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Southern Illinois

  • March 12, 2015 | People
    Ann Callis to Join Edwardsville Law Firm

    Former Chief judge Ann Callis today announced she will be joining the Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland law firm in Edwardsville.

    Callis brings over 20 years of experience to the firm with her start in the community in 1990 when she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in both Madison and St. Clair Counties. Callis was elected Circuit Judge in 2000, and became the first female Circuit Judge and the first female Chief Judge in Madison County.  In 2009, Callis created the first Veterans’ Court in Illinois, which sought to reintegrate veterans into society. Years later, the Madison County Veterans' Treatment Court has become a model for similar programs around the nation.

    With deep ties to the community and a commitment to the future of Madison County, Callis will concentrate on the firm’s Commercial Law Division to further develop business growth in the area.

    Founding partner, Mark Goldenberg stated, “We are pleased to announce that Ann Callis will be joining our firm. Ann’s impressive legal career and dedication to improving the lives of individuals in Illinois closely aligns with our firm’s core values. Ann’s professional commitment and passion will be a valuable asset to our team as we continue serving local and regional clients.”

    "I’m thrilled to join the prestigious law firm of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland here in Edwardsville,” said Callis. “This opportunity will allow me the chance to focus on a division within the firm to grow business and provide the best possible representation to create powerful and lasting additions in our community.”

  • February 19, 2015 | People
    Robert Neely 1923-2015

    Robert Joseph (Bob, Bobby Joe) Neely, 92, a resident of rural Grantsburg, passed from this life Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. Mr. Neely is survived by his wife, Sharon, (nee Bremer) Foss Neely.

    Mr. Neely was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Marion, to Ralph and Lanta (Brush) Neely. He was the beloved grandson of the late Honorable Rufus and Emma Neely and the precious nephew of the late Bertha Otey, Horace Neely and John Neely.

    Mr. Neely graduated from Marion High School in 1940. Following high school, Mr. Neely worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., where he met his late wife, Lois LeMay Neely. While in Washington D.C., he took courses at George Washington University and Georgetown University. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1950 and later became the Metro Division Manager for State Farm Insurance Agency. In 1955, he completed his academic studies with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri Law School at Kansas City, number one in his class, as well as, a member of the prestigious Order of the Bench and Robe. In 1960, Mr. Neely moved his young family to Marion, where he opened his private practice. Mr. Neely served as the Massac County State’s Attorney from 1969 to 1972. In 1972, he moved his practice to Metropolis, and then to Vienna, in 1993, where he has practiced law as a true servant to all until the present time. Mr. Neely practiced law for no other reason than that he loved the truth. He loved serving others, and he truly gave himself to the needs of anyone and everyone through his wisdom and legal practice.

  • February 13, 2015 | Practice News
    Cannady appointed associate judge in 20th Circuit

    Michael J. Tardy, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that Thomas B. Cannady, received the majority of votes cast by the circuit judges in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit and is declared to be appointed to the office of associate judge.

    Mr. Cannady received his undergraduate degree in 1978 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and his Juris Doctor in 1984 from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Cannady is currently affiliated with Cannady and AuBuchon in Belleville.

  • February 11, 2015 | People
    Don Paul Koeneman 1934-2015

    Don Paul Koeneman, 80, passed away on Jan. 16, 2015, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

    He was born to the late Bruno William and Marguerite (nee Finley) Koeneman on April 24, 1934, at his Grandmother Koeneman's home in Steeleville. He lived in Steeleville until 1947 when the family moved to Chester. Don attended Chester Grade School and graduated from Chester High School in 1952. While attending Chester High School he participated in basketball and tennis, and was the editor of The Summit yearbook.

    In 1956 Don graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, and received a commission to the U.S. Air Force JAG Corp as a Second Lieutenant. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Washington University Law School in 1958. While attending Washington University, he participated in the Air Force ROTC, and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.

