The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance recently announced that it had awarded $2 million to the Center for Court Innovation ("Center") to fund 10 community courts around the United States. The Circuit Court of Cook County was one of the sites selected. According to a press release issued by Chief Cook County Circuit Judge Timothy C. Evans, the Restorative Justice Community Court's mission will be to "empower[] victims and residents to play an active role in the rehabilitation of adult offenders who commit certain nonviolent crimes" (http://bit.ly/1VUTVnd). As part of the award, the court will receive $200,000 and technical assistance from the Center, a non-profit that seeks to create a more effective and humane justice system. It conducts research and designs and implements operational programs like the community court project. The courts are neighborhood-focused courts that attempt to address local problems via the justice system. The community court model has seen significant growth since its inception in 1993. According to a Department of Justice report, "Community courts grow out of frustration. Observers have noted that justice has grown remote from communities and the people who live in them." Find out more about the Cook County Community Court, including where it will be located and when it will open, in the June Illinois Bar Journal. 

Join us from the comfort of your home or office on June 23, 2016 for this two-hour exploration of the rules and regulations for dealing with units of local government. Attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who are involved in the legalities of local government attending this seminar will learn: the basics for appearing before a municipality; what information is (and isn't) available through the Freedom of Information Act; the obligations of a government to provide an "Open Meeting"; the rules, regulations, and requirements for procurement bidding; and much more!

By Karen Munoz, ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services I am wrapping up my first year as a member for the Delivery of Legal services committee. Over the last year I have been exposed to some incredible lawyers and organizations throughout the state that do what they can each day to level the playing field of justice.

Thank you for being an ISBA member - 2016-2017 bar association dues are due by June 30, 2016. An invoice has been mailed or you can also pay online here. We hope you remember that ISBA offers a wide range of services designed to help you be productive and efficient. ISBA provides a services package valued at over $1,300. We are adding new services in the coming year that are outlined below. To help us continue to provide quality services and to streamline the dues structure, we have reduced the number of dues categories and instituted a modest dues increase - the first one in over 10 years. We are committed to continuing to expand premium benefits for you. Renew now so you don't miss the exciting new services and continue to enjoy the current line-up. UPCOMING BENEFITS Law Practice Management & Technology Resources: Checklists, Videos, Training & More Enhanced Online Lawyer Directory via CloudLaw More Versatile Online Section Communities CURRENT BENEFITS