The Docket - November 2019

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THE

DOCKET The Official Publication of the Lake County Bar Association • Vol. 26 No. 11 • November/December 2019

Season’s Greetings


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

2019 LCBA OFFICE RENTAL PRICING

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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.

Contact the LCBA Office at 847-244-3143 or info@lakebar.org


Contents THE DOCKET • Vol. 26, No. 11 • November/December 2019

FEATURES

8 Domestic Violence

BY MICHAEL S. STRAUSS

12 The Mathematics of Addiction & Co-Dependency Photo by Donna Baiocchi, Highland Park IL

A publication of the

BY JOE SCALLY M.A., J.D., LAP CLINICAL CASE MANAGER

14 Wayne Flanigan’s Legacy 16

BY REBECCA J. WHITCOMBE

Are All Lost Causes Really Lost Causes?

BY HERCULES PAUL ZAGORAS

300 Grand Avenue, Suite A Waukegan, Illinois 60085 (847) 244-3143 • Fax: (847) 244-8259 www.lakebar.org • info@lakebar.org THE DOCKET EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Jeffrey A. Berman,Co-Editor Hon. Charles D. Johnson,Co-Editor Jennifer C. Beeler Hon. Michael J. Fusz Hon. Daniel L. Jasica Sarah A. Kahn Kevin K. McCormick Hon. Raymond J. McKoski Tracy M. Poulakidas Stephen J. Rice Neal A. Simon Hon. ­­­James K. Simonian Rebecca J. Whitcombe Alex Zagor STAFF Dale Perrin Executive Director Jose Gonzalez Membership Coordinator Katherine Montemayor Office Manager

AD SIZE 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page Inside Front or Inside Back Cover

Back Cover

ONE ISSUE

6 ISSUES

COLUMNS

2 President’s Page Are we having fun yet? . . . BY STEPHEN J. RICE, PRESIDENT

4 The Chief Judge’s Page Kids’ Korner 25th Anniversary BY CHIEF JUDGE JAY W. UKENA

6 Bar Foundation Thank You to the Veterans

30 In the Director’s Chair The Season of Giving BY DALE PERRIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LCBA EVENTS

IFC 2019 LCBA Office Rental Pricing 3 The Calendar of Events 3 New LCBA Members 5 Grapevine 5 Holiday Party 5 Fall Luncheons 7 LCBA Office Space 23 Cabo Raffle 24 Pro Bono Lunch 26 Criminal Law Seminar 27 Lawyer Referral Service 29 Fuqua Winter Reception Photos 32 Monthly Committee Meetings BC Member Reception

BY NICHOLAS A. RIEWER, PRESIDENT

28 The Meeting Minutes September 19, 2019

BY TARA R. DEVINE, SECRETARY

12 ISSUES

$85 $80 $75 $145 $135 $125 $195 $185 $175 $325 $295 $275 $650 per issue $800 per issue

Classified Advertising

Standard $1.75 per word (Rate for LCBA Members) Text $2.75 per word (Rate for Non-Members) Bold $3.50 per word (Rate for LCBA Members) Text $4.50 per word (Rate for Non-Members) Classified Advertisement may contain as many words, numbers, symbols and boldface type.

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.


Are we having fun yet? . . . . . . on February 21 at the latest, the answer will definitely be YES. You have hopefully cancelled your ski vacations and postponed your trip to the

2019-2020 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Stephen J. Rice President Hon. Patricia L. Cornell First Vice President Joseph M. Fusz Second Vice President Kathleen Curtin Treasurer Tara R. Devine Secretary Brian J. Lewis Immediate Past President Hon. Christen L. Bishop Katharine S. Hatch David R. Del Re Thomas A. Pasquesi Dwayne Douglas Daniel Hodgkinson

