MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
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​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER

March 18, 2024



2024
​March Events
3/19/2024 (Tues.)
CLE Event - rescheduled

3/21/2024 (Thurs.)
Social Hour - Shake It Up


3/22/2024 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar


3/26/2024 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting

3/29/2024 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

​April Events
4/2/2024 (Tues.)
​PCPC Committee Meeting

4/10 (Wed.)

Social Committee Meeting

4/5/2024 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar


4/12/2024 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar
The Underwood Committee Meeting

4/17/2024 (Wed.)
ISU Appellate Court Oral Argument

4/18/2024 (Thurs.)
Social Hour

4/19/2024 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/26/2024 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

​May Events
5/1 (Wed.)
Law Day

5/3 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/7 (Tues.)
DEIA Committee Meeting

5/8 (Wed.)
Social Committee Meeting

5/10 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar
ADR Committee


5/17 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/19 (Sun.)
Family Picnic
​[6/2 (Sun.)-Rain Date]


5/21 (Tues.)
CLE

5/24 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

​
5/27 (Mon.)
Memorial Day

5/31 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

​
June Events
6/3 (Mon.)
​Golf & PickleBall

6/5 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

6/7 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar


6/12 (Wed.)
Social Committee Meeting

6/14 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

6/19 (Wed.)
Juneteenth - Court Closed

6/20 (Thurs.)
Annual Meeting

6/21 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

6/28 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar
2024 Court Holidays & Closures & MCBA Events
7/4 (Thurs.)
Fourth of July Celebration

9/2 (Mon.)
Labor Day

11/1-3 (Fri. pm - Sun. am)
ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tournament


2025 Court Holidays & Closures & MCBA Events
10/22-23 (Wed. - Thurs.)

GAL Certification Seminar
​Complete List of Court Holidays & Closures
Updated 10/2023

​Social Hour @ Shake it UP
​thursday - march 21

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Please join the MCBA in a relaxing social hour at Shake It Up just across from the Law & Justice Center beginning when you arrive after your work day. The local Chicago Title Office is sponsoring this event! There will be a host of generous appitizers to enjoy when you arrive.
Shake It Up Website Information

LAW DAY 2024
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

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What is Law Day? Law Day is held in the first of May each year to celebrate the role of law in society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. 

Judge James Shadid is the guest speaker for this event.


Registration to Open Next Week

the MCBA summer softball team
​has been registered!


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guy fraker's bus tour
​of lincoln's 8th judicial circuit

Join us for a day long bus tour of the eastern portion of Lincoln's 8th Judicial Circuit narrated by Guy Fraker, a MCBCA member, highly regarded Lincoln Scholar, and author of two books about the circuit. 

The tour starts at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 20th for a special day of history and unique touring which includes a private tour of the Lincoln Museum in Lincoln and the Vermillion County Museum and the Fifthian Home in Danville. 

The cost is $85.00 per person for 2 meals (catered private lunch), all museum fees and travel in a luxury coach bus. To purchase seats contact Tour Coordinator Frank Hoffman at 309.827.7667 or [email protected] . This trip is sponsored by The Young Men's Club. 

From the projects to the bench:
​Carla Barnes-Wheeler's important journey

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March is Women's History Month, and WGLT is recognizing 21 women who shaped Bloomington-Normal. New episodes every weekday in March.
WGLT Interview

learn @ lunch with cipa

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Join us on March 26, 2024 at noon for our virtual Learn at Lunch series featuring Amelia Buragas for her exciting talk, Supreme Outcomes: A discussion of notable cases decided by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2023.

Amelia Buragas is an assistant professor in the Department of Politics & Government at Illinois State University where she teaches in the legal studies program. Amelia is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Law where she graduated with honors. She is a former editor-in-chief for the Illinois Bar Journal and writes monthly articles for the publication. Amelia also writes the daily case digests summarizing Illinois appellate opinions published by the Illinois State Bar Association and is on the panel of attorneys who prepare the ISBA's Supreme Court Quick Takes. In addition to her work for the ISBA, Amelia has authored publications for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Illinois Municipal League, and she currently is serving on the IICLE’s Civil Law & Litigation Advisory Group. Prior to joining the faculty at ISU, Amelia was in private practice where she focused on civil litigation and appeals and is a former board member of the Appellate Lawyers Association.

This event qualifies for 1 hour of paralegal CLE credit through NALA and is free to active CIPA members and only $5.00 to all non-members. Register today at this LINK. 

2024 MCBA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

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Membership Renewal - Click on the logo above

welcome to 2024 mcba members!
A complete list
thank you for renewing!

