​​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER 

​march 10, 2025

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MCBA Events 2025
March
3/11 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

3/14 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

3/17 (Mon.)
Law Day Committee Meeting

3/20 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social - Shake it Up

3/21 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

3/25 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting
ISU Appellate Oral Arguments

3/28 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

April
4/4 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/11 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/17 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social

4/18 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/23 (Wed.)
Administrative Professionals' Day Social Hour

4/25 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

May
TBD - 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

5/28 (Wed.)
​DEIA Committee Meeting

June
6/2 (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 - CLE Event

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

November
11/6 (Thurs.)
Annual Behavioral Health Forum - CLE Event

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

​Complete 2026 List of Court Holidays & Closures

2025 Jury Calendar

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mcba softball
​summer 2025

Join in the fun! If you are interested in playing and / or cheering! Please watch the newsletter for more details to come! 

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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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THE MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION will be ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
​FOR THE
2025 LINCOLN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

DEADLINE - April 4th

The McLean County Bar Association is seeking nominations for the Lincoln Award of Excellence. Established in 1997, this award seeks to recognize attorneys for their service to the legal community as well as for their contributions to the community. The nominee must be a member of the McLean County Bar Association, respected as a citizen and member of the legal profession and be an example of the best of our profession who has a demonstrated commitment to public service, public good and who has dedicated his/her effort to improve the quality of life in our community and society.

​Retired attorneys who were involved in these activities during their career are also eligible to be nominated.

​Nomination Form & Information

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2025
​MCBA YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR
AWARD APPLICATION

DEADLINE - March 31st
​

The MCBA is now accepting nominations for its 2021 Young Lawyer of the Year Award. In order to be considered for the award, one must be (1) under the age of 36 or less than 10 years in practice, and (2) a member in good standing with the McLean County Bar Association. Evaluation criteria include employment history, individual achievements in the practice of law, service to the MCBA, and community/pro bono service.​

​Nomination Form & Information

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the 3rd thursday
​monthly social

March 20 - Shake It Up
April 17 - TBD
May 15 - Gill Street
June 19 - Rice N Spice
July 17 - Crafted
August 21 - Mystic Kitchen
September 18 - Fiala Brothers
October 16 - Reality Bites
November 20 - The Station Saloon
December - No Social Planned

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4th district oral arguments - updated

Tuesday, March 25
​

The ISU Department of Politics & Government and the McLean County Bar Association will host oral argument for two cases before the Illinois Appellate Court for the Fourth District on Tuesday, March 25 in the Bone Student Center. The arguments are set for 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for the first argument and 10:45 for the second argument. No one will be admitted once arguments begin.

The two cases set for argument are the following:

• 10:00 a.m. People v. Barton McNeil
• 11:00 a.m. People v. James Snow

 
This year, the argument will return to the Prairie Room, located on the second floor of the Bone Student Center.

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spring handgun firearm training
​saturday, april 12
registration limited to eight participants

​Introduction to Handgun Safety and Handling: A course for beginners
(Novices only please)
​

A FOID card is required to participate. To learn more about how to obtain your FOID card, please see this LINK.

When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
   (date confirmed with location; pending approval of May 17 back up date)
Where: Secor Sportsman’s Club
Schedule: 8 am (morning clubhouse instruction) to 4 pm (afternoon on the range)
   Lunch: From Michael’s in Eureka, IL; will be ordered and delivered to Secor Sportsman’s Club

Instructors: Nathan Haynes, Master Certified Range Instructor; Cory Wills, Certified Range Instructor

Dress accordingly. Eye and hearing protection are required – bring your own. 

Topics:
Firearm safety
Firearm nomenclature (parts, etc.)
Proper trigger control
Proper sight alignment
Proper finger placement
Loading and unloading of firearm
Magazine loading
Malfunctions – How to clear them
Differentiate between revolvers, semi-auto, and single action, double action firearms

Cost: TBD; includes use of clubhouse and range for day; lunch; targets and related other equipment; insurance; and the top level instructors! 
 
Individuals are encouraged to bring their own firearm and 100 rounds of ammo.

If a participant does not have a firearm, there will be handguns to use; just bring 100 rounds of 9 mm “range” ammo. Loaner guns are 9 mm.
 
Each participating person must sign a waiver. The 1-day liability policy of at least $1 million is figured into the class price. 
​

Registration only right now-no payment until closer to the event

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save the dates
​2025

For all CLE dates and information, please see the CLE section below.

