​Updated 3-17-2026

​MCBA NEWSLETTER 

march 16, 2026

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​MCBA Events 2026
March
3/17 (Tues.)
CLE

3/20 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

3/27 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

April
4/1 (Wed.)
CLE

4/3 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/10 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/14 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

4/17 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

4/21 (Tues.)
CLE

4/22 (Wed.)
Administrative Day Celebration

4/24 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

May
5/1 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/6 (Wed.)
Law Day

5/8 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/15 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/19 (Tues.)
An Underwood Event after work

5/22 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

5/22 (Fri.)
GAL Certification Committee Meeting

5/29 (Fri.)
Breakfast with the Bar

June
6/4 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

6/25 (Thurs.)
Annual Meeting

December
12/10 (Thurs.)
Holiday Luncheon

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​Complete 2026 List of Court Holidays & Closures

2026 Jury Calendar

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mcba membership 2026

Please push on the above logo to renew your membership for 2026.

thank you for your membership & renewals!

​​Allred, Leslie
Apfelbaum, Larry
Arbaugh, Jeffrey
Armstrong, David
Baker, Randy
Bardell, Miles
Barr, Adrian
Barr, Cary B.
Beard, David
Bernardi, Donald
Bingaman, Laurel
Black, Scott
Boyle, George
Brandt, Peter
Brandt, Rachel
Brown, Tenesha
Bruno, Anthony
Bruno, Evan
Bukalski, Brendan
Butler, David
Butler, Matthew
Butts, Michael
Carter, Caylie *2024 scholarship recipient
Castagna, Laura 
Chambers, Jason
Chapman, Todd
Chikahisa, Spencer
Coleman, Mary *2026 scholarship recipient 
Cook, Timothy
Corbett, Jordan
Corwin, 'Chip' Charles
Corwin, Lisa
Costigan, Casey
​Couri-Cyphers, Gina
Crabill, Jeff
Davis, Bryce 
Davis, Dean
Davis, Julia
​Day, Brian
DeCardy, William
Dehn, Joseph
Deneen, Daniel
DePew, Russell
DeVary, Allen
DeVivo, Rayne
​Dies, Darrell
Dodds, Geoffrey
Dodds, Terry
​Donaldson, Erin
Dorris, David
Drazewski, Scott
Duffy, Sarah
Duncan, Erin
Ehlers, Randall
Erickson, Chuck
Evans, Ethan
Eves, Pablo
Ewick, Thomas
Farrell, Calli
Feeney III, Charles
Fehr, Renee
Feldman, Art
Fellheimer, Mark
Fenger, Michael
Fitt, David
Fitzgerald, Kevin
Foley, Joseph
Foley, Rebecca
Fosen, Nannette
Fredrick, Aaron
Freese, John P. 
Freitag, Robert
Frizzell, Mackenzie
Fulk, Jacob
Fyans-Jimenez, Angela
Galloway, Aaron S
Galloway, Brian
Ganschow, Jaime
Goldrick, J. Brian
Gramlich, Stephanie *2026 scholarship recipient
Greenburg, Todd
Groble, Rayne
Guido, Daniel
Hagglund, Maria
Haning, Carissa
Harrod III, Sam 
Hartweg, Darrell
​Haas, Carrie
Hayworth, Alexandra
Henderson, Asia
Henderson, Hunt
Henrichsmeyer, Allison
Herr, Thomas
Hiler-Welch, Tammy
Hill, Lee Ann
Hinch, Nathan
Hoffman, Frank 
Holder, Dan W
Hornsby, Aaron
Horve, Jeffrey
Houska, Nicholas
Hundman, Tom
Hurney, John
Hurt, Jaylon
Ihnes, Nathan
Israel, Serena *2024 Scholarship Recipient
Janello, Frank 
Jennings, Thomas
Johns-Cummings, Miranda
Johnson, Douglas B
Johnson, Mark
Katavich [Bohon], Hannah
Kelly, Andrew
Kelly, Terence
Khokhar, Nargis
Kim, John
Knapp, Don
Knauer, Aaron

