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 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

Corporate Supervisor

Illinois Mutual is seeking a corporate compliance supervisor with primary responsibilities of providing compliance training and mentoring, support and oversight to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, state insurance rules and procedures and the Company’s Code of Business Conduct; establish performance objectives, expectations, measurements and schedules compliance reviews; manages reviews of best practices, new technologies, or pending regulatory changes and possible implications on company products, services or operations. May participate in design/project meetings to provide input on risk exposure; oversees filing of all required state and other regulatory forms and discusses special product features, design and implementation of products with Sales, Underwriting, Actuarial, Policy Service and Compliance areas. A BA degree with 5 yrs direct compliance experience or Masters degree/Juris Doctorate with less experience. Compliance experience, including auditing and monitoring; insurance industry experience and professional insurance designation strongly preferred; strong leadership qualities and initiative with ability to motivate employees and foster a positive working environment; exceptional detail oriented with ability to work under pressure and remain focus. Proficient computer skills including MSWord, Excel and PowerPoint and general internet. To apply please send cover letter and resume to Celena Anderson; HR Generalist Human Resources; Illinois Mutual; 300 SW Adams St.; Peoria, IL 61634 or email to cmanderson@illinoismutual.com

Part-Time Temporary Attorney

Job Description

Illinois Mutual is seeking a part-time temporary attorney to assist with project-based research and required state insurance department survey completion.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research current state insurance requirements


• Assist full-time Illinois Mutual staff in completing required state forms

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate^[1] required


• Experience with insurance or health benefits a plus, but not required


• Exceptional attention to detail


• Ability to work under pressure and remain focused


• Excellent problem solving, organization and time management skills


• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills


• Proficiency with Westlaw


• Strong general computer skills including MS Word, Excel and general Internet use

How to Apply
Please send resume and expected hourly wage to Illinois Mutual’s Human Resources Department at hr@illinoismutual.com.

ATTORNEY
Rapidly expanding law firm seeks highly self-motivated collection attorney with 1-5 years’ experience. Ideal applicant should possess strong analytical and writing skills as well as strong communication skills. Competitive compensation package to be commensurate with experience. Please forward resume in confidence to the Peoria County Bar Association, reference #102511 110 S.W. Jefferson Ave. Suite 520, Peoria, IL 61602 or by email to pcba@mtco.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.

Challenging Opportunity for an Experienced Legal Assistant
The law firm of Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin has a full-time opening for an experienced legal assistant. This position will work with an attorney concentrating in Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation. The qualified candidate will have the knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within these areas. We are seeking candidates with at least two years experience.
Responsibilities include:
*Manage attorneys calendar, dockets and appointments.
*Prepare and process legal documents, such as complaints and discovery.
*Screen incoming calls and correspondence and respond as requested.
*Transcribe dictation, compose and prepare correspondence.
*Gather and organize information such as medical records and bills.
*Correspond with medical providers and lien holders regarding accounts.
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
*Excellent organization and prioritization skills.
*Understand the importance of confidentiality.
*Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook.
*Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power Point a plus.
*Experience with e-filing helpful.
A degree or course work in Paralegal Studies preferred. We offer an excellent salary and benefits package.
Send resumes to Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin, ATTN: Mark Wertz, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 425, Peoria, IL 61602, or fax to (309) 676-4130. Resumes may also be e-mailed to mwertz@vltslaw.com and cc’d to tschallau@vltslaw.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer.

Experienced Litigation Legal Secretary
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, a leading Midwest business law firm based in Michigan, is seeking an experienced legal secretary for our Peoria office.  The Howard & Howard legal secretarial role performs administrative duties for assigned attorneys and has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within a particular field.  We are seeking candidates with 5 – 15 years legal secretarial experience with a specialization in litigation, preferably in the business or commercial field.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manages assigned attorneys’ calendars, dockets and appointments.


• Screens incoming calls and correspondence and responds as necessary.


• Takes and transcribes dictation and composes and prepares confidential correspondence, reports and other complex documents.


• Creates and maintains database and spreadsheet files.


• Conducts attorney time entry and billing.


• Maintains confidentiality of all firm and client matters.


• Provides back-up support to other legal secretaries as assigned or needed.


• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Successful candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Excellent organization and prioritization skills. *Strong process orientation.


