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2022
March Events 3/15/2022 (Tues.) CLE 3/16/2022 (Wed.) Happy Hour! 3/18/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 3/25/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 3/28/2022 (Mon.) Law Day Committee Meeting 3/29/2022 (Tues.) CLE Committee Meeting April Events 4/1/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 4/8/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 4/12/2022 (Tues.) BOG Meeting 4/15/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 4/19/2022 (Tues.) CLE - canceled 4/20/2022 (Wed.) Bench/Bar Listening Session 4/22/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 4/26/2022 (Tues.) CLE Committee Meeting 4/29/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar May Events 5/4/2022 (Wed.) Law Day Event - 4.00 pm 5/6/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 5/10/2022 (Tues.) BOG Meeting 5/13/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 5/17/2022 (Tues.) CLE 5/20/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 5/27/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 5/30/2022 (Tues.) CLE Committee Meeting June Events 6/3/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 6/10/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 6/14/2022 (Tues.) BOG Meeting 6/17/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 6/21/2022 (Tues.) Annual Meeting 6/24/2022 (Fri.) Breakfast with the Bar 6/28/2022 (Tues.) CLE Committee Meeting |
NOMINATION DEADLINE - APRIL 4THE MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
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AmeriCorps Week is a time to recognize the commitment of the millions of Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and to highlight the impact of the work these members do in our community. Illinois JusticeCorps, an AmeriCorps funded program, serves self-represented litigants in the law library. We invite you to read Illinois JusticeCorps Fellow Jake Breit's AmeriCorps story below. Thank you, Jake for the work you put into making the courthouse more accessible to the public!
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When I decided to pursue law in my senior year of college, I was faced with the mystery of what to do with a gap year. In the midst of COVID, the stereotypical option of ‘backpacking through Europe’ wasn’t viable. With a record unemployment still in place and the time drain of studying for the LSAT already taking root, going on the job hunt seemed like a daunting prospect as well. Then, completely by chance, I came across an improbably ideal opportunity: JusticeCorps.
JusticeCorps would benefit me in a number of significant ways. For starters, throughout college I’d wanted a position in AmeriCorps in some form. Serving my country, if domestically, for a year, was very appealing to me. Additionally, I would have a year to see the legal profession from a ground-level view, and really determine where my interests in the field lie. The educational award was a much-appreciated bonus when facing the pricey prospect of law school. |
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I’m happy to say that JusticeCorps has delivered on all of these aspects and more. My responsibilities are varied and interesting, ensuring that there’s always something to consider even on quiet days in the law library. I have identified parts of the legal system I’m drawn to, and parts that I have no interest in. Familiarity with a courthouse’s day-to-day atmosphere and operations are something that I believe will serve me well in my future studies. Being an AmeriCorps fellow is also a very valuable lesson in personal finance, which is another skill I’m certain will be useful!
It’s true that all of the above fuel my enthusiasm for the position. But there is another, somewhat unexpected source.
In my position, the vast majority of people we assist in the library have no legal representation. Under no real circumstances could they ever seek it out. The people that come through the library are going through some of the toughest circumstances I’ve faced in a person. Messy divorces that leave parents uncertain if they’ll see their kids again. Abuse victims that need to take breaks to gather themselves as they type up why they’re seeking restraining orders. Tenants who have never missed a payment now facing eviction, and are terrified to take the next step. Understandably, there is stress. Frustration. Anger. Sadness.
But, to my surprise, there is a near-universal through line: gratitude. Despite the impossibly trying circumstances facing many of the people we serve, they always arrive as folks simply seeking help. They’re understanding. They’re kind. Even when we make mistakes (which I’m not too proud to admit is not uncommon), they’re forgiving and grateful for help in what can feel like a helpless system.
