Board of Directors 2011-12

Kevin M. Miller
President
Judge Lisa Y. Wilson
President-Elect and
Budget Chair
James F. Kane
Second Vice President and
Professional Standards Chair
Craig S. Young
Secretary-Treasurer
Karl B. Kuppler
Past President and
Nominating Committee Chair
Richard A. Russo
By-Laws
John M. Redlingshafer
Communications & Technology
Peter R. Jennetten
Courts & Procedures
Thomas W. O’Neal
Diversity
Christopher J. Spanos and
Christopher P. Ryan
Entertainment
Richard W. Zuckerman
Law Library
Carol J. Perkins
Lawyer Referral Service
Theresa B. Murphy
Lincoln Memorial Banquet
Jo Tewes Wetherill
Local Continuing Legal Ed
Jesse A. Placher
Membership
David B. Mueller
Memorials
Nathaniel E. Strickler
Pro Bono
Jennifer L. Morris
Public Relations
Brian F. Johnson
Real Property
Kenneth C. Baker
Young Lawyers and Law Day
Directors at Large:
Michael D. Gifford
Joshua D. Herman
Christopher S. McCall
John P. Nicoara

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Civil Litigation Associate

Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius & Cerulo seeks an Associate Attorney with 3-5 years of experience in civil litigation. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to Laura A. Petersen at Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius & Cerulo, 227 N.E. Jefferson Ave., Peoria, IL 61602 or via email lpetersen@qjhpc.com.

Civil Litigation Associate

Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen is seeking to add an experienced Litigation Associate in their Peoria office. Applicants should have at least 3 years experience in general civil litigation and/or professional liability litigation. Successful candidates must have the ability to work independently and with a variety of partners. Excellent legal writing and analytical skills and a strong academic record are required. Heyl, Royster offers a competitive salary and benefits with opportunity for advancement commensurate with performance. Submit resumes to the firm's Hiring Partner, Lisa LaConte, llaconte@heylroyster.com.

Experienced older “Coif” lawyer seeks salaried “of counsel” position, full or part-time.  Top notch legal writing research, use of discovery tools, trial and appellate brief work.  Contact John Mulgrew at (309) 691-2765 or 7150 N. Terra Vista Dr., Apt. 101, Peoria, IL 61614.

Legal Assistant/Receptionist

The Law Office of Louis P. Milot, General Practice Attorney is seeking an individual with proficiency in Microsoft Word and WordPerfect. Must also have experience with scanning software (e.g. Paperport, etc.). Individual should be detailed-oriented, have good interpersonal skills, possess multi-tasking and organizational skills. Good telephone and writing skills important. Individual must be able to work in a professional environment and maintain strict confidentiality concerning clients and operations. Duties vary and include, but are not limited to, preparation and filing of legal documents correspondence, pleadings and forms; screening clients; case management; scheduling appointments and receptionist duties. This is a (30) hour per week position with paid vacation. Compensation commensurate on candidate's performance and experience. Those interested should submit a letter of interest, updated resume or brief statement of their qualifications to Louis P. Milot, 411 Hamilton Blvd., Suite 1928, Peoria, IL 61602 or via email to lawshop@mtco.com.

2012 Directory Changes

Firm Name Changes: 

Parker & Halliday n/k/a Parker & Parker

Parker, Drew, Parker & Parker all other information remains the same.

Parker, Robert, Parker & Parker all other information remains the same.

Halliday, Ronald "Doc" E., Doc Halliday, Attorney at Law, 5901 N. Prospect Rd., Suite 7A, Peoria IL 61614; Phone: (309) 689-8982; Fax: (309) 689-8983

Peoria

Ashenhurst, A. Anthony, IHS Law Department, 211 Fulton St., Suite 602, Peoria, IL 61602; Phone: (309) 999-1532; Fax: (309) 999-1531; Email: AshenhAA@ihs.org.

Page 34, Illinois Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services: Telephone: (309) 713-3841

Tazewell

Oberle, Patrick E., 2807 Broadway Rd; P.O. Box 128, Pekin IL 61555-0128; Phone: (309) 347-5984, Ext. 8; Fax (309) 647-0340.

