The International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, a 150-year-old law student-based organization dedicated to professionalism and civility in the practice of law, has announced the election of its international officers for the 2018-2020 biennium: President Patricia Hodny, Vice President Alma Esperanza Santa Ana Vara, Director Michael Phillips, Director Javier Christian Súarez Torres, and Director Constance Mutong, who collectively will serve as members of the Phi Delta Phi Board of Directors, known as its council. Executive Director Tim Wheat will continue his service to Phi Delta Phi as an ex officio member of the council.  Also elected were three justices of Phi Delta Phi’s court of appeals (its board of trustees): Chief Justice Joseph F. Vitu, Jr., Justice Jeffrey Flint Buebendorf, and Justice Julie Sumner.

All officers were elected by the law student delegates during Phi Delta Phi’s 62nd General Convention held in San Antonio, Texas in August, and shall remain in office until their successors are chosen in 2020.

Chief Justice Joseph F. Vitu, Jr. is the president of the Vitu Law Offices in Chicago. Justice Vitu has been in practice for over twenty years and concentrates on personal injury and real estate matters.  Prior to his current position, he was a trial lawyer with Ambrose and Cushing, P.C. in Chicago.