​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER

​​​​​​september 25, 2023
2023
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
9/26/2023 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting
​Financial Friends Meeting

9/29/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

OCTOBER EVENTS
10/6/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

10/9/2023 (Mon.)
Courts Closed

10/10/2023 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

10/13/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

10/17/2023 (Tues.)
CLE Presentation

10/19/2023 (Thurs.)
​6th Annual Behavioral Health Community Forum - ISU

10/20/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

10/24/2023 (Tues.)
DEIA Committee Meeting

10/25 & 10/26 (Wed. & Thurs.)
MCBA Biennial GAL Conference
​
10/27/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar
​
NOVEMBER EVENTS
11/1/2023 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listenting Session

11/3/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar
CLE Presentation - L&J Center

11/10/2023 (Fri.)
Veterans Day-Law & Justice Center is Closed
Breakfast with the Bar

11/17/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

11/24/2023 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

DECEMBER EVENTS
12/19/2023 (Tues.)
​Holiday Luncheon

2024
Upcoming Save-The-Dates
​
All Court Holidays & Closures
1/1/2024 (Mon.)

1/15/2024 (Mon.)
MLK Day

2/12/2024 (Mon.)
Lincoln's Birthday

2/19/2024 (Mon.)
Presidents' Birthday

5/27/2024 (Mon.)
Memorial Day

6/19/2024 (Wed.)
Juneteenth

7/4/2024 (Thurs.)

9/2/2024 (Mon.)
Labor Day

VOLUNTEER needed

The Bloomington Housing Authority is looking for a volunteer to serve as a Housing Choice Voucher Hearing Officer. The person does not have to be an attorney to serve as the officer. If you are interested, please contact Shelli Garland at 309-834-2112 or shellig@bloomingtonha.com .

SAVE THE DATE!
​I.S.U. MOCK TRIAL TOURNAMENT

The Illinois State University Mock Trial Program will be hosting its 21st annual invitational mock trial tournament at the McLean County Law & Justice Center on the weekend of November 3-5, 2023.  
 
Attorneys, paralegals, judges, and other law-related professionals who may be interested in volunteering as a guest judge/evaluator should SAVE THE DATE! We will be distributing formal invitations to recruit volunteer judges/evaluators in the next few weeks. Thank you! 
 
--Scott Kording (sekordi@ilstu.edu)

sharia law?

We’re working with a physician and his family that are Islamic. We are looking for an Illinois attorney who is familiar with Sharia Law. Please contact Nathan Ihnes at nathan.ihnes@pnc.com if you can assist. 

volunteers ​still needed
​next week!

UPDATED: Volunteer Opportunity: Attorneys needed to assist ISU students in reviewing their leases prior to signing.  On-Campus Lease Review Clinics, October 3rd, 4th  and 5th from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Contact Samantha Vazquez to volunteer: smvazqu@ilstu.edu or to sign up, please use this LINK. 

Attorneys needed to assist ISU students in reviewing their leases prior to signing.
On-Campus Lease Review Clinics

October 3rd and 4th from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
​October 5th from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Samantha Vazquez to volunteer: smvazqu@ilstu.edu

ISBA Mutual
​Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy

In 2024, ISBA Mutual will be holding its 1st Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy. This first of its kind program is designed by the lawyer development experts at Apochromatik and underwritten by ISBA Mutual to help selected Illinois solo and small firm lawyers develop their skills to lead themselves, their firms, their communities, and the profession.  

forms
standardized forms updates

The Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice has approved the forms at the link below. All Illinois Courts must accept these forms. The forms include Circuit Court Forms, Appellate Court Forms and Supreme Court Forms for Illinois. 
The 1st MCBA Cigar Social!
  • Thursday, October 12 beginning 5:15 pm ish and going well into the evening! [or until someone turns into a pumpkin (Cinderella reference)]
  • Western Tap - 1301 N Western Ave. Bloomington, IL 61701
  • The bar plans to feature some drink specials that pair well with cigars
  • Cigars – please plan on bringing your own. If you need guidance on what or where to obtain cigars – please contact the organizer – Randy Baker
  • ALL are welcome!

