Chicago Area

The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Christopher Bonjean as Director of the Office of Communications and Public Information, effective October 3, 2016. He will head a newly reorganized communications operation, which has been charged with developing strategies to inform and educate a diverse public about the judicial branch of state government and promote public confidence in the administration of justice.

Chief Justice Rita Garman explained that the impetus to expand and emphasize the public information function came, in part, from the results of a survey conducted in the spring of 2015. Under the leadership of Fourth District Appellate Justice Carol Pope, chairperson of the Court’s Strategic Planning Committee, the survey was carried out in every courthouse in the state. Questionnaires were distributed to all users of the court facility including parties, witnesses, jurors, and other visitors.

Naperville Police Officer Shaun Ferguson received a 2016 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and ISBA President Vincent F. Cornelius on September 20 during the Naperville City Council Meeting at Naperville City Hall.

The ISBA’s Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. It recognizes those who excel in law enforcement.

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed ISBA member Mauro Glorioso to be the new Chairman of the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).
Glorioso has been a member of the statewide five member board for eight years and was recently appointed its Chairman. Board members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Senate confirmed Glorioso’s appointment by a vote of 52-0.

“I am honored by Governor Rauner’s confidence in me to serve the Citizens of the State of Illinois as the Chairman of the PTAB," Glorioso said. "The PTAB exists to insure that the Taxpayers of the State have an avenue of relief to make certain that their real property assessments are fair and uniform.”

The PTAB provides that taxpayer service through the Administrative Law Process and does not charge to file cases at its offices. Cases are then assigned to administrative law judges (ALJ) to be heard and considered. A written decision is prepared which is reviewed by the board. The Board’s charge is to determine the correct assessed value of the property under consideration. It does not determine tax bills. Appeals can be made to the PTAB only after a board of review determination from any county in Illinois. Prior to becoming a board member, Glorioso served as an ALJ at the agency for eight years.

The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago cordially invites you, your family and other guests to attend the 82nd Annual Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, traditionally known as the Red Mass.

• Time/Date: 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016
• Place: Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash, Chicago,
• Principal Celebrant and Homilist: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich

A reception following the Red Mass will be held at Loyola University, 111 E. Pearson, 16th Floor. Judge Virginia M. Kendall will be honored as the 2016 Catholic Lawyer of the Year and James J. Convery will receive the Catholic Lawyers Guild Special Service Award. Cost for the reception is $75. RSVP at www.chicagoredmass.org.