illinois where I practice family law. Currently, I serve on the Board’s Standing Committee on Scope and Correlation and am a board liaison to the Family Law Section Council, the Task Force on the Unauthorized Practice of law, and the Steering Committee on Racial Inequality. I also serve on the ISBA Assembly, the Lawyer’s Trust Fund Board, and the Illinois Bar Foundation Board. I am a member of the Winnebago County Bar Association and currently serve as CLE chair. When I am not practicing law or attending to ISBA or local bar association duties, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughters.
Mark C. Palmer, Champaign. Incumbent. Chief counsel for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, where he facilitates the promotion of professionalism, civility, and integrity among lawyers and judges in Illinois. Prior to joining the Commission, Mark was in private practice in Champaign where he represented private and appointed clients in both civil and criminal cases in state and federal courts. Mark received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his law degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Law. He is active in numerous bar and civic organizations including chair of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) 6th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and on the Executive Board of the National Legal Mentoring Consortium. Issue Statement: It has been an honor to serve you all in Area V (East Central Illinois - 5th, 6th and 11th judicial circuits) over these past three years on the Board & Assembly, especially in these difficult times of COVID and remote work. I look forward to continuing and completing my term on the Board with your support. As we continue to evolve and transition to our new ways of delivering legal services and justice in Illinois, I will continue to dedicate my energy to serving ISBA and our profession as an active member of our Board and Assembly. My passion and work are founded on promoting the ideals of professionalism in our legal and judicial systems while exploring novel ways to deliver equitable, efficient, and effective justice for the people of Illinois. I’m excited to support the ISBA and the current and next generation of lawyers in this journey! When not in the office, you will likely find Mark and his wife busy raising their twin daughters.
Angelica “Angel” Wawrzynek, Mattoon. She is a partner in a small firm in Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois: Armstrong, Grove & Wawrzynek LLC. She previously served on the ISBA Board of Governors, holding an Under-37 Outside Cook County seat for two terms. She has served on several ISBA committees and section councils, including her current positions on the Trust & Estates Section Council, the Standing Committee on the Illinois Bar Journal Editorial Board, the Standing Committee on Investments, and the Standing Committee on Rural Practice Initiative. Angel is past chair of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and current member of that committee, chair of the Pro Bono Committee of the Coles Cumberland Bar Association, treasurer of the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, and vice president of the Eastern Illinois Estate Planning Council. She is also a member of the Vermilion County Bar Association, the Champaign County Bar Association, and the East Central Illinois Women’s Attorneys Association. Additionally, Angel is vice chair of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank Board of Directors and is recording secretary of the Governor Edward Coles Sally Lincoln Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Issue Statement: The ISBA is an organization of attorneys for attorneys. As a practicing attorney in a small town in Central Illinois, I fully understand, and will represent, the needs of the average ISBA member in the region.
Diana (Taylor) Servos, Deerfield. Incumbent. Diana is the managing attorney of S.T. Legal Group located in Deerfield, Illinois. Her practice is focused on employment law. She advises employees and small employers on issues ranging from compensation, disciplinary actions, termination, and necessary employment-related agreements. She also provides representation in litigation in the areas of wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, and restrictive covenants. She is a graduate of Tulane University School of Law and Connecticut College. Diana got involved with the ISBA immediately upon admission to practice and has been an active participant since. She currently serves as the Under-37 Outside Cook County Board of Governor member, chair of the Special Committee on ISBA Membership Strategy, vice-chair of the SSFPI Planning Committee, and member of the Standing Committee on Legislation. Her appointments have included: Standing Committee on Bar Services and Activities (2013-2017, including service as chair); Standing Committee on Member Services (2018-present, including service as chair); Special Committee on the Solo and Small Firm Practice Institute (2014-present); and Task Force on New Lawyers (2013-2014). In addition to the ISBA, Diana has participated for many years in the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary, including service as a board member and past president. During the pandemic, she helped develop an ancillary organization focusing on younger member involvement - Service Partners of Lake County. This was rewarded with her being Rotarian of the Year (2020). Diana is a resident of Arlington Heights, Illinois and will join anyone for a workout under the orange lights (if you know, you know!).
Bianca B. Brown, Chicago. Chief Attorney at Chicago Transit Authority, practicing personal injury defense. Prior to that, served as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, defending federal Section 1983 civil rights actions. B.A. with Honors, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; J.D., Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Admitted State Bar of Illinois (2010) and U.S District Court (2011). ISBA activities: Assembly (2019-present). Chair, Diversity Leadership Council (2021-present); CLE coordinator, Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law (2021-present); former vice chair, Diversity Leadership Council (2020-2021); member, Steering Committee on Racial Inequality (2021-present); standing committees on Women and the Law (2020-present), Judicial Evaluations Cook County (2018-present); and Young Lawyers Division (2018-present). ISBA CLE Program coordinator/moderator “Microaggressions: Tales from the Trenches and Strategies for Allies” and panelist “Where the Sidewalk Ends: Trips, Falls and other Litigation Considerations”; Illinois Judges Association moderator “Restoring Confidence in the Judiciary”; American Bar Association (ABA) panelist “Moratoria on Evictions” and “Women of Criminal Justice: Why Do They Leave”. Current ISBA Delegate for the ABA, ABA District Representative for IL/IN, and ABA YLD Delegate. Other Activities: Current Hearing Board Member for ARDC, former board of director of Black Women Lawyer’s Association and Scholarship Fund Board. Awards: ISBA Young Lawyer of the Year for Cook County (2021) and BWLA President’s Exemplary Service Award (2017). Fellowships: 2020 Alumnus ISBA Leadership Academy, ISBA Diversity Leadership Fellow (2017-2020), and ABA Elizabeth Clarke Fellow (2019-2021). Publications: Implicit Bias: How Far Are We Really, Illinois Bar Journal. Issue Statement: Increase the awareness of the varying issues within diversity and inclusion as well as the participation of diverse lawyers in sections and committees.
* Denotes incumbent