Wednesday, April 23 - Administrative Professionals' Day
Activity Details Coming

Wednesday, May 7 - Law Day Luncheon
DoubleTree by Hilton
Featured Speaker is Keesha-Lu Mitra
​Senior Vice President & General Counsel at State Farm
​
Monday, June 2 - Golf & Pickleball Event
​
Friday, September 26 - 35th Annual CIPA Educational Seminar
Wednesday & Thursday, October 22 & 23 - GAL Certification Seminar
Thursday, November 6 - 8th Annual Behavioral Health Forum - ISU
​Wednesday, December 17 - Holiday Luncheon - BCC

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bar committee activities

​BOG Meeting - March 11 noon
Law Day Committee Meeting - March 17 12.15 pm
​GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - March 12.15 pm
CLE Committee Meeting - March 25 noon
DEIA Committee Meeting - May 28 12.15 pm
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - June 4

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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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mcba ​continuing legal EDUCATION
​2025

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tuesday, march 18

small law office efficiency - ai

Presented by
Drew Vaughn

[up to 1 hour of general CLE approved]
Zoom ONLY

Please join the McLean County Bar Association in welcoming Mr. Drew Vaughn. He will be teaching about how Artificial Intelligence works, the ethical implications of its use, and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence that you can implement today.  
​

Registration

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thursday, april 17

Bloomington Police Department's presentation on the
Community Engagement Unit

Presented by
Sergeant Kiel Nowers - BPD

[up to 1 hour of D&I CLE pending approval]
Location Law & Justice Center basement EOC Room

​Join the Bloomington Police Department as they present an in-depth overview of their Community Engagement Unit (CEU). This interactive session will explore the mission, strategies, and impact of the CEU in fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Topics include:

• The role of the CEU in building relationships with residents and local organizations.
• Initiatives designed to promote safety, awareness, and open communication.
• Success stories and measurable outcomes of community-focused policing efforts.
• How residents can get involved and partner with the CEU to address neighborhood concerns.

Participants will gain insights into how community engagement strengthens public safety, creates partnerships, and builds a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or civic leader, this presentation will highlight practical ways to engage with local law enforcement for a positive and collaborative future.

Registration will open in March

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thursday, april 24
2025 Future is now: legal services conference
​

4 hours of Professional Responsibility CLE
Including 1 hour of D&I and 1 hour of Mental Health & Substance Abuse CLE

Noon - 4:20 pm
​​via zoom

Hosted by Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
The Commission on Professionalism uses education to promote the ideals of professionalism in our legal and judicial systems. We believe lawyers and judges who embody the principles of professionalism will administer more equitable, efficient, and effective justice for the people of Illinois.
​

Ellie Feldmann, MA, LCPC, LPCLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Real Solutions 4U
​

Licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) Ellie Feldmann has extensive experience working with professionals in high-pressure environments, providing support for compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma for those repeatedly exposed to trauma and stressful conditions.
 
Lawyers and judges, especially those who are exposed to violent or high-conflict cases, are often witnesses to the suffering and tragedy of others, which can lead to vicarious trauma. 
 
In a town hall discussion, Feldmann will join District Attorney Michael J. Rourke to teach attendees how to recognize and cope with vicarious trauma in their careers.
 
This session qualifies for 1.0 hour of mental health and substance abuse CLE credit in Illinois. 
​

 About The Future Is Now
 
The Future Is Now is one of the nation's premier legal professionalism conferences. Join hundreds of lawyers and judges for the half-day, virtual event covering topics like: 

• Identifying and coping with vicarious trauma as a lawyer
• Practical use cases for leveraging generative AI throughout the client’s journey
• Recognizing and responding to bullying behavior in legal workplaces
• Strategies for understanding and embracing generational differences in the legal profession
• How focusing on client-centered lawyering and soft skills benefits law firms

​
Couldn't make it last year? Check out past sessions on our YouTube channel.
 
Attendees are eligible for 4 hours of professional responsibility CLE credit in Illinois, including 1 hour of diversity and inclusion and 1 hour of mental health and substance abuse credit. 

Early bird pricing extended to March 14 - $30.00 

Registration & More Information

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cle recording opportunities

CLE
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
​Ends, August 1, 2026
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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
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​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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career opportunities

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state farm insurance

Information

Closes May 11

in-house litigation counsel

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Mclean COUNTY public defender

Information APD I

Information APD II

Information APD III

assistant public defender i, ii, iii

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Mclean COUNTY state's attorney

Information

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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