Apfelbaum, Larry
Arkell, Thomas
Armstrong, David
Ash, Ryan
Baker, Howard
Bardell, Miles
​Barnes-​Wheeler, Carla

Barr, Adrian
Barr, Cary B.
Bass, James
Beard, David

Bender, Paul
Bennett, Megan - New Member
​Berna, Susanna

Bernardi, Donald
Bingaman, Laurel
​Black, Scott

Blodgett, A.J.
Bobell, Jonathan

Boyle, George
​Brandt, Peter W.
​Brandt, Rachel
Brown, Jeff
​Brucker, Gene
​Bukalski, Brendan
​Buragas, Amelia

Butler, David
Butler, Matthew

Butts, Michael
Campbell, Grant - New Member

Carlson, James
Carter, Robert J
Castagna, Laura
Chambers, J. Jason
Chapman, Todd
Chikahisa, Spencer
Coleman, Mary - Student Member
​Cook, Michael - New Member & New Admit!

Corwin, Chip
Corwin, Lisa
​Costigan, Casey

Crabill, Jeff
Davis, Danielle - New Member
​Davis, Dean

Davis, Julia
​Day, Brian

DeCardy, William
Dehn, Joseph
Deneen, Daniel
DePew, Russell

DeVary, Allen
DeVivo, Jennifer R.

Dies, Darrell
Dodds, Geoffrey
Donaldson, Erin
Donohue, Susan - New Member
Dorris, David
Drazewski, Scott
​Duffy, Sarah

Duncan, Erin
Ehlers, Randall
Engerman, Blair
Erickson, Chuck
Evans, Ethan
​Eves, Ginny

Eves, Pablo
Farrell, Calli
Feeney III, Charles
Feldman, Arthur
​Fellheimer, Mark

Finegan, Jenna
Fitt, David E.

Fitzgerald, Kevin
​Fizzell, Mackenzie

Flynn, George R.
Flynn, Michael
Foley, Joseph
Foley, Rebecca
​Fosen, Nannette
​Fredrick, Aaron

Freese, John P. 
Freitag, Robert
Fyans-Jimenez, Angela
​Fulk, Jake

Galloway, Aaron S.
Galloway, Brian
​Gammelgard, Ryan

Ganschow, Jaime
Garrett, Jackson - Student Member
​Garwood, Brian
Ghrist, Adam

Ginzkey, Jim
Glenn, Ronda
Goldrick, J. Brian
Greenburg, Todd - New Member
Gregory, William
Guido, Daniel - New Member
Haas, Carrie
​​Haning, Carissa

Hanna, Jillian
​Harrington, William

Hayworth, Alexandra
Henderson, Hunt
Hiler-Welch, Tammy
Hill, Lee Ann
Hinch, Nathan

Hoffman, Frank
Hogan, Patrick - New Member
Hornsby, Aaron F.
​Horve, Jeffrey M.

Houska, Nicholas
Hundman, Tom
​​Ihnes, Nathan
​Imeri, Ilir

Janello, Frank 
​Johns-Cummings, Miranda
​Johnson, Douglas B

Johnson, Mark
Jurgens, Jeffrey
Katavich, Hannah
​Kays, Danielle
​Kearns, Jenna
​​Kelly, Andrew

​Kelly, Terence
​Khokhar, Nargis
​Kim, John

Koetters, Matthew
Koll, Mary
Kording, Scott
Knapp, Don
​Knecht, James
Kraft, Kathleen
​Landry, Matthew
Lawrence, Keelun

Lawrence, Paul
Lawson, Katie
Lawson, Mary K.

Leifheit, Whitney *2019 scholarship recipient
Lewis, Ronald

Lindsay, Jeff W
​Mahrt, Steve

Malin, Michael
Mannen, Nicole
Maulson, Wendy

McCarron, Joe
McClure, Thomas E
McEldowney, Brian

McElvain, Mike
​McFarland, Amy

McGrath, Mark
McGrath, Patrick
​McIntyre, Bryan

McManus, Steve
Megli, Elizabeth
Mennenga, Jaci - Mew Member 

Merriman, Aaron - New Member
Miller, Todd
Molchin, Chase
Molinari, Sandra
​Moore Perry, Rachael
Moran, Joseph

Mosby-Scott, Michelle R
Muir, John
Nichols, Michael

Nieminski, Kristin
Novick, Alan
Owen, Shannon
Patterson, Clayton
Patton, Jennifer
Petri, Emily
Phan, Patricia (Vi-Vi) - New Member
Phoenix, David

