AROUND TOWN: “The Meaning of This Moment” – Remarks at the Swearing-in Ceremony for Judge Edward J. Underhill

In June 2023, I was honored to participate in Ed Underhill’s investiture. My remarks at the event, which was held in the ceremonial chambers of the Illinois Supreme Court:

May it please the court …

Justice Cunningham. Justice Neville. Justice Overstreet. Commissioner Garcia. Other esteemed guests. Friends … Liam … Ed ….

This moment is filled with meaning.

A dream come true. A momentous occasion for someone who has made a lasting impact on each of our lives. A commemoration of an institution designed to deliver justice. A promise. A celebration.

Joining us in this ceremony today – in addition to the many friends and colleagues who are physically present – are the spirits of those who shaped Ed into the person he is and the Judge he is about to become.

Ed’s Mother, Betty. To grow up Irish American on Chicago’s South Side in St. Bede’s Parish is to love and respect your Mother. Betty is here in spirit.

Ed’s Father, Hugo. To grow up Irish-American on Chicago’s South Side is to fear – er, I mean, love and respect your Father. Hugo is here in spirit … And it might be fair to say Hugo is even a bit surprised the kid has done so well!

Ed’s Stepmother, Bernice. Ed’s Brother, Dennis. Ed’s Sister, Mary Beth. And countless more family and friends. They are all here ….

Ed was youngest among his five siblings. 

He grew up at a time – and in a community here in Chicago – where the word “public” meant something powerful.

Ed grew up playing in public parks. He swam at public beaches. He read books from the public library. He rode public transportation. He went to public schools – public elementary school, Adlai Stevenson Grammar School; a public high school, Bogan; and then a public university, Northern Illinois University. 

Ed grew up experiencing – and believing in – the Public Good.

Ed was the first in his family to go to and graduate from college. And it was at Northern where I met Ed. He became my best friend. He’s the best friend of many of us here, which says a lot … It was at Northern, in that public educational institution, where Ed also began to think more seriously and deeply about public service – what it means to live in a community, to be a good neighbor, to build a more just society.

And it was at NIU where Ed also commenced what has become his lifelong study of one of the truly great public servants, Abraham Lincoln.

Ed worked his way through college as a newspaper reporter. And after earning his bachelor’s degree, he enrolled in the NIU College of Law. He graduated with his JD in 1984, and, shortly after, joined one of Chicago’s top commercial law firms, Masuda Funai.

At Masuda Funai, Ed gained more than 38 years of trial experience. (… Later, at Petterino’s, I’ll share the Top 10 Reasons Why Ed is Really Leaving Masuda Funai.) 

He’s been the lead trial counsel in countless jury trials and bench trials – a fierce champion committed to making the strongest possible case for his clients. He’s been a member of the Federal Trial Bar since 1987. He is admitted to practice law in the Seventh Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals, and in the United States Supreme Court.

Over the years, Ed served as a hearing officer for the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association, which means he’s been one of the people who actually screens other people who are running for Judge. He developed an Alternative Dispute Resolution practice and became a court-certified mediator for the Circuit Court of Cook County. For a number of years, Ed mentored West Side high school students from Austin High School in mock trial competitions.

Ed also has served as past president of the NIU College of Law Alumni Board. And throughout his career, he’s written and published scholarly articles on the law, and received many awards – I am particularly proud, and I know Ed is, too, of his efforts to protect First Amendment student-press rights at NIU and elsewhere.

Ed has lived in Bucktown for the past 20 years. Ed and Liam married in 2014. (Judge Flood presided. Always acknowledge the Judge!) August 31 will be Ed and Liam’s 9th wedding anniversary, and they’ve been together even longer than that.

And that reminds me that this moment today carries additional meaning. Another sort of promise. 

June is Pride month for the LGBTQ community – and for those who love us. It’s not to be taken lightly that Ed’s swearing in occurs in June. Just as it’s not to be taken lightly that gains in Justice – for the LGBTQ community … for any of us – are not eternally guaranteed and ensured forever. Democracy demands much from We, The People – and vigilance is just one such demand.

And so, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ed Underhill’s life. A chapter that demands an even deeper commitment to Justice. What will that take? Legal knowledge and expertise, yes. Integrity, yes. Compassion, yes. And grace, too.

So, this chapter in your life, Ed, is filled with meaning and immense, new responsibilities in which your decisions will affect the lives of thousands – as well as the fundamental building blocks of society: law and order, opportunity and equity, and fairness.

I know I speak for every one of us when I say, Congratulations, Ed. We’re proud of you.

Never forget this moment – and the promise you make here in this Court. 

The people of Cook County are lucky to have a public servant like you.

We love you.