• A collaborative, team player, ethical and adaptive nature.


• A solution oriented and strategic thinker.


• Excellent at taking ownership and being accountable.


• Understands the importance of confidentiality.


• Strong sense of respect for others. *Proficiency with Microsoft Word 2007 and Outlook.


• Experience with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint a plus.  Experience with e-filing.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A business degree is preferred.  We offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, basic life and AD&D, short term disability, profit sharing, 401K and flexible spending accounts.  This is a full-time opportunity and salary will be commensurate with experience.  Candidates who qualify for this opportunity may apply at http://careers.h2law.com.  We are an equal opportunity employer. 

President’s Message “Our Uncommon Cause”
     On the last evening of a recent CLE I attended in Nashville, several out-of-state lawyers and I decided to have dinner together.  Our favorite discussion topic that night was a comparison of our various practices.  After hearing some of the lawyers describe the legal climates in Indianapolis, Florida and Chicago, it became my turn to address the uniqueness of Peoria, Illinois.
     Naturally, I reminded them of the most famous of Illinois lawyers, Abraham Lincoln.  I told them of the statue of Lincoln that appears outside the Peoria County courthouse, the hand-written papers of Lincoln that are discovered from time to time by Circuit Clerks, and that many of us have a picture of Abe in our offices.  Then I mentioned our own PCBA’s Lincoln Memorial Banquet, that for over 100 years local lawyers have come together to honor this Lawyer-President.  Speakers at our event included U.S. Supreme Court justices, governors and members of Congress, authors, and Presidential candidates.  Even Robert F. Kennedy, when he served as U.S. Attorney General in his brother’s administration, came to our banquet.
     I asked the Boston lawyer among us what Bostonians do to honor the many famous lawyers from that area.  To my amazement, he answered, “Nothing.  Our bar has nothing like the tradition of your Lincoln Banquet.”  It occurred to me then just how uncommon our Lincoln tradition.  Uncommon and outstanding.
     This year’s Lincoln Banquet and Gala will be held Saturday, February 4^th.  We are fortunate to have as our speaker for the event the Honorable James Zagel, who recently presided over the trial and sentencing of former Governor Blagojevich.  Judge Zagel was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1987, and has served there ever since.  He is a novelist, and a most engaging speaker.  After the formal program and his address, we’ll dance to the music of the West MacQueen Street Band.

Lincoln Banquet & Gala
The Lincoln Banquet Committee, with its theme of “Out of the past and into the future,” is transforming the 2012 event into something you won’t want to miss!  Combining the elegance of the past, a phenomenal keynote speaker -- Judge James Zagel -- and the music of the West MacQueen Street Band, this will be an event to remember!  The event is being held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel, on Saturday, February 4, 2012.  Cocktails will begin at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m.  You should be receiving your formal invitation within the next week. Individual tickets are $100 and a table of 10 is $900.  You may reserve your seat for this event at www.peoriabar.org/product/2012-lincoln-banquet-gala.

LAWYERS HELPING SERVICE MEMBERS
PCBA Past President Michael Lied would like to thank Thomas J. Penn and Valerie Moehle Umholtz, who recently added their names to our list of volunteers.   He also encourages members interested in helping service members to contact him at (309) 672-1483 or mlied@howardandhoward.com or the PCBA at (309) 674-6049 or pcba@mtco.com. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS and COURT HOLIDAYS
January
     2   New Year’s Day (Obsvd.) – Courts & Courthouse Closed
   14   Elder Law Seminar; Susan Dawson-Tibbits & Karen Stumpe, Co-Chairs
   16   Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Courts & Courthouse Closed
  19   Mentoring Orientation – Renaissance Rm., 12:00-1:00 p.m., Sponsor: Sivertsen Reporting Service
   21   Criminal/Traffic Law Seminar; Peter Lynch & Ron Hanna, Co-Chairs
28   Family Law Seminar; Jim Lawson & Chuck Urban, Co-Chairs

