PLATFORM
ONE COMMITTEE - ONE FIRM - ONE SIGMA
ESTABLISH THE PBS LAW GROUP
Convene a standing legal committee comprising all seven Regional Legal Counsels to streamline internal legal operations, promote best practices, and enhance coordinated legal strategy across the Fraternity. This group will serve as a central forum for legal collaboration, peer consultation, and proactive issue resolution, ensuring that our organizational legal needs are met with efficiency and unity.
ENSURE TRANSPARENCY ON THE IHQ PROJECT
Implement a structured communication plan that ensures all members of the Fraternity receive timely, accurate, and transparent updates regarding the progress, scope, financial implications, and decision-making processes of the International Headquarters (IHQ) Project. This commitment to openness will foster greater engagement, build trust, and empower brothers to stay informed and involved.
MANAGE INSURANCE COMPANY LITIGATION
Develop and lead a unified litigation management strategy to oversee all legal matters involving insurance providers. This includes monitoring current cases, ensuring accountability, minimizing liability exposure, and safeguarding the Fraternity’s financial and reputational interests through strategic legal defense and negotiation.
ORGANIZE A LEGAL RETREAT
Host a comprehensive, solutions-oriented legal retreat bringing together Regional General Counsels, insurance industry representatives, and risk management professionals. The retreat will serve as a platform to examine emerging legal trends, share insights, standardize protocols, and reinforce our collective capacity to manage risk and uphold the Fraternity’s legal integrity.
COMMITMENT
As a candidate for International General Counsel of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I am fully committed to advancing these strategic initiatives to strengthen our Fraternity’s legal foundation, uphold its mission, and ensure sound governance across all levels of our Brotherhood.
My
Leadership, Experience & Education
SIGMA LEADERSHIP
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2020 - Current: Chair GL Regional Law and Revisions Committee
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2022 - Current: Legal Counsel, Great Lakes Region
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2022 - Legal Counsel, State of Illinois
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2023 - Member, International Law and Revisions Committee
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2025 - Member, International Law and Revisions Committee
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2025 - Co-Chair, Uniform System of Sanctions Committee
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2019 – Current: Vice President, Upsilon Sigma Chapter
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
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Admitted to:
- Illinois
- Texas -
United States District Courts
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United States Courts of Appeals
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100% of Civil and Criminal Trials Taken to Verdict
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98% Trial Success Rate
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Successfully Defended Corporate Clients of the Fortune 500
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Recent Landmark Ruling in Federal Court
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Over 100 Residential and Commercial Real Estate Closings
MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATIONS
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American Bar Association
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Cook County Bar Association
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National Bar Association
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Masonic Order
EDUCATION
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United States Military Academy Prep School – U.S. Army
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Southern University – B.A.
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Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA – Juris Doctorate
LEGAL RECOGNITIONS
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Past National Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer
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2021–To Date: National Top 100 Defense Trial Lawyers
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2023 National Top One Percent Distinguished Counsel
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2022 National Trial Lawyers of the Year
PAST PRACTICE AREAS
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Federal Civil Rights Practice
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Commercial Litigation
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Bankruptcy
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Family Law
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Plaintiff Nuisance Suits
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Personal Injury
CURRENT PRACTICE AREAS
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Federal and State Criminal Defense
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Business Law (Contracts, Minority Enterprise Representation)
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Civil Litigation and Real Estate
ELECT MICHAEL JARARD, ESQ.
