Pursuing Justice Podcast Episode 44: Host Alicia Aiken welcomes fellow movie buff and attorney John Whitcomb for a lively discussion of how pro bono has been depicted in past Oscar-nominated films — and how these stories reflect the popular understanding of access to justice.
This podcast provides a behind-the-scenes exploration of pro bono and public interest legal work. These heartening stories are told from both clients’ and lawyers’ perspectives to showcase intimate portraits of lawyers helping those with limited access to justice.
Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
John W. Whitcomb
John W. Whitcomb joined Monahan Law Group, LLC on January 5, 2015, and became a partner in 2018.
Mr. Whitcomb has over 30 years of experience representing clients in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. At Monahan Law Group, Mr. Whitcomb is part of the mental health team that concentrates on questions regarding the Mental Health Code and representing clients in the State Mental Health court. Mr. Whitcomb also focuses on questions or confidentiality of records. He also heads the appellate practice for Monahan Law Group, including guardianship appeals, decedent's appeals, and other appellate matters regarding confidentiality of records. Mr. Whitcomb has represented clients and organizations in both direct appellate litigation and amicus briefs.
Prior to joining Monahan Law Group, LLC, Mr. Whitcomb was a Senior Attorney at Equip for Equality for 15 years. In his capacity as Senior Attorney, Mr. Whitcomb represented clients in issues relating to guardianship, the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and community placement of disabled individuals in the community. Mr. Whitcomb argued before the appellate court the seminal guardianship case, In Re Estate of K.E.J., on forced sterilization that eventually became the basis for the Illinois Statute, 755 ILCS 5/11a-17.1. He also represented clients in abuse and neglect proceedings in juvenile court.
Mr. Whitcomb was class counsel is several class actions regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago v. Chicago Transit Authority, Ligas v. Maram, and Williams v. Quinn.
Mr. Whitcomb is the recipient of the 2012 Recipient of Access Living's "Lead On!" Award, and LAF's Equal Justice Award in 1996 and 1994. He is the former Chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Mental Health and Disability Law Committee. Mr. Whitcomb has a Teacher Training Certificate with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and has trained other lawyers in trial advocacy and deposition taking. He teaches Mental Health Law for Children as an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Mr. Whitcomb has made numerous presentations on Guardianship, Advance Directives, and the Mental Health Code. He has also lectured on issues regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sexuality and the Nature of Consent, and Ethics.
Mr. Whitcomb is a graduate of Tulane Law School where he was a member of the Environmental Law Clinic. Prior to attending law school, he graduated from Oberlin College where he majored in English and History.
