The Docket - August 2023

Foundation Board of Trustees

2023 LCBA OFFICE RENTAL PRICING

CONFERENCE ROOM

For meetings only. Seats 16 – 20 comfortably

During business hours (8 am – 5 pm)

• Member- Free

• Non-Member $150/1st hour. $50/hour after

• Non-Member, Not-for-Profit: $25/hour

After Hours (5 pm – 9 pm)

• Member - $25 per hour

• Non-Member – Not Available

• Non-Member, Not-for-Profit: $50 per hour

MEMBER CENTER “The Bar”

Accommodates up to 100 people

During business hours (8 am – 5 pm)

Members (add $25/hour for after hour events)

• Meeting only (individual or group, no food or beverages served: Free

• Self-Service reception or party (provide own alcoholic beverages): $50 per hour

• Hosted beer & wine reception or party (beer & wine provided by Association): $250/ 1st hour, $50/hour after

Non-Members: (add $50/hour for after hour events)

• Meeting only (individual or group, no food or beverages served): $50 per hour

• Self-Service reception or party (provide own alcoholic beverages and food): $300/ 1st hour, $50/hour after

• Hosted beer & wine reception or party – Not Available

Non-Member, Not-for-Profit: (add $25/hour for after hour events)

• Meeting only (individual or group, no food or beverages served): $25 per hour

• Self-Service reception or party (provide own alcoholic beverages and food): $150/1st hour, $25/hour after

• Hosted beer & wine reception or party – Not Available

Association Committee Meetings (Conference Room or Member Center)

Without beer & Wine - Free

With Hosted Beer & Wine - $150 flat fee (for 5 – 15 people), $200 (over 15 people)

Room rentals are based on availability. Rentals include use of A/V already in room (phone, TV, Speaker. WIFI).

All rentals include free parking in our large, well-lit, 45 vehicle parking lot adjacent to the LCBA building.

THE DOCKET EDITORIAL BOARD

Jeffrey A. Berman,Co-Editor

Hon. Charles D. Johnson,Co-Editor

Jennifer C. Beeler

Kevin Berrill

Hon. Bolling W. Haxall

Hon. Daniel L. Jasica

Hon. Christopher M. Kennedy

Jennifer Luczkowiak

Kevin K. McCormick

Shyama Parikh

Stephen J. Rice

Neal A. Simon

Hon. James K. Simonian

Rebecca J. Whitcombe

Alex Zagor

STAFF

Greg Weider Executive Director

Jose Gonzalez

Assistant Executive Director

Nancy Rodriguez Receptionist

COLUMNS

2 President’s Page Meaningful Membership

BY KATHARINE HATCH, PRESIDENT

4 The Chief Judge’s Page August Musings Before we Shift Back into Busy Mode

BY CHIEF JUDGE MARK L. LEVITT

6 Bar Foundation A Brief History of Charitable Giving

BY JOANN FRATIANI, PRESIDENT

8 Meet the Board Kevin Berrill

10 Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023

BY JEFFREY BERMAN, SECRETARY

FURTHER INFORMATION

IFC Office Rental Pricing

3 Calendar of Events

3 Lawyer Referral Service

4 New LCBA Members

7 Criminal Law Seminar

7 Cubs Game Social

BC Member Reception Sponsorship Opportunities

Advertising Rates

To place an ad or for information on advertising rates, call (847) 244-3143. Submission deadline: first day of month preceding the month of publication. All submissions must be made in electronic format (high resolution PDF or JPG format at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch or more.) See www.lakebar.org/page/Docket_Advertising

The Docket is the official publication of the Lake County Bar Association, 300 Grand Avenue, Suite A, Waukegan, Illinois 60085 (847) 2443143, and is published monthly. Subscriptions for non-members are $45.00 per year.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The opinions and positions stated in signed material are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Association or its members.

All submitted manuscripts are considered by the Editorial Board. All letters to the editor and articles are subject to editing. Publications of advertisements is not to be considered as an endorsement of any product or service advertised unless otherwise stated.

Meaningful Membership

The LCBA installation dinner was held on June 1, 2023, and I am so thankful to the LCBA members who attended the event and made it a success! The theme of my in-

stallation speech was that a rising tide lifts all ships, which is also my personal motto. In our increasingly collaborative and interconnected world the saying resonates more deeply now than ever before. The essence of this phrase lies in the belief that when individuals succeed and grow it has a positive ripple effect on those around them. I challenge everyone this year to make your membership count; attend committee meetings, become a committee chairperson, or attend an LCBA event that you have meant to attend for years but you never have before. The more we all grow professionally and personally the more we all benefit from our LCBA membership.

One powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth is mentorship. Mentorships provide guidance, support and in-

spiration enabling mentees to grow and benefit from more experienced individuals. Personally, I have benefited immensely from mentorship, and I hope to encourage others to reach out and pay it forward.

