MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
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​​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER

​october 7, 2024



2024
October Events
10/8 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting


​10/11 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar


10/15 (Tues.)
CLE
​
10/17 (Thurs.)
Social Hour

​10/18 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar


10/22 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting

​10/25 (Fri.)
GAL 25 Planning Committee Meeting
Breakfast with the Bar

​10/26 (Sat.)
5th MCBA Cigar Social Trip!

10/28 (Mon.)
Law Day Committee Meeting

November Events
11/1-3 (Fri. pm - Sun. am)
ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tourney


11/12 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting


​11/22 (Fri.)
GAL 25 Planning Committee Meeting
Breakfast with the Bar

11/26 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting

December Events
12/4 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

12/10 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting


12/19 (Thurs.)
Holiday Luncheon


MCBA Events 2025
2/12 (Wed.)
H.S. Mock Trials

Spring
Mental Health PR CLE Seminar


06/02 (Mon.)
Golf & Pickleball Event

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

​Complete 2024 List of Court Holidays & Closures
​Complete 2025 List of Court Holidays & Closures
2025 Jury Calendar

social events

The 5th MCBA Cigar Social!

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  • Saturday, October 26, 2024, MCBA will be taking another bus trip to Goodfellas!
  • The bus will leave from the parking lot of the McLean County Health Dept. building at 200 West Front St. (right next to the courthouse) at 11:00 a.m. and should arrive at Goodfellas about noon.
  • There are several restaurants and boutique shops within a few blocks of Goodfellas. Everyone will get lunch on their own. Goodfellas permits you to bring in your own food and drink (alcoholic or otherwise). Feel free to bring coolers on the bus and into Goodfellas.
  • Goodfellas will give a 15% discount for all purchases from our group. DO NOT bring your own cigar to smoke at a retail cigar lounge. That is extremely discourteous.
  • We will leave Decatur at 4:00 p.m. and should arrive back to 200 West Front St. about 5:00 p.m.
  • ALL are welcome (including anyone!!!)– BUT NOTE THAT I NEED COMMITMENTS BY OCTOBER 18, 2024. I need full names and whether anyone has any special needs (i.e. oxygen [in which case you probably shouldn’t be going to a cigar lounge], wheelchair lift, etc.)
  • Register by sending an email with the needed information for those going to [email protected]

​PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS HEREINABOVE!!!!!


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​Volunteer opportunities


Bloomington Expungement Clinic

Greetings from the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee!

​The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and Prairie State Legal Services continue to seek volunteers for the upcoming Expungement and Sealing Clinic on Friday, October 18 from 10-3 at the Bloomington Public Library. A training will be offered on Thursday, October 10 via Zoom, with a recording to be available after that date. MCLE credit will be available for those who attend.
 
To register as a volunteer, you can sign up HERE. Volunteer attorneys are of course the greatest need, but there are also volunteer opportunities for students, paralegals, and other community members. 

Finally, there will be a happy hour following the clinic as a part of the Committee’s Pro Bono Week Celebration. Attendance is free and the Committee will cover the first round of drinks for clinic volunteers, but we do ask that you please register separately for the Happy Hour, just to help us get an idea of attendance. You can find more information and register for the happy hour here: https://pili.org/event/11th-pbw/
 
Please sign up to volunteer at the clinic if you are able and share this page with your networks! Volunteer registration link again for convenience: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1dzCiV-L-gYOaRPp-d_83gk3is4dP72fb7R3WpeucSU2Cgg/viewform
 
Sincerely,
 
Abigail Causer
Managing Attorney
Pronouns: she/her
 
PUBLIC INTEREST LAW INITIATIVE (PILI) ®
P.O. Box 211 | 415 North Dunlap Avenue | Savoy, IL 61874
p: 217-693-6017 | f: 833-275-7454
[email protected] | www.pili.org

wrongful conviction event​

Wrongfully Convicted Alan Beaman and his Attorney to Speak on October 22

Alan Beaman will discuss his wrongful murder conviction and how it affected his life in a program entitled “Wrongful Conviction: A Conversation with Alan Beaman and his Attorney,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22 in the Braden Auditorium in the Bone Student Center. This presentation is free and open to the public.

