Six Laureates will be inducted at April 6 event

By Stephen Anderson

The ISBA Academy of Illinois Lawyers will induct its seventh class of Laureates during a luncheon Thursday, April 6, at The Standard Club, Chicago.

The six Laureates who will be recognized during a ceremony conducted by Howard W. Feldman, chancellor of the Academy Board of Regents, will bring the total to 73 distinguished Illinois attorneys to be so honored.

The academy was established in 1999 to celebrate excellence in the practice of law by individuals who maintain the highest standards of professional and public service. The 2006 class, nominated by their peers in the profession, includes:

PAUL E. FREEHLING – Partner in commercial and employment litigation with Seyfarth Shaw, Chicago; Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers; editor of ISBA Administrative Law Section newsletter since 1971 and past chair of two section councils; Charter Fellow and Gold Fellow of Illinois Bar Foundation; treasurer of Chicago chapter of Federal Bar Association.

JOSEPH B. McDONNELL – Partner in Greens-felder, Hemker & Gale, Swansea; past president of St. Clair County Bar Association; past chair of ISBA Committee on Professional

Conduct and Assembly member for six years; recipient of ISBA General Practice Tradition of Excellence Award; Silver Fellow of Illinois Bar Foundation.

MICHAEL A. ORENIC – Retired chief judge of 12th Circuit in Joliet; former trial lawyer and assistant Will County state's attorney; member of Catholic Diocese tribunal on allegations of sexual misconduct; founder of Catholic Knights of Eastern Rite; concert violinist.

ANTHONY SCARIANO (posthumous) – Former assistant U.S. attorney, 1st District Appellate Court justice and state legislator credited with enactment of Illinois Open Meetings Act; past chair of Illinois Racing Board; past chair of Judicial Nominating Commission for Northern District; recipient of Justinian Society Award of Excellence.

LOIS J. WOOD – Executive director of Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation in Alton, serving indigent residents of 65 Southern Illinois counties for 32 years; aggressive advocate for victims of urban poverty; recipient of Richard A. Hudlin Memorial Community Service Award from St. Clair County Bar Association.

SAMUEL H. YOUNG – Of counsel to Kamensky, Rubinstein, Hochman & Delott, Lincolnwood; elected to U.S. Congress; former Illinois securities commissioner; legal counsel and past president of Children's Care Foundation; former member of ISBA Board of Governors; Glenview representative to North Shore Mass Transit District.

The April 6 induction will begin with a reception at 11:30 a.m. and luncheon at 12:15 p.m. For reservations at $60 per person, contact JoAnn Hibbs at (800) 252-8908 or jhibbs@isba.org.