Establishing a mentorship sounds like a daunting task but it isn’t, I promise! In my experience simply begin by asking a person whose skills you admire for tips and suggestions. People love to answer questions about their areas of expertise and are often flattered to be contacted for advice. My first professional mentor was the misdemeanor supervisor at the Lake County Public Defender’s office, Greg Ticsay. I simply sat in his office at every opportunity, asked a zillion questions about trial strategy and listened to countless war stories, and eventually the relationship naturally

BY KATHARINE HATCH PRESIDENT

evolved into a mentorship. I still hear his advice while prepping for every trial: keep it tight and don’t kick any doors open.

An often overlooked and invaluable benefit of mentorship is the candid feedback that a mentor is in the perfect position to provide. However, a mentee must have a willingness to listen and adjust if necessary. Listening is also important for both parties to fully benefit from the exposure to a different viewpoint and alternative approach to various professional and personal dilemmas.

The LCBA membership is flush with leaders of the legal community—not only locally, but statewide. Our membership includes a Supreme Court Justice, three Appellate Justices, over thirty local Judges, and numerous practitioners who are titans in

their fields of practice. Not only are they members but they are active members, whether through committee chairmanships, mentoring, or their willingness to participate in a host of LCBA activities. In short, a wealth of knowledge waiting to be tapped. Please

emulate their actions and meaningfully participate in the LCBA this year!

It is up to us who have benefitted from mentorships to perpetuate the positive impact by establishing our own similar relationships. By paying it forward, mentees embody

the spirt of a rising tide, lifting others and contributing to a culture of growth and development. The LCBA is willing and able to set up members with a mentor and to support the relationship. Simply reach out to the organization at 847-244-3143.

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?

The LCBA Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a valuable member benefit as well as a public service. LRS provides member attorneys with an opportunity to build business through client referrals. The service benefits the public by helping callers quickly find an attorney in the area of law in which they need help.

The LRS program is designed to assist persons who are able to pay normal attorney fees but whose ability to locate legal representation is frustrated by a lack of experience with the legal system, a lack of information about the type of services needed, or a fear of the potential costs of seeing a lawyer.

Cost is only $200 annually for a Standard listing or $350 for a Premium listing. Download the application at www.lakebar.org/page/LRS or contact the LCBA office for more information.

CONTACT THE LCBA AT 847.244.3143 OR INFO@LAKE BAR.ORG

The

Calendar of Events

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August Musings Before we Shift Back into Busy Mode

Happy August! As the lazy, hazy days of summer continue I am reminded often of how much I cherish this season. Time with family and friends and a little time away from the courthouse are welcome diversions from the day-to-day routines I find myself falling into most of the year. I am also reminded just how difficult it is to come up with an interesting or compelling idea for a Docket article!

So rather than attempt to engage in some scholarly discussion of the law or some exciting courthouse news—and my coming columns will focus on our impending new case management system and what you should expect from its implementation—I will instead attempt to highlight some interesting historical events that have occurred during the month of August.

Did you know—or do you recall—that: August 1, 1981, was the date that MTV debuted. Coincidentally, that is the same day that Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married. That would make August 1 quite the significant date in pop culture. It is amazing to think about all of the cultural changes that have occurred as a direct or proximate result of the MTV launch. And

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie . . . I have no words.

Keeping with the theme of cultural phenomena, American Bandstand was launched on August 5, 1957, which was also the date five years later when Marilyn Monroe was discovered dead in her bedroom. Coincidence?

August is also an extremely important month in music history. On August 6, 1965, the Beatles released the album “Help!” and then played in Shea Stadium on the 15th. The Beatles then played their final US concert at Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966. That same date in 1969 was the opening day of Woodstock, which ended on August 17. And for all of you Springsteen fans, “Born to Run” was released on August 25, 1975.

August is also the

BY CHIEF JUDGE MARK L. LEVITT

month when two of the most significant events affecting the United States’ presidency occurred. On August 8, 1974, Richard Nixon announced his resignation and on August 17, 1998, President Clinton acknowledged his “inappropriate relationship” with Monica Lewinsky. Certainly, these are events that forever changed the office of our chief executive.

On the world stage there can be no more impactful days than August 6, 9, and 10 in 1945. Those days mark the bombing of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the subsequent announcement by President Truman of Japanese surrender.

August also offers several dates in sporting history that are incredibly important. The first night game in the history of Wrigley Field did not occur on 8/8/1988, as it was scheduled to do. It

rather occurred the next night because of a rainout. On August 9, 1936, Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. And on August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth became the first baseball player in history to hit 500 home runs!

For automobile aficionados August is a very significant month. The last

Packard was produced on August 19, 1958, while on August 22, 1902, the first Cadillac was produced.

