ISBA News

Note: This letter was sent to editorial page editors around the state. The appointment last week of a new state juvenile justice chief – a veteran of the state’s child welfare system – signals a new era in juvenile justice reform. Mr. Arthur Bishop is on record favoring a different treatment model for troubled youth that emphasizes rehabilitation and second chances. That is good news, not only for the youth and their families, but for all Illinois citizens. As president of the Illinois State Bar Association, I will work closely with our members to concentrate on the very important issue of juvenile justice reform.  For too long, we have largely employed a system that has failed our youth, spending a staggering $100 million annually to lock them up in state correctional facilities or in detention centers while they await trial. It’s not working – for them or for us. Fortunately, we are beginning to see a reversal of this past trend.  Research from the MacArthur Foundation, a partner in our effort, shows that half or more of our youth sent to prison for lesser crimes return to our communities after discharge from prison without rehabilitation having occurred.  The last thing we want to happen is increased exposure of our youth to hardened criminals as their role models. We already know what works. Leaders in Illinois communities of all sizes, including lawyers, prosecutors and judges, have implemented alternative treatment options that are producing results.  During my presidency, many of our lawyer and judge members of the bar will focus on and celebrate the good work already underway.  In the process, we hope to raise further awareness of this timely issue. The next few years will be crucial ones for juvenile justice reform.

[caption id="attachment_13177" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Donna Schechter (with her husband Gary at right) has retired after 28 years in the ISBA's Legal Department."][/caption] Donna Schechter, the Illinois State Bar Association's longtime Assistant to Counsel in the Legal Department, has retired after 28 years. Donna joined ISBA in September 1982 and was instrumental over the years in nurturing the ISBA High School Mock Trial Program, as well as other Association programs. She worked closely with the ISBA Standing Committee on Law-Related Education for the Public. Thanks Donna, for all those years of wonderful service to the Association.

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of June 2010, ISBA helped people in need of legal services find lawyers in the following areas:

• Administrative Law - 4
• Animal Law - 2
• Bankruptcy - 12
• Business Law - 14
• Civil Disputes - 69
• Civil Rights - 24
• Collection - 22
• Consumer Protection - 17
• Contracts - 9
• Criminal Law - 69
• Education Law -10
• Elder law - 3
• Employment Law - 65
• Estate/Probate Law - 26
• Family - 139
• Government Benefits - 23
• Health Law - 6
• Immigration - 8
• Insurance Disputes - 4
• Intellectual Property -3
• Miscellaneous - 6
• Municipal Law - 13
• Personal Injury - 85
• Real Estate - 50
• Social Security - 13
• Tax - 5
• Workers Compensation - 6

These numbers do not include additional referrals made through the online Lawyer Finder service. Want to be part of the ISBA Lawyer Finder Service?  Call 800.252-8908 and ask for the Legal Department, or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com Clients should call 800.922.8757.

[caption id="attachment_12960" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Patt Rexroad (second from left) with co-workers from the ISBA's Administrative Services Department."][/caption] Today marked the final day in the long and illustrious career of Patt Rexroad, Illinois State Bar Association Assistant to the Director of Administrative Services/Administration. Patt is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service. Patt's sections and committees toasted her at the recent Annual Meeting in St. Louis - and today the rest of the Association does the same. Thanks Patt.