Board extols Downs leadership during term as ISBA president

The ISBA Board of Governors on May 19 adopted the following resolution in honor of retiring President Robert K. Downs. In response, Downs told the board it has been the proudest, most humbling, most privileged experience of his life.

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Whereas, Robert K. Downs was elected by the membership as the 129th president of the Illinois State Bar Association; and

Whereas, he has devoted an extraordinary amount of energy, expertise, creative ideas, and enthusiasm in representing the best interests of the association and its members; and

Whereas, President Downs initiated the first Solo and Small Firm Conference, conducted in the fall of 2005, that was an unqualified success that will be continued for many years to come; and

Whereas, he raised awareness within the profession and among other segments of society about the problems inherent in the overrepresentation of Hispanic and African-American youth in the juvenile justice system through an acclaimed conference entitled “Kids in a Jam” at the ISBA Midyear Meeting; and

Whereas, he launched a joint project with the Illinois Judges Association and Chicago Bar Association, called “The Role of the Bench in Raising the Bar,” to assist judges in controlling negative behavior that all too often occurs during litigation; and

Whereas, President Downs took a leading role in directing the association's response to the adoption of Minimum Continuing Legal Education in Illinois; and

Whereas, he exerted leadership to bring all necessary parties to the table to forge an agreed position on the important Parental Allocation Act as it moves toward legislative enactment in the Illinois General Assembly; and

Whereas, he conducted a fund-raising effort among lawyers in Illinois to support the rebuilding of the justice system in gulf states in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and helped lead a national effort to provide similar support; and

Whereas, and very importantly, he enlisted his law partner and life partner Barbara Downs to share the responsibilities and rewards of his year as leader of the association; and

Whereas, Bob Downs also brought, to a Board of Governors meeting in Spring Green, Wis., an impressive array of fireworks that he expertly and enthusiastically discharged, to the great enjoyment of everyone present;

Now, be it resolved that the Board of Governors expresses its great appreciation to Robert K. Downs for his exemplary service as president of the Illinois State Bar Association, and further expresses its affection, admiration, and best wishes to Barb Downs for her support and involvement in the association.

Retiring governors lauded

The Board of Governors on May 19 also adopted a resolution of appreciation for the service of five retiring members. They include past president Ole Bly Pace III, who has served on the board since 1994.

Four governors who have served since 2000, the maximum of six years, are Howard W. Feldman, Stephen I. Lane, William J. Quinlan and Richard W. Zuckerman.