Northwest Suburban Bar Assocation hosts Judges' Night
The Honorable Bridget J. Hughes was honored at the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Judges' Night Thursday, May 7, for her leadership, volunteerism and contributions to the community.
Two hundred attorneys and Cook County Appellate and Circuit judges were present at Café Le Cave in Des Plaines, where Hughes received the Northwest Suburban Bar Association's 2015 Public Service Award.
"Judges perform public service every day in their courtrooms, but we are honoring someone whose contributions outside the courtroom are exemplary as well," said Miriam Cooper, chairman of the NWSBA award's committee.
Hughes attended the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. She joined the bench at the Third Municipal District Court in 2007 and, in 2014, assumed responsibility for the felon trial call. Her volunteer work includes the Alliance for Early Childhood and After School Matters. Hughes also sits on the women's board for the Lincoln Park Zoo.
"The courts are unfortunately filled with tragedy and despair. Changing your arena and doing volunteer work is good for your heart; it will bring you optimism and happiness," Hughes told the attendees, after she challenged the room to incorporate volunteering into their daily lives.
Hughes recognized Judge Evans, Judge Maki and Judge Urso and thanked them for their support.
"It's an honor and pleasure to work with everyone at the Third District Courthouse; they have become my lifelong friends," Hughes said.
2015 Honorable Timothy C. Evans Scholarship Award
Two scholarships were presented at Judges' Night. Antonia Kopec, a DePaul University School of Law student, was awarded $4,000 toward her legal education. She aspires to a career in law serving her community in any way she can. Margaret Wojkowski, a first-year student at Chicago-Kent College of Law received $2,000.
The Timothy C. Evans scholarship was established to honor the commitment and dedication of Chief Judge Evans to the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and Cook County. His commitment to public service and his passionate pursuit of legal excellence and integrity mirror the virtues embodied by the NWSBA and its members.
Judge Evans was thrilled with this year's recipients of his namesake scholarship.
"I'd like to thank the NWSBA for allowing me to be associated with such talent. You do so much to help the Bar and the Bench, and I am always impressed with the volunteerism that permeates throughout your organization," said Evans, chief judge, Circuit Court of Cook County.
Dennis Favaro, president of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Foundation, said more than $100,000 has been awarded to recipients throughout the years.
"The NWSBA always distinguishes itself with a high level of commitment to public service. Factors considered in choosing a recipient include academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities and financial need."
Co-chairmen of this year's Judges' Night were Jay Andrew and Nichole Waltz.
The Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education was the corporate sponsor for this event, while member sponsors included: Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC; Kelley, Kelley & Kelley; Klein Daday Aretos & O'Donoghue, LLC; Law Offices of Martin Glink; and the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
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