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Caribbean, because on February 21 and 22, the LCBA will again be occupying the Gorton Center stage (Lake Forest) to roast you and your kind at its next Gridiron! Before those February dates, a crew of about 3040 lawyer-actors (“Lactors”) will start preparing the show in January, taking what the lawyer-writers (“Lawriters”) have prepared since around mid-2019. The Lactors and Lawriters perform this task free of charge because they, frankly, could not wait until February 21 to have fun. You, perhaps, do not have the time to Lact or Lawrite, but you can still play an important role in the show by advertising in our playbook (see the 2006 Wysocki & Smith playbook ad for inspiration). Please be a Ladvertiser and add to our fun—the playbill is always

The

President’s Page

a show highlight. Our Young & New Lawyers Committee has

BY STEPHEN J. RICE PRESIDENT not waited until February to have fun. On November 14, the committee


is hosting (or it hosted, depending on when you read this) a Trivia Night at Pizzeria Deville in Libertyville. Come join a team and show us what you know, or just hang out for an enjoyable evening. One final fun event: the LCBA Holiday Party is December 6 at the LCBA office. It’s free, but nothing fun ever happens there . . .

Welcome

New LCBA Members Attorneys

Hunter Jones McAlister Law LTD Neil Narut Proper Title David Adler Adler Law Group Michael Starzec Blitt & Gaines PC Gautham Kaveti Prairie State Legal Gene Wilson Attorney At Law Kelli Ford Salvi & Maher, LLC Brett Williamson Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C.

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Calendar of Events

November 19 ARDC Update Membership Luncheon Waukegan City Hall November 25 Anatomy of a Trial Rules of Evidence Courtroom T810 November 28-29 Thanksgiving Break Courts and LCBA Office Closed December 6 LCBA/LCBF Holiday Party LCBA Member Center February 21, 2020 2020 Gridiron, Gorton Center, Lake Forest March 5, 2020 Real Estate Committee Conference, Nashville, TN April 23, 2020 Family Law Committee Conference Albuquerque, NM

November/December 2019

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Kids’ Korner 25th Anniversary

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n September 26, 2019, I had the pleasure of attending the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Kids’ Korner. This event took place in the jury assembly room, which was full of wonderful decorations. I learned about the individuals that participated in the creation and evolution of this program. Judge Elizabeth Rochford was the Master of Ceremonies, and introduced Judge Jane Waller, who talked about how Kids’ Korner got started. She stated that, early on, she wondered how they managed to get the program going given they had such precious resources. Judge Waller talked about Mary Hanming, who was the first director and essentially volunteered to help set up the room and establish protocol for running the operation.

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I had no idea that Judge Jane D. Waller was so instrumental in establishing this little slice of heaven. She described how, in 1994 Judge Goshgarian was the Chief; there was no funding; no space; and essentially no interest in what most considered to be a huge liability. Judge Waller created a subcommittee that included the now-Deputy Chief Diane Winter. Through the hard work of all involved, including many volunteers, the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit was a first in Illinois by instituting such a wonderful program for the children of Lake County. Judge Waller specifically thanked the Lake County Bar Association, the Lake County Bar Foundation, individual lawyers and friends for their donations, since initially the program did not have a budget.

The

Chief Judge’s Page Roseanne Shorewood also spoke, describing howshe took over in 1994 and served as the director for 20 years. Roseanne remembered that they quickly realized in the beginning that it was a mistake not allowing 2 year olds into the program so that rule changed. Another speaker, the current coordinator, Sue Hrycyniak, was clearly dedicated to the program. She is the person responsible for organizing the glorious luncheon. Sue stated that it was not uncommon for the children to refuse to leave Kids Korner when their parents arrived. As of September 26, 2019, Kids’ Korner has served 53,351 children. That means that over 53,000 kids did not have to be in Court with a parent that they fear is in trouble or to witness their parents’ contentious fighting. This

