Thomas A. Demetrio

THOMAS A. DEMETRIO

Thomas A. Demetrio, co-founding partner of the legendary law firm Corboy & Demetrio, is a nationally renowned trial lawyer.  Thomas received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and law degree from IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law.  A proud U.S. Veteran, Thomas served in the Army Reserve for six years. 

One of his early milestones was acquiring the first 8-figure compensatory verdict in Illinois.  Thomas has since acquired well over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements.  All of his verdicts have been paid, and he has never lost an appeal.

Thomas has been ranked the #1 or #2 lawyer in Illinois by Super Lawyers for the past decade. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

In 2022, Thomas received other top accolades:  He was ranked the #1 Personal Injury Plaintiff’s Lawyer by legal publisher Leading Lawyers. He was also ranked the #1 Aviation Accidents Plaintiff's Lawyer by the legal publisher for the second year in a row. 

Thomas has been included in Best Lawyers in America in every edition since 1987.  In 2014, The National Law Journal named Thomas to its inaugural “Top 50 Litigation Trailblazers and Pioneers,” and in 2019, the National Trial Lawyers named him to “The Roundtable:  America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers.”  In 2015, the prestigious Lawdragon, which has anointed Thomas “Dean of the Chicago Trial Bar,” selected him for “Legends of the Bar,” as one of only 50 lawyers nationwide who had been selected every year since its inception, for its 500 Leading Lawyers in America, joining a select group that includes U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.  In 2021, Lawdragon published its 15^th anniversary issue, featuring some of its legends, including Thomas, who it inducted into its Hall of Fame with 36 other highly distinguished honorees including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In 2015, Thomas received the Hellenic Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  In 2016, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association bestowed on Thomas its highest honor, the Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award.  That same year, he received the Chicago Bar Association’s prestigious United States Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Award – from Justice Stevens himself.

In 2023, Thomas received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Law Bulletin Publishing.

For over 30 years, Thomas has been an elected Fellow of:  The International Academy of Trial Lawyers (top 500 in the U.S.), American College of Trial Lawyers (top 1% in the U.S.), and the Inner Circle of Advocates (top 100 in the U.S.). 

A leader of the bar, Thomas has served as President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the 22,000-member Chicago Bar Association.  He is an internationally sought after lecturer on trial techniques and advocacy skills and has authored more than 60 professional articles.

Thomas served on the Board of Advisors of IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law from 1992-2024, which included serving as its long-time Chairman.  He has been President of its Alumni Association and has been honored by being named as one of its 125 Alumni of Distinction.  He is a recipient of its Alumni Merit Award, Professional Achievement Award, and Distinguished Service Award. 

Thomas currently serves on the boards of the Center for Disability & Elder Law and Big Shoulders-Archdiocese of Chicago.  He has previously served on the boards of:  Illinois Institute of Technology; St. Ignatius College Prep; Mundelein Seminar; Notre Dame Law School; Dispute Resolution Research Center of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University; and the Constitutional Rights Foundation Center.

While Thomas served as president of the Chicago Bar Association, he wanted to impact the lives of Chicago’s underprivileged children who, he sensed, would greatly benefit from quality mentoring. The Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence was thus created recognizing the efforts of exceptional tutor/mentoring programs in Chicago communities.  In 1995, with Thomas’s inspiration, guidance, and support, the CBA and Chicago Bar Foundation created the Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth program, which continues to thrive today.  In addition to the annual Demetrio Award, it has granted over $1.6 million to mentoring programs for underprivileged youth in the Chicago Area.

