ISBA News

The 2008-2009 Annual Report of the Illinois Bar Foundation is now available. The Annual Report highlights the charitable activities of the Foundation and includes a list of donors whose support made these activities possible. The Foundation distributed more than $325,000 to not for profit organizations promoting justice in our state, contributed almost $100,000 to 13 lawyers and their families in financial distress due to medical issues and participated in two joint charitable ventures with the ISBA. "We are proud to say that the IBF has maintained fiscal stability during what has been perhaps the most tumultuous economy decline of the Foundation's existence," said IBF President Vincent F. Cornelius. "Over the course of the last year the Foundation still awarded more than $450,000 in direct assistance." Visit http://www.isba.org/ibf/annualreport.pdf to view the Annual Report online. Call (312) 726-6072 to request a printed copy. As the charitable affiliate of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Foundation's mission is to ensure meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity. This past year, through the support of ISBA members, IBF distributed more than $450,000 to support these efforts.

The winners of the ISBA's 2010 Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest have been named. Geoffrey T. Burkhart, Chicago, took first place with "Voir Dire Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 431(b):  Navigating the Complex Straits of a Seemingly Simple Rule."  His article will appear in the February issue of the Illinois Bar Journal. The second-place winner is Samuel G. Wieczorek, Chicago, who wrote "The Outside Sales Exemption:  Does it Really Apply to Your Client?" Third place is a tie and it goes to Paul A. Rodrigues, Chicago, for "After Caperton:  Judicial Disqualification and Elections in Illinois" and Nicholas P. Cholis, Chicago for "Title VII and Retaliatory Litigation Conduct:  How Attorney Conduct May Expose Your Client to Additional Liability under the Civil Rights Act." The first place winner will receive a check for $2,000, second place $1,000, and third place $500. Plaques will be presented to all four winners at the ISBA Annual Meeting, which will be held June 2010. Twenty-seven manuscripts were submitted in the 2010 contest.  The contest judges were Hon. Mary Jane Theis, Chicago; Hon. Diane M. Lagoski, Mount Sterling; Keith A. Hebeisen, Chicago; Celia G. Gamrath, Chicago; and, A. Ben Mitchell, Mount Vernon. We wish to thank all the winning contestants, and other contestants, for entering the contest.

[caption id="attachment_5945" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Appearing on the shows will be (from left) Joel L. Chupack, Nancy Freeman, Myles L Jacobs and program moderator Martin Dolan."][/caption] "The ABC's of Buying Bank Owned Properties," two half-hour programs presented by Illinois Law, will air on Chicago Access Network Television, Channel 21 during the month of December.  Part I will air on Tuesdays, December 1, 15 and 29 at 10 p.m., and Part II will air on Tuesdays, December 8 and 22 at 10 p.m. Appearing on the shows will be Joel L.

[gallery link="file" columns="2"] The Illinois State Bar Association's Joint Meeting begins with a special program on Thursday, Dec. 10, Lincoln's Legacy: Lawyers Who Protect Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness -- including a keynote address by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and a panel discussion moderated by WTTW Chicago Tonight Host Phil Ponce. The event begins at 1 p.m. and is sponsored by the Diversity Leadership Council. In celebration of President Obama's Call to Service and International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10), learn how lawyers are making a difference through their work in advancing human rights, equality and other social movements. Find out about opportunities to make a difference and how you can make a contribution to social justice through volunteerism as well as with the clients you serve. A variety of organizations that provide services fitting the "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness" will be on hand so that you can explore this marketplace to discover how you can best use your talents to "make a difference". 1:00 p.m.     Welcome & Introductions by President John O'Brien 1:30 p.m.     Keynote Address by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan 1:45 p.m.     Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness Panel moderated by Phil Ponce, WTTW-TV 2:45 p.m.     Diversity Leadership Award Presentation 3:00 p.m.     Call to Service Marketplace