November 2008

Neil Quinn, ISBA Laureate, in same firm for 47 years

By Stephen Anderson

The 50-year legal career of ISBA Senior Counsellor Neil K. Quinn of Chicago seems somewhat of an anomaly in this era of law firm dynamics, mergers, lateral transfers and defections.

Like baseball legend Cal Ripken, who set a longevity record by showing up for work every day, Quinn has been with the same law firm, Pretzel & Stouffer, for 47 years.

A 1957 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law who was admitted to the bar the following year, he joined the firm in 1961 and now is its senior partner.

In addition to being honored on Dec. 10 as a Senior Counsellor, Quinn has the distinction of being a Laureate of the ISBA Academy of Illinois Lawyers. He was inducted in 2004.

A member of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission Review Board for 12 years, his nomination was supported by Mary Robinson, then the ARDC administrator.

She recalled that he “was unfailingly polite and respectful to lawyers who appeared before the board... Neil’s classically gracious demeanor brought heightened dignity to the proceedings.”

A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Quinn is a past president of the International Association of Defense Counsel and the Society of Trial Lawyers.

He served on the ISBA Committee on Federal Judicial Appointments and the Illinois Supreme Court Committee to Review Illinois Rules of Evidence.

A member of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar for several years, he regularly sits on the dais during 1st District admission ceremonies. He also has served on the Pattern Jury Instructions (Civil) Committee and the board of the Defense Research Institute.

Quinn was nominated for his Laureate by a daughter, Cook County Judge Carolyn Quinn, who noted his ongoing interest in the education and professional development of young lawyers.

She added that he “embodies all of the qualities of an ideal Laureate... Neil loves the law. He relishes unraveling knotty legal issues, and is genuinely excited by novel theories and tactics.”

The nomination was supported by two other Laureates: Chicago trial attorney Philip H. Corboy and former federal judge George Leighton, who said: “He has taught law. And he has practiced it with distinction.”