My primary practice is representing small to midsize businesses and their owners including wealth management, estate planning, commercial and estates litigation. Over the course of my legal career though, I have also served as the State of Illinois Special Assistant Attorney General for Condemnation and as the Assistant Director of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC) in Chicago.
How has your practice evolved in the last few years?
My legal career has made several twists and turns. My practice evolved over time from a solo practice to an eight-attorney firm. From there, I went on to work again as a solo lawyer for quite some time to eventually managing a firm with twenty full-time employees. Nowadays, I am working as a non-owner, employee lawyer in that same firm that I originally had organized.
If you could offer one piece of advice for young lawyers, what would it be?
I cannot offer any one gem of wisdom, but I would suggest these three things: 1) If it is not true, do not say it. If it is not right, do not do it; 2) Read the law (cases and statues) every working day; and 3) Join your county and state bar associations, make a point to get involved and meet your fellow members face-to-face regularly.
What are you most hopeful for about the future of the legal profession?
Proactive Management Based Regulation (PMBR). It will make us all better, happier lawyers. As Vice-Chair of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court, I am proud that Illinois became the first U.S. jurisdiction to adopt PMBR, and hope more states consider adoption.
How has civility made a difference in your practice of law?
Through my years of practice my best adversaries have recognized and supported me professionally and helped in advancing my career. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Roger O’Reilly. As my mentor, Roger inspired civility and professionalism among the Illinois legal community. So much so, that myself, Edward Walsh, Ralph Gabric, and several other of his mentees decided to commemorate his death by organizing a symposium to promote and advance the values he personified.
What do you do for fun?
I fish, golf, boat, ski and hike with my family.
David Rolewick, Principal, Rolewick & Gutzke, PC, in Wheaton, Illinois, has tried and arbitrated commercial disputes in state and federal courts in Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and has authored several articles on business law.