MCBA SCHOLARSHIP

If you know of any L2 or L3 law students, please inform them about the 2023 MCBA Community Service Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship is open to second or third year law students with strong ties to McLean County, Bloomington-Normal, or its surrounding communities. Prime candidates will express and demonstrate a commitment to legal aid work, pro bono activities, or community service. The application deadline is October 31, 2023. Please see the link to the scholarship application below.
Click on the image above to submit an application.

mcba
​continuing legal EDUCATION


​Tuesday, October 17
​Noon-1.00 pm

We Need to Talk

Hosted by the Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee
Presented by
​Julia Livingston & John Kim, JD

[up to 1 hour PR CLE pending approval]

An in-person CLE only.

Since 2020, the murder of George Floyd has prompted people to have difficult conversations regarding race. However, little constructive guidance was given regarding how to have these conversations. As a result, although some people engaged in these conversations and were catalysts for change, other people had conversations which may have done more harm than good, and other people simply tried to avoid having these conversations at all.
 
The reality is that many people struggle with having honest and productive conversations about diversity. These conversations require people to discuss potentially sensitive topics…to speak and listen with empathy…to be open to accepting constructive criticism…to be willing to ask questions with an open mind…and to risk potentially saying the wrong thing. As a result, some people try to avoid ever having these conversations.
​
This course explores how professionalism and civility can provide you with skills to facilitate difficult conversations regarding diversity and help you to be leaders in creating more inclusive environments.

Thursday, October 19
all day

Behavior Health Forum

[up to 5 hours general CLE pending approval for $20.00 (includes lunch)]

​An in-person CLE only.
​
Attendance at the Forum is FREE to all community members. Lunch is included for those that register by October 9th, 2023. Those who register after October 9th, 2023 will be responsible for providing their own lunch on the day of the Forum. Parking is offered in the Bone Student Center parking lot, free for all attendees. Please follow this link regarding our venue and parking information.

We are offering continuing education units for several professional disciplines. Continuing education credits are available for purchase upon registration or the day-of the Forum.

Online registration will close on Monday October 16th, 2023 but walk-in registration on the day of the Forum is welcome! To register for the 2023 McLean County Community Behavioral Health Forum, please click the Information & Registration button below, and you will be directed to our registration page through Carle Health. If you need assistance with registration, please contact Sarah Stalter at sarah.stalter@mcleancountyil.gov
Wednesday & Thursday, October 25 & 26

Guardian Ad Litem Certification Seminar

[up to 10.25 hours general CLE pending approval]
[Hours above include 1 hour PR-Ethics & 1 hour PR-Diversity & Inclusion]
​
​Day 1

Parental Alienation: What You Need to Know
   Presenter: Dr. David Thompson, PhD, ABPP

Our Family Wizard

The Role of the Guardian ad Litem in Disabled Adult Guardianship, Minor Guardianship and Adoption Cases
   Presenters: Hon. Rebecca Foley, Hon. J.Brian Goldrick, Robert Porter, JD and Nargis Khokhar, JD

30 Tips in 60 Minutes
   Presenters: Michelle Eggert, JD and Nargis Khokhar, JD

Happy Hour at The Holiday Inn
​Lobby area Sponsored by McLean County Bar Association
Day 2
Ethics
   Presenter: Hon. Scott Kording

​Case Law Updates
   Presenter: Hon. Scott Kording

GAL's: A Judges Perspective
   Presenter: Hon. Pablo Eves, Hon. David Garcia, Hon. Karen Wall and Hon. Lisa Wilson

What GALs need to know about working with youth educational and mental health systems
​     Presenters: Joe Lewis, JD, Nona Waller and Jennifer MacPherson

Serving Diverse Families as a GAL
   Presenters: Hon. Jill Quinn and Hon. Alicia Washington
Friday, November 3
​Noon-1.30 pm

Traffic
Hon. David Butler, Ret and Hon. Scott Kording

[up to 1.5 hours general CLE pending approval]
More information coming soon.

