Donald B. Hilliker

Donald B. Hilliker passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 29th, 2022 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Dixon, Illinois to Bernadette and Donald Hilliker and grew up in DeKalb, Illinois. He spent his adult life in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. Don graduated from Loyola University of Chicago in 1966 and Northwestern University School of Law in 1969, where he was a member of the Law Review and graduated as a member of the Order of the Coif. As an attorney, Don was a partner in prominent firms, most recently at McDermott Will & Emery. He retired from the practice of law in 2008. Don was most proud of his work on behalf of others. This devotion to the underserved began in 1969 when he was selected as a Reginald Heber Smith Fellow to work full time on behalf of those living in poverty. He continued to serve the most vulnerable while in private practice. In the 1990s he was named the chair of the McDermott Will & Emery Pro Bono Committee. During his term he expanded the pro bono commitment of the firm to not only include legal services but to also engage the staff in providing help to those in need. During his last four years as a McDermott partner, Don spearheaded the development of this work internationally as the firm-wide Pro Bono and Community Service Partner. He encouraged the practice of outreach to each of the firm's European offices. His efforts reinforced and broadened a commitment to service in the firm's global culture and outreach. Don was an Adjunct Professor of Litigation Ethics at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law for many years. He was on the board of the Alphawood Foundation, chaired the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and was President of the Legal Aid Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (now Legal Aid Chicago). Don was an avid sports fan, to put it mildly. He proudly held season tickets to the Bulls for over 35 years, since the year Scottie Pippen was drafted. When he wasn't watching a Bulls, Sky, Cubs or Sox game he was an avid reader. Above all, Don loved to travel with friends and family, especially his wife Ky. From Sydney to Rome, Tibet to Helsinki, Don saw the world. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Ky) of 50 years, daughters Carrie F. Hilliker and Sarah D. Hilliker, granddaughters Cecilia Hilliker-Flick and Eva Kempf, grandson George Kempf and son-in-law Timothy Kempf. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Legal Aid Chicago (https://www.legalaidchicago.org/) as they fight to ensure those living in poverty have a voice in the justice system. Funeral services and burial will be private. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.