Steven Pick

Obituary of Steven Pick

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With great sadness, we report that Steven L. Pick passed away suddenly on January 13, 2025.  Steve graduated from the University of Michigan undergrad and the University of Michigan Law School and dedicated his life to representing the poor, disadvantaged, and forgotten. Steve understood the worth of an individual was not the money or property they possessed or the fame they received but rather the service they provided to those who needed it most. He zealously represented all his clients without ego and the constant desire to improve their lives. 

Steve has been a Public Defender in Cook County since 2018 after working over 14 years at Legal Aid Chicago (formerly Legal Assistance Foundation) and 8 years at Prairie State Legal Services. Steve worked in our Family Defense Division (formerly Child Protection) and then Juvenile Justice. Steve was a man who lived by his morals and helped make the world a better place. 

When COVID came in 2020, the government made several exceptions for individuals and corporations to avoid the shutdown orders. Family members could travel to visit each other, grocery stores, hardware stores, and even cannabis dispensaries remained open. But, poor, predominantly African American parents caught up in the family-policing system of DCFS could not see their children. Steve came up with the idea to sue DCFS on behalf of our clients to ensure families could see each other during this challenging time. And in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, parents, represented by the Cook County Public Defender's Office, sued DCFS to enforce the most basic right for a parent to see their child. The litigation took many twists and turns and didn't turn out in court the way we wanted it to, but the final result was DCFS lifted their visitation ban primarily because of the pressure put on by our lawsuit. Steve was a brilliant lawyer and represented thousands of clients over the years. He was also a constantly available resource for anyone who had a question about the law (including judges). 

In life, we are confronted with the question of what is the value of a person? Steve displayed his value in his service to others. There are families right now, eating together, laughing together, living together because of Steve's tireless work. Steve's work showed that every soul has value, and every person is worth fighting for. It was his creed. He will be missed.

Steve is survived by his cousins Sheana (Bill) Draves and Kimberlee Smith; his Aunts Carol and Cindy and Bernie; his step-sister Goldie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Larry Pick and Janet Babin and beloved Aunt Ann Smith

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts, Fourth Floor, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611 https://www.chicagoappleseed.org/ or SGA Youth Services,  11 E Adams St #240, Chicago, IL 60604, https://sga-youth.org/ would be greatly appreciated.

There is a Steve-size hole in the universe. Be well and may his spirit carry on.

A Celebration of Life for Steve will be announced at a future date in 2025.

Funeral info (847) 362-2626. Funeral arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel, please sign the guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com

 

 

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Steven
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at McMurrough Funeral Home
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Steven Pick

In Loving Memory

Steven Pick

1965 - 2025

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