Will Co. Bar Association Honors 2

The Will County Bar Association recently presented its annual Service to the Community Awards to two deserving individuals, the Honorable Richard C. Schoenstedt and James M. Roolf. The awards were given during the non-profit association’s annual Christmas party held at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

Each year, the Christmas party gala is held before a room of attorneys, judges, and prominent members of the business community. This year’s gala was overseen by the Bar Association’s President Erin Webster O’Brien, Vice President Don DeWilkins and Second Vice President Bob Bodach, who was also the evening’s emcee. The evening also benefitted the DayBreak Shelter, a homeless shelter in Joliet.

Two awards are presented each year in two categories, a Lawyer and non-Lawyer member of the community. The Lawyer Award, given to an Attorney or Judge, was presented to Judge Schoenstedt this year due to his service in the community and advancement of the legal profession. Before taking the bench in 2001, Judge Schoenstedt was a practicing attorney and community volunteer for many years. He is also a 3^rd generation Will County attorney. Since 2012, he has served as Chief Judge. Due to his service and leadership, Will County is now in the final stages of constructing a new courthouse, expected to open in 2020

“Decades in discussion, years in preparation and construction, now months from opening…you got it done,” said Will County Bar Association’s Bob Bodach.

Like Judge Schoenstedt, the non-Lawyer Award recipient, James Roolf, has served Will County through his leadership, community service, dedication, and hard work. His work overall has helped to advance the reputation of the Will County legal community. Roolf, who is the Senior Vice President and Corporate Relations Officer of First Midwest Bank, has served on the Boards of Directors for numerous companies and organizations including Silver Cross Hospital, Will Counter Center for Economic Development, Joliet Catholic Academy, American Red Cross Illinois River Valley Chapter. Additionally, he has chaired the United Way of Will County’s campaign several times and volunteers his time and talents to Cornerstone Services, the Easterseals Celebration of Giving Telethon, and other state and local organizations. He is also the Chairman of the Illinois Banker’s Association, where he has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Jim’s character, integrity and kindness to others represent the values of our profession. He has shown a desire to serve his community and his profession,” said Bodach.

Previous award honorees have included Senator Edward Petka, Judge Gerald R. Kinney, George Rydman, Dr. Kristine Condon, Sam Andreano and Terry D’Arcy.

Images via the Will County Bar Association