Fraud can happen to anyone, but who is responsible for catching it? On Feb. 14, 2013, Rita Crundwell, former comptroller for Dixon, Ill., was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison for stealing more than $53 million from the city during a 20-year period. Subsequent to her conviction, the city successfully sued its auditors, settling their claim against them for $40 million. 

Join us in Fontana, Wis., on June 15 during ISBA’s Annual Meeting for an examination of the case and a discussion regarding what role attorneys and auditors should play in uncovering fraud. The program concludes with a lively discussion among our speakers: Devon Bruce, the lead attorney for the city of Dixon in the lawsuit against its auditors; Kelly Richmond Pope, documentary director, accountant, and white collar crime expert; and Brick Van Der Snick, an ISBA member whose secretary managed to steal more than $150,000 from his law firm.

The Illinois State Bar Association will present several awards recognizing individuals for their commitment and service to the profession and their communities at the organization’s 142nd Annual Meeting at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wis. Award recipients are:

• ISBA Board of Governors Award: Barry Hines, John Phipps, Evan Schanerberger, and Janette Strzalka.
• Medal of Merit Award: Russell Scott.

Each year, the Illinois State Bar Association sponsors Ask A Lawyer Day to recognize and celebrate Law Day, which celebrates the role of law in our society and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal profession. During Ask A Lawyer Day, volunteers respond to telephone calls from the public to answer general legal questions free of charge. The calls help members of the public resolve their legal issues or assist them in taking the next steps toward resolving those issues. This is a state-wide public relations effort that receives considerable attention from the public and the media.

This year's Ask A Lawyer Day will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Illinois Bar Center in Springfield and the Chicago Regional Office.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online form at www.isba.org/askalawyervolunteer. 

Evan (Shelly) Kjellenberg, 82, of Sister Bay, died peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 18, 2018. Born in Peoria, Ill. and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Shelly earned a full scholarship to Dartmouth College and finished his last year at Tuck School graduating in 1957. He went on to the University of Chicago Law School and earned a J.D. degree.