By far one of the most significant August events in our history was August 28, 1963, when Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech.

I hope these snapshots gave you the opportunity to escape for a few minutes

and look back on some of these historical events. September is right around the corner. And with the turning of the calendar page comes the inevitable return to more sensible Docket articles. This year, those articles will be one channel through which I hope to highlight our new case management system. That system will usher

in a generational change in how we manage the operations of our justice system in Lake County. As with many new tools, the system will bring enormous opportunities, but also plenty of challenges in the coming months.

But more on that later. For now, thank you for indulging me, and enjoy summer!

A Brief History of Charitable Giving

Where and when did the concept of charitable giving and foundations originate?

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Joann Fratianni President

Kristie Fingerhut Vice President

Joann M. Fratianni Secretary

Perry Smith Treasurer

Shyama Parikh Secretary

Douglas Dorando

Immediate Past President

Jennifer L. Ashley

Nandia P. Black

Louise Hayes

Steven P. McCollum

Scott B. Gibson

David J. Gordon

Keith Grant

Fredric B. Lesser

Hon. Michael Nerheim

Michael Ori

John Quinn

Eric Reinhart

Melanie K. Rummel

David Stepanich

In past civilizations, as far back as 2500 BC, the ancient Hebrews established a mandatory tax that would benefit the poor. The word “philanthropy” came from the ancient Greeks and translates to “love of mankind.” In 387 B.C., Plato’s Academy was formed as a volunteer organization to benefit the public good. Caesar Augustus, the founder of the Roman Empire, instituted public giving to almost a quarter million people in 38 B.C.

In 1601, the “Charitable Uses Act” (a/k/a “The Statute of Elizabeth”) was enacted in England to define the list of purposes that benefitted society and would result in private donations and contributions.

Alexis de Tocqueville, the French aristocrat who came to the United States to study the prison system, also referenced philanthro-

py and the willingness to give in his 1835 literary work Democracy in America.

That brings us to the question of why we support charitable foundations. Many of the reasons will not surprise you, including; “I need a tax deduction,” or “I like the charity that is being supported,” or “someone asked me to donate to the organization.”

As attorneys, the act of charity and providing assistance to others is intrinsic to our profession. All attorneys are required to report any pro bono work performed and monetary amounts contributed to charitable causes upon each renewal of our law licenses.

Our Lake County Bar Foundation adopted as its purpose support of the charitable and educational activities of the Lake County Bar Association. Our Bar Foundation has created

BY JOANN FRATIANNI PRESIDENT

a working committee to vet potential recipients of our grants and donations. We also utilize that same committee to explore fundraising opportunities that further our mission, as set forth in our bylaws.

Our Bar Foundation has also appointed a Long Range Financial Planning Committee to ensure our future success in budgeting properly for any charitable endeavors, as well as the continuous maintenance of our Bar Association headquarters.

I am truly thankful for the generous support of our membership in our past charitable fundraisers and causes. I hope for your continued support as we strive to fulfill our mission and the tradition that has existed in our Bar Association for over sixty years— and in our society for over 4,500 years.

Meet the Board

KEVIN BERRILL

Kevin Berrill has been a member of the Lake County Bar Association since 2008. He has since actively served the LCBA in several capacities, including acting as a chairperson and co-chairperson of the Criminal Law Committee, and on the LCBA Board of Directors, first as Treasurer and currently as Second Vice-President. Kevin has also presented at several CLE seminars, on topics such as mental health law, medical cannabis zoning requirements, governmental immunities, FOIA, and specialty courts. Kevin

has been an active member of many LCBA committees. Kevin was born and raised in Connecticut, and graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Finance and History. In 2005, he graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he started an Appalachia Service Week. After law school, Kevin began his legal career practicing civil litigation with the suburban-based firm of Stitt, Klein, Daday, Aretos & Giampietro, which later became Klein, Daday, Aretos,

& O’Donoghue. Seeking trial experience, Kevin joined the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office in 2008, first in its criminal division before switching to its civil division in 2011. There, Kevin counseled and represented various County departments, including the Planning, Building, and Development Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Human Resources Department. In 2018, Kevin again turned prosecutor, and has handled felony financial crimes ever since. In addition to his involvement in the LCBA, Kevin is a Board

Member for the Independence Center in Waukegan, and is also a member of the Jefferson Inn. Kevin and his wife Liz have three children.