I’ve had people come back to my office after winning their judgements just to share the news and thank me. I’ve watched Zoom hearings in which mothers have nearly broken down with relief because their guardianship rights were granted. Recently, a patron asked me if I was going to be a lawyer. When I told her that that was my current plan, she said, “You will be. You’ll be a great one.” No job is without its frustrations or challenges. But these moments and all of the other benefits from my time here have assured me that this was a worthy way to spend a year between schools, and remains an experience I’d recommend to anyone in my shoes.
JusticeCorps is an AmeriCorps funded program that seeks to connect people without lawyers to the information and resources they need to pursue justice within the legal system. This letter was written as a part of AmeriCorps Week – a yearly event meant to spread the word about AmeriCorps and express gratitude to the volunteers.
Speaking of, I’d like to extend my own thanks to my supervisors and fellow volunteers that help make my position possible. Jenna, Mary, Alyx, Eli, Andria, and our most recent addition Karthik – thank you all!
Jake Breit - JusticeCorps Fellow
It’s true that all of the above fuel my enthusiasm for the position. But there is another, somewhat unexpected source.
In my position, the vast majority of people we assist in the library have no legal representation. Under no real circumstances could they ever seek it out. The people that come through the library are going through some of the toughest circumstances I’ve faced in a person. Messy divorces that leave parents uncertain if they’ll see their kids again. Abuse victims that need to take breaks to gather themselves as they type up why they’re seeking restraining orders. Tenants who have never missed a payment now facing eviction, and are terrified to take the next step. Understandably, there is stress. Frustration. Anger. Sadness.
But, to my surprise, there is a near-universal through line: gratitude. Despite the impossibly trying circumstances facing many of the people we serve, they always arrive as folks simply seeking help. They’re understanding. They’re kind. Even when we make mistakes (which I’m not too proud to admit is not uncommon), they’re forgiving and grateful for help in what can feel like a helpless system.
I’ve had people come back to my office after winning their judgements just to share the news and thank me. I’ve watched Zoom hearings in which mothers have nearly broken down with relief because their guardianship rights were granted. Recently, a patron asked me if I was going to be a lawyer. When I told her that that was my current plan, she said, “You will be. You’ll be a great one.” No job is without its frustrations or challenges. But these moments and all of the other benefits from my time here have assured me that this was a worthy way to spend a year between schools, and remains an experience I’d recommend to anyone in my shoes.
JusticeCorps is an AmeriCorps funded program that seeks to connect people without lawyers to the information and resources they need to pursue justice within the legal system. This letter was written as a part of AmeriCorps Week – a yearly event meant to spread the word about AmeriCorps and express gratitude to the volunteers.
Speaking of, I’d like to extend my own thanks to my supervisors and fellow volunteers that help make my position possible. Jenna, Mary, Alyx, Eli, Andria, and our most recent addition Karthik – thank you all!
Jake Breit - JusticeCorps Fellow
CELEBRATING AMERICORPS WEEK
MARCH 13-19, 2022
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Please stop by the McLean County Law Library on the 6th floor of the Law & Justice Center to say 'hi' to our local group of volunteers!
The photo below was taken during the proclamation ceremony last week.
2022
MCBA YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR
AWARD APPLICATION
DEADLINE - April 30th
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.
CLE
TUESDAY - march 15
ZOOM AT NOON
[Up to 2 Hours General CLE Credit Approved]
"Abuse and Stalking and Assault, Oh My!":
Seeking or Defending against OPs and Other Protective Orders
by
Hon. David W. Butler (ret.) & Hon. Scott Kording
Learn the purposes and differences of the four most common personal protective orders, including Orders of Protection (OPs), Stalking No Contact Orders (SNCOs), Civil No Contact Orders (CNCOs), and Criminal Protective Orders (CPOs); who can be protected by the orders; the procedures for the filing and hearing of Petitions for these orders, including how emergency orders (EOPs, ESNCOs, and ECNCOs) are handled; the protective-order remedies available to victims of abuse/stalking/assault; plus some advanced practice tips that should help both the “newbie” and the “old pro” attorneys alike.