Pinheiro, Douglas - New Member
​Pliura, Thomas
​Porter, Robert

Powell, Michael
Prall, Michael
Pratt, Catherine A.
Pratt, John L.
Querciagrossa, Jason

Queen, Craig
​Ranta, Kayla - New Member
Reidy, Sean
Reynard, Charles
​Reynolds, Erika
​Rich, Craig
​Ritchie, Chad

Rigdon, Bradly
Rinker, Joshua
Robb, Elizabeth
Rogers, Clark
​Rogers, Jilmala

Rohrscheib, Josh
Rood, Don

Roseberry, Todd
Ruble, Nicholas
Sanborn, Kevin
Sanner, Thomas - New Member
Scarborough, Ashley

Schaeffer, Rex
Shane, Alex
Shegog-Parker, Carol

Schwiderski, Katelyn - New Member
Schwulst, John
Shane, Josephine
Sheahan, Kevin

Sierra, Trevor
Skelton, Steven B.
Souk, James
Spies, Roland
​Swee, Jean
​Tallon, Mary
Thielen, Paige

​Thomason, Candice
Toney, Sarah
Varney, Robert
Vazquez, Samantha
Vicars-Duncan, Sheila
Walker, Clark 
Wall, Dawn
​Wallace, Stuart - Mew Member 

Walley, Samantha
Watkins, Robert
Weltman, Eitan
​Wilcox Jr, Donald

Williams, Alexandra *2022 scholarship recipient
Williams, Taylor *2020 scholarship recpient​
​Wochner, David
Wong, Stephanie
Wood, George
Wood, Megan
Wood, Stephen
​Woolen, Sarah

Wright, John
Wylder, James
Yoder, William
Young, Emily

Zywiec, Bruce​

Retired Members, Judicial Members or Moved and are keeping in touch through MCBA emails

Brandau, Herman 'Herm'
​DeWinter, Danielle
​Fraker, Guy
​Harrod, Sam
Hartweg, Darrell
Holder, Dan W.
Kenney, Stuart
McKibbin, Ed
Metoyer, Marinna
Moore, Fred B.
Ogar, Helen
O'Neal, Susan
Palmer, Mark
Roth, Rachel
​​Smalley, Alice
Sternberg, Alan L.
Williams, Robert
​
Wright, Johnathan
​Yedinak, Randy
Yoder, John W.

THE MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION will be ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
​FOR THE
2024 LINCOLN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

DEADLINE - April 5th
​

The McLean County Bar Association is seeking nominations for the Lincoln Award of Excellence. Established in 1997, this award seeks to recognize attorneys for their service to the legal community as well as for their contributions to the community. The nominee must be a member of the McLean County Bar Association, respected as a citizen and member of the legal profession and be an example of the best of our profession who has a demonstrated commitment to public service, public good and who has dedicated his/her effort to improve the quality of life in our community and society.

​Retired attorneys who were involved in these activities during their career are also eligible to be nominated.
​Nomination Form & Information

2024
​MCBA YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR
AWARD A
PPLICATION

DEADLINE - March 31st
​[note the change of deadline this year]
​
The MCBA is now accepting nominations for its 2021 Young Lawyer of the Year Award. In order to be considered for the award, one must be (1) under the age of 36 or less than 10 years in practice, and (2) a member in good standing with the McLean County Bar Association. Evaluation criteria include employment history, individual achievements in the practice of law, service to the MCBA, and community/pro bono service.​
​​Nomination Form & Information

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Appellate Court to Hold Oral Argument
​at Illinois State
​

March Update: Oral argument will take place in Braden Auditorium in the Bone Student Center on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 10:55 a.m. Security will not permit late entry into the auditorium.
 
This event is open to the public.  All spectators will be required to go through metal detectors. Persons attending will not be allowed to bring backpacks into the auditorium. Cell phones must be turned off.
 

The appellate justices will hear argument on a criminal appeal.

The Illinois Appellate Court for the Fourth Judicial District will hold oral argument at the Braden Auditorium in the Student Bone Center on the morning of April 17, 2024. This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Politics & Government and the McLean County Bar Association.

The Fourth District is based in Springfield. This judicial body considers appeals filed in trial courts from 41 counties including Rock Island, Winnebago, Sangamon, and McLean Counties. The court typically rules on over 5,000 cases per year.

This is the third time that the Fourth District held oral argument at Illinois State University. The first time was more than a decade ago, and the last time was spring 2023.

Students enrolled in the advanced legal research and writing class offered in the Legal Studies Program will be given assignments based on the case set for argument. Although the court has not announced which case it will hear at ISU, it is expected to be a criminal appeal.

