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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NATIONAL APPEAL TO FUND REBUILDING OF JUSTICE SYSTEM FOLLOWING HURRICANE KATRINA

CHICAGO, IL, August 31, 2005 - In the wake of the valiant efforts by the emergency relief agencies to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) has announced it is contacting its 30,000 members and bar leaders across the nation to encourage financial donations to rebuild the justice system in the effected states.

Robert K. Downs, a partner in the Chicago law firm of Downs Law Offices, P.C., and ISBA president, is spearheading the effort. The funds collected from Illinois lawyers and by other associations will be sent to the appropriate entities of the state bar associations in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, to be used in providing legal assistance for individuals and for emergency expenses as a result of the catastrophe. Bar associations in other states that participate will forward their donations separately.

"It will be up to the legal community to ensure the continuation of a justice system that provides fair and compassionate relief for the shattered lives of those impacted by the storm," Downs said. "This is the highest purpose for which our profession can respond in this unprecedented disaster."

Downs concluded: "We must recognize that ultimately it is the legal system and lawyers who will restore order from chaos."

Downs heartily endorsed the efforts of the American Bar Association (ABA) in coordinating emergency legal services on the ground in the effected states. The ABA will provide volunteer lawyers to staff a hotline established by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).

For further information or to make a donation, contact the Illinois State Bar Association at (800) 252-8908.

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