MCBA Newsletter updated may 18, 2020
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2020
May Events 5/19/20 (Tues.) - Virtual CLE Event 5/20/20 (Wed.) - Virtual Law Day Committee Meeting 5/22/20 (Fri.) - Virtual GAL Committee Meeting 5/25/20 (Mon.) Law & Justice Center Closed 5/26/20 (Tues.) CLE Committee Meeting 5/27/20 (Wed.) Tentative State-of-Circuit Update June Events 6/16/20 (Tues.) - Virtual CLE Event July Events 7/3/20 (Fri.) Law & Justice Center Closed 7/--/20 (Tues.) - Tentative Annual Bar Meeting 7/21/20 (Tues.) - Virtual CLE Luncheon-Collections August Events 8/18/20 (Tues.) CLE Luncheon September Events 9/7/20 (Mon.) Law & Justice Center Closed 9/15/20 (Tues.) CLE Luncheon 9/25/20 (Fri.) Law Day Celebration Gala October Events 10/12/20 (Mon.) Law & Justice Center Closed 10/20/20 (Tues.) CLE Luncheon 10/21 & 22 (Tues. & Wed.) GAL Conference November Events 11/11/20 (Mon.) Law & Justice Center Closed 11/17/20 (Tues.) CLE Luncheon 11/26 & 11/27/20 (Thurs. & Fri.) Law & Justice Center Closed December Events 12/24 & 25 (Thurs. & Fri.) Law & Justice Center Closed 2021 January Events 1/1/21 (Fri.) Law & Justice Center Closed |
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTWell, it would appear that the opening of Illinois is near! Very excited to say the least. Personally, I was able to get away to visit family for a change of scenery over the weekend and it was quite liberating. Upon our return to normalcy, we will all need to do our part to prevent a recurrence, including the continued washing of hands, using masks and sanitizers, social distancing and the like. I want to apologize for the length of my weekly messages for the past several weeks. I want to make you aware of all of the ongoing and ever-changing happenings that impact not only members of our Bar, but our local community as a whole. For our Court functions and upcoming Bar activities, it would appear that the prudent and chosen way will be the continued use of Zoom and other remote communications. To that end, Judges McFarland and Costigan will be presenting, via Zoom, today on their Specialty Courts-Recovery and Drug Courts. Once again, I hope to hear from our McLean County Bench and possibly the other counties in our circuit as to whether we can have a Zoom conference tantamount to a quasi-State of the Circuit on how matters will be handled and what our landscape will look like upon our return to normal operations at the Circuit's courthouses. I'm hoping that will include the expected procedures, how hearings and trials will be conducted over the coming months, etc. And, if known, how movement by the Bar, staff and public will be directed within our courthouses, i.e. elevator use, gathering in the hallways, courtrooms and clerk's offices, etc. If doable, we would look to host this next Wednesday, May 27th. Stay tuned. For those of our members whose two-year MCLE reporting period is June 30, 2020, I wanted to bring to your attention an important option available to you. Some of you may already have received notice that a three-month extension (until September 30, 2020) is available to earn your MCLE credits and report compliance to the MCLE Board. However, please take note that the extension is not automatic. If you cannot complete your MCLE credits by June 30th, you can secure the three month extension at no cost without a late fee by submitting an online report of "Not Yet Complied" to the MCLE Board no later than July 31, 2020. If you do not report compliance, "not yet complied" or otherwise secure a valid exemption on or before July 31, 2020, you will still have until September 30, 2020 to earn the credits and report your compliance but you will need to pay a $250.00 late fee. Please see more information below. I am still planning to either move the Bar's Annual meeting, currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 16th, to the month of July in order to maximize the amount of time away from the peak of this pandemic in order to host a large gathering, or conduct the meeting via Zoom provided that we have a quorum. However, I was not inclined to proceed with Zoom as I would like for our Bar to be able to provide its proper and due respects to the families and loved ones of our members who have passed away during this past year. Personally, I was greatly moved by the memorial presented for my father nearly ten years ago and would not want the families to miss out on this opportunity. Additional details forthcoming. Once again, I appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times. We have decided to formally move Law Day 2020 to Friday, September 25, 2020, as Justice Garman will be available to speak, and I did not want our Bar to miss this great opportunity to hear her. Lastly, many of you support those who are less fortunate and in great need throughout the year through your financial contributions and/or valuable time. As you know, substantial efforts will be needed to address and overcome the aftermath and adverse impact of COVID-19, especially for the needy families and those less fortunate. As I indicated this past week, one of the many organizations that would appear to be doing their part is the United Way in providing assistance to our local food banks, families of students from some of our local schools and others in need. If you are interested in helping the United Way, you can make financial contribution to its GoFundMe page or sign up to volunteer at a food distribution site, through Eastview’s Sign-up genius link- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d45adae2caaf94-meal . Obviously, there are many worthy organizations out there in need of our help and the United Way is just one. I hope you continue help in any way that you can. Have a great week. Be safe! Joe Foley COURT communications
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Livingston County |
TO: Members of the Livingston County Bar Association (via email)
Members of the McLean County Bar Association (via the MCBA Enewsletter)
FROM: Judge Jennifer H. Bauknecht - Resident Circuit Judge - Livingston County
DATE: May 18, 2020
RE: Emergency Order- COVID-19
Members of the McLean County Bar Association (via the MCBA Enewsletter)
FROM: Judge Jennifer H. Bauknecht - Resident Circuit Judge - Livingston County
DATE: May 18, 2020
RE: Emergency Order- COVID-19
As you know, we continue to operate under Emergency Administrative Order 2020-06 and its Supplements. Barring any major developments with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak, we anticipate resuming “non-essential” court hearings on June 1, 2020, subject to some limitations. We are currently awaiting an Order from the Illinois Supreme Court allowing “non-essential” hearings to resume and then Chief Judge Mark Fellheimer will enter an updated A.O. easing the current restrictions. Each courthouse will have their own procedures to address the needs of that particular building. Although I am not privy to what other circuits are doing, it is my understanding that many others will also begin ramping things up on June 1st.
