President's Page

Life, Lawyering, and the Bar

By Robert K. Downs

We lawyers must continue to promote the ideals that drew us to the profession.

This next to last President's Page comes all too soon in a year that seems like it started yesterday. I hope you will permit me to think out loud a bit.

First, to all of you who have yet to experience the fragility and fickleness of life, please recognize and understand that, all around you, people are suffering, often in silence. We sincerely hope that those afflicted are not suffering without the support of loved ones and friends. It seems like this fact has become even more manifest as I have learned of too many instances where the ISBA family, if you will, has endured hardships. Perhaps this helps us better appreciate the too short time we have as viable parts of humankind and how blessed are vibrant life and good health. I send our collective good wishes to all ISBA members and their families who are facing trying times.

In the meantime, I continue to be

distressed by senseless violence and killing seen all over the world. The tragedy in Darfur baffles me. The never ending struggle in the Middle East disheartens me. I hope there is some way for optimism and true concern for fellow woman and man to play a vital role.

I really don't know whether Barb and I will see the beginnings of a reversal in the dysfunctional political process, where polarization is the goal and principles are hard to find. The only principle seems to be righteous self interest.

What does this have to do with being a lawyer? I suggest that many of us became lawyers because we are committed to a society based on the rule of law with emphasis on justice, ethical values, and individual rights. As lawyers, we face these issues on a daily basis. And we should continue to protect those ideals and speak out whenever necessary.

I thank all of you members who have participated in ISBA programs that help us maintain the ideals of the profession. Many examples come to mind. We presented a great program that dealt with over-representation of minorities in the criminal justice system. We have worked hard to help make civil legal services available to indigents and those of modest means. We have developed a way for the courts to deal better with parentage and custody issues in divorce and now, with the Chicago Bar Association, must undertake the legislative effort. We have spoken out about judicial independence and tried to bolster support for our justice system.

I have also been impressed with ABA President Mike Greco's initiative "Renaissance of Idealism in the Legal Profession," where he challenged the bar to undertake projects advancing the noblest principles of the profession. I was motivated to become active and was lucky enough to be one of his 600 appointments to boards and commissions, in this case in the ABA's Commission on the Homeless. I have found my time spent to be very worthwhile.

I still believe in the proud and noble purposes of our profession and system of justice. We should never retreat from our active support as lawyers for improving the human condition.

Next month, I will try to thank all who have made this year one of the best of Barb's life and mine.