2024 Gala

Honoring Jay Edelson (Edelson PC) with the 2024 Distinguished Award for Excellence

Friday, October 18, 2024 
The Old Post Office Chicago | 433 W. Van Buren, Chicago 
VIP Reception begins at 6 pm | General cocktail reception begins at 6:30 pm

You are cordially invited to join us for a one-of-a-kind Gala honoring Jay Edelson, founder and CEO of Edelson PC. Mr. Edelson’s leadership in the Illinois legal and philanthropic communities coupled with his dedication to serving others through the practice of law have made him exceedingly worthy of the Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Award for Excellence. Edelson PC is a firm unlike any other, embracing creativity and a distinct sense of fun while securing powerhouse results, and this year’s Gala will reflect their fresh take and non-traditional attitude. We hope you’ll join us for this one-of-a-kind event marking the 25^th anniversary of our flagship Gala.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Online registration for this event has closed. If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please contact Director of Events Jessie Reeves at jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org or 312-920-4681.

Black tie.
Complimentary valet parking & coat check available.

Join us for a pre-dinner reception on the second floor of The Old Post Office. VIP ticketholders are invited to join us starting at 6 pm with the remainder of our group joining at 6:30 pm.

Full seated dinner and program to follow reception, with live auction, dancing, cocktails and remarks by our distinguished honoree, Jay Edelson…and just a little whimsy.

VALET & PARKING

Valet parking and rideshare drop off will take place directly off Van Buren. Please look for valet signage and staff will be more than happy to direct you to the correct entrance from there.

DIETARY REQUESTS & ADA ACCOMMODATIONS 

Our reception & dinner menu includes a variety of gluten free and vegetarian options. If you have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, please contact us (info below). You may also notify your server of any requests at the table.

We strive to make every IBF event accessible for all. If you or any of your guests have any specific requests for disability accommodations or need assistance for any reason, please contact Jessie Reeves at jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org or 312-920-4681.

TRY YOUR LUCK WITH THIS YEAR’S RAFFLE!

Support the Gala and the mission of the IBF with our raffle for a 5-night stay for 2 to your choice of Tuscany, Bali, Thailand, Paris or Greece! Each city choice comes with a stay in a luxurious hotel and a carefully curated selection of features and experiences from world-class spa treatments, unique excursions, and breathtaking views.

Tickets are $100 each and will be limited to the first 100 purchasers on a first-come, first-served basis. Raffle packages with multiple tickets are also available, with 3 for $250 and 5 for $400 to boost your chances. You do not need to be present at the Gala to win! Winner will be randomly selected and will be contacted following our event on October 18. Enter to win here!

HOTEL ROOM BLOCK

Our limited block of rooms at The Hoxton has closed for this event. However, if you need assistance finding a room, please contact us! Please note that complimentary shuttle services for hotel block guests will be available from 5:30 to 11:30 pm between The Hoxton and the Old Post Office.

PROGRAM BOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The program book for this year’s event is off to print! If you would like to be included in the digital program book, please contact us.

ABOUT JAY EDELSON

Representing victims of the Labor Day Fires in Oregon, last year the firm secured a historic verdict in favor of thousands of class members establishing that the utility provider acted intentionally and recklessly causing the wildfires—the first classwide verdict holding a utility accountable for causing a fire. In individual damages trials following that ruling, the firm has won $220 million in jury verdicts in favor of just 36 victims, paving the way to billions in liability to the class. The firm also represented more than a thousand survivors of the California Camp Fire, and currently represents hundreds of survivors of the Marshall fires in Colorado. Beyond its work in wildfires, the firm represents hundreds of individuals around the country who have been injured as a result of ethylene oxide exposure and the “forever chemicals” PFAS and PCBs.

In addition to plaintiffs’ class and mass actions, the firm routinely represents governments and public interest organizations in matters of first impression, ranging from holding polluters accountable to complex tech and consumer issues. The firm represents several states in cases against social media platforms for addicting a generation of teens, and has successfully represented states in novel suits against, among others, Google, JUUL, and Uber. Here in Illinois, some of the firm’s notable cases include leading the litigation to preserve Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park and representing the American Civil Liberties Union against Clearview, resulting in a settlement that has been called a “milestone for civil rights.”

Jay is considered one of the nation’s top plaintiffs’ lawyers, and is the leading voice of the reform wing of the plaintiffs’ bar. In addition to filing the lawsuits that brought down the Girardi firm’s 20-year Ponzi scheme, Jay has been shining the spotlight on issues in the plaintiffs’ bar throughout his career, ranging from deceptive settlements to claims rates. (His firm’s made a few music videos on these points, too.) Jay was recognized in 2024 as one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers by Forbes, and was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business” in 2022. Jay has repeatedly been recognized as a “Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360.