BY CHIEF JUDGE JAY W. UKENA alone dramatically reduces the children’s anxiety. However, children that are especially anxious may receive a quilt while at Kids’ Korner. Every single child that exits the room on the first floor does so with a book.The quilts and books are donated for the children. It was surprising to me that a majority of the toys and supplies are also donated to the program. I had no idea that so many people either volunteered their time or provided such items to Kids’ Corner. Judge Winter’s motherin-law, Alice Winter, is the longest-serving Kids Korner volunteer at an astounding 20 years. Judge Shane’s mother, Elaine Shanes, has also volunteered for 10 years. Kids’ Korner is on the first floor and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00


p.m. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are welcomed. The Korner can accommodate up to nine children at any given time. Today, the program is funded by courthouse user fees and is a free service to the parents that use it. The staff there are very dedicated and professionaland provide kind and compassionate assistance to fulfil meaningful access to justice. The amount of dedi-

cation and hard work from these prior coordinators and Judge Jane Waller was astounding. It was obvious to me that these women truly cared about the children of Lake County and there would be no Kids’ Korner without any of them. It is also obvious to me that the future children that pass through Kids’ Korner will, without a doubt, be cared for with love and kindness as a result of Sue and her staff.

You are invited to the

2019 Annual Membership

Holiday Party December 6, 2019 5:00 - 7:30 PM

Hors d’oeuvres and Good Cheer

300 Grand Avenue, Waukegan

The

Grapevine

ARDC Update

Fall Luncheon WAUKEGAN CITY HALL 12:00 – 1:30 pm LCBA/LCBF members attending Waukegan to College Gala on October 12, 2019.

November 19 November/December 2019

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Thank You to the Veterans

A

s I sit here writing this column, I realize that the Thanksgiving and Christmas time holidays are fast approaching. There is, however, another holiday that will occur a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, VetBOARD OF TRUSTEES Nicholas A. Riewer President Carey J. Schiever Vice President Joann M. Fratianni Secretary Perry S. Smith Jr. Treasurer Jeffrey A. Berman Immediate Past President Jennifer L. Ashley Nandia P. Black Douglas S. Dorando Kristie Fingerhut Hon. Fred Foreman (Ret.) Joseph M. Fusz Scott B. Gibson Kenneth J. Glick David J. Gordon Keith C. Grant Amy L. Lonergan Fredric B. Lesser Steven P. McCollum Joseph Morrison Michael G. Nerheim Melanie Rummel Hon. Henry C. Tonigan (Ret.) Hon. Joseph R. Waldeck (Ret.)

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erans Day. Veterans Day is recognized as a Federal holiday and most schools and governmental offices are closed on Veterans Day, which generally is observed on November 11. Why, you may ask, is Veterans Day celebrated on November 11? As it turns out, Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day which was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. Armistice is when warring parties agree to stop fighting at a specific time. The first Armistice Day recognized the end of World War I, when hostilities ceased on November 11 at 11:00 a.m., 1918 (the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month). In 1947 Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized what is considered one of the first “National Veterans Day� parades in Birmingham, Alabama, to recognize veterans of all wars. Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize veter-

BY NICHOLAS A. RIEWER PRESIDENT ans of all U.S. wars. Other than a day off of work or school, there does not appear to be much fanfare for Veterans Day, which should include thanking those who served our country and, in many cases, gave their lives for our country. This column is dedicated to all the veterans, from whatever branch of the service and for whatever conflict they served in, for me to say Thank You. For the past five years I have been honored to participate in the Veterans History Project which is supported by the Lake County Bar Foundation. The Veterans History Project takes place every year on Veterans Day at the Waukegan Court House. Because the Court House is closed, we are able to use numerous courtrooms for the Veterans History Project. On Veterans Day,

World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans are invited to come to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. Those veterans that participate will meet with the volunteer lawyers who will take an oral history of their days in service which is recorded by official court reporters who also donate their time. The transcripts are prepared by the court reporters and will be archived at the Library of Congress to memorialize first-hand accounts of the veterans from their time in the service. I have found that many of the veterans that participate in this project have never discussed their time in the service until they come to the Waukegan Court House. Looking back on my own life, I realize that my father, who was in the Navy on a ship from 1945 through 1947, never once talked about his


days in the service. After having interviewed different veterans over the last four years, it is understandable why they may want to discuss their time in the service. I have heard stories from veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict describe their fellow soldiers getting killed during combat and, in many cases, having to kill the enemy. For those people who have never served in the armed forces, which category I fall in, you don’t realize what our veterans went through until you hear some of these stories. By the time you read this column, Veterans Day will be over, and you will not have had an opportunity to have participated in this year’s program. I would strongly encourage you to go to the Lake Coun-

ty Bar Association web site and go to the “Foundation” link under activities and you will find information about the Veterans History Project and hopefully consider volunteering for next year’s program. To get an idea of what our combat veterans go through, I would suggest you watch the movie “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”. That movie is about the September 11, 2012 Islamic militant attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. The militants were attempting to kidnap the U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens. This last October, I was fortunate enough to attend a charity function put on by Heal Team 6, a local organization that assists charitable causes, particularly those involving veterans..

