John Thies

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Dear ISBA members,
We invite you to join us on our Fall 2012 ISBA President’s Trip – a magnificent tour of China!

Take a moment away from your busy day, close your eyes and picture yourself in a land steeped in thousands of years of history. Picture a place where the echoes of distant empires can still be heard above the urban roar of modern technology, where natural landscapes stand in stark and beautiful contrast to contemporary cityscapes. You are in a land rich in tradition and ripe with possibility.

ISBA President-elect John E. Thies recently gave a speech to representatives of the Chinese Ministry of Justice who were visiting the University of Illinois.

He covered several topics including: an overview of the ISBA; the range and purpose of U.S. bar associations and the services they provide; the regulation of the legal profession; the licensing of lawyers; the accreditation of law schools (and the education of law students); minimum continuing legal education; legal aid; and limited scope representation.

Group leader Mr. Ma Chi (photo at right) presented President-elect Thies with a lovely rolled print as a token of the delegation's appreciation. Ma Chi serves as the Vice Deputy Chief Judge from Gansu Province.

ISBA President-elect John E. Thies of Urbana was named President-elect of the National Caucus on Bar Associations at the recent ABA Annual Meeting in Toronto. The purpose of the caucus is to coordinate the efforts of state bar associations across the country in considering and proposing matters before the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Thies' term as president will coincide with his year as ISBA president (2012/13).  

“The state bar associations – including the ISBA – have a unique interest in many matters before the ABA House and within the ABA generally," Thies said. "These associations are most closely connected to the practicing bar, and the administration of justice at the core level. Accordingly, it is important that state bars have a strong voice within the ABA. In leading the Caucus, I plan to work with other state bar leaders to make sure that this is always the case.”

Judge David Gienapp (at lectern, the then-president of the Caucus) is shown declaring Thies' election following a nominating speech by ISBA President John Locallo (right).