MCBA NEWSLETTER |
october 28, 2024 |
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2024
October Events 10/28 (Mon.) Law Day Committee Meeting November Events 11/1 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 11/1-3 (Fri. pm - Sun. am) ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tourney [Volunteers still needed!] 11/8 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 11/11 (Mon.) No Newsletter this week 11/19 (Tues.) BOG Meeting (please note the date change) 11/15 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 11/22 (Fri.) GAL 25 Planning Committee Meeting Breakfast with the Bar 11/28 (Thurs.) Thanksgiving 11/29 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar December Events 12/4 (Wed.) Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session 12/6 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 12/10 (Tues.) BOG Meeting 12/11 (Fri.) CLE Luncheon at Law & Justice Center 12/13 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 12/19 (Thurs.) Holiday Luncheon 12/20 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 12/27 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar MCBA Events 2025
1/13 (Mon.) CLE Committee Meeting 1/28 (Tues.) CLE Luncheon at 2nd Presbyterian (please note the date change) 2/12 (Wed.) H.S. Mock Trials May Mental Health PR CLE Seminar for Members 5/1 (Thurs.) Law Day Social Hour 5/7 (Wed.) Law Day Luncheon 06/02 (Mon.) Golf & Pickleball Event 9/26 (Fri.) CIPA Annual Educational Seminar 10/22-23 (Wed. - Thurs.) GAL Certification Seminar |
project santaBack by popular demand, Project Santa will open in the third week of November this year! Bob Lenz is retiring after 61 years. Congratulations!save the dates
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December 19
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Holiday Luncheon
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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]
Illinois Supreme Court Commission releases study on bullying in Illinois legal profession
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism released earlier this month data from what is believed to be one of the nation’s few studies on bullying in the legal profession.
The study of more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers explored bullying in the legal profession and recommended best practices for preventing it. Here is a link to the press release (which quotes McLean County Bar member John Kim) and website with the report.
The key findings include:
The study of more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers explored bullying in the legal profession and recommended best practices for preventing it. Here is a link to the press release (which quotes McLean County Bar member John Kim) and website with the report.
The key findings include:
- Traditionally underrepresented attorneys are more likely to be bullied.
- 38% of female lawyers were bullied at work, compared to 15% of male lawyers
- 38% of lawyers with an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity were bullied, compared to 23% of lawyers without that level of disability
- 39% of lawyers aged 25 to 35 were bullied, with the likelihood of being bullied decreasing with age
- Lawyers of color were more likely to experience bullying than white lawyers
- 29% of lawyers who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual were the target of verbal bullying related to their sexual orientation, compared to 3% of heterosexual lawyers
- Bullying drains talent from the profession.
- Bullied lawyers reported a negative change in emotional well-being (54%), feelings of less productivity at work (39%), and a decline in physical health (20%).
- Importantly, almost 20% of lawyers (or ~10,000 currently practicing Illinois lawyers) reported leaving legal jobs due to bullying.
- Lawyers are afraid to report bullying.
- Only 20% of bullied attorneys reported the bullying to workplace leaders
- Common reasons for not reporting included:
- Being perceived as weak or a “complainer” (34%), fear of the bully’s status (27%), the belief that the employer would not take action (27%), or concerns about the loss of work or their job (16%).
mcba
continuing legal EDUCATION
2024
CLE
Wednesday, December 11
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Felony Sentencing Alternatives
Up to 1.5 hours general CLE
[Pending Approval]
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Felony Sentencing Alternatives
Up to 1.5 hours general CLE
[Pending Approval]
Get the information you need regarding sentencing alternatives to incarceration with this online seminar. Criminal justice attorneys, traffic law practitioners, and corrections/sentencing lawyers with all levels of practice experience who attend this program will learn more about Illinois’ problem-solving courts, various special probations. Participants will also learn the McLean County Specialty Court (Drug Court, Recovery Court, Veteran’s Court) process from referral to sentencing.
Presented by:
Judge David Butler (Ret.)
Kristine Honiotes JD
Ron Lewis JD
Topics Include:
Drug Court Probation
Recovery Court Probation
Veteran’s Court Probation
First Offender Probation
Second Chance Probation
TASC Probation
First Time Weapon Offense Program
Child Abandonment or Endangerment Probation
Impact Incarceration
The Drug Court Process
Presented by:
Judge David Butler (Ret.)
Kristine Honiotes JD
Ron Lewis JD
Topics Include:
Drug Court Probation
Recovery Court Probation
Veteran’s Court Probation
First Offender Probation
Second Chance Probation
TASC Probation
First Time Weapon Offense Program
Child Abandonment or Endangerment Probation
Impact Incarceration
The Drug Court Process
cle recording opportunities
CLE
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
IRS Taxes Discharged in Bankruptcy
Presented by: Robert Schaller, JD
[Up to 1 hour general CLE - Approved]
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
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.
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.
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]
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
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
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]
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.
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.
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]
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
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
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
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]
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.
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.
I appreciated the commentary and use of examples that they used during their presentations.
from the pcba
you are invited
to
the annual diversity luncheon
Registration is now open for the 21st Annual Diversity Luncheon! This year’s event is on Wednesday, October 30th at the Spalding Pastoral Center. The lunch buffet will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program will be from Noon – 1:00 p.m. As always, the recipients of the Robert H. Jennetten Diversity Scholarship will be recognized.
This year’s keynote speaker is American Bar Association President, Mary Smith. Mary is the first Native American woman to hold this position. Throughout a distinguished career, Smith has served in senior roles in the private sector, in law firms, and in government.
Registration is required and must be completed online to ensure seating availability. The registration can be found by clicking here. Tickets are $60 each and a table of 8 is $480. If you would like to purchase a full table, you will need to register 8 individuals during the registration process. There is not a table option. Also, new this year is the option to sponsor a student. Every year 1 chaperone and 4 students are invited from the local high schools to attend this event. Your donation will help cover the cost of these tickets.
Proceeds of this event go to the Robert H. Jennetten Diversity Scholarship. If you are unable to attend or would like to make a direct donation to the scholarship, please click here.
This year’s keynote speaker is American Bar Association President, Mary Smith. Mary is the first Native American woman to hold this position. Throughout a distinguished career, Smith has served in senior roles in the private sector, in law firms, and in government.
Registration is required and must be completed online to ensure seating availability. The registration can be found by clicking here. Tickets are $60 each and a table of 8 is $480. If you would like to purchase a full table, you will need to register 8 individuals during the registration process. There is not a table option. Also, new this year is the option to sponsor a student. Every year 1 chaperone and 4 students are invited from the local high schools to attend this event. Your donation will help cover the cost of these tickets.
Proceeds of this event go to the Robert H. Jennetten Diversity Scholarship. If you are unable to attend or would like to make a direct donation to the scholarship, please click here.
friday breakfast with the bar
join us this friday
8:00 am-9:00 am
Ivy Lane Bakery - Downtown Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON CANNON ESTATE PLANNING
TELECONFERENCE SERIES PROGRAM
HOSTED BY PNC WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Please contact [email protected] if interested in attending.
If you have questions please call Jennifer at 309.655.5476
If you have questions please call Jennifer at 309.655.5476
career opportunities
office space available
bar committee activities
2024
Law Day Committee Meeting - October 28 12.15 pm
BOG Meeting - November 19 noon
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – November 20 noon
GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - November 22 12.15 pm
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - December 4
CLE Committee Meeting - January 13 noon
Law Day Committee Meeting - October 28 12.15 pm
BOG Meeting - November 19 noon
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – November 20 noon
GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - November 22 12.15 pm
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - December 4
CLE Committee Meeting - January 13 noon