CLLA National Convention

William H. Thrush, Jr.
2023-2024 CLLA President

I love the City of Chicago. There is so much to do and see there, whether it’s catching a Cubs game, visiting the Art Institute, taking the architecture boat tour, soaking in the view from atop the Willis Tower, snapping a selfie in front of the Bean, strolling the lakefront, searching for the best deep dish pizza or Chicago-style hot dog, digging some blues music at Buddy Guy’s or Kingston Mines, or treating yourself to some shopping on the Magnificent Mile (like maybe buying a new hat). No matter which way you go, you are bound to have a good time.

What better way to enjoy that good time than to pair it with 3 super days of professional camaraderie, networking, education, and fellowship! This year’s conference looks to be better than ever, with great speakers and educational topics, awards, fun events and, of course, business development and networking opportunities. And don’t forget that we will install this year’s new slate of leaders, including your 2024-2025 President, Ted Hamilton! You won’t want to miss it.

Also, in keeping with the tradition started by last year’s First Lady, Maria Kozelek, the current First Lady, Nancy Thrush, will be hosting an event to benefit the Women’s Empowerment and Networking Event. Last year’s event was such a success you will surely want to be a part of this year’s event as well.

So, as I head into the turn and look toward the back-nine of my Presidential term, I am so excited about what the future holds for our organization. We have momentum. We have engagement. We have energy. And we have each other. What could be better? Won’t you come out to Chicago and help us celebrate the premier commercial law trade organization in the world?

Women’s Empowerment & Networking Event Thursday, May 16

For a second year, CLLA has invited Dress for Success Worldwide (DFS) Central to our special luncheon. We will be fortunate to hear from a few women who have been supported by the DFS organization who will share their inspiring stories. The Executive Director will also share how the CLLA donation last year (over $10,000!) has aided their mission.

The purpose of this event is to encourage networking for the women members and spouses of the CLLA, as well as educate and inspire with new philanthropic opportunities. A buffet lunch will be served, and each attendee will receive a special gift! Additionally, charitable donations to benefit Dress for Success will be accepted during the event.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago in May 2024!

Click Here to Donate

Law Offices of Gary A. Bemis
Tucker Arensberg, PC
Friedman, Framme & Thrush, PA
Miller Cohen Peterson Young, PC
Crystal R. Cole, Attorney at Law
Ben Farrow
Beverly Manne
Wagner, Falconer & Judd, Ltd.
Gilbert Garcia Group
Natalia Minassian
Phil Lattanzio
Hays & Potter
Totz Ellison & Totz PC

Edgar Davison
Candice Kline
RHK Recovery Group
Sweet & Walker PC
John Wanderer
Law Offices of T. Britt Rudman
Wetherington Hamilton
The LaSource Group
Schatzman & Schatzman, P.A.
BARR Credit Services, Inc.
American Lawyers Quarterly
Orland PC
George Eliade

HOTEL INFO

Swissôtel Chicago

323 East Upper Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 565-0565
www.swissotel.com

Designed by renowned Chicago architect Harry Weese, Swissôtel Chicago is an award-winning luxury hotel overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The distinctive 4-diamond, all-glass hotel offers spectacular wrap-around views from Navy Pier to Millennium Park, 662 guest rooms and suites, five premier ballrooms, state-of-the-art penthouse fitness center, and spotless European-style service.

Parking

Swissotel: Valet Parking overnight with in/out access is $78/night. Nearby Self-Parking Garages:

303 East Wacker Garage (303 E. Wacker Dr.)
Coast Parking (345 E, W. Wacker Dr.)
The Tides at Lakeshore East (360 E. South Water St.)
Illinois Center (111 E. Randolph)
Park Millennium Parking Garage (221 N. Stetson Ave.)

To find discounted parking near the hotel, download the SpotHero app to your mobile device and search the area.

Dining Venues

Area Restaurants

Avli on The Park
(Greek & Mediterranean)
180 N. Field Blvd.
312-600-9997

Ocean’s Prime $$$$
(Steak & Seafood)
87 E. Wacker Drive
(London House Hotel)
312-428-4344

Giordano’s $$
(Italian & Pizza)
223 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 583-9400

Sweetwater Tavern $$
(Casual American)
225 N Michigan Avenue
312-698-7111

Niu Japanese $$
(Japanese & Sushi)
322 E Illinois Street
312-527-2888

Area Restaurants

Pinstripes $$
(Italian and sports)
435 E Illinois Street
312-527-3010

Volare $$
(Contemporary Italian)
201 E Grand
312-410-9900

FireLake Grill $$$
(Contemporary American Grill)
221 N Columbus Dr,
Chicago, IL 60601
312-477-0234

