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  • October 18, 2012
    Law student debt, underemployment, unmet legal needs - 3 problems, 1 solution?

    Springfield lawyer George Petrilli proposes a win-win-win solution to the three problems of student debt, lawyer underemployment, and client underrepresentation. "A loan obligation reduction plan for federally funded student loans would allow attorneys to reduce their student debt while providing legal services to the underrepresented," Petrilli writes in the latest ISBA YLDNews. "This program would afford young lawyers valuable time and experience actually practicing law by analyzing facts against legal theory, arguing motions and drafting appeals.

    "This in turn would allow the young attorneys to develop into productive professionals and make these young attorneys more marketable," he writes. "At the same time, traditionally underrepresented segments will gain access to necessary legal representation, where typically none would be afforded." Read his proposal.

    2 comments (Most recent October 18, 2012)
  • August 23, 2012 | Practice News
    Perception is reality: recusal and judicial campaign contributions

    An ISBA special committee is exploring the role of campaign contributions in judicial elections and the perception that they influence judicial decision-making -- and considering whether recusal standards should be changed to address that perception. Find out more in the September Illinois Bar Journal.

    3 comments (Most recent August 23, 2012)
  • August 15, 2012 | Practice News
    Help us help you

    We’re channeling Jerry Maguire with this plea for help as every member of the Illinois General Assembly—all 177 of them—stand for election this fall.

    ISBA members devote considerable time, effort, and expertise in support of our legislative efforts. But we need your help to protect your interests. Although I believe we are respected and effective in Springfield, it’s hard to play touch if everybody else is playing tackle. To make us more competitive, I ask that you consider contributing $50 or more to LAWPAC.

    ISBA created ISBA LAWPAC (the Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee) in 1978 to contribute to those candidates running for state senator and state representative who share your interests. LAWPAC is governed by a bipartisan board of trustees appointed by ISBA presidents. To encourage broad participation by our membership, LAWPAC has been funded solely by ISBA members who elect to add a $20 contribution to their annual dues statement. Typically, about 10-15% of our membership contributes $20 this way. If adjusted for inflation since 1978, this $20 would now be about $70.

    The amounts we raise by this small amount are dwarfed by the amounts raised by similarly situated associations, such as the realtors, dentists, and CPAs. We have to be competitive in the State House. You may help us do so by contributing by credit card at this link or download this form to send a check to ISBA LAWPAC.* Thank you!

  • January 3, 2012
    Want to run for ISBA office? Petitions are now being accepted

    Interested in running for an elected ISBA leadership position? Petitions are being accepted through the end of January.

    Visit the 2012 ISBA Elections page to download the Notice of ISBA Elections (it includes a list of available positions) and candidate packets and to access the online elections form to submit your biography and photo. Read all election material carefully for exact deadlines and procedures.

    Beginning this year, all biographies and photos must be submitted via the online form. You must be logged into the ISBA website to access this page.

  • June 9, 2009 | People
    Pamela Church receives 2009 ISBA Law Enforcement Award
    [caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Western Springs Police Chief Pamela Church (center) received the 2009 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Monday evening, June 8, during a ceremony at the Western Springs village hall. ISBA President-elect John G. O’Brien (left) and Russell W. Hartigan, a Chicago attorney and ISBA board member who resides in Western Springs, presented the award."][/caption]
  • June 8, 2009 | Member Services
    New FedEx discount for ISBA members

    ISBA is proud to support our members and has teamed up with FedEx to help boost your bottom line. As an ISBA member, you are now eligible to receive valuable discounts of up to 26% on select FedEx shipping services. Best of all, there are no costs and no minimum shipping requirements to take advantage of this great new member benefit. ISBA members can now save: •    Up to 26% on select FedEx Express U.S. services •    Up to 20% on select FedEx Express international services •    Up to 12% on select FedEx Ground services •    Up to 10% on select FedEx Home Delivery services Visit 1800members.com/isba to start saving now. If you have additional questions, please call (800) MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. CST, M-F) to speak to a dedicated member representative. Within 7–10 business days of your enrollment, you should receive a welcome kit from FedEx with detailed information about your shipping rates. Once you have enrolled in the FedEx savings program, your discounts will automatically be applied to your FedEx account number and you can enjoy these great savings every time you ship.
  • June 5, 2009 | ISBA News
    ISBA group visits U.S. Supreme Court
    A group of 38 ISBA members were admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court on June 1. Following the ceremony, ISBA President Jack Carey presented the Court with a replica of the Abraham Lincoln bust the ISBA commissioned in honor of the Lincoln bicentennial. The original bust was presented to the Illinois Supreme Court on Jan. 12. Justice John Paul Stephens accepted the replica bust on behalf of the court. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg also visited with the ISBA group. View our photo gallery of the Supreme Court visit.