As we begin to expand the types of hearings we are conducting, I would ask you to keep the following guidelines in mind when scheduling and attending court hearings:
Each courtroom will be limiting the number of hearings to ensure we do not have more than 10 people in the courtroom during any given hour. Guidelines and procedures will be posted at the LJC with regards to procedures and traffic flow within the building. I would encourage you to continuing conducting hearings remotely whenever possible.
As always, feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued patience, courtesy and cooperation.
cc: Chief Judge Mark A. Fellheimer
Will Scanlon, Trial Court Administrator
As we begin to expand the types of hearings we are conducting, I would ask you to keep the following guidelines in mind when scheduling and attending court hearings:
- Arrive no more than 10 minutes before the hearing;
- Bring only your client to the hearing, no family members or friends
- Wear face covering while at LJC
- Maintain social distancing at all times within the LJC
- If the courtroom and conference rooms are at maximum capacity, wait in the jury assembly room
- Limit the number of status hearings on a case/ consider conducting them by phone
- Limit negotiating on a case at the LJC- those discussions should take place before coming to court
- Do not have your client enter the well of the courtroom without first checking with the judge
Each courtroom will be limiting the number of hearings to ensure we do not have more than 10 people in the courtroom during any given hour. Guidelines and procedures will be posted at the LJC with regards to procedures and traffic flow within the building. I would encourage you to continuing conducting hearings remotely whenever possible.
As always, feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued patience, courtesy and cooperation.
cc: Chief Judge Mark A. Fellheimer
Will Scanlon, Trial Court Administrator
mclean CountyMay 13, 2020
To: The McLean County Bar Association I hope this message finds you healthy, safe and in good spirits. On behalf of the McLean County Judiciary and staff, I ask, and thank you for, your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. |
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Since mid-March, the Judges have been collaboratively working to find safe, appropriate and creative ways to move cases forward that include conducting remote and virtual hearings. While many of the pandemic-related issues come with great trepidation, it is also exciting to be part of some truly revolutionary changes that may become fixtures in our Courts as a result of what we are learning and implementing during the pandemic. This is not necessarily the way we would have liked to pioneer these methods, but it has greatly sped up the process and allow us to hear cases.
As you know, the Law and Justice Center has remained open throughout the pandemic and fortunately we have been able to effectively handle emergency and essential matters. Everyone has lots of questions about how and when the Courts will resume full operations. While I would like to give you a detailed answer, that is impossible. Things today look wildly different than they did in early March and things may look wildly different in June than they do now. We expect a gradual “ramping up” of in-person courthouse activity starting in June 2020, but that could change based on the evolving circumstances.
We are constantly monitoring the situation and are receiving constant communication from health officials, the Illinois Supreme Court, the Conference of Chief Judges and others. As attorneys, we naturally despise uncertainty and unpredictability and the Judiciary understands that rapidly communicating changes in the Court’s operations to the Bar and to the public helps alleviate some of that uncertainty and unpredictability. I promise that the Bar will be in the first group to know when court operations change.
To reduce courthouse foot traffic, several dockets, including the Family Division, portions of the Law Division, and portions of the Criminal Division will continue conducting remote hearings for certain cases for the foreseeable with the ability to have in-person hearings on a case-by-case basis. These efforts will both reduce courthouse foot traffic and allow some courtrooms to be used for other purposes such as overflow and jury related issues.