February
    4    Civil Practice Seminar; Jo Wetherill & Joe Dunn, Co-Chairs
          Lincoln Banquet & Gala – Par-A-Dice Hotel – Judge James Zagel, Keynote Speaker
  11    Workers’ Compensation, Third Party Practice, Employment Law Seminar; John Kamin &           Mike Lied, Co-Chairs 
  13      Lincoln’s Birthday (Obsvd.) – Courts Closed/Courthouse Open
 18     Appellate Practice; Brad Elward, Chair
  20      Presidents’ Day – Courts & Courthouse Closed
March
     7         CLE:  Brown Bag Seminar:  Adoptions – Theresa Hardesty – PCBA Office
  14        CLE:  Brown Bag Seminar:  Drivers License Reinstatement – Jeffrey Hall – PCBA Office
  21        CLE:  Brown Bag Seminar:  Real Estate Closings – Sonya Pasquini – PCBA Office
 28        CLE:  Brown Bag Seminar:  Guardianship – Susan Dawson-Tibbits – PCBA Office
April
   4         CLE:  Brown Bag Seminar:  Probating a Will – Kenneth Baker – PCBA Office
May
 18      Professional Responsibility Seminar 
 19       Strides for Justice
 24     Memorial Service- Peoria County Courthouse

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
January
    3        Noon      Special Committee on Mentoring
    4        Noon      Real Property – Speaker – Board of Review
    5        Noon      ADR Division of Courts & Procedures Committee
    9        Noon      Public Relations Committee
  10        Noon      Pro-Bono Committee
  11        Noon      Membership Committee
  12        Noon      Young Lawyers – Sponsor: Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Josh Waite;                           NFP:  Big Brothers Big Sisters
  13        Noon       Lincoln Banquet & Gala Committee
  17        Noon       PCBA Board Meeting
  18        Noon       Diversity Committee
  23        Noon       CLE Committee
  26        Noon       Special Committee on Fitness, Health & Wellness
February
    1         Noon       Real Property  - Sponsor: TBD
    9         Noon       Young Lawyers – Sponsor: Clifton Gunderson, Scott Stevens; NFP:  Young Professionals Group of Peoria, Tim Cundiff
  21         Noon       PCBA Board Meeting
Membership Committee
Membership Chair, Jesse Placher, reports that the following attorneys have applied for membership: Elizabeth T. Joseph, John M. Muir, Barbara K. Myer, Jessica K. Young and Brian A. Kuehn has renewed his membership.
Pursuant to Article VII, Section 2, “The Secretary-Treasurer shall bill all members for dues at the annual rate.  If the dues of any member required to pay dues are not fully paid within sixty (60) days after billing, the Secretary-Treasurer shall again bill such delinquent member for dues.  If, upon the expiration of thirty (30) days thereafter, such member’s dues remain unpaid, such member shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the PCBA…”  Have you paid your 2011-12 Membership dues?  Remember, by renewing your membership you may still enjoy the discounts on PCBA CLE programs.

PCBA’s Distinguished Community Service Award  - Nominations Sought
There is still time to send in your nomination for the  PCBA Distinguished Community Service Award.
The recipient of this award is recognized at the annual Lincoln Banquet, and past recipients include: Judge Michael Mihm (last year’s recipient), William Rutherford, Rex Linder, Tim Bertschy, David Mueller, Tim Cassidy, Justice Mary McDade, Donald Jackson, Karl Kuppler, Craig Young, William Connor and Karen Stumpe.  The deadline for nominations is January 6, 2012.

Communications & Technology
We are still working out a few bugs on the new and improved website and thank you for your patience.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any difficulty you have.  Remember, on your first visit to the site, use the “Forgot Password” link. Once you are logged in, you may update your information in the members’ directory. If you would like to register for CLE or reserve a seat or table for the Lincoln Banquet, click on “Shop” in the blue bar at the top of the home page.  As always, if you have problems, feel free to call Linda or Sherry.

Local Continuing Legal Education
The upcoming Winter Series will begin on January 14, 2012.  If you would like to attend, please complete the Registration Form enclosed with this issue. Payments must accompany registration, with checks made payable to the PCBA, or you may register online at www.peoriabar.org/shop Deadline to register for a class is the Monday preceding each seminar. Back by popular demand is the Members’ discount of “Buy five, get the sixth seminar free.” 

If you missed the Columbus Day professional responsibility seminar, the video is now posted on the ARDC website, www.ardc.org.  On the home page click on CLE Seminars.  You may earn 2 hours of professionalism credit by viewing this free seminar.