​Tuesday, November 21
​Noon-1.00 pm

Hosted by the Underwood Committee
Presented by
​David Collins, JD

[up to 1 hour PR CLE - pending approval]

​More information coming soon.
2024 MCBA CLE

Tuesday, January 16 - State of the Circuit
Tuesday, February 20 - Cyber Risk
Tuesday, April 16 - Lincoln Award of Excellence Panel
Tuesday, May 21 - The Allure of Using Paralegals!

recording opportunities

​Tuesday, September 19
​Noon-1.30 pm

Filing & Defending Civil Pre-Trial Motions
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

CLE
ABOLISHING IRS BACK TAXES
​A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY'S GUIDE

[1 HOUR General CLE CREDIT APPROVED]
RECORDING ENDS March 1, 2024

CLE
BOND REFORM NUTS & BOLTS:
 Illinois' Safety, Accountability, Fairness & Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act
with updates

[Up to 1.5 HOURS General CLE CREDIT APPROVED]
RECORDING EXTENDED -  ENDS January 30, 2024

CLE
ethics: rules every lawyer must know

[1 HOUR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY - Ethics - CLE CREDIT APPROVED]

 recording ends october 30, 2023

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. 

friday breakfast with the bar
join us this friday
8:00 am-9:00 am

The Coffee Hound - Downtown Bloomington
​

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

Please contact​ Jennifer.julius@pnc.com if interested in attending.
If you have questions please call Jennifer at 309.655.5484

career opportunities

livingston county pd
Posted - September 25

public defender

mclean county
​sao
Posted - September 25​

assistant states's attorney iii

ogar & miller
Posted - September 18

paralegal

imeri rogers, llp
Posted - September 18

associate attorney

office space available

205 n MAIN STREET, BLOOMINGTON 
professional office suites- LEASE

Downtown office building with lease space available on the second and third floors. Building is  accessible with elevator, shared entry and shared restrooms.
posted May 2023

 121 main STREET, BLOOMINGTON 
office suite - 2nd floor - lease

Second floor office suite available for lease. The full floor is available for a single tenant. Previously occupied as an attorney’s office, the space has a perimeter of private office spaces and conference room, open/work area/reception, two (2) restrooms, breakroom, data storage and secured storage areas inclusive in suite. Building has elevator access. Parking adjacent to building.
posted May 2023

306 E grove street, bloomington 
freestanding building - FOR SALE​​

We are pleased to present the former Yoder Law Office Building, now Murphy Building, in Downtown Bloomington for sale. The current business will be relocating, making this unique freestanding office building available. This property has unique characteristics, lots of natural lighting, large private offices with windows, conference rooms, break room and updated mens and womens restrooms, as well as a large storage room. The property has been well maintained and with the adjacent parking lot, this presents a great opportunity for a new or expanding business in Bloomington. Please call to schedule a tour today.
posted May 2023

105 n. center street - downtown blooomington
​office - for sale​

Downtown Bloomington is home to over 100 shops, restaurants, and services ready to provide you  with distinctive merchandise and friendly small town customer service. You can be apart of what makes Downtown great in owning this spectacularly cared for former law office. The property has three stories and a full basement, private offices, conference rooms, storage, vaults, restrooms, library and more.​
posted February 2023
ILLINOIS HOUSE BUILDING

Now Leasing- seven (7) newly constructed single room offices available
ranging in size from 200 square feet to 274 square feet
including access to a common conference room
Internet access is included.
​Call or text 309-531-0445 for particulars. 

updated February 2023

Office Space Available

Located one block from the McLean County Law & Justice Center, two offices (209 sq. ft. & 108 sq. ft.) available for rent. The offices are ideal for a single office user or a professional with an administrative assistant. Both offices are newly painted, fully furnished, and move-in ready. Offices have access to kitchen/break room. Conference room available for reservation. Parking included.
​For more information, call or text (708) 831-2733.
​posted January 2023
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE 
2nd Floor

121 N Main St., Bloomington, IL 
3,625 sq. ft. Total.  Smaller space units available.
​Parking on site
Call or Text 309-868-1604
​posted November 2022

bar committee activities

2023
​​​​​​CLE Committee Meeting - September 26 noon
Finanical Friends Meeting - September 26
​​​​GAL Committee Meeting - September 27 12.15 pm
​​​BOG Meeting - October 10 noon
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – October 24 noon
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - November 1 3.30 pm
Executive Committee 
President                            
​​Nathan B. Hinch

2nd VP
​John L. Pratt

Secretary
Spencer Chikahisa
1st VP
​Judge Pablo Eves

Immediate Past President
​Kathleen Kraft

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
Brendan Bukalski
Michael Butts
​Dean Davis
​Jaime Ganschow

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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