Urbana attorney Steve Beckett reflects on Lincoln, law, and a lifetime shaped by courtroom storytelling

URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Urbana-based attorney and retired University of Illinois College of Law Trial Advocacy director Steve Beckett reflected on his decades in law, his lifelong study of Abraham Lincoln, and the personal experiences that shaped his approach to courtroom advocacy during a recent interview.

Beckett said his fascination with Lincoln began early in childhood and continued through his education and legal career.

“I do have a vivid memory of being in third grade in Lincoln School at Maine and Lincoln in Urbana,” Beckett said. “There were a series of books… and there was a book about Abraham Lincoln. And so I read it and I was fascinated.”

From that point forward, Beckett said Lincoln became a constant presence in his academic path and legal thinking.

“No matter what school I was in, what library I had, I tried to find every book on Abraham Lincoln I could,” he said. “And I read it and I read it and I read it.”

Beckett said that interest eventually shaped how he approached trial work after entering the legal profession in the 1970s.

“I think the first major trial I had where I went out of my way to think how would Lincoln handle this,” he said, describing a federal case involving allegations against an Illinois football player in the 1980s.

He recalled using historical reasoning and courtroom strategy inspired by Lincoln-era legal thinking to challenge key testimony.

“In closing argument, I told the story of Abraham Lincoln and Duff Armstrong… and I said to the jury, ‘Exhibit 13 is your almanac and there ain’t no moon,’” Beckett said. “He was acquitted.”

Beckett also discussed his long career in litigation, noting his experience arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court and his broader trial practice in Illinois courts.

“I’ve argued in the Supreme Court in 1977… I’ve had two cases in the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said.

Beyond individual cases, Beckett said he integrated Lincoln’s philosophy into his teaching at the University of Illinois College of Law, particularly in ethics and advocacy training.

“I have taught ethics courses… about Lincoln’s approach to the practice of law and how vital it is in terms of ethics and presentation and case analysis and the way to treat people,” he said.

Beckett also reflected on Lincoln’s legacy as a national figure and his continued relevance to modern legal and political life.

“There’s an eternal truth there about human beings, all human beings,” he said, adding that he believes Lincoln’s principles remain central to American civic life.

He said his study of Lincoln also extends into courtroom storytelling in central Illinois, including local history tied to Urbana and Champaign County.

Beckett described Lincoln’s presence in early Urbana legal culture, including stories of Lincoln interacting with local residents, participating in community life, and practicing law on the local circuit.

“He would get up in the morning early… and just be by himself,” Beckett said of Lincoln’s time in Urbana.

Beckett also shared personal anecdotes from his career, including serving as executor of an estate that ultimately led to more than $2 million in donations to Eastern Illinois University.

“It’s not a number to forget,” he said, describing the experience of handling the estate and its philanthropic outcome.

Throughout the interview, Beckett returned repeatedly to Lincoln as both a legal model and personal inspiration.

“I have always admired Lincoln obviously as a lawyer,” he said. “And I’ve focused a lot on him as a lawyer, and I have tried to integrate Lincoln into my life, into my practice as best I can.”

Asked what Lincoln might do if practicing law today, Beckett said he believed Lincoln would remain in the courtroom.

“Don’t take the sign down,” he said, quoting Lincoln’s advice to his law partner. “When I come back, we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing.”