The Bar News

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Northern Illinois

  • April 4, 2018 | People
    William R. Penn 1928-2018
    William Penn

    Judge William R. "Bill" Penn died peacefully on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

    Born in Chicago to Frederick William (Bill) Penn (1971) and A. Marie (Moore) Penn (1976).

    He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert John Penn (2010); first ex-wife, Marilyn Penn (2002); stepson, Paul Sinchak (2007); and an infant twin brother of daughter, Laura at birth.

    He is survived by his daughters, Laura J. Penn and Lee Ann Penn; and nephews, Matthew Penn and Jeffrey Penn.

    Bill attended New Lenox Grade School, Joliet Township High School graduating with the Class of 1946, the University of Illinois, and John Marshall Law School. He passed the Illinois Bar Exam and began to practice law in Illinois in 1951. In December of 1951 he was drafted into the USMC during the Korean War and he was honorably discharged in December of 1953.

  • April 4, 2018 | People
    John Cummins 1966-2018
    Jack Cummins

    John J. "Jack" Cummins, age 51, of Chicago, formerly of Geneva, passed away Monday, February 12, 2018 at his home. He was born July 6th, 1966, in Geneva, Illinois, the son of John and Diane (McMaster) Cummins.

    He is survived by his mother Diane (Mike) Cummins-Zak of Batavia; brother Greg (Kim) Cummins of McKinney, Texas; and sister Jenny (Tony) White of Geneva; five nieces and nephews Sean, Lindsey, Christopher, Gracie, and Claire; and many other dear relatives and friends. He was a loving Godfather to Leigh, Sean, and Claire.

    He was preceded in death by his father John J. Cummins, Sr., and paternal and maternal grandparents Tom Cummins, Marie Cummins, Charles McMaster, and Geraldine McMaster.

  • March 23, 2018 | People
    James P. Hecht 1935-2018
    James Hecht

    James P. Hecht, 83, Woodstock, IL. James Perry Hecht's children announce their father's peaceful passing on February 12th, 2018 in Woodstock, IL, his beloved hometown, on Abraham Lincoln's own birthday, his hero. He was surrounded by his loving family, books, pictures, paintings, and music.

    A third-generation Woodstock resident, the town he so loved, Jim was an avid jazz musician and aficionado, fly fisherman, traveler, art and book collector, and intellectual. A 1953 Woodstock High School graduate, James P. Hecht graduated Cum Laude with Phi Beta Kappa distinction from Carleton College in Northfield, MN in 1957. In June 1960, he earned his LL.B. from Yale Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar upon which he practiced as attorney at law at his own firm for 53 years on the historic Woodstock Square. As an attorney, he received the preeminent AV rating from his peers for the highest level of legal knowledge, ethical standards, and professional excellence. 

  • March 23, 2018 | People
    Bunker Honored with Young Leader Award

    The Streator Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry awarded ISBA member Jennifer Bunker with the Outstanding Young Leader award on March 20. The award is given to individuals living and working in the Streator area who have made an impact in their respective industries before the age of 40. 

  • March 7, 2018 | Practice News
    ISBA Judicial Ratings Available for March 20 Primary Election

    Illinois voters are responsible for electing and retaining judges. To assist them in making informed decisions, ISBA provides information about the qualifications of judicial candidates and judges seeking retention. Lawyers who practice alongside candidates and judges are in a unique position to assess the professional qualities that are necessary for good judges. 

    In anticipation of the March 20 primary election, judicial evaluations, poll results, candidate biographies, and information about Cook County's 15 subcircuits are now available.

  • February 28, 2018 | Events | ISBA News
    ISBA to Hold Ask A Lawyer Day on April 28

    Each year, the Illinois State Bar Association sponsors Ask A Lawyer Day to recognize and celebrate Law Day, which celebrates the role of law in our society and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal profession. During Ask A Lawyer Day, volunteers respond to telephone calls from the public to answer general legal questions free of charge. The calls help members of the public resolve their legal issues or assist them in taking the next steps toward resolving those issues. This is a state-wide public relations effort that receives considerable attention from the public and the media.

    This year's Ask A Lawyer Day will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Illinois Bar Center in Springfield and the Chicago Regional Office.

    If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online form at www.isba.org/askalawyervolunteer. 

  • February 27, 2018 | People
    Timothy P. Considine 1957-2018

    Timothy P. Considine, 60, of Belvidere passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018. Born October 8, 1957, in Champaign, the son of James Lloyd and Lois (Morrissey) Considine. Married Kimberly Evink on September 17, 1988, in Rockford, at St. Rita Catholic Church. Employed as an attorney in Rockford for many years. Member of St. Rita Catholic Church. Tim was known and respected for extending himself to those in need. He showed through his example the value of patience and tolerance.

  • February 27, 2018 | ISBA News
    Temporary ISBA Service Interruption Scheduled on March 4

    All ISBA systems will be down due to electrical work between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. During this time the ISBA website will not be available. As a result you will also not be able to log into Fastcase, online CLE, and ISBA Central. Here is what you need to know and steps you can take to ensure continued service.

    Online CLE

    You will not be able to access online CLE at all during the outage. We urge you to plan your weekend CLE needs around the outage.

  • February 16, 2018 | Practice News
    Quick Takes on Illinois Supreme Court Opinions Issued Friday, Feb. 16

    The Illinois Supreme Court handed down two opinions today, Friday, Feb. 16. The court considered whether the Cook County Circuit Court erroneously entered a finding of a good-faith settlement agreement under the Joint Tortfeasor Act in a personal injury action arising out of a car accident in Antonicelli v. Rodriguez. In People ex rel. Hartrich v. 2010 Harley-Davidson, the court addresses the application of the excessive fines clause of the Eighth Amendment to the civil forfeiture of personal property. Leading appellate attorneys Karen DeGrand and Joanne Driscoll summarize the cases below.

  • January 30, 2018 | ISBA News
    File Your Nominating Petitions for ISBA Election by Tomorrow

    The deadline to submit nominating petitions for the ISBA election is tomorrow, Wednesday Jan. 31, at 4:30 p.m. at either the Illinois Bar Center, 424 South 2nd Street, in Springfield, or the ISBA Office at 20 S. Clark Street, 9th Floor, Chicago.

    Members of the ISBA will elect a third vice president, six seats on the Board of Governors, and 22 seats on the Assembly in Cook County this spring.