The Chicago Bar Association (CBA) is hosting the first annual “CBAY” Awards on Thursday, May 22nd from 5-7pm at CBA Headquarters, 321 S. Plymouth Court. This special complimentary event honors the outstanding and extraordinary dedication, leadership, contributions, and service of our members who have helped make the CBA a vibrant and impactful organization throughout this bar year.
“Our members are the heart and soul of our Association. The exemplary members being honored with a CBAY award have made extraordinary contributions to the CBA and the entire legal profession during the 2024-2025 bar year. It is my honor to celebrate their tremendous service and dedication,” said John C. Sciaccotta, CBA President.
The 2025 CBAY Winners are:
Committee Awards
- The Maestro Award – For outstanding leadership and commitment to the CBA Musical Groups: Band leader John Vishneski, Reed Smith LLP
- Outstanding Meeting – For providing outstanding and consistent meeting opportunities for members: Trust Law Committee, Co-Chairs: Theresa M.H. Marx, CIBC Private Wealth and Elise J. McGee, McDermot, Will & Emery
- Outstanding Seminar – For providing outstanding, timely and relevant programming for members: Unauthorized Practice & Multidisciplinary Practice Committee, Co-Chairs: Myrrha B. Guzman, ARDC and Scott A. Kozlov, Cook County Clerk’s Office
- Committee of the Year– For outstanding committee service throughout the Bar year: Well-Being & Mindfulness Committee, Co-chairs: Gina A. Crumble, Cook County State’s Attorneys Office and Karen Munoz, Dolan Law and Judicial Evaluation Committee, Chair: Michelle Carey, ServPro
- Outstanding Leader– For outstanding committee leadership and commitment to the CBA and its members: Noah J. Graf, Legislative Committee, Chair and Jonathan S. Safron, Chair of the Media and Entertainment Committee.
- CBA Media Award – For leadership and integrity in service to the CBA Record Editorial Board: Hon. Michael B. Hyman
President’s Awards
- Law Firm of the Year Award – For exemplary leadership in the legal community and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, pro bono service, diversity, and innovation: Jenner & Block
- CBA Legacy Award – For her outstanding positive impact on the legal profession through exemplary leadership and her continuing dedication to improvement of the administration of justice: Hon. Maryam Ahmad
- CBA Lawyer of the Year Award – For outstanding legal accomplishments, positive influence on the profession, and contributions to the community: Hon. Thomas R. Mulroy
- The Richard W. Culver, Donald J. Hubert & Ald. William J.P. Banks CBA Outstanding Mentor – For outstanding commitment to mentorship:
- Alderman William J.P. Banks
- Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans
- Anthony R. Licata, Taft
- President’s Award of Excellence – For exemplary leadership and continued commitment to the CBA and its members:
- Jonathan B. Amarilio, CBA Treasurer, 2024-2025
- Aurora Austriaco, CBA President, 2012-2013
- Laurel G. Bellows, CBA President, 1991-1992
- Robert A. Clifford, CBA President, 2011-2012
- Daniel A. Cotter, CBA President, 2014-2015
- Hon. Joy V. Cunningham, CBA President, 2004-2005
- Kevin P. Durkin, CBA President, 2006-2007
- Ray J. Koenig III, CBA President 2023-2024
- Daniel M. Kotin, CBA President, 2016-2017
- Kenneth A. Matuszewski, YLS Chair, 2024-2025
- Hon. Nichole C. Patton, Incoming CBA President, 2025-2026
- Trisha M. Rich, CBA Secretary, 2024-2025
- Timothy S. Tomasik, CBA President, 2022-2023
RSVP for this event at www.chicagobar.org/CBAY.
About the Chicago Bar Association
Founded in 1874, The Chicago Bar Association has been maintaining the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivating relationships between members, and promoting the administration of justice and the public good for more than 150 years. One of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States, The Chicago Bar Association has more than 17,000 members, including attorneys from every practice area, the judiciary, and law students. Through CLE (Continuing Legal Education) offerings, mentorship, and pro-bono projects, the Association provides resources and opportunities for attorneys of all ages, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the modern practice of law. Learn more at: https://www.chicagobar.org.