LA Bar Association Hosts Annual Luncheon

The luncheon began with a warm welcome by Director of Alumni Relations Ashley Sanks '10. After an opening prayer from Loyola Academy Rev. President Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, LA Bar Steering Committee Member Joe Cook '97 took to the stage to speak on the direction, goals, and objectives of the LA Bar Association. He then welcomed former Assistant State's Attorney, and the afternoon's first honoree, Jim Murphy '90, to discuss how Loyola Academy’s Jesuit mission made him a man for others and how that has shaped his legal career.

"My time at Loyola Academy didn't just prepare me for college, it prepared me for life; for a life of action—for the greater glory of God, as the Jesuits taught us," said Murphy. "It fostered a true sense of community and stoked my desire to go out and be a man for others."

After this, Cook welcomed the afternoon's second honoree, and former chairman of the LA Bar Association, Matt Devine '85. He spoke about his family's rich history at the Academy and how the lifelong friendships he forged during his four years as a student continue to help him both personally and professionally.

Attendees enjoyed lively conversation and a chance to connect with fellow Ramblers as they networked during a social hour after lunch.

Special thanks to our LA Bar Association Steering Committee Joe Cook '97, Tom Connelly '10, and Diana Rdzanek Larson '02. We would also like to express our gratitude to our event sponsors Don Engels '81 with Ringler Associates and Matt Devine '85 with White & Case LLC. 

The Loyola Academy Bar Association was founded in 2013 and has nearly 800 members, representing class years back to the 1940s.