The keynote speaker for this function was Chris Paronto, an ex-Army Ranger and CIA security contractor. Chris Paronto (nicknamed Tonto in the movie) was one of the surviving CIA security contractors who went to the U.S. Consulate to protect the Ambassador. I had an opportunity to speak with Chris at the function and he informed me that the movie very accurately depicts what occurred during the attack. Chris and a few of the other survivors of the attack were consulted by the director of the movie to make sure that it was accurate. I bring all of this up and suggest you see the movie so you can get an idea of what our veterans go through when they are forced into combat. Although, Veterans Day has come and gone, it is not too late for you to

consider making a donation during this holiday season to one of the many veteran’s support organizations. The Lake County Bar Foundation would welcome any donations you would like to make to the Veterans History Project, which funds will be used to support future Veterans History Project Days. For other worthy veterans’ organizations, I would suggest you go to the Heal Team 6 website and look at the “A Hero’s Salute” functions that took place in 2017, 2018, and 2019. There you will find several veterans organizations that would gladly appreciate your support. Happy Holidays to all of the veterans and their families and thank you for the incredible sacrifices that you have made for our country.

Your New Office Could be in the LCBA Building

• • • • •

Furnished Approximately 2,000 square feet Two blocks from the courthouse Two private offices Conference room

• • • •

Large reception area Men’s and women’s bathrooms Small kitchen Free parking for staff and clients

Available Now Contact Dale Perrin at dale@lakebar.org to view the property and get more details. November/December 2019

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Domestic Violence

O

BY MICHAEL S. STRAUSS

ctober was Domestic Violence Awareness month. Domestic violence is an epidemic that needs to end. I have worked hard to raise awareness and funds to combat domestic violence. Domestic violence impacts all of us, and leaves lasting scars on the victims and all of those connected to the victims and their families. Forms of domestic violence include, but are not limited to, physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, economic and verbal abuse. The following statistics are taken from the website for A Safe Place: • One in 4 women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes. • One in 7 men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes. • Women are more likely to be killed Michael S. by an intimate partner than men. Strauss is a • Women ages 20 to 24 are at the partner at greatest risk of becoming victims of Schlesinger & Strauss, domestic violence. LLC. He • Every day, three women are is also the murdered at the hand of their intimate chair of partner. the family • Every year, more than 3 million law section council of children witness domestic violence in the Illinois their homes. State Bar • Children exposed to domestic Association. violence are more likely to have health

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problems, including becoming sick more often, having frequent headaches, and stomachaches and being more tired and lethargic. • Every nine seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted or beaten, more often than not by her intimate partner. • Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings and sexual assaults combined. • According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families. • Survivors of domestic violence face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks and other emotional distress. • Without help, boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/ or children as adults, continuing the cycle of violence into the next generation.