Knecht, James
​Koetters, Matthew
Koll, MaryKording, Scott
Kraft, Kathleen
Kurt, Elizabeth
Lawrence, Paul
Leifheit, Whitney *2019 scholarship recipient
Lenckus, Sean
Lenz, Robert
Lewis, Joe
Lewis, Ronald
Lindsay, Jeff W
Lurkens, Lauren
Malin, Michael
Mann, Steven
Mannen, Nicole
Martin, Connor J.
Maulson, Wendy 
McCarron, Joe
McClure, Thomas E
McEldowney, Brian
McElvain, Mike
McFarland, Amy
McGrath, Mark
McGrath, Patrick
McKibbin, Ed
Megli, Elizabeth
Mennenga, Jaci
Miatke, Ethan
Michaelsen, Ryan
Milcik, Leah
Miller, Todd 
Mitra, Keesha-Lu
Molchin, Chase
Moore, Fred B 
Mosby-Scott, Michelle R
Nairn, John
Nichols, Mike *2016 scholarship recipient  
Nieminski, Kristin
Nixon, Zachery
Novick, Alan
Owen, Shannon
Parson, Emmalie
Paskevych, Yelyzaveta
Patel, Nrupa
Patterson, Clayton
Patton, Jennifer
Petri, Emily
Phan, Patricia (Vi-Vi)
Phoenix, David
Pierce, Enera
Pipkins, Luke
Porter, Robert W
Prall, Michael
Pratt, Catherine A.
Pratt, John Linden
Propps, Jaime
Queen, Craig
Querciagrossa, Jason
Reece, Jay D
Reynard, Charles
Reynolds, Erika
Rhoades, Margaret
Rigdon, Bradly
Rinker, Joshua
Ritchie, Chad
Robb, Elizabeth
Rogers, Jilmala 
Rohrscheib, Joshua
Rood, Don
Roseberry, Todd 
Rossi, David
Ruble, Nicholas 
Sanner, Thomas
Scaglione, Luke
Scarborough, Ashley
Schwulst, John
Scott, Michael
Shane, Alex
Shane, Josephine
Sheahan, Kevin
Sierra, Trevor
​Simmons, Steven
Souk, James
Spanos, Christopher
Spitsbergen, Titus
Sternberg, Alan
Temke, Brenda
Thomas, Luke
Thomason, Candice
​Varney, Robert T.
Vazquez, Samantha
Vicars-Duncan, Sheila
​Walker, Clark
Wall, Dawn
Wallace, Stuart
Walley, Samantha
Watson Minger, Tara
Weaver, Jessica
Weigel, Joseph
​Weir, Kyleigh
Weltman, Eitan
Wheeler, Carla
White, Kevin
Williams, Alexandra *2022 scholarship recipient
Williams, Taylor *2020 scholarship recpient
Wochner, David C. 
Wong, Stephanie
Wood, George
Wood, Megan
Wood, Stephen
Workman, William
Wright, John 
Wright, Johnathan
Wylder, James
Yoder, William
Young, Emily
Zywiec, Bruce

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free informational seminar
real estate transaction law updates

Click on this LINK to find out more about Financial Crimes Enforcement Network [FINCEN] which is part of the US Treasury.
​

We invite you to join us for a complimentary informational seminar hosted by Frontier Title and Brokers Title covering the new FINCEN requirements and how they may affect real estate transactions and your clients.
 
The new regulations are generating many questions within the industry. This session will provide a clear overview of what is changing, when it took effect, and what real estate professionals and attorneys should expect moving forward.

Seminar Details
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: RE/MAX Rising
1015 Ekstam Dr., Bloomington

​Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling Yvonne at Frontier Title at 309-661-8833.

During the seminar we will cover:

• Overview of the new FINCEN reporting requirements
• Which transactions may be affected
• What information may be required from buyers and sellers
• How title companies will be handling compliance
• What this means for realtors, attorneys, and their clients

 
This will be a concise, practical session designed to help you stay informed and prepared as these rules take effect.
  
We hope you can join us.
 
Thanks,
Tom Hundman
Managing Attorney
Frontier Title Company, LLC

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cle
estate planning basics & practical tips
tuesday, march 17
​noon

[1 hour general CLE pends approval]
​

​Please join the McLean County Bar Association in welcoming MCBA Members, Chad Ritchie, Dan Deneen, and Tom Jennings. They will present a program focusing on topics such as Estate Planning Basics and Core Analysis, Powers of Attorney, and Medicaid Planning. The valuing of farmland in Estate Administration will also be presented. 
​

Food provided by The Rock Restaurant

Registration

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legal ease
​an invitation!

