Arbitrator Retires, Longtime Comp Legal professional Dies| Employees Compensation Information

Friday, January 1, 2021 | 40 | 0 | min read

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission has ruled the resignation of a longtime arbitrator and the death of a prominent petitioners attorney.

Arthur A. Phillips, 90, who practiced in Chicago for more than 45 years, passed away this week in Boca Raton, Florida, where he had retired, the commission said in a memo. Phillips served for many years as the petitioners ‘lawyer on the Commission and was a past president of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association.

Phillips “was respected for both his legal acumen and quick wit,” the commission said in a statement.

A private service will be held on January 4th at 12:30 p.m. local time. For information about a live webcast, call 561-732-3000.

Also that week, the commission announced the resignation of Anthony Erbacci, who has been an arbitrator since 1997.

Erbacci began his legal career almost 40 years ago. He was with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and was an advisor to the State Department of Labor. He then spent a year as a lawyer with the Workers’ Compensation Commission before being appointed as an arbitrator.

Erbacci earned his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and his law degree from the John Marshall School of Law.

“Please join us in conveying our best wishes and appreciation to Tony for his leadership and commitment in transforming the IWCC into the strong organization it is today,” the agency wrote. “He has earned the respect of all of the bar association and stakeholders who have had the opportunity to work with him in handling thousands of matters.”