Profiles

• Thomas Demetrio's Lifetime Achievement Award profile, Law Bulletin Publishing, 20204
• "Hall of Famer: Tom Demetrio, Lawdragon, 2023
• "Titan of the Trial Bar: Plaintiff's Lawyer Thomas Demetrio," Lawdragon, 2018
• "The Everyman's Lawyer - Thomas Demetrio Studied the Masters, Then Became One," Cover Story, Kevin Davis, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2009
• "Continuing the Tradition, Tom Demetrio - the Next Chapter from the Legendary Firm that Wrote the Book on Civil Trial Law," Cover Story, Keith Picher, Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, March, 2007
• "The Best Lawyers in America," Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, Woodward/White, 1987-present  and named Chicago's Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year, 2011
• "Who's Who," Maura Wall, Crain's Chicago Business, 2006-present
• "Upscale Chicago," UPN/Fox Broadcasting, December, 2005
• "Tragedy's Bottom Line: When a plane crashes, lawyers embark on a painstaking and often gruesome exercise to decide who should pay for lost lives," Blake Morrison, USA Today, January, 2000
• "The NLJ Visits Illinois: Big Shoulders - The State's Top 10 Litigators," Margaret Cronin Fisk, The National Law Journal, November, 1999
• "An Interview with Thomas A. Demetrio: "Because I Know You're a Trial Lawyer,"" Jim Bell, Trial Excellence, July 1996 and August 1996
• "Profiles in Power - 100 of the Most Influential Lawyers in America," Margaret Cronin Fisk, The National Law Journal, listed among lawyers deserving of an honorable mention, March, 1991; April, 1994; April, 1997
• "Profile: Thomas A. Demetrio: A Lawyer With a Heart," David M. Beam, The Chicago Bar Association Record, September, 1992
• "What a Lawyer Looks for Before Suing You," Paul C. Gerber, Physicians Management, March, 1990
• "Winning - Successful Strategies from 10 of the Nation's Top Litigators," Margaret Cronin Fisk, The National Law Journal, Feb. 12, 1990
• "The 10 Largest Jury Verdicts of 1988," Marshal Sella, American Bar Association Journal, March, 1989
• "Medical Malpractice," American Bar Association Journal, Interview, March, 1988
• "50 Under 50," Emily Couric, The National Law Journal, 50 of the nation's top lawyers under the age of 50, June 5, 1989
• "Elements of a $12 Million Personal Injury Cases," Janine Warsaw, Litigation Techniques, June, 1986 
• "Info Junkie: Thomas Demetrio," Laura Bianchi, Crain's Chicago Business, April 2008

Honors

Chicago Bar Association, President, 1992

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, President, 1988

Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year in Chicago by The Best Lawyers in America, 2011

Inner Circle of Advocates, Fellow

Justice John Paul Stevens Award, Chicago Bar Association, 2016

Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2016

Lifetime Achievement Award, Jury Verdict Reporter, 2023

Lifetime Achievement Award, Hellenic Bar Association, 2015

Inducted into Lawdragon Hall of Fame, 2021

One of the inaugural 50 named as Litigation Trailblazers & Pioneers by National Law Journal, 2014

One of 125 Alumni of Distinction, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2013

American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

American Bar Foundation, Fellow

American Inns of Court, Chicago Inn of Court, Master of the Bench

America's 52 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, The National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyers Magazine, 2021

Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s National College of Advocacy, Dean, College of Damages, 1987

AV rated - Highest level awarded - Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

Big Shoulders, Archdiocese of Chicago, Board of Directors,

Center for Disability & Elder Law, Board of Directors

Chicago Bar Foundation, Life Fellow

Chicago Neurosurgical Center Leadership Committee, Chairman

Crain's Chicago Business' 2023 Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys

“50 Under 50,” The National Law Journal, 1989

Illinois Law Foundation, Fellow

Illinois Bar Foundation, Life Fellow and Charter Member

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Alumni Merit Award, 1989; Professional Achievement Award, 1990; Distinguished Service Award, 2000

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, President, Alumni Association, 1988

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Downtown Center Campaign, Chair

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, President’s Council

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Professor Ralph Brill Endowed Faculty Chair Campaign, Chairman

Illinois Super Lawyers - Top 5% of all Illinois lawyers, ranking first or second from 2014-2024

Appointed to Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions, 1978-1997

International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

Leading Lawyers Network, One of the Top Ten Lawyers in Illinois, ranking #1 in Aviation Law in 2019, 2021 and 2022; ranking #1 in Plaintiff's Personal Injury Law in 2022; ranking #2 in Plaintiff's Medical Malpractice in 2022; ranking #2 in Plaintiff's Products Liability in 2022.