All bar members, family and friends are invited to "Legal Ease," a casual Spring social on May 1 from 2:30-5pm at Fulk Family Law [FFL]. Kick off the season and your weekend early and uptown with light snacks, drinks, entertainment and good company as FFL also celebrates 1 year in business!

When? Friday, May 1st beginning at 2:30 pm
Where? Fulk Family Law - 104 S. Linden, Ste B, Normal
What? Help bring in the weekend by celebrating the FFL 1 year in business anniversary!

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cle
sentencing credit in illinois criminal cases
wednesday, april 1
​noon - 1:30 pm​

[1.5 hours general CLE pends approval]
​

Please join the McLean County Bar Association in welcoming Jackie Mathias-Jail R.E.S.E.T. (Recovery, Education, Support and reEntry Team) Director McLean County Jail and Hon. David Butler [Ret.]-Special Assistant Public Defender for McLean County.
 
This program will provide a guide of the credits that may be applied to reduce a criminal sentence.  The amount of time served on a criminal sentence may be significantly reduced by various forms of sentence credit available under Illinois law.  Attorneys should be familiar with the credits that may be applied to a sentence when negotiating a plea agreement or deciding on whether to go to trial.  Both defense attorneys and prosecutors will gain an awareness of the sentence credits that are possible for particular sentences.
 
Specific Topics Include:
Statutory Good Time Credit
Illinois Truth in Sentencing Act
Minimum Sentences
Periodic Imprisonment
County Jail Programs Credit
DOC Earned Discretionary Sentence
DOC Programs Credit
Sentencing Credit on Concurrent & Consecutive Sentences
Misdemeanor Good Time Act
Time Served in Custody Prior to Sentencing
Strangulation & Great Bodily Harm Cases
Revocation of Good Time Credit

Registration

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THE MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION will be ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
​FOR THE
2026 YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR

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.​
​

Nomination Form and Information

This award will be presented at the June 26th MCBA Annual Meeting. ​

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THE MCLEAN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION will be ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
​FOR THE
2026 LINCOLN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

DEADLINE - April 5th

​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

This award will be presented at the May 6th Law Day Luncheon. ​

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social events 2026

​Wednesday, April 22 - Administrative Assistant Day - Epiphany Farms Restaurant
Friday, May 1 - Legal Ease beginning at 2:30 pm at the Fulk Family Law Office

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mcba law day
wednesday, may 6 - luncheon

The Rule of Law and the American Dream

Most Americans have their own ideas about the American Dream, but whether their focus is on aspirations such as political liberty, social equality, personal security, or economic opportunity, they all rely on the rule of law. The rule of law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams.

The rule of law ensures that people will not be imprisoned or punished without due process, will be free to pursue their economic interests, and will be secure in their homes and property. In short, the rule of law is essential to the freedom and prosperity that Americans have aspired to throughout the nation’s history. The ABA encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams.

​Learn more about this years theme by clicking on the above ABA logo. 

Please plan to join the McLean County Bar Association's Law Day Luncheon on Wednesday, May 6th at noon. 

Wednesday, May 6 Luncheon Registration will Open Soon

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bar committee activities

​CLE Committee Meeting - March 24 noon
​​BOG Meeting - April 14 noon
​​DEIA Committee Meeting - April 29 12.15 pm
​​​GAL Certification Planning Committee Meeting - May 22 12.15 pm
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - June 3

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aaron knauer

Please welcome Aaron to the McLean County Bar Association. Mr. Knauer has joined Robert T. Varney & Associates as an associate attorney.

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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free cle opportunity

PSLS Spring into Pro Bono CLEs
​

Spring into Pro Bono: Fair Housing Discrimination
Date: March 19th, 12-1:15pm
Location: Virtual / Zoom
Description: This training provides an overview of fair housing discrimination laws and their application in rental housing cases. Participants will learn to identify common forms of discrimination, understand protected classes under federal and state law, and explore practical strategies for spotting issues and advising clients.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pIlrJ8MnR3yDa42lPNLfSQ
 
Spring into Pro Bono: Advance Directives
Date: April 9th, 12-1:15pm
Location: Virtual / Zoom
Description: This training provides an overview of advance directives and their role in health care decision-making. Participants will learn about common types of advance directives, key legal requirements under Illinois law, and practical considerations for counseling clients on planning for future medical care. The session will also include some best practices to ensure advance directives accurately reflect a client’s wishes.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j8tGQJoKS7mmuhWaxxWVtQ
 