In addition to reducing foot traffic while ramping operations up, physical changes and building precautions are being made at the Law and Justice Center to minimize the repeated touching of door handles/courtroom swinging gates and other high-touch areas, social distancing markers, signage, and revised seating layouts throughout the building in addition to other recommended health precautions.
Should you have any questions or concerns on court operations, please contact the Trial Court Administrator, William Scanlon at (309) 888-5266.
Stay safe and we all look forward to seeing all of you whether it be in person or remotely. I look forward to providing you with future updates and to welcoming all of you back to the Law and Justice Center.
With regards,
Chief Judge Mark A. Fellheimer
As you know, the Law and Justice Center has remained open throughout the pandemic and fortunately we have been able to effectively handle emergency and essential matters. Everyone has lots of questions about how and when the Courts will resume full operations. While I would like to give you a detailed answer, that is impossible. Things today look wildly different than they did in early March and things may look wildly different in June than they do now. We expect a gradual “ramping up” of in-person courthouse activity starting in June 2020, but that could change based on the evolving circumstances.
We are constantly monitoring the situation and are receiving constant communication from health officials, the Illinois Supreme Court, the Conference of Chief Judges and others. As attorneys, we naturally despise uncertainty and unpredictability and the Judiciary understands that rapidly communicating changes in the Court’s operations to the Bar and to the public helps alleviate some of that uncertainty and unpredictability. I promise that the Bar will be in the first group to know when court operations change.
To reduce courthouse foot traffic, several dockets, including the Family Division, portions of the Law Division, and portions of the Criminal Division will continue conducting remote hearings for certain cases for the foreseeable with the ability to have in-person hearings on a case-by-case basis. These efforts will both reduce courthouse foot traffic and allow some courtrooms to be used for other purposes such as overflow and jury related issues.
In addition to reducing foot traffic while ramping operations up, physical changes and building precautions are being made at the Law and Justice Center to minimize the repeated touching of door handles/courtroom swinging gates and other high-touch areas, social distancing markers, signage, and revised seating layouts throughout the building in addition to other recommended health precautions.
Should you have any questions or concerns on court operations, please contact the Trial Court Administrator, William Scanlon at (309) 888-5266.
Stay safe and we all look forward to seeing all of you whether it be in person or remotely. I look forward to providing you with future updates and to welcoming all of you back to the Law and Justice Center.
With regards,
Chief Judge Mark A. Fellheimer
attention
important information for attorneys with last names beginning with a-m
Attorneys with June 30, 2020 as their MCLE compliance deadline may choose a three-month extension at no cost. BUT - You MUST TAKE ACTION by July 31, 2020 to select this option if you do not want to pay the $250 late fee.
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Click on the LAP logo to find the home page. |
Please find the latest article release COVID19: The Short and Long Term Mental Health Consequences by Dr. Diana Uchiyama, LAP Executive Director at this LINK.
Information about a Virtual Pro Bono Opportunity to Help Those in Need
Illinois Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal clinic where low-income Illinoisans can submit a question online to ask a lawyer for help with a civil legal issue. Volunteer lawyers then log onto the site at their convenience and answer questions waiting in the queue that they feel comfortable addressing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a great way to help those in need from the comfort and safety of your home.
Illinois Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal clinic where low-income Illinoisans can submit a question online to ask a lawyer for help with a civil legal issue. Volunteer lawyers then log onto the site at their convenience and answer questions waiting in the queue that they feel comfortable addressing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a great way to help those in need from the comfort and safety of your home.
A project of the American Bar Association, Free Legal Answers was created as a national platform to increase access to advice and information about non-criminal legal matters for those who cannot afford legal assistance. It is now active in 42 jurisdictions within the United States, including Illinois, with the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) as the statewide administrator. Most clients’ questions tend to be in one of the big three civil legal aid categories—family, housing and consumer law. However, since the pandemic and resulting shutdown, now people are also asking about employment and benefits issues. PILI provides the necessary support, including an online resource page with training videos and sample questions and answers. The ABA provides malpractice coverage for volunteer lawyers. You can learn more by clicking on the Free Legal Answers Logo below or visit the site to register at this LINK.
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Please click on the above logo to view the IDPH website.
As you are probably already familiar with the personal safety guidance, there is also a need for an awareness of employee and staff of businesses. Please see this LINK for more information.
announcement
I hope everyone is doing well during this challenging time. Prairie State Legal Services is fully staffed and accepting cases. Our physical office is closed. Our staff are working from home. Our staff’s contact information has not changed. Please contact Adrian at abarr@pslegal.org or (309) 433-0065 if you have any questions. Adrian Barr
2020
MCBA YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Thank you for all of your nominations!!
