​​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER 

​june 2, 2025

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MCBA Events 2025
June
6/2 (Mon.)
Golf & Pickleball Event

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

6/6 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

6/13 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

6/19 (Thurs.)
3rd Thursday Social

6/20 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

6/26 (Thurs.)
Annual Meeting

6/27 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

July
​7/11 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

​7/11 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

​7/18 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

​7/25 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

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
11/5 (Wed.)
An Afternoon of CLE & Attorney Self-Care

11/6(Thurs.)
Annual Behavioral Health Forum

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

2026 Jury Calendar

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annual meeting 2025

Thursday, June 26

two voting opportunities
&
Registration

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​NOTICE

 
Pursuant to §9.2(a) of Article IX of the By-Laws of the McLean County Bar Association, the following have been slated as nominees for the below-named offices of the McLean County Bar Association for the 2025-2026 term:
 
President:    John L. Pratt

First Vice-President:    Adrian Barr

Second Vice President:    Michael G. Butts
 
Secretary:    Calli Farrell
 
Member, Board of Governors:    Spencer Chikahisa
       Term Expiring 2029                               
 
The above-named nominees will be formally placed in nomination at the annual meeting of the Association on June 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Bloomington Country Club, 605 Towanda Avenue, Bloomington, Illinois 61701.
 
All members should plan to attend and cast their ballots as aforesaid. 
 
All members are further notified that pursuant to §9.2(b) of Article IX of the McLean County Bar Association By-Laws, not less than ten members may nominate other candidates for any office or offices described above.  Such nominations shall be in writing, signed by the nominators, and shall be filed with the Secretary of the Association not less than fifteen days preceding the date of the annual meeting as aforesaid.
 
Dated this 8th day of May 2025.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Nominating Committee of McLean County Bar Association
 
Kathleen M. Kraft, Chair
Joseph Foley
Julia Davis
Brendan Bukalski
Michael G. Butts
Spencer Chikahisa

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NOTICE

The Bylaws have a recommended change from the Board of Governors. An email with this information was sent to all membership on Friday, May 23rd.

The most recent copy of the Bylaws is located on the website at this LINK. 

​The purposed updates are located at this LINK. 

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Annual Meeting Registration & Information

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member opportunities

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​PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES - Pro bono attorneys needed:
Prairie State would like to start helping clients that need assistance with filing CH 7 bankruptcy. The clients would be responsible for paying all costs involved prior to the beginning of the case. If you are willing to take bankruptcy pro bono cases, please contact Stacy James at [email protected]. 
Thank you!

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Are you interested in joining a dynamic working Board of Directors?

The ExtraOrdinary Women Project BN aims to bring women together in celebration and in sisterhood through sharing stories, providing mentorship, and creating space for collective inspiration. The Project is looking for more Board members. If you are passionate about empowering women and have a desire to share stories that lift up others and inspire our community, we are looking for you to join our Board. The Board meets once a month for one hour via Zoom and for occasional community outreach or marketing events. The commitment to the Board may be more than one hour a month.  The Board has several committees and most members chair or serve on two of the committees. They are looking for members who want to be active in our community and who can dedicate the time and energy to give this new nonprofit wings!

​This is the LINK to the Board Member Application.
Questions? [email protected] for more information.

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WOMEN IN LAW
Thank you to the many local women attorneys and judges who attended the recent Women in Law networking event! The event gave female high school and IWU students who are interested in the law the opportunity to meet women attorneys and judges. We hope to host this event again next year. See you then! 
Are you interested? Please email: Danielle at ​[email protected]

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young lawyer of the year award 2025
​taylor williams

Taylor Williams is an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Civil Division of the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office. Some of her responsibilities include representing the County itself, its officials, and employees in litigation, negotiating contracts, and serving as the County’s Chief FOIA Officer. Taylor graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Law in December 2020, and she recently celebrated three years with McLean County. Prior to working for the County, Taylor worked locally in private practice.

After receiving the McLean County Bar Association Scholarship as a 3L, Taylor has served on the Scholarship Committee since graduation and is now the Scholarship Committee Chair. Taylor also serves on the McLean County Bar Association Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee and the McLean County Bar Association Underwood Committee on Professionalism. Taylor enjoys attending McLean County Bar Association events, including Breakfast with the Bar on Friday mornings. Taylor is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association.

In addition to being active within the legal community, Taylor is very involved within the McLean County community. Prior to her Illinois Wesleyan University graduation, she served as an Americorps JusticeCorps Volunteer Member in the McLean County Law Library. As a 2018 graduate, Taylor serves on the IWU Alumni Association Board of Directors, is the President of the Council for IWU Women, and was the keynote speaker at IWU graduation in December 2022. Taylor also serves on the McLean County Arts Center Board of Directors, is the Board Secretary, the Membership Committee Chair, and is on the Events Committee. Additionally, Taylor was named as a “20 Under 40” honoree by the Pantagraph in 2022.