Young Lawyers Committee
2011 Project Santa
From Ann Pieper:
This year, South Side Mission limited the public party to 125 kids in the 5-12 age group; however South Side Mission had two additional parties for the younger and the older kids that they serve where the gifts provided were distributed.   I can’t say enough about the folks at South Side Mission; the youth in the program are respectful, care about each other, and care about their community and that is due to the leadership and love they receive every day from their teachers, volunteers, and caregivers in the after school program at the South Side Mission.
The totals for project Santa are as follows:  The YLC directly sponsored 261 kids at the South Side Mission by providing gifts this year.  They have 326 who participate in their programming.  Those children range in age from 2 years – 17 years old.  Additionally, the project collected over $750.00 in cash donations.  The donations were combined with other donations and used to purchase gifts for the children that the YLC was not able to sponsor.  As a result, every one of the children served by South Side Mission received at least one gift this year. 

From Greg Rastatter:
     The Young Lawyers Committee’s Project Santa delivery party was at the Southside Mission on Friday, December 16, 2011.   Overall, there were approximately 125 gifts given to children ranging in ages from 5 to 12.  It is difficult to convey how appreciative the kids were to receive these gifts, which ranged from basketballs, skateboards, video games, and MP3 players, to makeup kits, clothing, and comforters/blankets.
     The talented teachers that help and serve at the Southside Mission made the occasion truly festive, providing the kids with Christmas cookies and juice.  One needs to look no further than the children’s faces upon receiving their gifts to see that they truly learned the lessons of Christmas.  It was heartwarming to see the good work that the Southside Mission does. 
     For most of these children, these gifts may be the only presents they get this year. I am proud to be part of an organization that helped make something like this event happen.  If anyone would like to attend the delivery party next year, please feel free to do so, and bring your children.  My family and I had a great time sharing the true spirit of Christmas.

COURTHOUSE NEWS
The Tenth Circuit has had two informational/planning meetings on the formation of a Veteran’s Court.  Another meeting will be scheduled toward the end of January. 

If you have not already received the 2012 Judge Assignments, the list can be found at www.peoriabar.org/courts/judges.

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: Kenneth Baker, Kirk Bode, Sumner Bourne, John T. Brady, Susan Dawson-Tibbits, Michelle Eggert Jack (2 cases), Dean Essig, Michael Fleming, James Kane, Brad Keller, Robert Muir, Jaime Myers, Rodney Nordstrom, Jonathan Phillips (2 cases), Carl Wilbur, Rich Williams and Richard Zuckerman (2 cases).

GOING FORWARD INTO 2012

Last year we looked at innovative ways to serve an increasing number of clients with fewer resources and we had great success.  As funding continues a downward spiral, and Prairie State deals with staff reductions, pro bono becomes even more important in meeting the needs of our community.  Below are some of the projects currently in place.
• Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen and Caterpillar Inc. have created successful Will and Advanced Directive clinics for low income persons and senior citizens that will continue to be held bi-annually. 
• Under the direction of Attorneys Michelle Eggert Jack and Michele Miller, we have established pro se divorce clinics to assist clients in filing their own divorces.  We continue to improve on that model and will be asking for more involvement from attorneys in the near future.
• The Peoria County Pro Bono Plan has establishd an expungement panel to assist those persons who have made changes in their life, but are held back from self sufficiency due to a criminal record.  The panel currently consists of Attorneys Nate Strickler, David House, Cathy Molchin, and Maureen Williams.  A study is underway to determine the need so we will know how to move forward.  If you have interest in being involved in this project, please contact me or one of the panel members.
• The Pro Bono Committee has developed a divorce training manual in response to a great need for assistance in family law cases. Trainings are being held 3 times per year for new attorneys or those who have never done a family law case.  CLE credit is awarded and everyone attending gets a manual. Marci Shoff has been the person responsible for training, but we are looking for others who would be willing to assist her.  If you would like to assist with training, or participate in a training, please contact me.  We will also be offering training in guardianship cases.
• The feasibility of establishing a telephone counseling project is also being studied.  More to come.
This does not, however, meet all the need as few problems can be resolved in a clinic setting.  Directly referring cases to an attorney is still the most efficient way of assisting a client.  If you have not volunteered before, this is a great time to get involved.  Find out how you can help by contacting Sandra Crow or any member of the Peoria County Pro Bono Plan.

