06/26/2026
📣 - A Message From Outgoing President Lee: Dear Members and Friends, as I conclude my term as the 111th President of the Cook County Bar Association (“CCBA”), I am proud of what we accomplished together during a year focused on service, leadership, and impact. Guided by the theme, Rooted in Legacy. Rising in Power, we strengthened our commitment to advancing justice, developing future legal leaders, and serving our communities.
This year, CCBA launched several inaugural initiatives, including our Law School Tour, Leadership Empowerment Institute, Pre-Law Legal Seminar, and Trial Master Symposium and Larry R. Rogers, Sr. Awards Ceremony. These programs expanded our mentorship efforts, professional development resources, and educational opportunities for our members.
CCBA also continued its investment in the professional growth of our members by presenting 16 Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) courses this bar year, and becoming an approved provider of On-Demand CLE programming. Through our signature events, membership meetings, and networking opportunities, we fostered meaningful engagements throughout the legal community.
More importantly, our commitment to access to justice remained steadfast. Through six community legal clinics, our attorneys provided 77 hours of volunteer legal services to individuals and families in need. We also strengthened partnerships with community organizations and civic leaders to address issues affecting underserved communities and advance advocacy efforts throughout Cook County.
Building the pipeline for future lawyers was a major priority. Through our Job Fair, Law School Tours, Leadership Empowerment Institute, and youth outreach programs, we engaged close to 650 law students, college students, and young people, helping them explore pathways into the legal profession.
CCBA also continued its leadership in judicial evaluations, public advocacy, and community education by evaluating judicial candidates, issuing public statements on important issues, and providing resources to help individuals better understand their constitutional rights. I encourage each of you to read more about our programming in the 2025-2026 Impact Report and forthcoming CCBA Sidebar Newsletter.
These accomplishments were made possible by the dedication of our members, committee chairpersons, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Presidential Honorees! I am deeply grateful for your support, leadership, and commitment to our mission.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as President of the Cook County Bar Association. Together, we have strengthened our foundation, expanded our impact, and positioned the Association for continued success. I look forward to seeing the organization continue its growth, and thrive in the years ahead.
With sincere appreciation,
Antonio C. Lee
111th President, 2025–2026
