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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING BRIAN CROWE FOR HIS LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe, a retired Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County and former City of Chicago Corporation Counsel, died on August 6, 2020, at the age of 81; 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 Cook County 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 Cook County’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 the 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 Brian left the City, he was retained as outside counsel to represent the interests of various governmental agencies in a wide array of complex civil and constitutional challenges in state and federal court. Landmark results were achieved in two cases in particular: first, a case involving a constitutional challenge to the City’s M/WBE Procurement Program in Construction; and second, a case involving the Desegregation Consent Decree involving Chicago Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, Brian Crowe’s dedication to the Cook County 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 Cook County 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 the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, honors the life and contributions of Brian Crowe, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he has made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of same be tendered to the family of Brian Crowe.
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