Chicago Area

[gallery link="file" columns="2"] Eric R. Pfanenstiel and Evan D. Whitfield were recently named associates at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. Mr. Pfanenstiel will concentrate his practice on complex family law matters including finance, property division and custody. Mr. Pfanenstiel received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. While studying at DePaul he received a Certificate in Taxation and the Cali Award for Excellence in Family Law Legal Drafting.  He began his career at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck as a law clerk in 2007. Mr. Whitfield was a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic soccer team and received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, where he earned a Certificate in Family Law. His practice concentrates on complex family law matters including finance, child custody and paternity. Mr. Whitfield joined Schiller DuCanto & Fleck as a law clerk in 2008.

State

• Illinois law prof launches give blog, plans to donate up to $50K, ABA Journal

Chicago area

• Another associate judge slot opens: Judge Patrick Lawler retiring next month, Lake County News-Sun
• 38 states support challenge to Chicago handgun ban, Chicago Tribune
• E2 nightclub owners sentenced to two years each, Chicago Sun-Times
• Prosecutors: Sergeant stole $1 million from cop fund, Chicago Tribune
• Second-grader's parents sue District 300 after bus runs over his leg, Daily Herald

Northern Illinois

• First steps taken in courthouse expansion project, DeKalb Daily Chronicle
• Former teacher suing Moline school board, Quad-City Times

Southern Illinois

• State Far

[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

Attorney John F. McCabe died on October 24, 2009, at age 51 at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge after a long battle with cancer. John was a man of integrity and humility, who dedicated his life to his family and profession. John graduated in 1984 from Ohio State School of Law. He spent 15 years at the Will County State's Attorney's Office where he served for several years as Supervisor of the Felony Division and Chief of White Collar Crimes Unit. John obtained verdicts in over 50 felony criminal cases and had 14 1st degree murder convictions. Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow said "John had a brilliant mind, a heart-felt compassion for others, a great sense of humor and a gracious but masterful ability to read people. These qualities made him a phenomenal prosecutor and an incredible human being. He never complained about his personal travails, but he was always the first to step up to help others. I'm a much better person for having known John McCabe." Former colleagues described John as a "truly fine thinker who worked tirelessly to bring about justice," a "quiet giant of the law," "tough but compassionate," and an "excellent lawyer but an even better person," who was "honest and honorable." John was recently employed at Codilis and Associates where John practiced real estate law representing mortgage bankers. According to his law firm, John's reputation in this area was "unparalleled." He handled contested litigation and was responsible for Cook and Will County matters. He was well respected by judges, colleagues and support staff.