​This event is open to the public. All spectators will be required to go through metal detectors. Persons attending will not be allowed to bring backpacks into the auditorium. Cell phones must be turned off.

Social Hour & activities

2024 MCBA Social Calendar
​
Thursday, March 21

​
Thursday, April 18

Saturday, April 20

​​
​May 19 [June 20 Rain Date]

​June 3

Summer
​
Summer/Fall​

​December 
​​
​Social Hour @ Shake It UP - sponsored by The Chicago Title Company​

​Social Hour

Guy Franker's Bus Tour of Lincoln's 8th Judicial Circuit


Family Picnic at Dan & Paula Deneen's Home

Golf & Pickleball

​Softball Team - A Schedule will come soon

Softball Challenge - The Battle of the Bars

Holiday Luncheon
​​​
There are more Social events in the works. If you have ideas or would like to help organize an event, please email Mary at: [email protected] ​

mcba
​continuing legal EDUCATION
​2024


CLE

The Allure of Using Paralegals!
Tuesday, March 19 at noon - Postponed 

presented by
Thomas McClure, JD and Carolyn Pitts


​[up to 1 hour general CLE - Pending Approval] 
​
The McLean County Bar Association cordially invites you to a Continuing Legal Education event on The Allure of Using Paralegals, An ABA Model Guideline for Paralegal Utilization and Economic Benefits to Attorneys. Thomas McClure is a Professor and Director of Legal Studies at Illinois State University. Mr. McClure holds the Chair position of the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals. Carolyn Pitts brings her many years of paralegal experience to this presentation.
 
Topics to be covered are:
Economic Advantages of Paralegals
Key Guidelines for Utilizing Paralegals
Offer the Non-Economic Value of Paralegals
​
Postponed - This CLE will be at a future date. Information will post soon.

2024 MCBA CLE
​
Tuesday, April 16 - Lincoln Award of Excellence Panel - "What Would Abe Do?"
Tuesday, May 21 - Diversity & Inclusion Presentation - "We the People"


cle recording opportunities

CLE
Originally Recorded

​Tuesday, February 20, 2024
​
​
CYBER RISK & CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE

presented by
Scott Dunton & Adam Czerwinski


​[up to 1 hour general CLE - Approved] 
RECORDING ENDS February 15, 2026
​

This CLE will provide a basic understanding of the cyber risks facing law firms and why firms must care. Real-life examples will be shared. Attendees will leave this course with a better understanding on how to mitigate your firm's cyber risk and avoid cyber losses. 
Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions
Below are comments shared from attendees evaluations...
It was an excellent presentation highlighting pitfalls for the unwary.

With ISBA insurance withdrawing their cybersecurity coverage, I will need to look into other insurance. This presentation assisted in learning areas of inquiry when looking for this kind of insurance.
CLE
Originally Recorded
​Tuesday, September 19, 2023


Filing & Defending Civil Pre-Trial Motions
presented by
​Hon. David Butler, Ret and Thomas McClure, JD

[up to 1.5 hours general CLE - Approved]

RECORDING ENDS August 30, 2025
​
Many civil lawsuits are won or lost without a trial. This CLE program presents an in-depth examination of pre-trial motion practice. Some critical aspects of pre-trial Motions To Dismiss and Motions For Summary Judgment will be discussed. This program will help attorneys to recognize various legal bases for the dismissal of a civil lawsuit filed against their client. In addition, learn how to respond to Motions To Dismiss and Motions For Summary Judgment.
 
Topics to be covered are:
Motions To Dismiss Based on the Pleadings (Sec. 2-615 Motions)
Involuntary Dismissals Based on Certain Defects or Defenses (Sec. 2-619 Motions)
Motions For Summary Judgment
Pre-Trail Motions in Small Claims Cases
Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions
Below are comments shared from attendees evaluations...
Clearly very knowledgeable & did a great job reviewing these litigation basics.

Thank you for providing so much substantive material.

Both Presenters are knowledgeable, engaging, and good at explaining concepts.