The announcement of the 2020 Young Lawyer Award winner
will be made at the Annual Bar Association meeting.
The announcement of the 2020 Young Lawyer Award winner
will be made at the Annual Bar Association meeting.
wednesday - may 27
'state of the circuit: an update'
1 HOUR OF CLE - GENERAL
[Pending Approval]
[Pending Approval]
The McLean County Bar Association is pleased to sponsor a presentation that will be lead by Chief Judge Fellheimer. include guidance from our Bench on matters including the expected procedures throughout the circuit, protocol of hearings and trials, and physical movements within the courthouses elevators, hallways, courtrooms, and clerk's offices, etc.
mark your calendar
2020
May 27 - tentative CLE - The Updated State of the Circuit
June 16 - CLE - Managing I.T. Risk While Sheltering in Place
July - TBD- Annual Meeting
July 21 - CLE - Collections
September - Law Day Gala - an evening event - more information to come
October 21-22 - The Guardian Ad Litem Event
November 13-15 - The ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tournament
June 16 - CLE - Managing I.T. Risk While Sheltering in Place
July - TBD- Annual Meeting
July 21 - CLE - Collections
September - Law Day Gala - an evening event - more information to come
October 21-22 - The Guardian Ad Litem Event
November 13-15 - The ISU Invitational Mock Trial Tournament
2020 BLOOMINGTON CANNON ESTATE PLANNING
TELECONFERENCE SERIES PROGRAM
HOSTED BY PNC WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Time: 11:30 am Location: Same
PNC Wealth Management
202 E. Washington St.
2nd Floor Conference Room
Bloomington, IL 61701
PNC Wealth Management
202 E. Washington St.
2nd Floor Conference Room
Bloomington, IL 61701
1.5 hours of Continuing Legal Education Credit will be earned for attendance at each call.
A certificate of attendance will be given to each participant.
A certificate of attendance will be given to each participant.
As part of PNC’s ongoing effort to protect the health of our employees, customers and business partners from the potential impacts of the Coronavirus, we will be canceling the April 2nd Cannon teleconference. We have been in contact with Cannon Financial Institute to see if there is a way to offer CLE credit, where you are able to access the program from your home or office. Should this current health climate stretch into May, we will work toward being able to do that. So stay tuned…..
Jennifer Julius Administrative Assistant - jennifer.julius@pnc.com (P) 309-655-5484
PNC Wealth Management, 301 SW Adams, D2-Y701-03-3, Peoria, IL 61602
Jennifer Julius Administrative Assistant - jennifer.julius@pnc.com (P) 309-655-5484
PNC Wealth Management, 301 SW Adams, D2-Y701-03-3, Peoria, IL 61602
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June 4
The Relationship Among Trust Beneficiaries and Trustees, the IRS and the Courts July 9 Ethics-Based Obligations in Specific Client Engagements August 6 Maximizing Flexibility With Powers of Appointment September 3 Picking Up the Pieces: Post-Divorce Planning |
October 1
Moving the Needle With Your Clients’ Retirement Asset Planning October 29 Contemporary Challenges in Trust Administration December 3 Essential Asset Protection Planning January 7, 2021 Conflicts of Interest Issues Facing Estate Planning Professionals |
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
bar committee activities
2020
Law Day Committee Meeting - May 20 12:00 noon
GAL Committee Meeting - May 22 12:00 noon
CLE Committee Meeting - May 26 12:00 noon
BOG Meeting - June 9 noon
CLE Presentation - June 16 12:00 noon
Law Day Committee Meeting - May 20 12:00 noon
GAL Committee Meeting - May 22 12:00 noon
CLE Committee Meeting - May 26 12:00 noon
BOG Meeting - June 9 noon
CLE Presentation - June 16 12:00 noon
save the dates
2020
may 27 - state-of-the-circuit: an update
june 16 - cle - 'managing IT risk while sheltering in place'
july - annual meeting tbd
july 21 - cle luncheon or virtual meeting - 'collections'
SEPTEMBER 25 - LAW DAY GALA.. AN EVENING EVENT
october 21-22 -gal conference
november 13 - 15 - the isu invitational mock trial tournament
MCBA Breakfast with the Bar - cancelled until further notice
Remember to have “Breakfast with the Bar” every Friday morning between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. It’s a great way to meet and talk with your fellow attorneys in an informal setting. Stay for 10 minutes and have a cup of coffee or stay for an hour and have a full breakfast before court. Grab an associate, partner or friend and come. See you Friday!
Remember to have “Breakfast with the Bar” every Friday morning between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. It’s a great way to meet and talk with your fellow attorneys in an informal setting. Stay for 10 minutes and have a cup of coffee or stay for an hour and have a full breakfast before court. Grab an associate, partner or friend and come. See you Friday!