​​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER

​january 13, 2025

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MCBA Events 2025
January
1/17 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

1/24 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

1/28 (Tues.)
CLE Luncheon at 2nd Presbyterian (please note the date change)

1/31 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

February 
2/7 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

2/11 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

2/12 (Wed.)
H.S. Mock Trials

2/14 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

2/20 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social - Pour Bros

2/21 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

2/25 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting

2/28 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

March
3/5 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

3/20(Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social

April
4/17 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social

May
Mental Health PR CLE Seminar for Members

5/1 (Thurs.)
Law Day Social Hour

5/7 (Wed.)
Law Day Luncheon

5/15 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social

June
6/02 (Mon.)
Golf & Pickleball Event

6/4 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

6/19 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social

July
​
August

September
9/3 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

9/26 (Fri.)
CIPA Annual Educational Seminar

October
10/22-23 (Wed. - Thurs.)
GAL Certification Seminar

November

December
12/3 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

12/17 (Wed.)
Holiday Luncheon

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​Complete 2025 List of Court Holidays & Closures

2025 Jury Calendar

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no newsletter published for the week of
january 20th

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membership renewals 2025

Thank you to those who have renewed!

​Please know that the applications have been udpated. In an effort to better serve the McLean County Bar Association, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee kindly requests your voluntary, confidential responses to three added questions on the 2025 member application.

Please see below to view the students who have recently joined the MCBA.
​

Membership Renewal Application

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High School Mock Trial
​VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Wednesday, February 12
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Volunteer Information & Registration

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monthly social

Thursday, February 20 - Pour Bros Craft Taproom
236 E. Front Street, Bloomington
4pm - 6pm

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mcba mentoring

As we begin a New Year, it’s a good time for all of us to be reminded of the value of community, civility and connection among our Bar members. To that end, all MCBA attorneys (with all experience-levels) are encouraged to engage in our local attorney mentoring program. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please contact the MCBA Mentoring Program Coordinator:  Jaime Ganschow at [email protected]

Four Reasons You Need A Mentor by Mark C. Palmer

Sure, you’ve been on the receiving side of learning your entire life. From parents to teachers, coaches, and colleagues, your fundamental years were likely rooted in education.
As a new lawyer, it’s time to start advancing professionally. It’s time to focus on growth that serves your career, based on a foundation built from years of educational achievement. It’s finally “me time.” Time to make money, build your network, and see results. But there’s a secret to setting yourself apart. It’s called mentoring.
New lawyers must maintain an elevated level of professionalism to best serve themselves, their clients, and the rule of law. Connecting with a mentor can help shape a new lawyer’s professional self, while honing their skills and establishing their values.
Finding and building a quality mentoring relationship doesn’t have to be difficult. Yet, identifying the right mentor can greatly influence the value of the output gained.
Here are some key benefits of adding a mentor to your career journey.

1. Strategic Advantage
​The measure of an exceptional law firm is the quality of its lawyers through the legal services they deliver. A formalized mentoring program can vastly accelerate firm acclimatization, leading to increased retention and job satisfaction.
Firms and organizations with a structured mentoring program have an essential competitive advantage. Mentorship provides a vehicle for building new relationships and identifying proper placement among organizational operating structures. Thus, a firm with a culture of close collaboration, born out of the practices of mentoring, creates engaged and productive lawyers. The sooner new attorneys begin a mentoring relationship, the greater the chances for improved cooperation and efficiency organization-wide.
As a new lawyer, connect with an experienced practitioner (or a few) as soon as you can. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will be noticed.

2. Diversification
When I’m asked if it’s better to match mentoring pairs with similar or opposing personality types, my answer is, “Yes.” The value of expanding your social capital and ability to work with all types of people cannot be emphasized enough.
Most clients won’t likely share your style, mannerisms, or approach to problem solving. Aligning yourself with a variety of mentors will enhance your skill set and help you understand dissenting viewpoints. Clients will value a well-rounded approach of addressing problems with creative and often more cost-effective solutions.

3. Improved Communication
We all bring unique perceptions, perspectives, and ideals to our workplace. These varied points of view add immeasurable value, enabling organizations and lawyers to adapt and succeed in a diversifying industry.
Most of our principles are built on personal experiences spanning from our developmental years to our professional life. However, as a lawyer we must be able to communicate with colleagues and clients who have differing viewpoints. It isn’t always easy to interact with those who don’t share our beliefs, but firm culture may dismiss our struggles.
The mentoring relationship allows mentees to express their concerns and ideas with their mentors. Mentors can provide a supportive sounding board and important perspective based on lived experiences.
When mutual collaboration of thought is respected by those in leadership roles, the communication channels of trust, respect, and commitment strengthen firm culture. Better communication begets better collaboration. Problems both clients and attorneys face are solved more effectively and efficiently.

4. Mutual Benefits (Reverse Mentoring)
Mentoring is an innovation catalyst for everyone. Not just the mentees. Strategies and techniques that have served a senior law partner for 40 years may be outdated in today’s practice. This is where you, the new lawyer, provide unique value to your mentor and the organization as a whole.
Mentors routinely report gaining as much, if not more, out of the relationship than their mentees. New lawyers offer fresh ideas and perspectives that might have otherwise gone unexplored. This reciprocal benefit often solidifies a strong professional and personal relationship moving forward.
So, be sure to always include your point of view in conversations, such as exploring a novel process to a traditional task. Soon your contributions will be measured well beyond your timesheets or drafted memos.

