MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
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​​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER

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​april 8, 2024



2024
​April Events
4/9 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

4/10 (Wed.)
Social Committee Meeting

4/11 (Thurs.)
Law Day Planning Committee

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


4/15/2024 (Mon.)
PCPC Meeting

4/16/2024 (Tues.)
CLE 

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


4/18/2024 (Thurs.)
Social Hour

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

4/25/2024 (Thurs.)

History Committee Meeting

4/26/2024 (Fri.)

Breakfast with the Bar

​May Events
5/1 (Wed.)
Law Day

5/2 (Thurs.)
Law Day Social Hr-Destihl
8pm MCBA Softball Team


5/3 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/7 (Tues.)
DEIA Committee Meeting

5/8 (Wed.)
Social Committee Meeting

5/9 (Thurs.)
9pm MCBA Softball Team

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


5/14 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

5/16 (Thurs.)
7pm MCBA Softball Team

5/17 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/21 (Tues.)
CLE

5/23 (Thurs.)
Social Hour-Keg Grove
7pm MCBA Softball Team


5/24 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

​
5/27 (Mon.)
Memorial Day

5/30 (Thurs.)
8pm MCBA Softball Team

5/31 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

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

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

6/6 (Thurs.)
8pm MCBA Softball Team

6/7 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar


6/12 (Wed.)
Social Committee Meeting

6/13 (Thurs.)
Social Hour
9pm MCBA Softball Team

6/14 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

6/19 (Wed.)
Juneteenth - Court Closed

6/20 (Thurs.)
Social Hour
8pm MCBA Softball Team

6/21 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

6/27 (Thurs.)
Annual Meeting
7pm MCBA Softball Team


6/28 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

​
July Events
7/4 (Thurs.)
Fourth of July Celebration
​
7/11 (Thurs.)
7pm MCBA Softball Team

7/16 (Tues.)
CLE


​August Events
8/20 (Tues.)
CLE
​
2024 Court Holidays & Closures & MCBA Events

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

mcba team softball schedule​

All games will be played at Champion Fields #2 in Normal
This league is scheduled for Thursday evenings.
Come on out to cheer!
​
05-02  8:00 pm
05-09  9:00 pm
05-16  7:00 pm
​05-23  7:00 pm
​05-30  8:00 pm
06-06  8:00 pm
06-13  9:00 pm
06-20  8:00 pm
06-27  7:00 pm
07-11  7:00 pm
Tournament Dates & Times to come
player rules: men & women welcome to play
schedule

LAW DAY 2024 celebration
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 noon


Guest Speaker is Judge James Shadid
with Special Guest Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley
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Information and Registration

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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. 

Appellate Court to Hold Oral Argument
​at Illinois State
​

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Please note that doors will close at 10:55 a.m. sharp.  The argument begins at 11:00 a.m.
 
The appellate court will hear arguments in People v. Reinking. The defendant is appealing his conviction of unlawful delivery of a firearm. The prosecution alleged that the defendant gave his adult son, Travis, a Bushmaster AR-15 after Travis had been a patient in a mental health unit within the past five years. Travis Reinking was convicted on charges of first-degree murder for the killing of four people at a Tennessee Waffle House in 2018.


Social Hour & activities

2024 MCBA Social Calendar
​
Saturday, April 20

​
May 2 4:00 pm​
May 2 8:00 pm

May 23
​
​June 3

August 3
​​​

Summer/Fall​

​December 
​​
​​Guy Fraker's Bus Tour of Lincoln's 8th Judicial Circuit

Social Hour at Destihl
​Softball Team-1st Game Champion Fields #2


​Social Hour at Keg Grove

Golf & Pickleball

​A Cigar Road Trip to Decatur
​

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

What Would Abe Do?
Tuesday, April 16

presented by
The Lincoln Award of Excellence Member Panel

​
​[up to 1.5 hours PR Civility CLE - Approved] 

​The McLean County Bar Association cordially invites you to a Continuing Legal Education event focusing on civility and professionalism for lawyers, staff and judges. Members of the Lincoln Award of Excellence will present on the topics listed below during this hour and a half presentation. Please join us!
 
Topics to be covered are:
Best practices and demeanor for new attorneys - Adrian Barr & Alan Sternberg
Incivility & bullying amoung lawyers - Frank Hoffman & Adrian Barr
How to manage abusive clients - Cathy Pratt & Helen Ogar
How to use Rule 137 to obtain attorney fees for acting in bad faith - Tom McClure & Paul Lawrence
How to respond/report when a judge is inappropriate, demeaning or abusive to attorneys - Mike McElvain, Hon. Beth Robb [ret.], and Hon. Bob Freitag [ret.].
More Information & Registration

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, May 21 - Diversity & Inclusion Presentation - "We the People"
Tuesday, July 16 - Arrests, Searches, Seizures & More
Tuesday, August 20 - IRS Taxes Discharged in Bankruptcy


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
​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


illinois state university​

Information
Posted - April 1

attorney instructors​


LIVINGSTON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Information
Open Until Filled

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER


wood, devary, armstrong & houska, pc

Information
Posted - March 25

associate attorney


mclean county public defender

APD 1 ​Information
APD 2 Information
Updated - March 4

assistant pd 1​

ASSISTANT PD 2


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
GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - April 12 12.15 pm
​​​​​​The Underwood Committee on Professionalism Meeting - April 12 12.15 pm
PCPC Meeting - April 15 12.15 pm
History Committee Meeting - April 25 noon
​​​​​​CLE Committee Meeting - April 30 noon

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – May 7 12.15 pm
Social Committee Meeting - May 8 12.15 pm
​
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee - May 10 noon
​​​​BOG Meeting - May 14 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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  • MCBA Home
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  • Career Opportunities
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