Making dream a reality | Joliet attorneys follow King example

By Scott Deininger
SPECIAL TO THE HERALD NEWS

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream many years ago that all men would be created equal. He died fighting for that dream.Today, Joliet attorney Eric Mitchell and fellow attorney and wife Daleta, along with partners Warren Ballentine and Raymond Bolden, are making Dr. King's dream a reality.

Mitchell is the founding member of the general practice law firm Mitchell-Bolden-Ballentine, 54 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet. They deal with cases involving traffic, criminal and family law in addition to personal injury and bankruptcy. "I always wanted to do something that helped others," said Mitchell, a graduate of Purdue University in 1993 and Indiana University's School of Law in 1996. "Law is something that I always loved. It's a great stepping-stone into the avenues of politics and being a community activist. General knowledge of the law can open many doors."Lived in Gary

Mitchell moved from Joliet to Gary, Ind., around the age of 5. He stayed there throughout high school until he went to college and then onto law school. In 1996, Mitchell moved back to Joliet, where he briefly taught at Gompers Junior High, where his mother Zandra, has been teaching for 25 years. His father is a disabled veteran. Mitchell then worked for the public defender's office of Will County, focusing on criminal, misdemeanor, felony and traffic cases.

"Having been raised in Gary in the '80s, there were a lot of economic hardships that resulted in inequities," said Mitchell, the oldest of three. "I saw that 20 minutes away from Gary, in Merrillville, Ind., there was a prosperous economy. I wanted to be part of the solution to lessen the disparities in the local economy. I knew that getting into law could help me make some necessary changes in my community."

In August of 2002, Mitchell opened his own law firm in the Forest Park Community Center in Joliet and has since moved his practice to the current Ottawa Street location.

"Will County is one of the best places to be for a young attorney," Mitchell noted. "It's one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and the opportunities are limitless. The improvements downtown show that the efforts are there to make Joliet a great city. I'm excited with the direction that Joliet is going and applaud the leadership behind that direction."

Voter education

Something that Mitchell looks to focus on this year specifically is voter education and registration. He also stresses the need for the registered voters to increase their turnout.

"We need to tie people back in the political process," said Mitchell. "It's important to hold our politicians accountable and give a voice to those individuals who feel the system doesn't understand their needs."

"For the number of people registered to vote in Joliet, the turnout to actually vote is miniscule. We need to increase those numbers through awareness."

Mitchell hopes to educate young people on the importance of voting, gaining their attention while still in grade school and early high school.

"If students understand their role in the political system at a young enough age, they will take responsibility by the time they reach 18. Whether we are Democrats or Republicans of different races, we all need to bridge those gaps. It's our duty as citizens to take an active role in bettering our community through educating our young people, especially on politics."

Mitchell praises the efforts of Joliet's Terry D'Arcy and Louise Ray, focusing on their efforts to give back to their community.

"The donations that Terry gives to various charities and organizations are great," said Mitchell of D'Arcy, who owns D'Arcy Oldsmobile, 1520 W. Jefferson St. "His community involvement and giving back is something I'm now modeling my business after."

Ray, executive director of the Forest Park Community Center, opened her doors to Mitchell in 2000. Mitchell now serves as secretary on the board of directors for the center.

"Mrs. Ray gave me the opportunity to open my own practice out of her center," said Mitchell. "Her selfless giving is something admirable that I try to emulate on a daily basis."

Ray praises Mitchell's work and sees great value in him as a role model.

"In the city of Joliet, we all need people to look up to, especially the kids," said Ray. "Many young men feel they can't accomplish their goals. Mr. Mitchell is proof that you can do whatever you put your mind to. He continues to counsel some of the young people in the area. They always look forward to his visits and guidance."

Talent show

Along with efforts of the other attorneys at the firm, Mitchell is gearing up to put on a talent show and also an essay contest for Joliet youth. Plans are still in the early stages but Mitchell hopes to hand out awards and provide scholarship money.

The essays will encourage students to write about how Joliet can be improved, citing that students take a liking to being directly involved and having their thoughts heard.

Retired Judge Raymond Bolden became a partner with Mitchell in August of 2001. Bolden served as a Will County Associate Judge from 1986 to 2001 and served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957. He graduated from Joliet Township High School and Joliet Junior College before finishing at the University of Illinois and in 1964 began practicing law in Joliet.

"I have always been a lawyer. It's all that I have ever wanted to do," said the 69-year-old Bolden on joining Mitchell's firm. Bolden is also active with the Urban Justice Program which operates from the Warren Sharpe Community Center at 454 S. Joliet St. The program gives legal assistance to financially stricken people, trying to avoid litigation if possible.

"Eric practiced law in front of me while I served on the bench," said Bolden "The new crop of lawyers are young and energetic, forward- looking people. I was impressed with his credentials, work ethic and approach to the law and decided to join him."

When it comes to the issue of civil rights, Bolden believes that "America has been a country long on words and short on actions. It's been a struggle to have this country meet its responsibilities. There have been all kinds of reasons why equality, justice and liberty can be side stepped, avoided or denied because of someone else's convenience. Even though strides have been made, there's still a constant struggle."

"It's no longer a battle of black and white water fountains or school buses," said Bolden. "Now it's about economic justice and educational funding."

"Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Ballentine represent the best of our society," Bolden said. "They are talented and ambitious, willing to confront society on its terms. If they have to go forth into the battle in court or in a social or economic arena, they aren't reluctant in doing so."

On board last August

Warren Ballentine came on board with Mitchell and Bolden in August of 2002 after a working as an assistant state's attorney.

Ballentine, 30, graduated from law school at Ohio Northern in 1998 and now makes his home in University Park near Peotone.

"I was impressed with the lawyers and judges in Joliet," said Ballentine on his initial feelings of the judicial system. "They were all quite competitive, yet respectful to one another, having a friendliness that made for a great working environment."

"The educational system has impressed me in Joliet," said Ballentine. "Even though I lived most of my life in Chicago, I now see first hand, the revival of Joliet. The schools and public offices are some of the best in the state."

Like Mitchell, Ballentine believes in the need to give back to the community and educate the youth in all areas, especially the political realm. He feels that no matter what color you are, you are given a clean state at birth and it's your responsibility to yourself to make the most of your life.

"If you are born in the United States, your destiny is to be successful. If you fail, that's your choice," said proclaimed Ballentine.

Both Ballentine and Mitchell look to be involved in the law as long as possible. They have their sites set on being judges like their partner Ray Bolden. Most importantly, these young men want to make a positive difference, living the dream that King envisioned.

 

Scott Deininger is a standup comedian from Shorewood. More of his work can be found via his Web site, www.ShaveYourHead.com

02/16/03