[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E133-E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ATTORNEY JERRY MILANO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Jerry Milano was one of Cleveland's 
most aggressive, flamboyant and skilled defense lawyers. He was equally 
respected by veteran trial lawyers and the young lawyers, who were 
``just learning the ropes.'' Attorney Kenneth Seminatore remembers 
being ``educated'' by the seasoned trial lawyer Milano.
  ``I learned a great deal about attitude and technique from him. In 
the courtroom, Milano was magic. He never used notes when talking to 
the jury. He had an uncanny ability to focus on the facts that were 
important, that would persuade a jury, and which appeared to be coming 
from his heart, not a script.''
  Seven years ago Milano's friends in the Cuyahoga County Defense 
Lawyers Association honored him with its Lifetime Achievement

[[Page E134]]

award. They roasted him by sharing stories of his nearly fifty year 
career. According to a friend ``Jerry had a terrific sense of humor. 
And that he just laughed and laughed.''
  Jerry Milano had a reputation of being a tough, thorough and always 
prepared advocate for his clients. He also had a reputation of being a 
kind and generous man who counted among his friends one-time 
adversaries. Many stories have been told over the years of his many 
generous acts on behalf of other lawyers, friends and persons he only 
knew as acquaintances.
  Stories have been told about some of Jerry Milano's courtroom antics. 
Many of the stories describe humorous, good natured acts before the 
bench. Some of the stories, while humorous, led to the mischievous 
lawyer having his wrist slapped by the presiding judge. His comic 
behaviors, never mean spirited, showed his quick wit and light-hearted 
sense of humor.
  Attorney Jerry Milano, a graduate of Kent State University and 
Cleveland Marshall College of Law, tried cases of great notoriety. His 
clients, his opposing counsel, the presiding judge and jury had an 
opportunity to witness a professional. He defended his clients 
aggressively, competently, and according to the Canons of Ethics. After 
more than fifty (50) years of practice in Ohio, Florida and Alabama, 
Attorney Jerry Milano retired because of illness.
  As a young assistant county prosecutor, I watched in awe, and gained 
valuable insight, as Attorney Milano examined a prosecution witness. As 
a judge I enjoyed trying cases with Jerry. He made the prosecutors do 
their jobs. As friends, Jerry and Rita Milano have been with me through 
all of my ups and downs. Thank you for your friendship.
  On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of the 11th 
Congressional District, Ohio, I extend condolences to Rita, Jay and 
Debbie Milano on the loss of a loving family man and friend. I join the 
Bar in celebrating the life and times of a legal superstar.

                          ____________________