Patricia “Trish” C. Ashton, 76, of Springfield, IL, passed away on September 22, 2025. She was born on March 31, 1949, to William J. and Vivian M. (Smith) Coffey. Trish married the love of her life, James “Jimbo” Ashton on March 7, 1980, and he preceded her in death on February 9, 2022.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Judith Kunz; one brother, William N. Coffey; and one niece, Jennifer Ryan.
CHICAGO — Aronberg Goldgehn is pleased to announce the addition of Ralph Dado, a partner from Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s Chicago office, to lead Aronberg’s new White Collar Investigations, Risk & Integrity practice group. Over 15 years at Kirkland, Dado has become a national leader in investigations for both companies and institutions, high-stakes white collar defense, and crisis management. Dado’s practice also specializes in helping companies prevent and respond to catastrophic safety events and in conducting high-profile research integrity investigations.
The Illinois State Bar Association is pleased to introduce the John E. Thies Excellence in Legal Education Award.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet presented Past President John E. Thies (2012-13) with a Certificate of Recognition during the first day of the NextGen Symposium 2025, which was held at the ISBA Regional Office.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Lindner & Marsack, S.C., one of the region’s most respected and long-standing management-side labor and employment law firms, announced that Joseph Needham has joined the firm as an Attorney in its Workers’ Compensation Defense practice.
John Patrick Joyce Jr. (Pat Joyce) born November 10, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on August 30, 2025. Pat grew up in Oak Park, IL, was the second oldest of seven siblings, attended Fenwick High School, and graduated from Loyola University in Chicago.
He met his beloved wife, Janice, while at Loyola. They married in 1969 while attending law school, graduating in 1972. In 1973, Pat and Janice moved to Springfield, Illinois, where they built their life together and raised their family. For over 50 years, Pat called the Springfield area home.
HOUSTON (August 18, 2025) – Clausen Miller today announced a significant expansion of its Texas presence with the addition of five attorneys and eight professional staff. This move follows Clausen Miller’s third anniversary of operating in Texas and reflects the firm’s long-term strategy to deepen its bench strength and enhance legal services throughout the Southwest.
ISBA President Bridget Duignan appointed Arlette Porter to the underrepresented seat on the Board of Governors on June 5, 2025. She will serve a three-year term. Porter is an active ISBA member and member of the Family Law Section Council for 20 years.
Aronberg Goldgehn is pleased to welcome Daniel A. Cotter as a Member.
With more than 30 years of experience guiding organizations in maintaining compliance and mitigating risk, Cotter brings extensive knowledge and a proven track record to many of the firm’s practice areas: Business Divorce and Complex Ownership Dispute Resolution; Business Law and Transactions; Employment Law; Insurance Coverage Litigation and Analysis; Privacy, Cybersecurity and Technology Law; and Business Litigation.
Earle Arvey Malkin, age 94, leaves his best friend and life companion, his beloved wife of over 44 years, Jo Ann Brinkman Malkin, his daughter, Sherri (Mrs. Clinton) Stevens of Illinois. He lost his brother Howard (Francine) Malkin, and leaves his nephews, Dr. Steven (Pamela Weiner) Malkin, their children, Jordyn (Ryan Graff), Kendall and Spencer, Gary (Lisa) Malkin and their children, Abbie and Becca. He also leaves Jo Ann’s daughter, Karen, and her sons with whom he has had a remarkable relationship, Peter and Thomas, and Jo Ann’s nephew Charles Brinkman.
QUINCY — Quincy University’s Board of Trustees has appointed Jean Buckley as the chair of the board and Hal Oakley as vice-chair. Buckley assumes the board chair position that has been held by Ralph Oakley since 2023. Ralph Oakley will remain on the board. Hal Oakley assumes the board vice-chair position that was held by Bill Metzinger who will also remain on the board.