Advocates Society – The Association of Polish-American Attorneys

About Us

The Advocates Society is an association of Polish-American attorneys. The purpose of the Society is to promote the welfare of its members; establish and maintain proper relationships with the general public; promote the progress of the law and the administration of justice; maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession; and to foster interest in Polish-American culture and heritage.

CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR 2019-20 OFFICERS!

Lucas Figiel, President

Jonathan Clark Green, 1st Vice President

Allison R. Pawlicki, 2nd Vice President

Catherine R. Brukalo, 3rd Vice President

Audrey Cosgrove, Secretary

Ann Melichar, Treasurer

Christina Malecki, Historian

News and Events

IDC and DRI to Host Judicial Reception

May 30, 2019
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

University of Chicago, Gleacher Center

450 Cityfront Plaza Dr., Chicago Illinois 60611

We are pleased to announce that IDC is teaming up with DRI and the Advocates Society to host a Judicial Reception to honor two Illinois judges, Hon. Ronald F. Bartkowicz, Circuit Court of Cook County and Hon. Diane Larsen (Ret.), Circuit Court of Cook County.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this special event:

Platinum Sponsorship - $750

Six tickets to the Judicial Reception
Firm recognition at the Judicial Reception
Firm recognition in the IDC Quarterly, on the IDC website and social media channels

Gold Sponsorship - $500

Four tickets to the Judicial Reception
Firm recognition at the Judicial Reception
Firm recognition in the IDC Quarterly and on the IDC website

Silver Sponsorship - $250

Two tickets to the Judicial Reception
Firm recognition at the Judicial Reception
Firm recognition in the IDC Quarterly

Individual registration is also available for this event. Registration is $85 for members of the IDC and DRI and $115 for non-members.

We are looking forward to a great networking event with IDC and DRI members, our honorees and members of the Illinois judiciary. Please secure your firm's sponsorship or register to attend as soon as possible at this link.

POLISH-AMERICAN ADVOCATES SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

Learn More

The "Advocates Society Scholarship Foundation" is a 501(c)(3) entity that provides scholarships to law students based upon academic performance and financial need. The scholarship is awarded to deserving students each year and winners are selected by the Scholarship Committee. If you have questions, please contact Regina Rathnau at regina@rathnaulaw.com

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Membership

Details

General Membership

Any person of Polish descent or affinity, duly licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction, is eligible for membership in this Society, regardless of race or religion. A condition of membership shall be absolute and unqualified loyalty to the constitution of the United States of America.

Law Student Membership

Any person meeting the requirements of General Membership, except that such person is not licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction, but is a student attending an accredited law school, shall be eligible for Student Membership in the Society. Upon admission to the practice of law in any jurisdiction, Student Members shall automatically become Regular Members of the Society. Student Members shall have all the rights and privileges of Regular Members, except they cannot vote, hold office in the Society, be chairs of any committees or be members of the Board of Governors.

Honorary Membership

The Society may confer Honorary Membership upon any person who has made an outstanding contribution to jurisprudence. Honorary Members shall not be required to pay any dues or special assessments.

Retirement Status as a Member

Any member in good standing for at least ten (10) years immediately preceding his or her application for retirement status, who has attained age sixty-five (65) years or more and has retired from all active employment and not resumed any active employment, may upon application to the Board of Governors and the affirmative vote of a majority of members in good standing voting at any General Membership meeting, be excused from the future payment of dues and special assessments. Any such member shall continue to enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership. Retirement status may be conferred upon any member in good standing who becomes totally disabled, physically or mentally, and is unable to engage in any active employment. Such retirement status may be requested by a member of the Society or the member’s family. Full Attorney Membership shall be resumed upon the cessation of the disability.

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