Lawdragon - Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2021

Lawdragon - Top 500 Leading Lawyers in America, 2005-2020

Lawdragon -  500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, 2019-present

Lawdragon - 500 Global Plaintiff Lawyers, 2024

Legal Aid Society of Chicago/Metropolitan Family Services, Silver Family Circle Charter Member

Mundelein Seminary, Board of Advisors, 1992-1997

Northwestern University, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Dispute Resolution Research Center Advisory Committee

St. Ignatius College Prep, Board of Trustees, 1990-1995

The Best Lawyers in America, Aviation Law, Medical Malpractice Law and Personal Injury Litigation, 1987-present

“Top 10 Illinois Litigators,” The National Law Journal, 1999

“Top 10 National Litigators,” The National Law Journal, 1990

Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Board of Directors

Who's Who - Crain's Chicago Business, 2006-present

Professional Affiliations

American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly known as Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), Executive Committee Board Member, 2008-present; Editorial Board Member, 2008-present

American Bar Association (ABA), Task Force on the Contingency Fee, 2003-present

American Bar Foundation, Fellow

American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys

American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow; Upstate Illinois State Committee, 1997-present; National Trial Competition Committee, 2004-present

Chicago Bar Association (CBA), President, 1992

Chicago Bar Foundation, Life Fellow; Board of Directors, 1994-1996, Lend A Hand Advisory Board, 1994-present

Chicago Inn of Court, Master of the Bench

Chicago Neurosurgical Center Leadership Committee, Chairman, 1991-1995

Dispute Resolution Research Center Advisory Committee, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management Northwestern University, Chicago, 1993-present

Illinois Bar Foundation, Life Fellow

Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, Board of Overseers, 1992-2024, Chairman, 2011-2024, Alumni Association, President, 1988-1989

Illinois Institute of Technology, Board of Trustees, 2011-present

Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)

Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Pattern Civil Jury Instructions, 1978-1997

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), President, 1988

International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

Inner Circle of Advocates, Fellow

Lawdragon, Top 500 Leading Lawyers in America, 2005-present

Leading Lawyers Network Advisory Board, 2003-present

Legal Aid Society of Chicago/Metropolitan Family Services, Silver Family Circle Charter Member

Mundelein Seminary, Board of Advisors, 1992-1997

St. Ignatius College Prep, Board of Trustees, 1990-1995

Supreme Court Historical Society, 2004-present

The Center for Conflict Resolution, Board of Directors, 1990-1993

The Lawyers Club of Chicago

The Seventh Circuit Bar Association

The Society of Trial Lawyers

Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Board of Directors, 1988-1997

University of Notre Dame Law School, Advisory Council, 1987-2002

Community Involvement

Big Shoulders - Archdiocese of Chicago, Board of Directors, 1993-present

Chicago Bar Association Lawyers Lend-A-Hand, Founder

Center for Disability and Elder Law, Board of Directors, 1990-present

Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, Board of Directors, 2009-present

Illinois Handgun Committee on Violence, Member, 1998-present

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago, Patient Safety Forum, Committee Member, 2002-present