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Board of Directors’

Meeting

June 15, 2023

Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lake County Bar Association held in the executive conference room of the Lake County Bar Association, 300-A Grand Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Katharine Hatch President

Daniel Hodgkinson

First Vice President

Kevin Berrill

Second Vice President

Richard Gellersted Treasurer

Jeffrey Berman Secretary

Tara Devin Immediate Past President

Jeremy Harter Director

Jeffrey O’Kelley Director

Sarah Raisch Director

Judy Maldonado Director

Hon. Bolling Haxall Director

Greg Weider Executive Director

Meeting Minutes The

CALL TO ORDER

President Hatch called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Roll call indicated a quorum was established, with the following individuals present: Katharine Hatch, President; Daniel Hodgkinson, First Vice President; Kevin Berrill, Second Vice President; Richard Gellersted, Treasurer; Jeffrey Berman, Secretary; Tara Devine, Immediate Past President; Jeremy Harter, Director; Jeffrey O’Kelley, Director; Sarah Raisch, Director; Hon. Bolling Haxall, Director; and Greg Weider, Executive Director.

ACTION ITEMS

• Consent Agenda Items

May 18, 2023 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

The Draft minutes from the May 18, 2023 meeting of the Board of Directors was included in the agenda packet. There were no requests for other additions, corrections, or changes to the draft minutes.

• May New Members and Membership Report

The New Members report as of June 14, 2023 was included in the Agenda packet, along with a full Membership report as of June 14, 2023. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared carried. The Consent Agenda is approved.

• Treasurer’s Report

The April 2023 Financial Report and supporting materials were included in the Agenda packet. Treasurer Gellersted made a presentation regarding the May 2023 Financial Report. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared carried. The Treasurer’s Report is approved.

OLD BUSINESS

•

2023-2024 Budget

A proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 was included in the Agenda

BY JEFFREY A. BERMAN SECRETARY

Packet. Executive Director Weider made a presentation concerning the proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Budget for Fiscal Year 20232024. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared carried. The Budget is approved.

• Staff Bonuses

President Hatch made a presentation concerning proposed staff bonuses. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposed staff bonuses as outlined by Executive Director Weider. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared carried. The staff bonuses are approved.

• LCBA Account Signers

A resolution authorizing the newly elected Board President and Treasurer, and the Immediate Past President, along with Executive Director Weider, as signers for the Association’s Business Community Checking

and Business Savings was included in the Agenda Packet. Executive Director Weider explained that the Resolution is required in order to change the authorized signers for the accounts. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposed Resolution. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared carried. The Resolution is approved.

• LCBA Golf Outing Information pertaining to the Golf Outing scheduled for June 22, 2023, was included in the Agenda packet. Executive Director Weider made a presentation concerning the status of preparations for the upcoming golf outing. Discussion followed.

• Lifetime Memberships Requests

The LCBA Honorary Lifetime Membership Application for Richard C.

Daniels, along with supporting materials, were included in the May meeting Agenda packet. Executive Director Weider made a presentation concerning the Application, including the additional information recently requested at the Board’s direction. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Honorary Lifetime Membership Application for Richard C. Daniels. Discussion followed. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared failed. The Application is denied.

NEW BUSINESS

• Board Committee Assignments

President Hatch made a presentation concerning Committee Assignments for Board Directors. Discussion followed.

• Conflict of Interest Declaration

A copy of the LCBA

Conflict of Interest Declaration was included in the Agenda packet. Executive Director Weider made a presentation concerning the need for each member of the Board to complete a timely Conflict of Interest Declaration. Discussion followed.

• Board Meeting

Lunch Sign-up

A copy of the Board Meeting lunch sign-up sheet was included in the Agenda Packet. President Hatch requested that Board members choose to sponsor lunch for an upcoming Board meeting. Discussion followed.

• Recent Event Summaries

Information related to three recent events, the Member Picnic, the Civil Trial and Appeals Seminar and the Installation Dinner was included in the Agenda Packet. President Hatch and

Executive Director Weider made a presentation regarding those successful events. Discussion followed.

OTHER MATTERS

• Committee Liaison Reports

Board members provided Committee updates.

• Executive Director Report

Executive Director

Weider presented his Executive Director Report for June, including updates on the employee handbook, events planning and upcoming scheduled events.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made to adjourn. Upon unanimous voice vote, the motion was declared carried. The meeting concluded at 12:49 p.m. The next Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Monthly

Committee Meetings

• RSVP to a meeting at www.lakebar.org.

• Meetings subject to change. Please check your weekly e-news, the on-line calendar at www.lakebar.org or call the LCBA Office @ (847) 244-3143.

• Please feel free to bring your lunch to the LCBA office for any noon meetings. Food and beverages at restaurants are purchased on a individual basis.

MEMBER RECEPTION SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

LCBA Member Receptions will generally be held on the 4th Thursday of every month.

Your $500 sponsorship includes:

• Recognition in advertising before the event and on signage at the event

• Reception from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

• Complimentary beer and wine. Upgrades available for additional fee.

Contact Jose at jose@lakebar.org to add your name to a reception.

300 Grand Avenue, Suite A, Waukegan, IL 60085 Tel: 847-244-3143 • Fax: 847-244-8259