    On June 30, 1956, Don married Mary Ann Uffelman in Chester. In October of that year, he entered active duty at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base followed by two and one half years at the Azores Air Transport Station in Azores, Portugal.

  • February 5, 2015 | Practice News
    Madison County accepting applications for law clerk position

    The 3rd Judicial Circuit Court is accepting applications for the position of Law Clerk. This Law Clerk position is for two years with the possibility of extension (not to exceed one additional year).  

  • January 23, 2015 | Practice News
    Parker appointed associate judge in 4th Circuit

    Michael J. Tardy, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Fourth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Kevin S. Parker as associate judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

    2 comments (Most recent January 26, 2015)
  • January 14, 2015 | People
    Joseph R. Lowery 1924-2014

    Joseph R. Lowery, 90, born Wednesday, May 28, 1924, in Belleville, Ill., died Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, at Cedarhurst in Shiloh, Ill.

    Joseph was a graduate of Belleville Township High School Class of 1942. He attended Milliken University and was later called to duty in February 1943, assigned to the Army Air Corp, and later to the 362nd Fighter Group. He served in several battles in Europe including Normandy and received silver and bronze battle stars, a Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.

    Joseph graduated from the University of Illinois College of Commerce with a degree in accountancy and a minor in economics in 1947 and from the University of Illinois Law School in 1950.

    He practiced law for 60 years at three law firms during his career: Pope and Driemeyer, Thompson Coburn, and Greensfelder Hemker & Gale.

    In addition to his law career, he served as the director for the following for-profit corporations: Illinois State Trust Company, Magna Group, Marsh Company, JMJ Industries, Inc., Illinois Electric Works, Inc., Missouri Electric Sales & Services, Inc., Rapid Sales & Service, Inc., Wise Communications, Inc., Eckert Companies, Peerless Enamel Products Company, East St. Louis Castings Co., and First National Bank of Belleville.

  • January 9, 2015 | People
    Schimpf to join Stumpf & Gutknecht

    The law firm of Stumpf & Gutknecht, P.C., announced today that Paul Schimpf will join the firm as an attorney of counsel.

    After growing up in Waterloo, Schimpf left Monroe County in 1989 to attend the United States Naval Academy. While on active duty for 24 years in the United States Navy and Marine Corps, he maintained Waterloo as his home of record. He is a 2000 graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review. Schimpf served as both an infantry officer and an attorney for the United States Marine Corps, retiring in 2013 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His highest profile legal assignment was as the lead American attorney-advisor in the trial of Saddam Hussein. Schimpf also served as the Staff Judge Advocate for Marine Corps Installations Command and the head prosecutor for the Marine Corps’ Western Recruiting Region.

    Schimpf resides in Monroe County with his wife, Lori, and their sons, Ethan and Garrett. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois courts, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the United States Supreme Court.

    Stumpf & Gutknecht assists clients with legal matters. They provide counsel for families and their businesses in all aspects of general law practice, including real estate, financial and business transactions, estate planning, elder law, probate matters, trust-estate litigation, criminal law, traffic law, general civil litigation, commercial litigation, real estate litigation, family law, municipal, and appellate representation.

  • January 7, 2015 | Practice News
    Farris appointed Circuit Judge in 1st Circuit

    The Illinois Supreme Court announced Wednesday the appointment of Alexander County State's Attorney Jeffery Blaine Farris as resident Circuit Judge in the First Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stephen Spomer on November 30, 2014.

    Mr. Farris' appointment is effective January 16, 2015 and will terminate December 5, 2016 when the position will be filled by the 2016 General Election.

  • December 30, 2014 | Practice News
    Moore assigned to 5th District Appellate Court

    The Illinois Supreme Court announced Monday that Circuit Judge James R. Moore of the First Judicial Circuit has been assigned to the Fifth District Appellate Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Appellate Justice Stephen L. Spomer on November 30, 2014.

    The assignment of Judge Moore to the Appellate Court is effective January 2, 2015 and remains in effect until further order of the Court.