Vatican Restoration Committee, 2000-present

Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, 1992-present

Successes

Practice Areas

Speaking Engagements and Presentations

• "Proving Damages," N.J. Association for Justice Winter Seminar, 2021
• "Damages Webinar," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2021
• “How to Best Prepare Yourself as an Expert Witness,” Forensic Expert Witness Association, 2010
• “The Professors: Cameras in Chicago,” WCCU-TV, 2010
• "Trends in High Exposure and Complex Tort Litigation," Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and Illinois Insurance Association, 2010
• "Jury Deselection & Jury Management," Law Bulletin Seminars, 2010
• "Case Evaluation Conference, Managing the High Verdict Potential Case," Law Bulletin Seminars, 2009
• "Jury Selection Law and Technique - Jury Selection, or Is It? " Chicago Bar Association, College of Trial Advocacy, 2009
• "Opening Statements: Strategies & Themes Conference," Law Bulletin Seminars, 2009
• "Case Evaluation Conference," Law Bulletin Seminars, 2008
• "Case Evaluation: When To Take the Case - When to Settle," Law Bulletin Seminars, 2007
• "Opening Statement and Final Argument: Is There Really a Difference?" Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Florida, 2005
• "Tort Reform Summit," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 2005
• "2005 Advocacy Showcase - A One-Day Trial," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
• "Opening Statement - Telling The Story," Lessons From the Stars, D.C. Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
• "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges - Masters At Trial," Chicago Bar Association, 2004
• "Tort Reform: Its Economic Impact Nationally and in Illinois," The Economic Club of Chicago, 2004
• "Tort Reform Wars: The Future of the Civil Jury System in a Litigious Nation," The Economic Club of Chicago, 2004
• "Electronics in the Courtroom," Inner Circle of Advocates, 2003
• “2003 Advocacy Showcase ­ The Medical Negligence Case: A One-Day Trial,” Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
•  “Jury Persuasion,” Northwestern University School of Law, 2003
•  “Trial Superstars ­ One Lawyer’s Perspective,” John Marshall Law School, 2002
• American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Meeting, Banff, Alberta, Canada, 2002
• “Jury Selection Or Is It?”, Chicago Bar Association, 2001
• "Views of a Trial Lawyer," Rotary Club of Chicago, 2000
• "The Past, Present and Future of Product Liability," American Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2000
• "Rebuttal Argument," ATLA Convention, Chicago, Illinois, 2000
•  "Final Argument," Anatomy of a Trial Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2000
• "Product Liability" - A Debate, Federalist Society, 2000
• "Mentoring," Professionalism Day, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2000
• "Rebuttal Argument," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Past Presidents Seminar, 2000
• "Proving Damages in Wrongful Death, Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Cases," Chicago Bar Association, 1998
• "Computer Graphics and Animation," International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Annual Convention, 1998
• "How to Value the Personal Injury Case: Negotiating Strategies & Settlement Techniques" - American Bar Association/Association of Trial Lawyers of America Satellite Seminar, Washington, D.C., 1998
• "Trial Practice in the 90's: Jury Selection, Focus Groups and Computer Graphic Animation," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1998
• "Lessons Learned at Trial -  Trial Superstars," Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1997
• "Shaping the Jury's Verdict -- Winning in the Age of Tort Reform," 48th Annual Advocacy Institute, The Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Michigan, 1997
• "Closing Arguments," Ultimate Mentor Interactive Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1996
• "The Obligations of Lawyering in Today's World," Featured Speaker at the Annual Luncheon Meeting of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association, Ohio, 1996
• "Jury Selection in the Industrial Product Liability Case" - The 13th Annual Conference on Product Liability Law - National Practice Institute - Chicago - 1995
• "Direct and Re-Direct Examination -- Trial Demonstration" - ICLE's 46th Annual Advocacy Institute - The Institute of Continuing Legal Education - Ann Arbor, Michigan - 1995
• "House Bill 20 - Redefining Tort Practice in Illinois," Chicago Bar Association, 1995
• "Litigation Management: Manage Dollars or Activities?" Johnson Controls Annual Law Department Meeting, 1995
• The Art of Persuasion, Demonstration: Plaintiff's Closing Argument, " Defense Research Institute, Trial Techniques Seminar,1995
• "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims - Plaintiff's Perspective," Annual American Law Institute, American Bar Association Committee on Continuing Professional Education, South Carolina, 1995
• "Winning with the Masters," Last Chance Seminar, Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, New Orleans, 1995
