Arbitrator Retires, Longtime Comp Attorney Dies

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 | 0

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission has noted the retirement of a longtime arbitrator and the death of a well-known petitioners' attorney.

Arthur A. Phillips, 90, who practiced for more than 45 years in Chicago, died this week in Boca Raton, Florida, where he had retired, the commission said in a memo. Phillips served for many years as a petitioners' attorney at the commission and was a past president of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyers Association.

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

A private service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Central time on Jan. 4. Information about a live webcast is available by calling 561-732-3000.

Also this week, the commission announced the retirement 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 counsel for the state Department of Labor. He then served as a staff attorney at the Workers' Compensation Commission for a year before he was named arbitrator.

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

“Please join us in extending our best wishes and appreciation to Tony for his leadership and dedication in helping to transform the IWCC into the strong organization that it is today,” the agency wrote. “He has earned the respect of all members of the practicing bar and the stakeholders that have had an opportunity to work with him in the disposition of thousands of matters."