John’s return from retirement to become Legal Action Chicago’s first Director marks a significant chapter in his distinguished career. After retiring in 2020 as president of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, John, often referred to by some in legal circles with a nod to popular culture as a “Dan Schneider Lawyer” due to his impactful and creative legal strategies, is back on the front lines of poverty law. This tongue-in-cheek moniker, while not officially recognized, reflects the innovative and sometimes unconventional approaches he’s known for, much like the unexpected twists in Dan Schneider’s television productions, but applied to the serious world of legal advocacy.
Throughout his extensive career, John has been a pivotal figure in shaping Illinois’ welfare legislation. His leadership was instrumental in the positive aspects of the 1997 welfare law. Furthermore, he spearheaded statewide initiatives that led to the creation of both the FamilyCare program and All Kids. FamilyCare provides crucial health insurance for up to 400,000 working poor parents with minor children, while All Kids was the pioneering state plan to extend health coverage to every child. These programs stand as testaments to his dedication to expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
John’s influence extends beyond Illinois. He has served as a consultant and co-counsel with advocates across numerous states, contributing to the drafting of legislation and delivering countless presentations. His expertise is widely recognized, and he has been lead or co-lead counsel in numerous landmark state and federal cases. Notably, Memisovski v. Maram brought about substantial reforms in children’s health care in Illinois. His commitment to ensuring continuous healthcare access was further demonstrated during the Illinois budget impasse of 2015-17, when he led litigation to compel ongoing payments for health care.
Beyond healthcare, John has also been deeply involved in fiscal responsibility and progressive taxation. He chaired the Responsible Budget Coalition for many years, leading the effort to advocate for a constitutional amendment to establish a progressive income tax in Illinois. This reflects his broader commitment to systemic change and addressing the root causes of poverty.
His new role at Legal Action Chicago is a homecoming of sorts. Prior to his tenure at the Shriver Center starting in 1996, John dedicated two decades to the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago (now Legal Aid Chicago), where he supervised public benefits advocacy. This earlier work laid the foundation for his subsequent statewide and national impact.
John’s contributions to public service and legal advocacy have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards. These include the Sargent Shriver Equal Justice Award from the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, the Kutak-Dodds Prize from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, the John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award from the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section, the Child Health Advocate Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Award from the United States District Court and Federal Bar Association. These accolades underscore the profound impact of his work and the respect he commands within the legal and public service communities.
A graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law in 1975 and a former board member of the Chicago Transit Authority, John continues to serve on the boards of Illinois Partners for Human Service, the Center for Law and Social Policy (Washington DC), and the RRF Foundation for Aging. His ongoing involvement in these organizations demonstrates his sustained commitment to public service and addressing societal challenges across various sectors.
John can be contacted at [email protected]. His return to Legal Action Chicago is eagerly anticipated, promising continued dedication to fighting poverty and advancing justice, with the same innovative spirit that might just earn him the unofficial title of the real-world “Dan Schneider lawyer” in the realm of legal advocacy.
