Konzen
Granite City attorney Leo H. Konzen, a partner at Lueders, Robertson & Konzen and a long-time resident of Granite City, is among seven exemplary Illinois attorneys who have been named Laureates of the Academy of Illinois Lawyers by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).
The 2011 Class of Laureates were inducted at a luncheon at The Standard Club in Chicago during a ceremony conducted by attorney John G. O'Brien of Arlington Heights, chancellor of the Academy Board of Regents.
Konzen, who has practiced law for almost 60 years, was recognized as the epitome of a lawyer, citizen and family man. A native of Granite City, he was its City Attorney and also served as a special assistant attorney general for many years.
A long-time board member of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, he had a reputation for thorough grasp of ethics issues that arose. At the same time, he was a Panel Chair for the Hearing Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Active in the organized bar, he is a long-time ISBA member and was an officer of the Tri-Cities and the Madison County Bar Associations.
His service to the Granite City community has been extensive and varied, most notably having served on the board of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and then the St. Elizabeth's Health Foundation. He also served on the boards of East-West Gateway Coordinating Counsel and Southwestern Illinois College.
The Laureates are selected by the Board of Regents from submitted nominations. To be eligible, candidates must have practiced law primarily in Illinois for at least 25 years, must be a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and must have demonstrated a commitment to the highest principles of the legal profession and to serving the public.
Konzen and other members of the 2011 class bring to 102 the number of Illinois lawyers who have been designated as Laureates of the Academy of Illinois Lawyers.