He will be joined by Jeffrey Urdangen, the lawyer who represented him for 28 years in the criminal proceedings as well as in the civil lawsuit that resulted in a favorable settlement early this year. The program will be moderated by Edith Brady-Lunny, former legal affairs reporter for The Pantagraph. The Department of Politics and Government is the lead sponsor of the program.
​
In 1995, a McLean County jury found Beaman guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend, a 22-year-old ISU student even though there was no direct evidence that he committed the crime. He received a 50-year prison sentence....        For more information, please press the button below. 

Information submitted by Organizer, Tom McClure
Information

audio visual training - free to attorneys & staff
last opportunity

The McLean County Circuit Court has installed new audio/visual presentation equipment in the various courtrooms. 

Thursday, October 10                       4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.               Courtroom 5C
​
Please know that there is a limit of 25-30 folks per session.
Please know registration is needed so we can plan for the attendees.
Registration

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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!

MCBA SCHOLARSHIP

If you know of any L2 or L3 law students, please inform them about the 2024 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, 2024. Please see the link to the scholarship application below.
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Click on the image above to submit an application.

Social Hour & activities

2024 MCBA Social Calendar
​
​October 26
​

​December 19
​​
5th MCBA Cigar Social​ - Road Trip!​

​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
​
​8:00 – 8:30 am Registration and Continental Breakfast
​
8:30 – 8:45 am Welcome by CIPA President Cheri Vandivier
 
8:45 – 9:15 am Justice Amy C. Lannerd - 4th District Appellate Court of Illinois
Attention to Detail: The Power of the Record
 
9:15 – 10:15 am Thomas McClure, JD and Director of Legal Studies - Illinois State University
Should Illinois Stop Implicit Racial Bias in Jury Selection?
 
10:30 – 11:30 am Jeffrey Ruppel, Associate General Counsel - Caterpillar Inc.
AI: Friend or Foe? – Establishing a Risk Management Framework
 
11:30 – 12:30 pm Lunch
 
12:30 – 1:30 pm Robert Schaller, Attorney and Registered CPA - Schaller Law Firm, P.C.
Paralegal Profits Boost Bankruptcy Practice
 
1:45 – 2:45 pm Ryan Gammelgard, Associate General Counsel - State Farm Insurance
Employment Law Hot Topics – 2024
 
3:00 – 4:00 pm Anisa Jordan, Counsel - Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission
Nuts & Bolts: Ethical Considerations for Utilizing AI in Law
 
4:00 – 4:15 pm Closing Remarks
Registration and More Information

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] 
​
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.
​
Recording Available Soon
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 Coming Soon
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.

from the pcba
you are invited
to
​​the annual diversity luncheon

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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. 

mcba upcoming events

2024
​November 1-3 - ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tournament

2025
February 12 - High School Mock Trials
October 22-23 - Guardian Ad Litem Child Representative Certification Seminar

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 Jennifer at 
309.655.5476 ​

career opportunities


LIVINGSTON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Information
Updated 10-7

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER


district court - the northern district of il

Information
​Posted - September 16
​Deadline - October 17

magistrate judge


u.s. attorney's office central dist. of il​

Information
​Posted - September 2

asst. u.s. attorney (civil) 


state farm insurance​

Information
Posted - August 12
Closes - October 20

in-house counsel​


meyer capel,
​a professional corporation

Information
Posted - August 7

attorney, legal asst, receptionists


robert t. varney & assoc.

Information
Re-Posted - August 5

associate attorney



office space available



Illinois House Building, bloomington

Information
Added Information
Updated 6-10-2024

108 w. monroe, BLOOMINGTON

Updated Information
Posted 6-3-2024

105 N. Center, BLoomington

Information
Posted 12-8-2023

121 N. Main Street, 2nd Floor

Information
Posted 12-8-2023

205 N. Main Street

Information
Posted 12-8-2023

​217 E. Washington

Information
Posted 12-8-2023

115 Jefferson

Information
Posted 12-8-2023

bar committee activities

​2024
​BOG Meeting - October 8 noon
CLE Committee Meeting - October 22 noon
GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - October 25 12.15 pm
​
Law Day Committee Meeting - October 28 12.15 pm
​Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility [DEIA] Committee Meeting – November 20 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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