Please help us congratulate Taylor Williams for being selected as the recipient of the 2025 McLean County Bar Association’s Young Lawyer of the Year Award. The award will be presentd at the June 26th Annual Meeting.

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mcba softball
bad news barristers

Games are played each Thursday.
June 5 - 8pm
June 12 - 6pm
June 19 - 7pm
July 3 - 7pm
July 10 - 6pm

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the 3rd thursday [most months]
​monthly social

​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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save the dates
​2025

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

Tuesday, July 15 - CLE A case review from the bench
​
Friday, September 26 - 35th Annual CIPA Educational Seminar
Wednesday, October 1 - Criminal Law Update
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

Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - June 4
​BOG Meeting - June 10 noon
Law Day Committee Wrap up Meeting - June 11 12:15 pm
​​GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - June 13 12.15 pm
CLE Committee Meeting - June 24 noon
DEIA Committee Meeting - August 26 12.15 pm

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jaime ganschow
‘20 Stars for LIFE’

2Civility Professionalism Spotlight

Great Plains LIFE Foundation
“…Keeping Kids in School and Keeping America Strong.”
456 Wylie Drive, Normal, IL 61761 Phone: 309-828-3406

Paul Segobiano                                Email: [email protected]                  Liz Skinner
Director of Development                                                                       Director of Public Relations

May 28, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To Represent the McLean County Bar Association at
Great Plains LIFE Foundation
‘20 Stars for LIFE’

Jamie Ganschow will be representing the McLean County Bar Association at the Great Plains LIFE Foundation’s annual 20 Stars for LIFE to be held on Thursday evening, July 17th, at the Parke Regency Hotel in Bloomington. The event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased online or from any of the stars. Admission includes a buffet from Outback Steakhouse, beverages, and dancing.

In addition to Ms. Ganschow, the 2025 Galaxy of Stars includes: Ashley Brownfield – RE/MAX Rising, Adam Campbell – Heartland Community College, Tom Chiodo – Illinois State University, Ray Crotts - Livingston/McLean Building & Trades, Wesley Donovan – Jason’s Deli, James Gaston – Jazz UpFront, Anthony Grant – McLean County Government, Fire Chief Mick Humer – Town of Normal, Ben Jeffreys – Arthur J. Gallagher: Insurance Risk Managers, Christina Mables – McLean County Unit School District #5, Mitch Neally – McLean County Athletic Directors, Brian O’Kraski – Regional Office of Education #17, Jason Pascal – Great Plains Laborers’ District Council, Micheal Rhoda – McLean County Agriculture, Megan Schilkoski – The Picklr, Eric Stegemann – Unit Five Education Association, Allyssa Svob – Bloomington School District #87, Dylan Toth – Bloomington Education Association, and Asst. Police Chief Chad Wamsley – City of Bloomington.
 
Major sponsors for the evening are: Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique, Lamar Advertising, LiUNA Midwest Region, Office Depot, Outback Steakhouse, Parke Regency Hotel, The Pantagraph, Tony Jones Media, and Vrooman Mansion.

All Proceeds will benefit the “Stay 4” Project©; a local initiative designed to address the high school drop-out crisis and help low-income students that demonstrate the ability to succeed, yet are at risk for dropping out.
​
For more information, go to www.stay4.org or call (309) 828-3406.

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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continuing legal EDUCATION

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standing up to intimidation: 
​confronting bullying in the legal profession

Tuesday, June 10 
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
​
1.5 hours of Diversity & Inclusion CLE Illinois Credit

​MCBA is a proud sponsor if this event.

FREE - More Information & Registration

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post-adjudication administration
​in adult guardianship cases​

Tuesday, July 8 
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
​
1.5 hours of General CLE Illinois Credit

FREE - More Information & Registration

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mcba ​continuing legal EDUCATION
​2025

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A case review from the bench

Tuesday, July 15
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
​
CLE Hour TBD

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 and more information will come soon.

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cle recording opportunities

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
​
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

The cost is $20.00.
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Registration for Recording & CLE Credit Instructions

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

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lost & found

Please email Mary if this is yours.

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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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growmark, inc

Information

Posted June 2

Staff attorney

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prairie state legal services​

Opportunities

Posted June 2

Staff attorney
paralegal
​law clerk

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Mclean COUNTY public defender

Information APD I

assistant public defender i

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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

​Open until filled

assistant public defender​

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