Spring into Pro Bono: Bankruptcy Basics
Date: April 16th, 12-1:15pm
Location: Virtual / Zoom
Description: This training provides an overview of the fundamentals of bankruptcy, with a focus on common issues encountered by low-income clients. Participants will learn the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, eligibility considerations, the basic filing process, and key practice tips for spotting bankruptcy issues.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g4ExM9vjS5K2Ttg1SJo-HQ
 
Spring into Pro Bono: Language Access in Legal Practice
Date: May 7th, 12-1:15pm
Location: Virtual / Zoom
Description: This training explores practical strategies for providing meaningful language access in legal services. Participants will learn best practices for working effectively with interpreters, communicating with clients who have limited English proficiency, and navigating common challenges that arise beyond simply identifying available language access resources. 
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ocNZbR9YSc6a3uao4ETOsQ
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cle opportunity

2026 Future is Now: Legal Services Conference
April 30, 2026
Virtual

4.0 hours of professional responsibility CLE credit
including 1 hour of diversity and inclusion 
1 hour of mental healther & substance abuse credit
​

Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism presents The Future is Now. 

More Information & Registration

mcba cle recorded opportunities

cle

Originally Recorded
Tuesday, December 3, 2025
​Ends, December 1, 2027
​

​A Guide To Problem Solving Courts: 
​Drug Court, Recovery Court, and Veteran’s Court

​[Up to 1.5 hours general CLE - Approved] 
​

Presenters:
Hon. Dave Butler [Ret.]-Moderator
Ron Lewis
Hon. Scott Drazewski [Ret.]
Emilio Fischer
Craig Queen

This program will provide an overview of the sentencing alternatives known as Problem Solving Courts. These sentencing alternatives include Drug Court, Recovery Court and Veteran’s Court. Each of these specialized sentences are remedial and are alternatives to a prison sentence. Both defense attorneys and prosecutors will gain an understanding of these specialized sentences including eligibility requirements, terms and conditions, the process of evaluating referrals and the sentencing process.
 
Specific Topics Include:
 
What Are Problem Solving Courts?
Drug Court, Recovery Court, and Veteran’s Court Distinguished
PSC Referrals
PSC Court Process
PSC Teams
Steps In Processing PSC Referrals
Adult Risk Assessments & Drug Evaluations
State’s Attorney’s Screening of PSC Referrals
Attorney’s Role When Client is Sentenced To a PSC
PSC Violations

Registration - email Mary if interested.

CLE
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
​Ends, July 1, 2027

A Case Review from the Bench
​

Presented by: Hon. Donald Bernardi [Ret.] & Hon. Charles Feeney [Ret.]
​
​[Up to 1 hour general CLE - Approved] 

​

Retired Judges Donald Bernardi and Charles Feeney have each selected two cases from their time on the bench that present interesting legal issues. These cases are both civil and criminal and include a variety of issues, including legal malpractice and the use of the involuntary intoxication defense in criminal cases.

Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

CLE
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
​Ends, March 1, 2027

Small Law Office Efficiency - AI

Presented by: Drew Vaughn

​[Up to 1 hour general CLE - Approved] 

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.  

Learning Objectives:
1. Foundations of Artificial Intelligence [A.I.]
2. Ethical Implications of the use of AI
3. Practical AI Application
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Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

CLE
Originally Recorded
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
​Ends, August 1, 2026
​
​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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Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

CLE
Originally Recorded
​Tuesday, July 16, 2024
ENDS June 25, 2026
​
Traffic Stops & Motor Vehicles Searches

Presented by: Hon. David Butler (Ret.) & Matthew Butler

​[up to 1.5 hours general CLE - Approved] 

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

The cost is $20.00.
​

Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

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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 
&
law student opportunities

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guardian law office​

Information

posted 3-16

part-time administrative assistant

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city of bloomington

Associate Corporation Counsel

Assistant Corporation Counsel

posted 3-9

associate counsel &
​assistant counsel

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state farm insurance

Information

posted 3-9
ends 4-4

in-house counsel

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livingston, barger, brandt, & schroeder, llp

Information

posted 3-2

2 attorneys:
transactional 
& litigation
1  paralegal: litigation 

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state farm insurance

Information

posted 2-23

in-house fire claim counsel

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office space available

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802 N. Clinton, bloomington

Information

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108 w. monroe, BLOOMINGTON

Information

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