Center for Disability & Elder Law
CDEL PEOPLE
MICHAEL T. ROTH, Esq.
Executive Director
Mr. Roth joined CDEL as Executive Director in July 2007. Previously, Mr. Roth worked as an associate with a Chicago-based law firm, concentrating his practice on estate planning for persons with special needs and residential real estate. He has also served as a member of CDEL’s Board of Directors since 2006, taking on numerous pro bono matters. Mr. Roth serves as a member of the State of Illinois, Office of The Attorney General’s Disability Advisory Council. Additionally, Mr. Roth is the former Chair of the Mental Health & Disability Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyer’s Section. He is also a long time volunteer for Aspire of Illinois and Park Lawn, assisting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Mr. Roth earned his Juris Doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School in 2003. In law school, Mr. Roth studied International law in Parma, Italy. He graduated from Fairfield University with a degree in Communications in 1999. He is admitted to practice in Illinois; the Supreme Court of Illinois; and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.
THOMAS C. WENDT, Esq.
Chief Legal Officer
Thomas became CDEL's Chief Legal Officer in the summer of 2007, after serving as a Staff Attorney & Pro Bono Coordinator. Prior to joining CDEL, Thomas worked as a private attorney, handling commercial and residential real estate transactions, as well as estate planning and business contracts issues. In addition to his work at CDEL, Thomas volunteers for number public interest organizations in Chicago, including the New Americans Initiative. Thomas started his legal career as a CDEL volunteer more than 12 years ago!
Thomas earned his Juris Doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law (with an Advanced Certificate in International Law), where he served as Notes & Comments Editor for the Journal of International & Comparative Law, and President of the Sports & Entertainment Law Society. Thomas also teaches paralegal studies at Truman College and Wright College, lecturing on Legal Ethics, Elder Law, Real Estate Law, and Family Law. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in English Literature from Loyola University Chicago. He is admitted in Illinois.
M. CATHERINE TAYLOR, Esq.
Associate Director
Catherine Taylor was admitted to the bar in 1993, following a twenty year administrative career in state higher education. Catherine has extensive experience in the areas of management, including labor relations and contract administration. Both as an affirmative action officer and as Dean of Student Affairs and Services, she developed and administered policies and programs implementing Federal and state legislation and regulations mandating equal access to employment and educational opportunities and for persons with disabilities.
Catherine was an associate attorney with the firm of Spain Spain & Varnet, P.C. from 1997 to 2008, and served in an "of counsel" capacity with the firm for prior to that time. She concentrated her practice in the area of probate litigation, including guardianship and decedent estate matters, as well as in the areas of benefit and estate planning. Catherine also practiced in the area of family law, specifically as a consultant to attorneys representing clients in divorce proceedings involving a spouse and/or child with a disability. She also provided counsel to the firm in the areas of educational and disability law. Catherine has served as a pro bono Guardian Ad Litem in the Probate Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. She has been active in the Chicago Bar Association, serving on the Tort Litigation and Trial Techniques Committees; and with the Illinois State Bar Association in the General Practice Section Council. She formerly held a number of positions with state and national professional organizations in higher education including the National Association of State Colleges and Universities.
An Edmond James Scholar and honors graduate from the University of Illinois, with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education, Catherine earned a Master of Arts Degree in Social Science and a Masters of Public Administration from Governors State University prior to being awarded her J.D. degree from De Paul University School of Law. She is admitted in Illinois and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
CDEL Executive Director Recognized
The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) is pleased to announce the John Marshall Law School on March 25, 2010 presented the 2010 Diversity Award to CDEL's Executive Director, Michael T. Roth, on March 25th at the school's annual Diversity Week Reception and Award Ceremony.
The award recognizes John Marshall alumni and members of Chicago's legal community who have shown a commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession.
Ms. Tabitha Sabatino, President of the John Marshall Elder Law Society and Disability Law Organization stated that "Roth's work at the Center for Disability & Elder Law to promote pro bono services to the elderly community and to individuals with disabilities has been instrumental in allowing these diverse communities access to legal services." What is more, "we are enormously proud of Michael and of the great honor he brings to the John Marshall Law School through his dedication and achievements in our profession."