​What is one of your take aways? What did you learn today?
* Clearer difference between types of motions
* Best practices for Affidavits

CLE
Originally Recorded
​December 6, 2022


Ethics Rules Every Lawyer Must Know
presented by
​Hon. David Butler, Ret and Hon. Thomas Funk

[up to 1 hour PR - Ethics - CLE Credit Approved]

 recording extended end date: december 5, 2024 

Please join the McLean County Bar Association in welcoming Judge Butler (Ret.) and Logan County Judge Funk. This one-hour program will survey some of the most important rules of ethics that every attorney should know and the possible consequences of violating these rules. Judge Thomas Funk and Retired Judge David Butler will identify and explain rules of ethics found in the Illinois Code of Professional Conduct. Topics will include: safekeeping of client’s property (trust accounts), duty to report professional misconduct of other attorneys (In re Himmel), dealing with unrepresented persons, confidentiality of information, meritorious claim or contentions, communication with person represented by counsel, firm names and letterhead, attorneys fees, client-lawyer sexual relationships, and ex parte communications with judges. 
​
Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions
Below are comments shared from attendees evaluations...
Both presented the material very well.

I appreciated the commentary and use of examples that they used during their presentations.

mcba upcoming events

2024
May 1 - Law Day Luncheon
​November 1-3 - ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tournament


2025
October 22-23 - Guardian Ad Litem Child Representative Certification Seminar

new to your office?
​or maybe an attorney/staff 'on the move'?

If your office has new attorneys and staff, then we would like to update membership on your additions! Maybe you have an attorney making moves within your office. Please click on the link below to submit a little about the new addition and feel free to add a photo as well. 
New to My Office or Retiring or Any Update!

friday breakfast with the bar
join us this friday

8:00 am-9:00 am

Ivy Lane Bakery - Downtown Bloomington
​

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BLOOMINGTON CANNON ESTATE PLANNING
TELECONFERENCE SERIES PROGRAM
​HOSTED BY PNC WEALTH MANAGEMENT

2024 Schedule
Please contact​ [email protected] if interested in attending.
If you have questions please call Nichole at 312.384.8999

career opportunities


mclean county public defender

APD 1 ​Information
APD 2 Information
Updated - March 4

assistant pd 1​

ASSISTANT PD 2


onward injury law

Information
Posted - February 12

pt medical records specialist


growmark, inc​

Information
​Posted - February 12

staff attorney


MCLEAN COUNTY states attorney

Information
Posted - February 12

ASSTant state's ATTORNEY i, ii, or iii



office space available



105 N. Center, BLoomington

For Sale:  $499,999
3 stories + basement 6,963 SF
Downtown Bloomington is home to over 100 shops, restaurants, and services ready to provide you with distinctive merchandise and friendly small town customer service.  
Information
Posted 12-8-2023

121 N. Main Street, 2nd Floor

3,625 SF
For Lease:  $14/SF Full Gross, utilities included in rent
Information
Posted 12-8-2023

205 N. Main Street

2nd floor:  9,719 SF & 4,000  SF
3rd floor:  3,780 SF & 1,300 SF
For Lease:  $12-14/SF Modified Gross
Information
Posted 12-8-2023

​217 E. Washington

2,780 SF + full basement
For Lease:  $2,800/month + utilities
6 parking spaces
Information
Posted 12-8-2023

115 Jefferson

​1st Floor:  1,137 & 3,058 SF
3rd Floor:  4,587 SF
For Lease:  $13.50/SF
Utility & CAM:  $3.21/SF
Information
Posted 12-8-2023

bar committee activities

​2024
​Law Day Planning Committee Meeting - March 22 4.00 pm
​​​​​​CLE Committee Meeting - March 26 noon
PCPC Meeting - April 2 12.15 pm
​​​​BOG Meeting - April 9 noon

Social Committee Meeting - April 10 12.15 pm
GAL 2025 Committee Meeting - April 12 12.15 pm

​​​​​​The Underwood Committee on Professionalism Meeting - April 12 12.15 pm
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – May 7 12.15 pm
​
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee - May 10 noon
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - June 5
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - September 4

​Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee - September 6 noon
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - December 4

Executive Committee 
President                            
​Judge Pablo Eves

2nd VP
Adrian Barr

Secretary
Paige Thielen
1st VP
​John L. Pratt

Immediate Past President
​​Nathan B. Hinch

Treasurer
Calli Farrell
Disclaimer:
The McLean County Bar Association (MCBA) presents the information on this web site as an information service to our members and other Internet users. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not legal advice. The information is not intended to create, and receipt of the information does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Those using this information should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.
Board of Governors
Michael Butts [Year 4]
​Dean Davis [Year 3]
​Jaime Ganschow [Year 2]
Laurel Bingaman [Year 1]

Administrative Assistant
Mary Sellmyer

​Find a Lawyer Disclaimer:
The intention of the MCBA"Find a Lawyer"search is only to refer members of the public requiring legal services to members of the MCBA who have indicated that they wish to receive referrals in a particular area of the law.

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