Lisle Resident to Receive Illinois Bar Foundation’s ‘Distinguished Award for Excellence’

Manuel (Manny) Sanchez, a resident of Lisle, founder of Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP, will receive the Illinois Bar Foundation’s 2013 Distinguished Award for Excellence at the organization’s 15th Annual black-tie Gala on Friday, October 18, at the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place, in Chicago. 

One of seven children of a family that immigrated from Mexico, Sanchez is passionate for early childhood education. After graduating from college, he went on to obtain a law degree, and founded Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP, the second largest minority-owned law firm in the country. His passion for education was demonstrated earlier this year when he chaired the Ounce of Prevention Fund Annual Luncheon, where he implored guests to support the work of Ounce, whose purpose is to develop education programming for young children. 

In May 2011, Sanchez received the honor of being appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. He serves on several boards that address children’s issues, including the Lurie Children’s Hospital, New America Alliance and Junior Achievement. Former chairman of the board of trustees of Northern Illinois University, Sanchez has received many accolades, including being named by Hispanic Magazine as “One of the Nation’s Most Influential Hispanics,” and listed by Crain’s Chicago Business as a member of “Who’s Who in Chicago Business” for the past two decades. He is a Charter Fellow of the Illinois Bar Foundation, having signed up 30 years ago as a founding member of the first class of Fellows. 

Led by Gala Co-Chairs Robert A. Clifford, of Clifford Law Offices, and William A. Von Hoene, Jr., of Exelon Corporation, and Board Gala Chairs Shawn S. Kasserman, of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, and Hon. Russell W. Hartigan, a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, the event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by dinner, the program and award presentation, and dancing to the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Other highlights of the Gala include an extensive Live and Silent Auction, a raffle, and martini bar. 

Proceeds from the Gala will support the Illinois Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois State Bar Association, in its mission to ensure meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity.  

Individual tickets start at $500 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (312) 726-6072. The Illinois Bar Foundation is located at 20 S. Clark St., Suite 910, Chicago, IL  60603. Information also is available at www.illinoisbarfoundation.org.