• "Product Liability Litigation - A Practical Approach," Summation Strategies, Plaintiff's Perspective, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1994
• "Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation," The debate over New Restatement 2nd of Torts 105, discussion about changing the burden of proof in product liability cases. American Bar Association National Institute, Arizona, 1994
• "Effective Direct and Cross-Examination" - Summer Boot Camp for Aspiring Litigators, Chicago Bar Association, 1994
• "Closing Arguments" - Young Lawyers Section Trial Practice Course, Chicago Bar Association, 1994
• "Medical Experts: Effective Direct and Cross Examination - Plaintiff's Perspective" - Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, 1993
• "Winning Closing Arguments," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Annual Seminar, 1993
• "Practical Problems of Litigating with Foreign Defendants," American Bar Association, Section of Tort and Insurance Practice, Washington, D.C., 1993
• "Aspects of American Product Liability Law," International Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, 1993
• "Aftermath of an Error" - The NBC/GM Truck-Safety Broadcast Controversy, Loyola University Chicago Communications Department, 1993
• "Art of Summation," New York State Trial Lawyers Institute, 1992
• "Plaintiff's Perspective: Closing" - Federation of Insurance & Corporate Counsel Winter Program, Florida, 1992
• "Bad Faith in the '90s -- How to Avoid It" - Rollins Burdick Hunter Co. National Leadership Conference, 1992
• "Discovery Practice in the '90s: A How-to Seminar Focusing on Competency, Efficiency & Civility," Moderator, Chicago Bar Association, 1992
• "Opening Statement," Presentation of Plaintiff's Perspective in a Product Liability Case, Federal Bar Association National Convention, Ohio, 1992
• "Is a Cap on Damages Socially Desirable?" - Plaintiff's Perspective, Illinois Provider Trust Annual Risk Management Meeting, 1992
• "Jury Selection: Plaintiff's Perspective" - Point/Counterpoint Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1992, 1993
• "A Collection of Great Closing Arguments: Techniques and Demonstrations," California Trial Lawyers Association 26th Annual Tahoe Seminar, 1991
• "1991 Best Evidence Seminar," American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, 1991
• "Developing and Defending Employment Discrimination Cases," 42nd Annual Advocacy Institute, Michigan, 1991; California, 1992
• "Final Argument," Joint Seminar of the Association of Florida Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Bermuda, 1991
• "Effective Trial Techniques - From Pre-Trial Proceedings Through Summation," Chicago Bar Association, 1991
• "Delivering a Knock-Out Punch in Opening Statement," Third Annual Tort Masters Seminar, sponsored by Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia, 1991
• "Winning with the Masters, Last Chance Seminar " Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, New Orleans, 1991
• "Using Final Argument to Enhance Damages," Alabama Trial Lawyers Association 38th Annual Mid-Winter Conference, 1990
• "Do's and Don'ts of Direct Examination," Trial Notebook Series, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1990
• "Trial Symposium - Advocacy into the '90s," Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers Thirty-Third Annual Convention, 1990
• Address to the Professional Liability Committee of the American Bar Association, American Bar Association Annual Meeting, 1990
• "How to Address Damages in the Opening Statement and Closing Argument," Chicago Bar Association, 1990
• "Arguing Medical Negligence," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1990
• "Arguing and Maximizing Damages," Kansas Trial Lawyers' Association, 1990
• "Proving and Disputing Liability in Tort Cases," Chicago Bar Association, 1989
• "The Persuasive Final Argument," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1989
• "Ideas on Final Argument," A Weekend with the Masters, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 1989
• The 46th Annual Belli Seminar, Massachusetts, 1989
• "Negotiations," Chicago Bar Association, 1988
• "Finding and Using Experts in Crash Cases." American Bar Association Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Massachusetts, 1988
• "Comparative Fault," Indiana State Bar Association, 1988
• "The Medical Malpractice Case," The 39th Annual Advocacy Institute, Michigan, 1988
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, College of Advocacy, 1988
• Seminar Chair, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, National College of Advocacy, Specialized Courses, Colorado, 1988
• "Closing Argument," Chicago Bar Association, 1988
• "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims," American Bar Association, South Carolina, 1988
• "Masters of Advocacy," Tort Expo , Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, 1988
• "Tort Reform or Deform?: A Public Debate," Illinois State Bar Association, 1988
• "How Proof Relates to the Final Argument," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Mid-Winter Convention, Arizona, 1987