Will Search  Anyone with knowledge of the Last Will & Testament of Larry W. Manning, date of death 12/28/11, please contact his son, Joshua Manning, at (309) 685-1562.

Etc.

The ISBA has sent the PCBA nomination forms for the following awards:

General Practice Section Council:  Matthew Maloney Tradition of Excellence Award (Deadline April 2)
Young Lawyers Division:  Young Lawyer of the Year (Deadline March 30)
Law Student Division:  Public Service Award (Deadline March 30)
Joseph R. Bartylak Memorial Legal Services Award (Deadline January 17)
John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award (Deadline March 19)
Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Award for Community Leadership (Deadline April 6)
Diversity Leadership Award (Deadline April 6)

To receive a nomination form, contact the PCBA.  The awards will be presented on June 15, 2012, at the Annual Awards Luncheon at the Abbey on Lake Geneva, Fontana, WI.  For questions or further information contact Janet Sosin at the ISBA, jsosin@isba.org, 312-726-8775 or 800-678-4009.

DIRECTORY CHANGES

Name Change
Eggert, Michelle R. n/k/a/ Eggert Jack, Esq. Michelle. All other information remains the same.

New Firm
Shay Law Group, LTD., 456 Fulton St., Suite 255, Peoria, IL 61602; www.shaylawgroupltd.com   
William M. Shay wshay@shaylawgroupltd.com and Jonathan LA Phillips, jphillips@shaylawgroupltd.com

Peoria
Brown, Brandon J., Murphy & Dunn, P.C., 2886 W. Willow Knolls Dr., Peoria, IL 61614; Phone 691-3970; Fax: 691-3890.
Dawson-Tibbits, Susan, Johnson, Bunce & Noble, P.C.,7800 N. Sommer St., Suite 425, Peoria, IL 61615; Phone: 691-9650; Fax: 691-9651; susan@peorialawyers.com
Fuller, Chester C., 416 Main St., Suite 933, Peoria, IL 61602. All other information remains the same.
Heck, Mary E., H and H Title Co., 7707 N. Knoxville, Suite 105, Peoria, IL 61614. Phone: (309) 282-7877 Fax: (309) 282-7878; mheck@handhtitle.com
Huff, Raymond., 4617 N. Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616; Fax: 691-5092
Kelly, Dana M., 456 Fulton St., Suite 370, Peoria, IL 61602; Phone: 679-1800; Fax:  999-1110; danakellylaw@aol.com. 

Tazewell
Firm Name Change
Elliff, Keyser, Oberle & Dancey, PC n/k/a Elliff, Dancey & Bosich, P.C.
Uphoff, Jaimie R., Office of Dr. Alan Burge, DDS, Ltd., 3218 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554; Phone: 347-8590; Fax:  866-523-1073; juphoff2@gmail.com.

Other
Johnson, Stephanie S., Johnson & Johnson, P.C., 171 W. Lincoln Ave. Lewistown, IL 61542; Phone: (309) 547-7433; Fax: (309) 547-7435; ssj.jjlaw@att.net
Johnson, Stephanie S., Johnson & Johnson, P.C., 205 E. Locust St., Suite 2, Canton, IL 61520; Phone: (855)922-2686; Fax: (309) 226-1442.

FOR SALE
2010 Canon copy machine, lease assignment or best offer.  Contact Julie at Brady & Donahue, 309.674.0821.

10’ x 4’ oak conference table and 8 chairs; two 26” x 22” oak glass top end tables; 36” x 20” x 28”h oak cabinet. All in excellent condition. Contact Hanna & Hanna, P.C. (309) 676-3608.

Office Space Available
Attorney office and secretarial space located at the Associated Bank Building will be available on March 1, 2012. There will be a 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.

Single office space available in the Associated Bank Building, Suite 1800, Peoria, IL. Will share conference room and reception area for $450.00 per month. Please contact Kevin Lowe (309) 672-1776 or email kevinplowe@comcast.net if interested in renting space.

Downtown firm seeks two or three attorneys to sublease.  Experienced support staff, conference rooms, computer network and research.  Opportunity for shared expenses, referrals and collaboration in pleasant office setting.  Bring your own staff or contract with us for assistance.  Send letter of interest to PCBA, Reference Ad No. 07202011.

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