Justinian MEMORIES: (History)

"My involvement with the Justinian Society of Lawyers has been richly rewarding to me professionally and personally. Although I have been involved in a number of bar associations during my legal career, including as a past President of the Illinois State Bar Association, none has had more of an impact on me than the Justinian Society, for which I was honored to serve as President in 1992-93. The deep personal long-lasting relationships I have developed with other Justinian members, including all of those who have served as President, have immeasurably enriched my life."

Joe Bisceglia, Past President

"The theme for my presidency year was “Generosity and Humility”. I had explained that in addition to the work we do as lawyers, the Justinian Society of Lawyers has always helped others such as by giving scholarships to needy law students, giving grants to entities that aid disadvantaged or disabled children, and mentoring young lawyers, as we once were those young lawyers who needed that very same help and mentoring. This to me is what we as the Justinian Society of Lawyers are, should be, and continue to be. We “practice” law in our areas of law throughout our career and we always can better ourselves and continue to learn more through CLEs, research, and experience … Throughout our Society today, we continue to have many examples of those who are generous in their giving of money and time and as well as by being humble."

Frank A. Sommario, President, Justinian Society Endowment Fund and Past President (2016/17)

“In the Justinian Society you start out as a member and end up with a family……The spirit and camaraderie of the men and women who make up this organization are the qualities that make us better people.”

Tom Battista, Past President

“... a professional home base...the membership to me has been invaluable. I couldn't imagine my career both personally and professionally in the legal profession, without the Justinian Society."

Jessica DePinto, Past President

“When I think of Justinians I think of family and friendship, I think of opportunity, I think of pride in our Culture and our Heritage. I truly owe so much of my success to the Society and the great past Presidents and future Presidents, whose shoulders I stand on.”

Hon. Celia G. Gamrath,
Past President

“Friendship, camaraderie, mentorship, absolute inclusion without hesitation, these were the characteristics of the Justinian Society that quickly come to mind from my first meeting in the fall of 1972”

Jerome DePalma, Past President