​​​​​MCBA NEWSLETTER 

​Jluy 14, 2025

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MCBA Events 2025
July
7/15 (Tues.)
CLE - Cases from the Bench @Noon Basement of the L&J

​7/17 (Thurs.) 
3rd Thursday Social - Crafted

​7/18 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar
GAL Planning Committee Meeting

7/22 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting

​7/25 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

August
8/1 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

8/8 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

8/12 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

8/15 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

8/19 (Tues.)
BOG Meeting

​8/21 (Thurs.) 
3rd Thursday Social - Mystic Kitchen

8/22 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

8/26 (Tues.)
CLE Committee Meeting
​DEIA Committee Meeting

8/29 (Fri.) 
Breakfast with the Bar

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 PR CLE & Attorney Self-Care

December
12/3 (Wed.)
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session

12/17 (Wed.)
Holiday Luncheon

MCBA Events 2026
June
6/1 (Mon.)
Golf & Pickleball Outing
​
6/25 (Thurs.)
Annual Meeting

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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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member opportunities

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Volunteer Update:

​We are still seeking attorney and notary volunteers for our upcoming POA Clinic on July 25 from 9:30-Noon at the Bloomington Public Library! We are specifically in need of Spanish speaking volunteers, as we have at least one pair of Spanish speaking clients.
 
Additionally, a training will be provided via Zoom on Tuesday, July 15 from 3:00-4:30. You can sign up to volunteer to receive the Zoom link. A recording of this training will be made available to those who cannot attend on Tuesday.
 
You can find more information and sign up here: https://pili.org/event/volunteer-bloomington-clinic/

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Pro Bono Pilot Program

Request MCLE Credit for Pro Bono through Illinois Free Legal Answers
​

With the start of the MCLE for Pro Bono Pilot Program on July 1, volunteer attorneys are now able to request CLE credit for pro bono work done through Illinois Free Legal Answers. Volunteers who are seeking CLE credit must submit a request form each month in which they have closed a question. PILI will then enter credit on a monthly basis. Additional information and the request form can be found here.  Anyone who is interested in Illinois Free Legal Answers that is not already registered as a volunteer can sign up here. 

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member connections

Do you know a student who is interested in learning more about working with patrons who represent themselves in the courtroom? The JusticeCorps program is seeking a fellow for the McLean County Law Library. There are other opportunities throughout Illinois counties listed below. Please share with your community.

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bylaws - ​updated

Amended MCBA Bylaws - June 26, 2025

The updated version of the amended bylaws that were approved at the MCBA Annual Meeting can be reviewed by pressing on the above link. 

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the 3rd thursday [most months]
​monthly social

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, August 19 - The Power of the Record from First Filing to Trial
Friday, September 26 - 35th Annual CIPA Educational Seminar
Wednesday, October 1 - Criminal Law Update CLE
Wednesday & Thursday, October 22 & 23 - GAL Certification Seminar
Wednesday, November 5 - An Afternoon of PR CLE & Self-Care
Wednesday, December 3 - Criminal Law Topic CLE
​Wednesday, December 17 - Holiday Luncheon - BCC

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bar committee activities

​​GAL 2025 Planning Committee Meeting - July 18 12.15 pm
CLE Committee Meeting - July 22 noon
​BOG Meeting - August 12 noon
DEIA Committee Meeting - August 26 12.15 pm
Quarterly Family Law Bench/Bar Listening Session - September 3

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lawyers on the move

weltman & reece llc

An Update

Weltman & Reece LLC
802 N. Clinton St. Ste A
Bloomington, IL 61701
309.839.4422 - Mr. Weltman
​309.827.4055 - Mr. Reece

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

JULY 17th

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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mcba
​continuing legal EDUCATION
​2025

A case review from the bench

Tuesday, July 15
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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One CLE Hour of General CLE Credit 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

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the power of the record from first filing to trial

Tuesday, August 19
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
​​
CLE Hour of General CLE Credit Pending Approval
​

In this one-hour CLE presentation, Justice Amy Lannerd will discuss the power of making a good record from first filing through trial, including drafting case initiating documents, pretrial motions, trial issues, post-trial motions and appeal. Her presentation will be followed by Q and A with a panel including a trial court judge, Circuit Clerk representative and court reporter. 

Registration to open next week

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more continuing legal EDUCATION

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LIVE - 7th Annual
Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy:
Lessons for Today's Lawyers:
Lincoln & Medicine

Friday, September 5
8:45 am - 4:30 pm

6 hours of CLE Credit, including 5 hours PR CLE
3 hours PR - Ethics, Civility, Sexual Harassment CLE
​2 hours PR - Mental Health & Substance Abuse CLE

Don’t miss ISBA’s 7th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we discuss Lincoln’s career and his involvement with medicine and the law. The program takes place in Bloomington where Lincoln’s famous “chicken bone case” was the first medical malpractice case in McLean County. Topics include:

• The medically-based cases Lincoln handled involving expert witnesses, personal injury, and insanity;
• Lincoln’s personal struggles with depression and melancholy;
• How the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program can help attorneys with the personal challenges they may be facing;
• How present-day medical malpractice differs from 170 years ago;
• The ethical issues you need to be aware of when handling your next medicine-related case; and
• How Lincoln’s personal and professional growth was impacted by his relationship with David Davis.

Registration & More Program Information

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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 12, 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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cle save the date

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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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heartland bank

Information

Posted June 23

amts fiduciary specialist 1​

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​Mclean COUNTY states attorney

Information

Posted June 16

asst. states attorney - child support

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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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