American Academy of Appellate Lawyers

Prof. Kionka was among the first 50 lawyers in the nation selected to be Fellows of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. The Academy was formed in 1990 to advance the highest standards and practices of appellate advocacy and to recognize outstanding appellate lawyers throughout the United States. Membership is by invitation only, and membership is limited to 500. Prof. Kionka served as a member of the Academy’s Board of Directors from 1992 to 1996. He has served on Academy committees. He is a past chair of the Eisenberg Prize committee.

Appellate Lawyers Association

Prof. Kionka has been a member of the Appellate Lawyers Association since 1969. The ALA is an organization of Illinois attorneys who regularly practice in the state and federal reviewing courts. Prof. Kionka is a former President of the Association (1977-78), and has also been a member of the board of directors, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and is a regular speaker at ALA programs.

Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases

Prof. Kionka served as the Reporter of this committee, appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, from 1979 to 1995. The committee drafts and revises the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions (Civil) which, by Supreme Court Rule, are used in civil trials throughout the Illinois court system. The Reporter maintains a record of the proceedings of the committee, maintains the various drafts of the instructions, and frequently assists the committee with legal research and drafting. He is also a voting member.

Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Evidence

Prof. Kionka served as a member of this committee, also appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, from 1976 to 1979.

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education

IICLE, created by the Illinois State and Chicago Bar Associations, provides a comprehensive program of courses and publications to assist Illinois lawyers in their lifelong legal education. Prof. Kionka was the Executive Director of the Institute from 1965 to 1967, and thereafter was a member of its Board of Directors for 18 years, serving as Chairman of the Board (1983-84), vice-chairman, treasurer, and member or chair of various committees. He also has planned and participated in various Institute programs and publications.

Judicial Education

Prof. Kionka was a Professor-Reporter for a number of continuing education programs for Illinois judges, including ten times at the Illinois Judicial Conference, the statewide conference for all Illinois judges, and four times at regional judicial seminars.

Sixth Illinois Constitutional Convention

Prof. Kionka served as Special Counsel to the General Government Committee of the Sixth Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970, preparing a report and recommendation of a sovereign immunity clause which was adopted by the convention and became part of the 1970 Illinois Constitution.

Illinois State Bar Association

Member of ISBA since 1962; Member, ISBA Assembly (1990-92); Member (1979-85) and Chair (1984-85), Publications Committee; Chair, Special Committee on Standards of Judicial Conduct (1980-82); Member, Tort Law Section Council (1970-72); participant and speaker at programs.

American Bar Association

Member of ABA since 1962; participant and speaker at programs.

Scribes

Prof. Kionka is a member of Scribes, the national association of legal writers. He served on its Board of Directors from 1990 to 1994, and as Secretary (1993-94).

Publications

Prof. Kionka has authored books, book chapters, and articles on legal subjects, primarily torts, evidence, and appellate practice and procedure — for example, Practitioner’s Handbook for Appeals to the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts. For a list of Prof. Kionka’s publications, click here.