SPACE AVAILABLE

Attorney office for rent on 19th Floor of Associated Bank Building, 411 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria IL, conveniently located across from the Peoria County Courthouse. Corner-office with spectacular view of river and bluffs. Shared waiting area. Telephone and copier available. Ideal for solo or satellite practice. Competitive rental price. For more information contact Louis Milot and (309) 671-4507.

Attorney office and secretarial space located at the Associated Bank Building; available immediately.  Reception area, file room space, kitchen amenities, wireless internet, two phone lines available.  Anyone interested in this space please contact Bill Holman 309/677-6342 or Floyd Dailey 309/637-0139.

Office space available to rent, 515 Elizabeth St., in Pekin, Illinois, with a great location close to the courthouse. If interested, please call (309) 696-9744 for further details.

PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE

Tired of getting parking tickets when you come to court in Tazewell County? For just $15.00 per month you can have your own parking space just a short walk from the Tazewell County Courthouse. Call Betty at (309) 347-4141 to reserve a space.
 

Submit information for the newsletter to the PCBA via email or fax no later than the 20th of each month for publication in next newsletter. All ads be on a month-to-month basis. Once an ad has been posted, you will need to contact the PCBA no later than the 20th of each month in order for the ad to run again.
 

Peoria County Bar Assocation

Linda Raineri, Executive Director
110 SW Jefferson Ave., Suite 520
Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 674-6049
Email: pcba@mtco.com
Web: www.peoriabar.org

