​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER

​​​​​​october 16, 2023

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2023
OCTOBER EVENTS
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
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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
12/1/2023 (Wed.)
ADR Committee Meeting

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

​Complete List of Court Holidays & Closures

'probation is here to help'

Do you have someone living in another state who may be getting probation? If the answer is yes, the probation department is here to help. By getting in contact with probation, they can provide the specific requirements mandated by the federal ICOTS system in an effort to give your client the best chance at transfer acceptance. By working with probation ahead of the sentence being imposed, all sides are better prepared to facilitate the transfer and allow the probationer to return home and begin working on their supervision plan.

by
​​Clint Wright
Clinton.Wright@mcleancountyil.gov
Deputy Director
McLean County Adult Court Services

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thursday, october 26th

We Need You! Table Captains are crucial to the success of our upcoming Annual Fall Fundraising Luncheon. Scheduled from 11:30 am-1:00 pm on Thursday, October 26th in the Brown Ballroom of the ISU Bone Student Center, Normal, this is our major fundraiser and always a great event. But a full room is essential to its success. And that’s where you come in!

Our space holds 300 and we need to fill as many seats as possible so more people can hear our story and we can receive increased donations for our important work.  You can help us with that. 

As a table captain, you would commit to filling a table with 7 friends, associates, relatives, or acquaintances whom you believe wish to support Illinois immigrants’ journeys. We have a Table Captain packet to help you with this commitment that we will send you when you agree to help us. 

Your “Yes!” is so important because we are serving Illinois immigrants to the best of our capacity but the need is almost overwhelming. This is where things stand:

• Many more immigrants loaded on buses to northern cities from the southwestern border of the United States will get off the bus before Chicago.  
• While we have been busily serving both their legal and social services needs, this requires additional funds in a time when costs are higher.  

Please let us know of your interest or get answers to any questions you may have by contacting me at development@immigrationproject.org as soon as possible. 

Thank you ~
Kathy Finney
Development Director

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help needed!
​I.S.U. MOCK TRIAL TOURNAMENT
judges/evaluators

The Illinois State University Mock Trial Program is hosting its 20th annual invitational mock trial tournament at the McLean County Law & Justice Center on the weekend of November 3-5, 2023. We need volunteer judges/evaluators for the tournament! 
 
Any available attorneys, paralegals, judges, and other law-related professionals are welcome to participate, and we need your help! Please see the attached informational letter for details about the tournament, this year’s mock trial case, and instructions for how to sign up as a volunteer judge/evaluator. 

Thank you! 
Scott Kording (sekordi@ilstu.edu)

More Information HERE

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project santa

Be sure to watch for the Project Santa Adoption List to be posted at the end of October in the MCBA Enewsletter.

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composite make-up photos!

Friday, October 27 and Monday, October 30

Attorneys seeking to ​be included in this years MCBA Composite and have not already had photos taken, this is your last chance!!

Information & Registration

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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.

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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 Roundtree Livingston & John Kim, JD

[up to 1 hour Professional Responsibility-Diversity & Inclusion CLE ​APPROVED]

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.

Registration

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Thursday, October 19
all day

Behavior Health Forum

[up to 3.75 hours general CLE APPROVED 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

Information & Registration

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Wednesday & Thursday, October 25 & 26

Guardian Ad Litem Certification Seminar

[up to 10.25 hours general CLE - APPROVED]
[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

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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

More Information & Registration

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Friday, November 3
​Noon-1.30 pm

TRAFFIC LAWS, ISSUES and CONSEQUENCES

Hon. David Butler, Ret and Hon. Scott Kording

[up to 1.5 hours general CLE pending approval]
​

Understanding the various aspects of traffic offenses can be challenging. This CLE program presents an explanation of the traffic court process, plea agreements and trials of traffic cases, and the consequences of traffic offense convictions. Attorneys who either defend or prosecute traffic violations will be better able to recognize the most important issues in traffic cases and the impact of convictions on driving privileges. 
 
Topics to be covered are:
 
Courtroom procedure for traffic court in McLean County
Plea Agreements
Trial protocol for Traffic Offenses
Graduated Licensing System
Pleas in minor traffic cases
How to read a SOS driver’s abstract
Suspensions and Revocations
Moving violations
Immediate action offenses
Admissibility of traffic violations in personal injury and property damage cases
Issues in some common traffic offenses
Motions to Suppress based on improper traffic stops

Registration

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​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.

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2024 MCBA CLE

Tuesday, January 16 - State of the Circuit
Tuesday, February 20 - Cyber Risk
Tuesday, March 19 - Underwood Committee PR Presentation
Tuesday, April 16 - Lincoln Award of Excellence Panel
Tuesday, May 21 - The Allure of Using Paralegals!

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Register HERE

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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

Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

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

[1 HOUR General CLE CREDIT APPROVED]

RECORDING ENDS March 1, 2024

Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

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

Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

CLE
ethics: rules every lawyer must know

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

 recording ends extended end date: december 5, 2024 

Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

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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 Any Update!

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

**A change in location as of 10/13/2023**
​**Ivy Lane Bakery - Downtown Bloomington**
​

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

2023 Schedule

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

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career opportunities

mclean county public defender

Information

Posted - October 16

assistant public defender

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livingston county public defender

Information

Updated - October 16

assistant public defender

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prairie state legal services

Information

Posted - October 9​

staff attorney housing stability project

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LAW OFFICE OF CLARK A. WALKER

Information

Posted - October 2

LEGAL ASSISTANT

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illinois state university

Information

Posted - October 2

PARALEGAL

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mclean county
​sao

Information

Posted - September 25​

assistant states's attorney iii

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office space available

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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.

Suite Information

posted May 2023

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 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.

More Information

posted May 2023

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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.

More Information & Phone Number

posted May 2023

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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.​

More Information

posted February 2023

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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. 

Call or text 309-531-0445

updated February 2023

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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

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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

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bar committee activities

2023
​​​​GAL Committee Meeting - October 18 12.15 pm
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – October 24 noon
​​​​​​CLE Committee Meeting - October 31 noon
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - November 1 3.30 pm
​​​BOG Meeting - November 14 noon
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee - December 1 noon

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