I.S.U Lawyer Referral Registration Opportunity
from
Samantha M. Vazquez
Students’ Attorney
Dean of Students Office
Illinois State University
Ph: (309) 438-2008
Email: smvazqu@illinoisstate.edu
Website: www.DeanofStudents.IllinoisState.edu
Students’ Attorney
Dean of Students Office
Illinois State University
Ph: (309) 438-2008
Email: smvazqu@illinoisstate.edu
Website: www.DeanofStudents.IllinoisState.edu
In my role as the Students’ Attorney at ISU, students often come to me looking for referrals for local attorneys to hire. In an effort to get the best, most accurate referrals, I’ve composed a survey for attorneys to add their name/contact info/areas of practice.
If you are interested, please find the survey at this LINK. Thank you for your consideration.
If you are interested, please find the survey at this LINK. Thank you for your consideration.
will search requests
posted 2-28-2022
We are looking for a will prepared for William Stacy Rigsby, DOD 12/27/21
Contact: Attorney Valerie Moehle, 309-347-4141, vmoehle@msandllegal.com. P. O. Box 875, 410 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61555-0875 Thank you.
law day 2022
Wednesday, may 4 at 4.00 pm
Next Law Day Committee Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 28 at noon via zoom.
recorded cle opportunities
state of the circuit cle
originally posted - january 18
recording ends - april 30
[One Hour General CLE Credit Approved]
This presentation was sponsored by the McLean County Bar Association. This presentation was the annual program on the state of the 11th Circuit Courts presented by the McLean County Circuit Court Judges.
Reference Materials
Social Security
From Retirement To Disability
What You And Your Clients Need To Know
originally posted - february 15
recording ends - july 31
[One Hour General CLE Credit Approved]
Please join the McLean County Bar Association in welcoming one of our own local attorneys. Frank Hoffman has been in private practice for over 40 years. His federal law practice is concentrated in areas of personal and business bankruptcy as well as social security disability law. Mr. Hoffman will be presenting on various components of Social Security Law. He will touch on the historical perspective. His focus will be on two components of Social Security Law. He will touch on Retirement and then focus on Disability.
click on the above logo to find more information
SAVE THE DATE!
Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA)
Is Proud to Announce
The 32nd Annual Legal Educational Seminar
Will be held in Conjunction with the
McLean County Bar Association
On Friday, September 16, 2022
At the Doubletree Hotel – Bloomington, IL
Is Proud to Announce
The 32nd Annual Legal Educational Seminar
Will be held in Conjunction with the
McLean County Bar Association
On Friday, September 16, 2022
At the Doubletree Hotel – Bloomington, IL
friday breakfast with the bar
join us this friday
8:00 am- 9:00 am
Downtown Bloomington
mark your calendar
2021 & 2022
2022
April 20 - Bench/Bar Listening Session 12.05 pm
May 4 - Law Day 4:00 pm
May 17 - CLE Drone Law Update - IN PERSON at 2nd Pres
April 20 - Bench/Bar Listening Session 12.05 pm
May 4 - Law Day 4:00 pm
May 17 - CLE Drone Law Update - IN PERSON at 2nd Pres
career opportunities
office space available
1,400 square feet
Ground floor previously office space for a law firm. Only minutes away from the court house.
DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING
office space for rent
the murphey building - two blocks from the courthouse
ILLINOIS HOUSE BUILDING
FOR RENT
Two offices, each about 430 square feet.
Both ideal for a sole practioner and assistant.
FOR RENT
Two offices, each about 430 square feet.
Both ideal for a sole practioner and assistant.
DOWNTOWN LAW OFFICE BUILDING
FOR SALE
DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING
FOR SALE OR LEASE
DOWNTOWN - BLOOMINGTON
FOR SALE OR LEASE
DOWNTOWN - BLOOMINGTON
bar committee activities
2022
Law Day Committee Meeting - March 28 noon
CLE Committee Meeting - March 29 noon
BOG Meeting - April 12 noon
Law Day Committee Meeting - March 28 noon
CLE Committee Meeting - March 29 noon
BOG Meeting - April 12 noon