President's Message "The Uncommon Cause"
With June upon us, the PCBA's 2011-2012 fiscal year is rapidly coming to a close. By the first part of July, our committees will have wrapped up all activities from last year, and incoming committees will be planning for the upcoming year's events. Each new fiscal year brings some turn over in the membership of our committees, and importantly, allows all of us to enlist ourselves on one or more of the association's committees for the upcoming year.
The PCBA is comprised of twenty committees. A number of them work to create just one event annually, such as the Fitness, Health & Wellness Committee's five kilometer run ("Strides for Justice"), the Lincoln Memorial Banquet Committee's annual February gala in honor of President Lincoln, or the Entertainment Committee's two events, our Golf Outing and Holiday Party. Other Committees spread out their work over the entire year, notably the committees for Continuing Legal Education, Real Property, Lawyer Referral Service, or Communications & Technology.
As an attachment to this newsletter you will find a Committee Preference Form. Please take the opportunity to join a committee or two of your choice for the upcoming 2012-13 fiscal year, and return the form to the PCBA office. Alternatively, send the PCBA office an email with your preference for committee involvement this year. Committee membership is a great way to work with your fellow attorneys towards a common task for the benefit of our profession locally. And together, let's look forward to a successful new fiscal year.
Law Day - An Outstanding Event
On May 2, 2012 the Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) presented another outstanding law day program. With over 140 guests, essay contest winners, teachers, judges and attorneys in attendance, who had the pleasure of hearing keynote speaker Richard "Dick" Devine.  Special thanks go to Jeffrey Bach, Chief Judge Michael Brandt and Kevin Miller for judging the student essays, Abigail Fleming for coordinating the Law Day school speaking engagements, Meaghan Brady, Adam Bowton and Katherine Legge for coordinating job shadowing, and Peter Lynch for arranging for Mr. Devine to speak at the luncheon.
5th Annual Strides for Justice
On May 19th it was a picture perfect day for over 100 runners and walkers who met at Tower Park in Peoria Heights to run the 5k or walk a mile along picturesque Grandview Drive.  Special thanks goes to all of our volunteers and to this year's sponsors: Bard Optical, Shari Berry, Carter Law Offices, Everett Law Firm, P.C., Hanna & Hanna, P.C., Steve Heine and Karen Kendall, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., Howard & Howard, Joan's Trophy & Plaque Co., Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow White & Frederick, P.C., Kiss 98.5 FM, NK Legal Solutions, Oliver's Pub, Pearl Insurance, Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius & Cerulo, Running Central, Sports Corner & Creations and Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin. 
Annual Business Meeting and Installation of Officers
On Monday, July 9, 2012, the Bar Association will hold its annual business meeting of the membership and the Nominating Committee will be making its recommendation to seat the incoming officers:  Judge Lisa Y. Wilson, Incoming President, James F. Kane, President-Elect, Craig S. Young, Second Vice President; and Timothy J. Howard, Secretary-Treasurer. Please make your reservation online
Lawyers Helping Service Members
With his focus on helping service members, PCBA Past President Michael Lied would like to recognize Rob Parker this month for his assistance to an active duty service member with a family law matter.  Anyone interested in helping with this program, may contact Mike at mlied@howardandhoward.com or the PCBA pcba@mtco.com.
Schedule of Events and Court Holidays
June - No scheduled events
July
4 Independence Day - Courts & Courthouse Closed
9 Annual Meeting/Installation of Officers - 12:00 - 1:00 - Four Points by Sheraton
10 Federal Jurisdiction Seminar/Webcast - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00, Federal Courthouse/online
28 Cubs v. Cards - 12:05 p.m. - Wrigley Field
August
20 Golf Outing-Metamora Fields Golf Club-more information to follow
September
3 Labor Day - Courts & Courthouse Closed
October
8 Columbus Day Professional Responsibility Seminar
Committee Meetings
June
7 Real Property - Lunch Sponsor:  Tom Howard
8 Communications & Technology
11 Fitness, Health & Wellness
12 Lawyer Referral Service
13 Diversity
14 Young Lawyers - Renaissance Room - Sponsor:  Northwestern Mutual (Josh Waite) and NFP: Business PAC of Central Illinois
15 Public Relations
19 Board of Directors
26 Pro-Bono Committee
July
No meetings scheduled
Committee Reports
Committee Chairs:  Remember to submit your year-end report to the PCBA by June 19.
It is time to decide on which committe(s) you would like to serve for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Please take a moment to email the PCBA pcba@mtco.com and let us know.  Include "Committee List" in the subject line. Also, let us know if there are any changes to your contact information.
By-Laws
Changes to the By-Laws have been submitted.  Many of the revisions are simple clean up changes, but there are three proposed substantive amendments:
1. Individuals would no longer have to be "currently licensed" in order to qualify as a member, as long as they have not had their license suspended or been disbarred. This proposed amendment is designed to allow attorneys with "inactive" licenses with the ARDC to still be members of the PCBA. However, while these individuals would now be able to become members of the PCBA, they still would not be eligible to serve as PCBA Board officers or directors. This amendment was recommended by the Membership Committee.
2. The definition of "Student" member would be expanded to include individuals who have been enrolled "In a law school during the prior twelve (12) months" (currently it is six (6) months). This amendment was recommended by the Membership Committee.
3. The Special Committee on Fitness, Health & Wellness would now be a Standing Committee of the PCBA.
Pursuant to Article IX of the By-Laws, proposed amendments must be "sent by the Secretary-Treasurer of the PCBA by prepaid mail, electronic mail, or facsimile transmission, to each Regular and Associate member of the PCBA at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the same is proposed to be presented for adoption."
Richard A. Russo, By-Laws Chair
Continuing Legal Education
On Friday, May 18, 2012, over 170 attorneys attended the May Professional Responsibility Seminar. If you attended this seminar and have not received your Certificate of Attendance please contact the PCBA office (309) 674-6049. We would like to thank our sponsors Lexis/Nexis - Tom Teasdale and Federal Companies - Nick Williams, Kevin McLaren and Jeff Bogdan, who held door prize drawings. Congratulations to our winners, Michael Kraft (Lexis/Nexis, $150.00 gift card) and Patrick Chambers (Federal Companies, St. Louis Cardinals tickets).
Next Live Seminar/Webcast: Tuesday, July 10, 2012.. This year has brought significant changes to federal jurisdiction, venue, removal and transfer.  Whether you practice in federal court frequently or rarely, you should become familiar with these changes. The Central District of Illinois and the Peoria County Bar Association are pleased to present a seminar/webcast on jurisdiction, venue removal and transfer, including what you need to know about all of those changes. More information about registration will be emailed to PCBA members and members of the CDIL bar in the near future. Until, then, SAVE THE DATE.  The time for the seminar will be from 9:00 - 12:00; if you choose to attend this seminar live it will be in U.S. District Judge James Shadid's courtroom.  The seminar provides three (3) hours of general MCLE credit.
Live Seminar:  Monday, October 8, 2012, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton.  Columbus Day Professional Responsibility Seminar Co-Chairs are Ambrose V. McCall and Jo Tewes Wetherill. Speakers will be Catherine Sanders Reach, Director, Law Practice Management & Technology at The Chicago Bar Association, and Ryan Finkenbine, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.
All of the 2012 Winter Series, Brown Bag Series and the May Professional Responsibility Seminars are now available on DVD. They may be purchased on the website www.peoriabar.org. or by check; $100 each for members or $125 each for non-members.  Three hours of general MCLE credit for each seminar may be obtained by viewing each DVD for the Winter Series; five hours of general MCLE credit for the Brown Bag Series; and two hours of professional MCLE credit for the May Professional Responsibility Seminar.  An Affidavit and Critique is provided to the viewer and, when both the signed Affidavit and Critique are returned to the PCBA office, a certificate of attendance will be e-mailed to the viewer. Also, we now have a list of all DVD's available with detailed information on each seminar.  If you would like a copy of the list please email us pcba@mtco.com or a copy may be picked up at the PCBA office.
Entertainment
Mark your calendars for Monday, August 20, 2012 for the Annual PCBA Golf Outing. The course this year will be Metamora Fields Golf Club. Further details to follow.
Membership
Chair Jesse Placher reports that the following attorneys have applied for membership: Jessica M. Beeman, Amy L. Pfeiffer and Scott D. Reed.  Pursuant to the By-Laws of the Association, the applications will be presented to the Board of Directors at its next meeting. 
The New Members Reception
The New Members Reception was held on May 11, 2012, at Richard's on Main. There were about 30 members of the Bar Association in attendance. New members who attended included Miles Bardell, Nina Gougis, Rhonda Heinz, Dan Jones, Patrick Poston and Jessica Young.  We would like to thank Tom Teasdale, LexisNexis, for sponsoring this event.
Memorials
On May 23, 2012, Donovan W. Gaede passed away in Bangkok, Thailand.  Donovan was born in Daytona Florida on April 17, 1968.  He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1994 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar the same year.  In 1997 he began working at The Janssen Law Center in 1997.  Donovan practiced there until 2005, when he left for Thailand.
In keeping with the policy of the Board of Directors, his name has been added to the memorial plaque, together with his years of practice.  In order to support the ongoing memorial to members of our Association, we ask that you send a check in the amount of $5.00 to the Peoria County Bar Foundation in memory of  Donovan W. Gaede, or donate online.  The PCBA has contributed $100.00 to the Foundation in memory of Mr. Gaede. 