Rosebud on Randolph $$
(Italian)
720 N Rush St, Chicago, IL
312-266-6444

Seafood

Shaw’s Crab House $$$
21 E Hubbard Street
312-527-2722

Joe’s Stone Crab $$$
60 E Grand Avenue
312-988-7864

Ocean’s Prime $$$$
87 E. Wacker Drive
(London House Hotel)
312-428-4344

Hugo’s Frog Bar $$$$
1024 N Rush Street
312-640-0999

RPM Seafood $$$
317 N Clark Street
312-900-9035

Steakhouse

The Palm $$$
323 E Wacker Drive
312-616-1000

Stetson’s $$$
151 E Wacker Drive
312-239-4491

Morton’s $$$$
65 E Wacker Place
312-201-0410

Harry Caray’s $$$
33 W Kinzie Street
312-828-0966

Chicago Cut $$$$
300 N LaSalle Street
312-329-1800

Ocean’s Prime $$$$
87 E. Wacker Drive
(London House Hotel)
312-428-4344

Rosebud on Randolph $$
(Italian)
720 N Rush St, Chicago, IL
312-266-6444

Kinzie Chophouse $$$
400 N Wells Street
312-822-0191

Fogo de Chao $$$$
661 N LaSalle Street
312-932-9330

Gibson’s $$$$
1028 N Rush Street
312-266-8999

Wildfire $$$
159 W Erie Street
312-787-9000

Tavern on Rush $$$
1031 N Rush Street
312-664-9600

Steak48 $$$$
615 N Wabash Street
312-266-4848

William H. Thrush, Jr.
2023-2024 CLLA President

I love the City of Chicago. There is so much to do and see there, whether it’s catching a Cubs game, visiting the Art Institute, taking the architecture boat tour, soaking in the view from atop the Willis Tower, snapping a selfie in front of the Bean, strolling the lakefront, searching for the best deep dish pizza or Chicago-style hot dog, digging some blues music at Buddy Guy’s or Kingston Mines, or treating yourself to some shopping on the Magnificent Mile (like maybe buying a new hat). No matter which way you go, you are bound to have a good time.

What better way to enjoy that good time than to pair it with 3 super days of professional camaraderie, networking, education, and fellowship! This year’s conference looks to be better than ever, with great speakers and educational topics, awards, fun events and, of course, business development and networking opportunities. And don’t forget that we will install this year’s new slate of leaders, including your 2024-2025 President, Ted Hamilton! You won’t want to miss it.

Also, in keeping with the tradition started by last year’s First Lady, Maria Kozelek, the current First Lady, Nancy Thrush, will be hosting an event to benefit the Women’s Empowerment and Networking Event. Last year’s event was such a success you will surely want to be a part of this year’s event as well.

So, as I head into the turn and look toward the back-nine of my Presidential term, I am so excited about what the future holds for our organization. We have momentum. We have engagement. We have energy. And we have each other. What could be better? Won’t you come out to Chicago and help us celebrate the premier commercial law trade organization in the world?

Women’s Empowerment & Networking Event Thursday, May 16

For a second year, CLLA has invited Dress for Success Worldwide (DFS) Central to our special luncheon. We will be fortunate to hear from a few women who have been supported by the DFS organization who will share their inspiring stories. The Executive Director will also share how the CLLA donation last year (over $10,000!) has aided their mission.

The purpose of this event is to encourage networking for the women members and spouses of the CLLA, as well as educate and inspire with new philanthropic opportunities. A buffet lunch will be served, and each attendee will receive a special gift! Additionally, charitable donations to benefit Dress for Success will be accepted during the event.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago in May 2024!

Click Here to Donate

Law Offices of Gary A. Bemis
Tucker Arensberg, PC
Friedman, Framme & Thrush, PA
Miller Cohen Peterson Young, PC
Crystal R. Cole, Attorney at Law
Ben Farrow
Beverly Manne
Wagner, Falconer & Judd, Ltd.
Gilbert Garcia Group
Natalia Minassian
Phil Lattanzio
Hays & Potter
Totz Ellison & Totz PC
Edgar Davison
Candice Kline
RHK Recovery Group
Sweet & Walker PC
John Wanderer
Law Offices of T. Britt Rudman
Wetherington Hamilton
The LaSource Group
Schatzman & Schatzman, P.A.
BARR Credit Services, Inc.
American Lawyers Quarterly
Orland PC
George Eliade

HOTEL INFO

Swissôtel Chicago

323 East Upper Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 565-0565
www.swissotel.com

Designed by renowned Chicago architect Harry Weese, Swissôtel Chicago is an award-winning luxury hotel overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The distinctive 4-diamond, all-glass hotel offers spectacular wrap-around views from Navy Pier to Millennium Park, 662 guest rooms and suites, five premier ballrooms, state-of-the-art penthouse fitness center, and spotless European-style service.