Find A Mentor, Trust A Mentor
When identifying a mentoring program, look for structure and flexibility. Almost 40 states have a structured, state-sponsored mentoring program for new lawyers. A developed, tested roadmap will allow you to focus less on planning and more on the experience of the lessons involved. A program with a flexible curriculum that suits your interests and goals will enable a more tailored experience to becoming a confident practitioner.
The Supreme Court of Illinois recognizes that skilled and experienced mentors can help new lawyers transition from law students to members of the bar. To assist with this transition, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has partnered with law firms, law schools, bar associations, and other organizations throughout Illinois to administer a statewide mentoring program.
Beyond professional development, the Commission’s mentoring program satisfies the new lawyers’ basic skills requirement and provides six hours of professional responsibility CLE at no cost (for mentees or mentors). Furthermore, program completion satisfies the amended Rule 794 requirement for attorneys to take one hour of diversity and inclusion CLE and one hour of mental health and substance abuse CLE as part of their six-hour professional responsibility requirement.
The year-long program traces the five tenants of professional responsibility – professionalism, ethics, civility, diversity and inclusion, and mental health and substance abuse. Professional and personal friendships often develop, advancing the integrity of the practice of law and a sense of community among the bar.
All licensed Illinois attorneys in their first five years of admission are eligible to participate as mentees. As you embark on your legal career, explore how the Court’s Mentoring Program can support a fulfilling and successful journey.

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save the dates
​2025

Tuesday, January 28 - State of the Circuit CLE - 2nd Presbyterian
Wednesday, February 12 - High School Mock Trials & CLE Event
Wednesday, May 7 - Law Day Luncheon - DoubleTree by Hilton
Monday, June 2 - Golf & Pickleball Event
Friday, September 26 - 35th Annual CIPA Educational Seminar
Wednesday & Thursday, October 22 & 23 - GAL Certification Seminar
​Wednesday, December 17 - Holiday Luncheon - BCC

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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 Moving? Any Update!

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​continuing legal EDUCATION
​2025

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mcba CLE 

​
The State of the 11th Judicial Circuit

Up to 1 hour General CLE pending approval
​

Please join the McLean County Bar Association in welcoming the new Chief Judge Casey Costigan. This presentation on the state of the 11th Circuit Courts is presented by the McLean County Circuit Court Judges. This annual program provides updates on the status of the 11th Circuit.​

Registration

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CLE - live webinar

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College 
Guardian ad Litem Education Committee
Presents:
​
Ethics in Allocation of Parental Rights Cases

Up to 1.5 hours PR Eithis CLE

Target Audience:
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➢ Judges
➢Guardians ad Litem
➢ Child Representatives

Ethics in representing children present unique issues for practitioners. Not only will attorneys review the legal fundamentals of representing children, but they will also be able to work through common ethical issues with the guidance of experts in the field. Discussions about consents for release of information, re-releasing of information and discussion about HIPAA privacy issues will be included.
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Registration and More Information

If you are registering for the first time, “Sign-Up” and create an account. Next. click on Events to locate this live webcast. If you are a returning user, click Link above and “Sign-In, search “Featured Events” to locate this live webcast. 

Technical questions? (888) 705-6002 or [email protected]
Non-Technical questions? [email protected]

​Google Chrome browser preferred

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cle recording opportunities

CLE
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
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​IRS Taxes Discharged in Bankruptcy

Presented by: Robert Schaller, JD

​[Up to 1 hour general CLE - Approved] 
​

You can become the client’s hero by eliminating IRS back taxes. Learn how to spot opportunities for IRS tax resolution. The focus of the seminar is how to eliminate IRS back taxes thru bankruptcy. The presentation will discuss Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 basics and the bankruptcy adversary proceeding process.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to spot IRS tax resolution opportunities.
2. Learn how to eliminate IRS back taxes thru bankruptcy.
3. Learn Bankruptcy Code basics: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 and adversary proceedings.
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Recording - email Mary Sellmyer if interested

CLE
Originally Recorded
​Tuesday, July 16, 2024
​
Traffic Stops & Motor Vehicles Searches

Presented by: Hon. David Butler (Ret.) & Matthew Butler

​[up to 1.5 hours general CLE - Approved] 

RECORDING ENDS June 25, 2026
​

Evidence of a crime is often found by police during the search of a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation. Items found during the search may be illegal contraband, such as drugs or weapons, or evidence of another crime. What starts out as a minor traffic violation can turn into a search of the vehicle to investigate evidence of crimes unrelated to the traffic stop. This CLE program presents an examination of the various legal bases for the police to conduct a motor vehicle search and the possible legal challenges to the search. Attorneys who either defend or prosecute criminal cases involving the possession of contraband will be better able to recognize evidentiary issues related to criminal charges arising out of traffic stops and motor vehicle searches.
 
TOPICS TO BE COVERED ARE:
 
Lawful basis of traffic stops
“Out of the Car”  Drivers and Passengers 
Search of Persons in the Vehicle
Search of Vehicles
Probable Cause Searches
Dog Sniffs
Odor of Cannabis
Search Incident to Arrest
Parole Searches
Inventory Searches
Consent Searches
Motions To Suppress Evidence

Recording - email Mary Sellmyer if interested

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

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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
The 2025 series have been canceled

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career opportunities

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livingston COUNTY 

Information

Posted - December 9

gal for minors in juvenile cases

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Mclean COUNTY public defender

Information APD I

Information APD II

Posted - November 25

assistant public defender i & ii

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Mclean COUNTY state's attorney

Information

​Posted - November 25

assistant state's attorney i, ii, iii

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livingston COUNTY public defender

Information

Posted - November 18
​Open until filled

assistant public defender​

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peoria COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Information

Posted - November 18
​Ends - January 2025 if not filled

criminal defense attorney

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office space available

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bar committee activities

​2025
GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - January 31 12.15 pm
Law Day Committee Meeting - February 4 12.15 pm
​BOG Meeting - February 11 noon
CLE Committee Meeting - January 25 noon
DEIA Committee Meeting - February 26 12.15 pm
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - March 5

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