Young Lawyers 
Cubs v. Cards. There are still tickets available for the game on July 28th at Wrigley Field at 12:05 p.m.  If you would like to attend the game, please contact the PCBA office (309) 674-6049 or by email pcba@mtco.com to reserve your tickets.  If you are interested in taking a charter bus to the event, e-mail Sharbel Rantisi, coordinator of transportation, at srantisi@gmail.com. 
"Paintball Paintball Paintball" It's that time again.  Please join the YLC at the Chilli Paintball Pits on June 16, 2012, at 8:30 a.m.  Let's make this the best turnout ever.  All you have to do is talk to one of us that have participated in the past to find out how much fun we have!!  Don't miss it this time around!! Please visit the website for information regarding pricing, courses, etc. at http://www.chillipaintball.com. Reservations have been made, which requires each participant to pay a $5.00 deposit to Sharbel Rantisi, Josh Herman, or the PCBA as soon as possible.
Please feel free to invite anyone that is not a member of the PCBA, including friends, spouses, and significant others.  Direct all questions and compliments to Sharbel Rantisi at srantisi@gmail.com or at 309-826-9900.
Meet the Judges Program, Joshua Herman, Coordinator
Upcoming programs remaining:
June 6, Chief Judge Michael Brandt will meet at noon at the Peoria County Courthouse, Room 203.  Bring your lunch.
June 18, Judge Lisa Wilson will meet at noon at the Peoria County Courthouse, Room 210.  Bring your lunch.
July 11, Judge Michael Risinger will meet at noon at the PCBA Office.  Bring your lunch.
August 6, U.S. District Court Judges John Gorman and James Shadid will meet at the Federal Courthouse.  Bring your lunch.
Peoria County Pro Bono Plan
By Sandra Crow, Peoria County Pro Bono Plan Coordinator scrow@pslegal.org 
The following attorneys and their staff have recently closed pro bono cases:  Donald Birner, Sumner Bourne, Daniel Cordis, Stacy Crabtree (two cases), William Holman, Jeff Krumpe,  Jonathan Phillips, Patrick Poston (4 cases), Lori Scardina and Linda Watson.  Thank you so much for your help.
Pro Bono Awards 
The Peoria County Pro Bono Plan, a joint project of the Peoria County Bar Association and Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., presented their annual awards for outstanding contribution in providing free civil legal services to low income and elderly persons in our community at the Bar Association Law Day Luncheon held on May 2, 2012.
Jeremy H. Heiple, of the Heiple Law Offices, received the award for Volunteer Attorney of the Year. This award is given to an individual attorney who exhibits exceptional leadership and commitment in the provision of legal services on a pro bono basis.
Brad W. Keller, of the law firm Heyl, Royster, Voelker and Allen, received the award for Young Lawyer Volunteer Attorney of the Year. This award is given to a young attorney who has chosen to make pro bono work an important part of their practice and has shown commitment to those less fortunate.
The law firm of Vonachen, Lawless,Trager & Slevin received the award for Law Firm of the Year. This award is given to a firm that has shown an overall commitment and teamwork in providing pro bono legal services. 
Congratulations and thank you so much for your great work that defines you as leaders.
Knox, Fulton, McDonough, Henderson and Warren Counties
I would like to clarify that we have not closed our Galesburg office. There has been some confusion, so I would like to clarify. Due to budget cuts, we have downsized the Prairie State office in Galesburg, and the Peoria office will be assisting the office with their five counties. The satellite office in Galesburg is staffed by one very experienced attorney, but all administration will come out of the Peoria office. We are beginning to develop pro bono programs in these counties. If any of you practice in these counties and would be willing to assist in representing clients, or have contacts in those areas and are interested in the development of the pro bono programs, let me know as soon as possible. I would also be interested in the names of attorneys in these counties that you feel would be open to speaking with me about pro bono opportunities. We really need your help. Thank you.
Courthouse News
Scheduling Changes for Courtrooms 210, 213 & 214 were emailed. The changes became effective June 1, 2012. All hearings will be scheduled through the deputy clerk in the courtroom, either in person in the courtroom, through email or by calling (309) 672-6984 and leaving a message.
Etc.
From PCBA Member Brad Elward:  The Appellate Lawyer's Association is holding their Annual Appellate Court, Third District, luncheon honoring the members and clerk of the court on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Starved Rock Lodge. The event features a roundtable discussion with the justices and 1.0 hour of CLE credit provided. The Luncheon begins at 12:00 p.m. and will be followed by a round-table discussion of appellate issues with the members and clerk of the appellate court. Pricing is as follows:  Members & Government: $25.00 for lunch/roundtable CLE; Non-Members:  $35.00 for lunch/roundtable CLE. You may register through the ALA website: www.applawyers.org.

The PCBA would like to give a big THANK YOU to Jeffrey Bach (Bach Law Offices) for his donation of a new mini-fridge to the Association.