06/13/2025
We are proud to congratulate Partner James Pirages, who received the prestigious Seely P. Forbes Memorial Award, one of the Winnebago County Bar Association’s highest honors. This award recognizes an individual for their unwavering commitment to community service, kindness, courtesy, and courage—values Jim has embodied with humility and consistency throughout his 44-year legal career and beyond.
As one of the region’s leading labor and employment attorneys, Jim has spent decades counseling employers across Northern Illinois on proactive compliance with ever-evolving workplace laws. His counsel has not only helped mitigate legal risk for clients, but has also advanced fair, sound, and sustainable workplace practices across industries.
Beyond his legal work, Jim has dedicated decades of service to the Rockford community, including serving as President of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, President of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (including numerous committee appointments), and President of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he served the longest tenure to date. Over the years, he has also served on numerous Boards, including the Rock Valley College Foundation, Transform Rockford, Midway Village, Discovery Center, Davis Park, Workforce Connections, Workforce Investment Board, Boylan Education Foundation, On the Waterfront, and Aethena PowerLink, among others.
We are honored to work alongside Jim, whose leadership, work ethic, and enduring dedication to service inspire us every day. Please join us in congratulating Jim on this richly deserved recognition!
