Thomas Demetrio Receives Prestigious Justice John Paul Stevens Award

Justice John Paul Stevens and Thomas Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio Co-founder Thomas Demetrio received the Justice John Paul Stevens Award from the Chicago Bar Foundation and the Chicago Bar Association on Sept. 14, 2016. Justice Stevens, who is retired from U.S. Supreme Court, attended and spoke at the event. 

The Justice John Paul Stevens Award is given to attorneys who best exemplify Justice Stevens’ commitment to public service and integrity while practicing law.  Justice Stevens is the third longest-serving U.S. Supreme Court Justice in history, serving more than 34 years. 

Thomas is a past President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Chicago Bar Association.  While CBA President, he wanted to improve the lives of underprivileged children and started the Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence to recognize the efforts of exceptional tutoring/mentoring programs in Chicago communities.  Thomas later helped the CBA and Chicago Bar Foundation create the Lawyers’ Lend-A-Hand program.

Acceptance speeches were pre-taped and played at the 17th Annual Awards Luncheon.  In his, Thomas Demetrio said:

“Both today’s and the past recipients of this award – ALL of whom I

applaud – are merely cogs in a much greater wheel.  For instance, the

Lawyers Lend-A-Hand tutoring and mentoring program has been

successful since it was created in the mid-90s only because of the

hundreds of volunteers – lawyers and non-lawyers alike – who have

given of their time and energy to help improve the quality of life of

our most vulnerable children, while supplying them with a temporary

safe haven, dignity, and hope.  It is they, who have my indelible

respect and gratitude.  And, it is on their behalf, I accept this accolade today.”

In 2015, Thomas was awarded the Hellenic Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2016, he was awarded the Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.  Throughout his career, Thomas has served on numerous boards and currently serves on several, including the Board of Overseers at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he serves as Chair.