2020 is certainly a Year of Reflections. While all of us have had to make sacrifices this year, it’s always important to reflect on the past its meaning and the future. First and foremost, I pray that your families are healthy and well and have not been harmed during this pandemic. Personally, knowing many of you, I know that some of you have lost family members and loved ones. We must collectively reflect on life’s highs and lows and look forward to better days – living out our purpose. In reflecting on life’s promise and living out my purpose, I conclude I have much to be thankful for. I owe it all to you who have supported me throughout the decades and especially this last year.
I began 2020 trying a medical malpractice case against a local hospital for a beautiful little girl who was not timely diagnosed with meningitis. After a nearly 5-week trial, we were able to get justice for baby Ahlanie and her family on March 6, 2020. I can’t thank enough the parents of our client who entrusted their case with us so we could fight for the justice she deserved. I’m also thankful to my internal staff and trial team who put in countless hours, and are pictured here:
(As seen left to right: Gregg Luther, Edward Washington II, Yao O. Dinizulu, Don Keenan & Craig Sandberg)
Within 7-days of our trial completing, Illinois was shut down and placed on a stay-at-home order. With the state shut down to only essential workers, much of our office was influx as we learned to navigate this new world that we currently find ourselves in. When speaking to several of my colleagues, I learned many firms shut down because they were no longer receiving the business they once were. However, we persevered because we continued to receive your unwavering support as your Advocates for Justice. Not only did we maintain our stability, but we added to the foundation of our firm and have been able to continue to provide our community the results your loved ones deserve.
During this year, our attorneys were asked to speak at several seminars and conducted numerous presentations. Our Associate Brian Orozco was asked to speak as a panelist at his alma matter DePaul University for the 17th Annual Latino Forum. Brian had the opportunity to speak to current law students about his experience in law and offer his advice based on his experience as a practicing attorney.
(Pictured: Associate Attorney Brian Orozco)
In July, Attorney Dinizulu was asked to present to a national audience on trying a medical malpractice case and the sophisticated techniques used to receive a favorable resolution.
In October, Mr. Dinizulu moderated a panel on Race and the Law. He was joined by esteemed panelists Plaintiff’s Attorney/Registered Nurse (RN) Vivian Tarver-Varnado, General Counsel and soon-to-be Deputy Mayor of Gary Indiana Trent McCain, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Dr. Sonya Dinizulu. The participants discussed how race has affected the practice of law. The discussion ranged from appellate practice, to jury selection, trial teams, expert witnesses, and the treatment of people of color by medical experts.
(As seen from left to right: Vivian Tarver-Varnado, Trent McCain, and Sonya Dinizulu)
Major protests were sparked at the end of May following the death of George Floyd.
Black Lives Matter and supporters went on to organize protests around the world including an estimated 15 to 26 million people in the United States participating in demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Botham Jean, and countless others in the following weeks and months. The fight is not over.
These efforts for equality and civil rights for people of color would make recent protests the largest movement in U.S. history. Mr. Dinizulu participated in a protest with his family arranged by Jack & Jill in solidarity to end police brutality and systemic racism.
(Pictured below: Attorney Yao O. Dinizulu marching with his family in a Jack & Jill protest in June)
With 2020 coming to a close, the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. would like to thank you for all of your unwavering support. We hope you and your family have a safe and healthy New Year.
Remember to VOTE Georgia Blue for Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the upcoming senatorial elections on January 5.