• "Recent Trends in Evaluating, Proving and Arguing Damages," Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims, American Bar Association and California Continuing Legal Education, 1987
• "Assessment of Damages," The Thorough Representation of the Catastrophic-Injured: Causation, Expert Assessments of Damages and Long Term Care Issues, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1987
• Dean: Association of Trial Lawyers of America National College of Advocacy, Specialized College on Damages, Colorado, 1987
• "Video Depositions - How and When to Use Them," Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1987
• "The Art of Deposition Taking," Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1987
• "How to Find and Use the Expert Recreational and Sports Witness," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1987
• "Changes in Recovery Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act," Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1986
• "Proper Negotiation Techniques," Annual Program on Negotiations and Counseling, National Institute of Trial Advocacy, 1986
• "Our Tort System Must be Preserved," 21st Annual Meeting of the Congress of Organizations of the Physically Handicapped, 1986
• "Today's Civil System of Justice," National Association of Independent Insurers, 1986
• "Persuasive Trial Techniques," Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention,  1986
• "Proper Evaluation of Product Liability Cases," Pick the Best, Decline the Rest,  Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1986
• "Lawyers and Doctors: A Time for Harmony," Illinois State Medical Society, 1986
• "Ethics and Attorneys Fees," Northwestern University Law School, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990
• "How to Present the Expert Economist," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1985
• "How to Prove Loss of Companionship in the Case of a Deceased Spouse, Parent or Child," Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases Seminar, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1985
• "Final Argument," The Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, 1985
• "Consulting the Appropriate Witness and Assessment of Damages," The Thorough Representation of the Catastrophic-Injured, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1985
• "Anatomy of an Automobile Accident Trial," Practicing Law Institute, 1985
• "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims," American Bar Association and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 1985
• "Jury Deselection," Trial Superstars Seminar, Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1985
• "Closing Argument," Roscoe Pound Foundation Workshop, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1985
• "Evaluating, Proving and Arguing Damages," "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims," American Bar Association, California Continuing Legal Education, 1984
• "Closing Argument -- The Plaintiff's Perspective," The Practical Approach to Trial Advocacy Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1984
• "Assessment of Damages," Third Annual Symposium on Head Trauma, Spinal Cord and Amputation for the Litigator, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1984
• "Trial Tactics in Governmental Liability Suits," Association of Trial Lawyers of Iowa, 1984
• "Deposition Strategy and Technique," Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1983
• "Recent Developments in Evaluating and Proving Damages," "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims," American Bar Association, California Continuing Legal Education, 1983
• "Plaintiff's Final Argument in a Comparative Negligence Case," Association of Trial Lawyers of Iowa, 1983
• "Plaintiff's Final Argument," Illinois Defense Counsel's Tactics Seminar, 1983
• "How to Establish the Medical Opinion," Second Annual Comprehensive Evidence Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association,  1983
• "Effective Persuasion at Trial," Second Annual Presidents Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1983
• Plaintiff's co-counsel in two videotape series, "Training the Advocate," 1983 and "Training the Advocate: The Pretrial Stage," 1985, produced by National Institute for Trial Advocacy and The American Bar Association Consortium for Professional Education
• Federal Trial Bar Advocacy Program, 1983
• "Illinois Product Liability Practice," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1980  
• Instructor, Product Liability, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1979-1980
• The Expert Witness in the Courtroom," American Society of Safety Engineers, 1979
• Determining and Proving Damages," NYLJ, Colorado, 1978
• National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Regional, 1978; National, 1983
• "Cross Examination," American Bar Association, Litigation Section, California, 1977

Education

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1973

University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1969

Bar & Court Admissions

• Illinois, 1973
• Florida, 1973
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit