RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber were deeply saddened to learn of the death on August 6, 2020, at age 81, of Brian Crowe, a retired Judge ofthe Circuit Court of Cook County and former City of Chicago Corporation Counsel; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe was born on January 28, 1939 in Chicago. He earned a bachelor's degree from Loras College, a law degree from Loyola University School of Law, and a Masters of Law from the University of Virginia School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Fueled by a passion for the practice of law, Brian Crowe embarked on a journey that led him to be recognized not only as an exceptional trial attorney and litigator, but also as a highly regarded member of the Chicago legal community; and
WHEREAS, At times, adversaries underestimated Brian Crowe, only to realize to their dismay that he was always the most prepared attorney in the room, possessed of an unparalleled legal intellect and prowess; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe served as a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County from 1975-1987. Recognized by colleagues as a fair and just judge, he treated everyone in the courtroom with dignity and respect, and he is now regarded as one of Chicago's finest jurists; and
WHEREAS, Always generous with his time and friendship, Brian Crowe invested actively in the professional development of the legal community. Widely admired as an advisor, friend, and mentor to his colleagues, Brian Crowe conferred an immeasurable benefit on a generation of students and attorneys; and
WHEREAS, Appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley, Brian Crowe served as City of Chicago Corporation Counsel from 1997-1999. During that time, he oversaw the day-to-day operation of the City's Law Department, providing legal advice to the Mayor, the members of the City Council, City Commissioners, agencies, and departments; and
WHEREAS, After serving as Corporation Counsel, Brian Crowe continued to represent the interests of the City and its various sister agencies as outside counsel. He handled a wide array of complex civil and constitutional challenges in state and federal court, and achieved landmark results on behalf of the City in two separate cases: a case involving a constitutional challenge to the City's M/WBE Procurement Program in Construction and a case involving the Desegregation Consent Decree involving Chicago Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe's dedication to the Chicago legal community led to a successful career in mediation, and he was highly esteemed as a mediator because opposing parties trusted and recognized his commitment to ethical and equitable resolutions; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, Brian Crowe was awarded the Justice John Paul Stevens Award from the Chicago Bar Foundation and Chicago Bar Association for his commitment to integrity and public service in the practice of law; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe shared his time and talent generously, serving as a member of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, Vice President of the Chicago Police Board, Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University Law School and Loyola University School of Law, Special Assistant State's Attorney, and Special Assistant Attorney General; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe was also a member of the Chicago, Illinois, and American Bar Associations; Illinois Judges Association; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; Chicago Council of Lawyers; American Inns of Court; Chicago Inn of Court; Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution; JAMS/Endispute; American Arbitration Association; and National Association of Securities Dealers; and
WHEREAS, The legal career of Brian Crowe is a model of excellence, humanity, and dedication for all members of the Chicago legal community; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe is survived by his beloved wife, Zylpha; two daughters, Kathleen Barakat and Christine Crowe Delapp; one son, Brian Alexander; six grandchildren; and countless admirers and friends; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this ninth day of September, 2020, do hereby honor the life and memory of Brian Crowe; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies ofthis resolution be presented to the family of Brian Crowe as a token of our honor, gratitude, and utmost respect.
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