Gary W Klages, 58, passed away on August 30th, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. Gary attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1979, then went on to attend John Marshall Law School receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1982 and was admitted to the bar that same year.
He was a member of the Federal Bar in the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois, the Central District of Indiana, the Illinois State Bar and the United States Supreme Court.
Gary began his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Sangamon County and throughout his 34 year career he worked representing both defendants and plaintiffs in personal injury litigation. Gary authored “Medical Malpractice, Liability from a Hospital’s Prospective,” (Illinois Bar Journal-September 1988, cited as authority by Illinois Appellate Court), “Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, the continuing shift toward Civil Enforcement,” (Illinois Bar Journal-June 1985, cited as authority by the Illinois Appellate Court) “Outline of the Law under the Domestic Violence Act of 1986,” (Illinois Law Reports August 1987), and “Discovery in the Electronic Age: The Lawyer’s Ethical Responsibilities.” (The Docket-May 2011) Gary was a skilled litigator, having tried over thirty cases to verdict and handled numerous appeals. In January of 2015, Gary successfully argued before the Illinois Supreme Court in Harris v. One Hope United, a case regarding the critical self-analysis privilege, an accomplishment in which he took a great deal of pride.
Gary did not just “practice law,” he possessed a true love of the profession. His dedication to his clients and his commitment to serving the bar with the utmost integrity and professionalism was evident throughout his life and continued throughout his courageous five year battle with cancer. Gary worked despite undergoing several surgeries and cancer treatments and retired from the Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, LLC only eleven days before he passed away. It is that passion for his work and commitment to his clients that serves as an example to the legal community, and to those who were fortunate enough to know him and work with him. Gary will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues at the Law office of Daniel E Goodman, LLC.
Gary is survived by his partner Charlotte, and his four children, Kyle, Kimberly, Carly and Brandon.