Welcome to the Peoria County Bar Association

Good day to all PCBA members!  Please know that the PCBA will continue its good work on a number of fronts.  In the coming months the PCBA will have its usual superior CLE programs that help keep us current and connected.  Next month we have our annual Golf event that provides all members with a unique opportunity to take a break, whether as a golf player or not.  Due to the great work of our Board members and chairs, we plan to continue holding our events by adapting to new conditions and accommodating member interests where reasonably possible.  During the past several months, many of us have learned or refreshed our understanding about how to use video platform software, word processing software, e-calendar systems, email systems, e-fax capacities, downloading of documents, reviewing electronic court dockets, and yes, even how to use mail machines to weigh our envelopes and packages.  While such tasks are very important, most if not all of us are striving to accomplish more with less help, and with fewer hours available due to taking care of others or adjusting to school schedules that seem to change every week.  Within the tumult we all face, please take a note that our obligation under PCBA bylaws to provide pro bono services remains in effect.  That means each of us needs to think about contacting Prairie State Legal Services to volunteer in whatever way you can help.  In addition, you may want to consider virtual pro bono opportunities such as through the Free Legal Answers operated by PILI.  As a member of the PCBA and this legal community, you have more pro bono options than many communities that are much larger.  One of the reasons for our wealth of opportunities is the hard work that many current and former members devoted to provide or support the provision of legal services to many people in tough circumstances.  Such matters involve a wide range of cases including divorce, child custody, landlord-tenant, family estates, orders of protection, collection matters, and veterans or unemployment benefits.  Those matters are just some of the examples where PCBA members have provided significant pro bono legal services.  Please look at the By-Laws for the PCBA on your member access website.  The message for this year and month is to help us meet our goals under Article I., Section 3., to provide or support the provision of legal services to the indigent.  We already have many stars among our members who are unbelievable in the quantity and quality of their efforts.  But they cannot do your part.  After you think about it, please contact a fellow PCBA member and talk about what areas may interest you.  You will be surprised what you can do and how much you may learn from your indigent clients.  Let’s keep the good vibes playing through this year.

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PCBA President,

Michael D. Gifford