Carl Michael Rossi

Steven Keeva has been a beloved member of the legal transformation community for many years. His columns in the ABA Journal highlighted and opened up new opportunities for lawyers. As author of Transforming Practices: Finding Joy and Satisfaction in the Legal Life (an ABA Journal Book published by Contemporary Books, 1999), he opened up possibilities in law that few had ever conceived. He told many stories that connected with the heart and soul of law and comforted and inspired many.

In the past few years, Steve has been ill. Various diagnoses attempt to name the neurological condition that has interfered with his ability to communicate. "Early Alzheimers" is the label that helps many of us understand it but we pray for a diagnosis which is treatable and returns the Steve we know and love to wellness. For now, his body is healthy but he is unable to remember simple details like phone numbers. He cannot read or write and email has been impossible for a long time. Dialing the telephone is difficult but he enjoys talking when people call him. His long-term memory for names and voices seems in tact.

This year, the tenth anniversary of Transforming Practices, the IAHL is honoring Steve at a dinner on Saturday night, June 13, 2009, as part of its 17th Annual Holistic Law Conference, “Voices of the New Lawyer,” in Chicago. IAHL will be presenting him the First Annual Transforming Practices Award. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Steve will be in attendance.