R. Mark Mifflin

2008
President's Award Recipient

R. Mark Mifflin of Springfield defense firm Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. is the 2008 Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel President’s Award winner. Mark was selected by 2007-2008 IDC President Jeffrey Hebrank for his invaluable service to the civil defense bar in Illinois.

"While the IDC has been active in Springfield at various times over its 40 year history, the IDC in the past few years under Mark's guidance and direction has had a greater impact than at any other time. Mark is recognized, liked and respected by more legislators than any Board member in recently memory, save perhaps Dick Hoffman. Mark’s service to IDC has opened more doors and secured more invitations than at any other time. He has singularly branded IDC as ‘the’ legal organization in the State of Illinois that stands for a fair and just legal system. He has advanced our primary mission like none other,” explains Hebrank.

Mark is uniquely positioned to assist the IDC. A former legislative staff intern, he clerked for an Illinois Supreme Court justice, and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney prior to entering private practice in 1982. A prominent litigator in both state and federal courts, Mark’s practice is concentrated in civil litigation in Central Illinois and in legislative and governmental affairs in state government. He was appointed by the United States District Court Judges in the Central District of Illinois to serve as Chairman of the Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Committee.

Over the past decade, he has watched with growing concern as the judicial climate in Illinois has tilted ever more precipitously in favor of the plaintiffs bar. It is one reason he is an active voice within the IDC. "We need to work diligently to keep a level playing field within the legal system. I think defense counsel have an obligation to make sure the system works for all litigants. It is especially critical now because of the influence of the plaintiffs bar in the legislature and the courts.”

Mark strongly believes membership in the IDC is critical to restoring balance within the justice system. "IDC members are better informed about changes in the law,” states Mark. "I think it’s important we share that information with other counsel.”

Mark also sees a key role for IDC at the capitol as the voice for the defense bar, explaining, "We are a resource now. We are providing legislators and judges with information on procedures and substance.”

A longtime member of the IDC, Mark is a trusted adviser to the board. And while his contributions to the association have been numerous, Mark is quick to point out he has benefited from his membership in IDC both professionally and personally. "Many of my friends are IDC members. Professionally, IDC has been a good source of referrals of clients both to me and from me. I have every confidence when I’m making a referral in the competence of the IDC member. I have never had a bad experience after a referral.”

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