Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End SlaveryBy Mark RouleauJune 2025Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas is a compelling biography of William Wilberforce, a British abolitionist who led a 20-year campaign to end the slave trade and slavery in the British Empire. The book highlights Wilberforce’s pivotal role as a human rights activist and cultural reformer, showing how his faith and perseverance helped change global views on slavery from an accepted practice to a moral evil. The reviewer praises the book as exceptionally well written and eye-opening, emphasizing Wilberforce’s lasting impact on history and human dignity.
A Book Review: Apprentice in WonderlandBy Gary T. RafoolJune 2025The book, Apprentice in Wonderland, by Ramin Setoodeh, explores how Donald Trump’s role as host of the reality TV shows The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice helped shape his public persona and contributed to his rise as a political figure. The author, who had extensive access to Trump and people involved with the shows, discusses the show's creation, impact, and Trump’s iconic catchphrase “You’re fired.” The book also covers Trump’s negotiations with NBC, the show’s success, and his eventual presidential run in 2016. The title references Trump’s elusive personality, likened to the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Book Review: “Life After Power”By Gary T. RafoolOctober 2025A book review of Life After Power, detailing the lives of 7 presidents after they left office.
Chair’s Column: The Lawyers Trust Fund of IllinoisBy Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.)February 2025The mission of the Lawyers Trust Fund is to support non-profit legal aid organizations throughout Illinois that assist low-income individuals with civil legal needs. Learn about the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois' important work.
The CurseBy William W. AustinFebruary 2025A review of an atypical World War II novel, The Curse of Pietro Houdini, written by American novelist Derek B. Miller and published in 2024. This art-heist-adventure tale is a compelling coming-of-age epic.
The Fifth TruthBy Michael J. RooneyFebruary 2025The beginning of a new year often brings with it the need (or maybe it’s just a tradition) to make resolutions about what we’ll do this year to make it different from (and, presumably, better than) last year. Personally, I’m not big on new year’s resolutions for I find that they come and go and, in reality, very little changes based on how this year’s resolutions differ from those I so carefully thought through, wrote down, and consistently abandoned, in prior years. What I am big on is choosing always to be happy.
The Girl with a Bracelet: A Gripping Mystery and a Glimpse Into French JusticeBy John W. FoltzFebruary 2025What happens when a best friend is accused of murder, and the judge isn’t just observing but actively investigating? Stéphane Demoustier's gripping French mystery drama, “The Girl with a Bracelet” (“La Fille au bracelet”), offers an intriguing glimpse into a legal system very different from what most of us know. This thought-provoking film centers on 18-year-old Lise Bataille, portrayed by Mélissa Guers, who is accused of killing her best friend, Flora. As the trial unfolds, the movie gives audiences a rare, nuanced look at the French inquisitorial system of justice, while keeping the mystery at its core tightly woven.
The Illinois Court of Claims—What’s That All About?By Leonard F. AmariFebruary 2025The Illinois Court of Claims serves any citizen with a claim of money damages or personal injury against a state agency or state employee. The Court also awards compensation to victims of violent crimes under the Crime Victims Compensation Act and to dependents of police officers, firefighters, and National Guard members killed in the line of duty.
LAWPAC Needs You!February 2025The Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee (LAWPAC) needs your help to fulfill its mission to support the legislative goals of the ISBA and Illinois’ legal community.
The Life and Times of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Moses W. Harrison IIBy Leonard F. AmariJune 2025Justice Moses W. Harrison II was a pioneering Illinois Supreme Court Justice, known for his deep commitment to justice, strong opposition to the death penalty, and advocacy for the common citizen. A proud Italian American and lifelong progressive, he served as Chief Justice from 2000 to 2002 and played a key role in shaping Illinois legal reforms. He retired in 2002 and passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy of fairness and compassion.
A Little Humor…By Leonard F. AmariJune 2025Recently, it was proposed that this newsletter could benefit from some humor. Leonard Amari has contributed the following for members to enjoy.
Medicare Considerations for Senior Lawyers, RevisitedBy David ChroustOctober 2025Learn more about your Medicare options, including the potential limitations on your ability to change between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, and then choose the best Medicare option for you by considering your personal preferences and circumstances.
Movie Review: Where Do We Go Now?By Gary T. RafoolFebruary 2025A review of the 2011 Lebanese film directed by Nadine Labaki. Women in a war-torn Middle Eastern village conspire to prevent religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.
New Year’s Resolution—Pro BonoBy Timothy J. HowardFebruary 2025For recently retired lawyers, Supreme Court Rule 756(k) authorizes attorneys on inactive or retirement status to provide pro bono legal services under certain conditions. Where do you start to determine how you will execute your New Year’s Resolution?
Silas Marner, a Novel, by George EliotBy Hon. Michael S. JordanJune 2025The article discusses Silas Marner by George Eliot, who wrote under a male pseudonym due to gender biases in her time. Initially disliked by the writer when read in high school due to its complex language and structure, the book eventually grew on them. The story follows Silas, a reclusive weaver betrayed by his community, who finds redemption and love after adopting a lost child, Eppie. The novel explores themes of class, religion, judgment, and human connection. The writer reflects on its deeper value when read later in life.
“Small” Estates Are Now LargerBy Gary R. Gehlbach, Colleen L. Sahlas, & Robert W. KaufmanOctober 2025The small estate procedure is broadened to personal estates up to $150,000, excluding the value of motor vehicles, effective for decedents dying on or after August 15, 2025.
The Women by Kristin Hannah—A Reflection of Our TimesBy Naomi SchusterJune 2025The article reflects on The Women by Kristin Hannah, a historical fiction novel highlighting the overlooked contributions of women—especially nurses—during the Vietnam War. Through the fictional character Frankie McGrath, based on real accounts, the story reveals the harsh realities faced by female veterans, including trauma, lack of recognition, and poor treatment upon returning home. Despite 10,000 women serving in Vietnam, mostly as volunteer nurses, their roles were long ignored. Efforts to honor them culminated in the 1993 dedication of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., thanks to advocacy led by former nurse Diane Carlson Evans.
