Mt. Vernon attorney Mark D. Hassakis was sworn in as the new Illinois State Bar Association President on Friday night at the Annual Meeting in St. Louis. Hassakis, the first Greek American president of the ISBA, joined his father’s firm after receiving his J.D. in 1976. The firm now concentrates in all types of injury and wrongful death cases, both work and non-work related. In addition, the firm represents clients at administrative hearings before the Secretary of State for driving relief in DUI and other excessive violation cases. Hassakis’ guiding theme for his 2010-2011 term will be “Lawyers Care,” demonstrating his pride in the profession and the extraordinary efforts lawyers make every day to go above and beyond in their service to their communities and the profession. He will spotlight examples of the beneficial role lawyers voluntarily undertake to help shape a brighter future for our state and its citizens. "ISBA lawyers and the heart of the ISBA, the Illinois Bar Foundation, will spotlight our lawyer and judge members giving well beyond the great professional work they do, highlighting the extraordinary effort being made in the communities in which we live," Hassakis said. "You can help us by clueing us in on just who they are." Two other programs that Hassakis will highlight include: President’s Circle, made up of ISBA members admitted for less than 5 years who have already made noteworthy contributions to the organized bar and to their communities in addition to being outstanding practitioners; and an emphasis on juvenile justice, which will include partnering with such groups as Illinois Models for Change and other bar associations to raise the profile of the juvenile justice system in the public’s mind. "It's about raising the awareness of lawyers, judges & the public, of how we currently imprison many youth for low & moderate grade offenses ... when new models and new approaches exist," Hassakis said. Click here to view photos from the Annual Dinner and pre-party. Click here to view photos from Dancing at the Annual Dinner.