Chicago Area

Elizabeth Kutyla-Miner passed away after a six and a half year battle with ovarian cancer on Dec. 21. Liz graduated from the University of Chicago in 1984 and from the University of Chicago School of Law in 1987. She held positions for two major law firms before finding her calling in 1994 as Associate General Counsel, then General Counsel of Barton Brands. During her 14-year tenure at Barton, Liz guided the company through many successful acquistions. Read the full obituary at Legacy.com.

State

• Released prisoners in Illinois accused of new crimes, Decatur Herald & Review

Central Illinois

• Change of venue granted in Skinner murder trial, Springfield State Journal-Register

Chicago area

• Kane deputy let DUI driver go before fatal crash, suit says, Chicago Tribune
• Judge finds Freed president liable for $6.8 million, Chicago Business
• Brown's Chicken files for Chapter 11, brought down by lawsuit, Chicago Business

Northern Illinois

• Teen held for threatening judge, Quad-City Times

This post is updated with breaking news throughout the day.

[caption id="attachment_6908" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Terrence J. Lavin"][/caption] The Illinois Supreme Court has named ISBA Past President Terrence J. Lavin to fill an interim vacancy on the 1st District Appellate Court, effective Feb. 1, 2010. The vacancy will be created by the retirement of Justice John P. Tully on Dec. 31. "I'm obviously delighted," Lavin said. "It's something I've always wanted and never thought would present itself." Lavin earned a degree in journalism in 1977 from the University of Illinois and his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1983. He clerked at Corboy & Demetrio during law school and started his own practice in 1992 - which he has with some regret begun to wind down. "I just had a meeting with a client and had to tell her she'll need to find another lawyer," he said. "I will miss not being there to fight for her and for the others I represent." Lavin's appointment runs through Dec. 3, 2012. "I look forward to having the opportunity to learn more about the law," Lavin said. "We practice in such specialized areas and I have practiced in such a specialized area. This will keep the brain exercised. I look forward to putting on the robe and going to the other side of the bench."

The Chicago Alumni Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity recently awarded $5,000 in scholarships to students from several Chicago-area law schools.  The scholarships, named in honor of former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniel P. Ward, recognize students who have outstanding records of academic excellence and community service, in furtherance of the fraternity's mission of service to the profession and the public. Photo: Phi Alpha Delta Chicago Alumni Chapter Justice Michele Jochner (far left) congratulates the recipients of the Chapter's Justice Daniel P. Ward Scholarship. Seated left to right: Natalie Lange (Dooley Chapter - Northern Illinois University Law School), Desiree Lauricella (Lincoln Chapter - The John Marshall Law School).  Standing: Michele Jochner, Daniel Powell (Lincoln Chapter), Michelle  Reed (Webster Chapter - Loyola University School of Law), Patrick Callahan (Story Chapter - DePaul University College of Law), and Sean Corsini (Lincoln Chapter).