Blast from the Past

Judge Richard Jay Elrod knew all too well the obstacles and challenges that face the disabled; and although he sustained life-threatening injuries from an altercation with a rioter during the infamous “Days of Rage” in 1969, he remained steadfast, undaunted and driven in his personal and professional pursuits, including a very personal commitment to CDEL.

Judge Elrod served as the City’s chief prosecutor at the time of his injury.  Doctors initially did not think Judge Elrod would survive.

His son, Steven M. Elrod, who was 12 year’s old back in 1969, said “It went from ‘will he survive this?’ to ‘will he walk?’ or will he have use of any of his limbs?” However, after months-and-months of grueling physical and occupational therapy, Judge Elrod regained limited use of his arms and legs.  Just seven months after the injury, he entered the Cook County Sheriff’s race.

“Despite the tremendous amount of work and physical exertion involved in mounting a County-wide campaign in those days,” Steven said “my dad rose to the occasion.  In retrospect, it was exactly the kind of physical and mental therapy that he needed to overcome his injury.”

Judge Elrod served as Chicago’s Chief City Prosecutor through 1970, when he was elected Cook County Sheriff. He served four terms as Sheriff. From 1986 until 1988 he served as the Senior Assistant Attorney General in charge of Consumer Protection and Senior Services under Illinois Attorney General Neil Hartigan. In 1988, he became a Cook County Circuit Court judge—a position he held until his death in 2015.  Throughout Judge Elrod’s illustrious career, he also remained strongly committed to serving the community. 

A Deep, Personal Commitment to CDEL

Judge Elrod served on CDEL’s board from 2005 to 2012. 

“My dad was always actively involved in non-profit, charitable and educational associations. He also volunteered and served in many organizations that were related to his professional life as a county sheriff and a circuit judge,” Steven Elrod said. “His connection to CDEL, however, was distinct from all the others. It was personal. CDEL had a special place in my dad’s heart. Yes, he was disabled, and like other disabled people, he encountered physical barriers on streets and sidewalks and in public places. But he knew, and he appreciated, that he was fortunate in that he didn’t have to surmount the legal barriers that frequently confront disabled people.”

Longtime CDEL board member Thomas Demetrio said, “Our pal, Judge Richard J. Elrod, was an active member and supporter of the Legal Clinic for the Disabled [CDEL’s precursor] from its infancy. I had the privilege of not only appearing before Judge Elrod often, but also having a front row seat observing his sage and thoughtful service to both the Legal Clinic for the Disabled and the Center for Disability and Elder law. After its transition to the Center for Disability and Elder Law, Judge Elrod’s commitment remained steadfast. My admiration for Judge Elrod—and the dignity with which he led such an accomplished life—is indelible.”

Current CDEL board president Theresa Jaffe said “As a member of the founding board, Judge Elrod was instrumental in CDEL’s success. As a newly established organization in 1984, it was important to have the support of well-known and highly respected members of the community like Judge Elrod [who served as Cook County Sheriff at the time]. He generously provided the newly established Legal Clinic for the Disabled with his endorsement.”

“Judge Elrod was an elder statesman of the City of Chicago, and of CDEL,” said CDEL board member Addison Braendel. “He graciously hosted meetings in his chambers and he always thought of the mission of CDEL and how it could be furthered. He continues to be sorely missed. It takes a very special person to make it into a Saul Bellow novel!”

Jaffe, who created CDEL’s signature fundraising event the Light Up the Loop Winter Awards Benefit and chaired the benefit for six years said, “At Light Up the Loop, we recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to CDEL. Every time I asked Judge Elrod about being publicly honored with an award at our event, he politely declined, but he always offered his thanks, encouragement and sincere wishes for our success.  He was a remarkable leader and friend to CDEL.” 

Demetrio said Judge Elrod’s dedication to CDEL “made perfect sense.”

Steven Elrod pointed out, “My father recognized the significant need to help provide people with disabilities with access to justice when they did not have the means or the ability to do so by themselves. This is why he was so very impressed by CDEL’s mission, and why he had a deep and personal appreciation for what CDEL does.” 

Steven M. Elrod is a co-founder and managing partner of the law firm Elrod Friedman LLP. Like his father, Steve has been a longtime supporter of CDEL. Steve is a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association and served as Honorary Co-Chair of CDEL’s Winter Awards Benefit. 

Thomas Demetrio is a founding partner of Corboy & Demetrio and has served on the CDEL Board since 1990.  He is a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association where its Young Lawyers Section founded CDEL over 40 years ago. Tom served on the CDEL board with Judge Elrod and he has been an active supporter of CDEL for decades.

Addison Braendel is a partner at Baker McKenzie and a member of the CDEL Governing Board.  Addie joined the CDEL Board in 2005 and served with Judge Elrod.  Addie also served as CDEL’s Board President and is a long time member of CDEL’s Finance Committee.  Addie received CDEL’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2023.

Theresa Jaffe is President of the CDEL Governing Board. She served on the CDEL Board during its first decade of operation and rejoined the CDEL Board in 2012.  Theresa has a 40-year track record of community service and civic leadership and her path crossed frequently with Judge Elrod.