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Trial lawyer Mirza remembered for wins, books
By Bob Holliday
bholliday@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON -- Jerome Mirza was in a class by himself, said Twin City lawyers who marked Mirza’s passing Friday with memories and admiration.

Mirza, 69, was a role model for other lawyers both because of his tremendous success in the courtroom and because of his contributions to legal education, the lawyers said.

Mirza had numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and authored a variety of books, including “Illinois Tort Law and Practice” and “Winning Litigation the Mirza Way.” He founded the Jerome Mirza College of Advocacy at Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois.

“He was a role model for other lawyers,” said lawyer Merrick Hayes. He added Mirza helped lawyers become better lawyers.

Bloomington lawyer David Dorris is one of the lawyers who benefited.

Dorris, now with his own firm, worked for about 30 years with the Mirza firm, with offices in Bloomington and Chicago.

“The guy was a true genius. He was one of the finest trial lawyers in the U.S.,” Dorris said.

The lawyers said Mirza’s influence stretched beyond Bloomington-Normal and Illinois, with cases referred to him by other lawyers.

A perfectionist driven to succeed, Mirza was a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates (the top 100 personal injury lawyers in the nation), Dorris said.

He was a past president of the Illinois State Bar Association and past president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

“He was in a class by himself. The standard for plaintiff’s lawyers,” said lawyer Guy Fraker.

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Reader comments on this story - 5 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

srkyh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:15 AM:

" Google "

Ed Malecki wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:11 PM:

" I graduated with Jerry in 1963 from the University of Illinois Law School. He had a background in acting which he used very successfully as a practicing attorney. Jerry was bright, had a great sense of humor and was very popular with all his classmates. I know I was quite pleased when he successfully ran for the ISBA presidency. I felt proud to have a classmate who became an outstanding trial advocate and a leader in the bar and legal education. I had been hoping to see him next year at our 45th reunion. I am sorry that none of us will have that opportunity. "

Bloomington Paralegal wrote on Oct 16, 2007 7:10 AM:

" Mr. Mirza was an inspiration. He will be sorely missed. "

Lincoln Resident on 3rd street wrote on Oct 15, 2007 8:33 PM:

" I used the servcies of Mr Mirza back in the 1980's He was one top notch lawyer and a real nice guy to chat with. RIP Mr Mirza. "

Dr. Orangutan Chief Cardiologist Miller Park Zoo wrote on Oct 15, 2007 7:41 PM:

" Comments (0)..... I feel your sequestration. "
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