• Domestic violence costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies. “Domestic violence occurs across demographic and gender lines, leaving no one unscathed by this horrible trauma. If domestic violence were a disease, it would be considered an epidemic due to how many people are affected.” (www. asafeplaceforhelp.org). This is an important issue that needs to be addressed every month of the year, and not just for Domestic Violence Awareness month. However, lately I have witnessed an unsettling trend of abuses of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. This misuse of the statute not only hurts the families involved, but diminishes the serious issues and problems facing real victims. This misuse tarnishes the entire system and process for the victims. I am speaking of parties, with or without the encouragement of attorneys, seeking Orders of Protection to gain a leg up in current or impending family cases. Please understand that frivolous Orders of Protections are certainly in the vast minority. But I went into the field of family law to help children and I believe the priority of family law has to be the children involved in the cases. Children are hurt by frivolous Orders of Protection. This article comes from frustration and experience that I have witnessed as an attorney. But I am also the Vice President of the Board of A Safe Place, which is the sole provider of services exclusively addressing domestic violence in Lake County, Illinois and northern Cook County. Through multi-faceted programs, A Safe Place assists victims in transforming their lives after domestic violence, prevent future abuse by addressing its root cause through abuser intervention programs, and educate the community about domestic violence and how we can all be involved in its end. I also serve on the domestic violence sub-committee of the Family Law Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association. I am not anti-victim in any way, but the following is an issue that needs to be addressed. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 serves many purposes, including to : “(1) Recognize domestic violence as a serious crime against the individual and society which produces family disharmony in thousands of Illinois families, promotes a pattern of escalating violence which frequently culminates in intra-family homicide, and creates an emotional atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development; (2) Recognize domestic violence against high risk adults with disabilities, who are particularly vulnerable due to impairments in ability to seek or obtain protection, as a serious problem which takes on many forms, including

physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and facilitate accessibility of remedies under the Act in order to provide immediate and effective assistance and protection. (3) Recognize that the legal system has ineffectively dealt with family violence in the past, allowing abusers to escape effective prosecution or financial liability, and has not adequately acknowledged the criminal nature of domestic violence; that, although many laws have changed, in practice there is still widespread failure to appropriately protect and assist victims; (4) Support the efforts of victims of domestic violence to avoid further abuse by promptly entering and diligently enforcing court orders which prohibit abuse and, when necessary, reduce the abuser’s access to the victim and address any related issues of child custody and economic support, so that victims are not trapped in abusive situations by fear of retaliation, loss of a child, financial dependence, or loss of accessible housing or services; (5) Clarify the responsibilities and support the efforts of law enforcement officers to provide immediate, effective assistance and protection for victims of domestic violence, recognizing that law enforcement officers often become the secondary victims of domestic violence, as evidenced by the high rates of police injuries and deaths that occur in response to domestic violence calls; and (6) Expand the civil and criminal remedies for victims of domestic violence; including, when necessary, the remedies which effect physical separation of the parties to prevent further abuse.” (750 ILCS 60/102) Case law is clear about this misuse of the domestic violence laws. It is improper to seek an Order of Protection in order to gain an advantage in a family law dispute. See Wilson v. Jackson, 312 Ill.App.3d 1156 (3rd Dist. 2000), Radke ex. Rel. Radke v. Radke, 349 Ill.App.3d 264 (3rd Dist. 2004), and In Re Marriage of Gordon, 233 Ill.App.3d 617 (1st Dist. 1992). Unfortunately, although some parties are using the Domestic Violence Act to gain an improper advantage in upcoming or pending litigation, the courts do not seem willing to intervene strongly, and the children are the unheard voices who suffer, perhaps permanently. There are several reasons why the Illinois Domestic Violence Act is being misused by some litigants. First, the burden of proof is lower and easier to prove in an Order of Protection proceeding than it is when trying to restrict a parent’s parenting time in a dissolution or paternity case. Second, I have heard repeatedly from clients that when DCFS caseworkers investigate, they instruct the parent to get an Order of Protection and many of these Orders are not warranted. I have heard many times that DCFS caseworkers have told a parent that if that parent does not

This abuse of an important statute leaves scars on the parties and children that may never go away after the litigation has ended.

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seek an Order of Protection against the other parent. that DCFS may take the children from that parent and place the children in protective custody. These parents then file for an Emergency Order of Protection out of fear from DCFS and not because they actually need one. Third, I am aware of lawyers across the state who actually are known to encourage clients to obtain Orders of Protection. Once the party has obtained the Emergency Order of Protection with no notice to the other parent, the case is now unfairly balanced against the alleged perpetrator. I appreciate courts being protective of the children of parties, but rubber- stamping the petitions for Emergency Orders of Protection is not the answer. This perpetuates the problem. Well-founded petitions for Orders of Protections are serious and must be granted. However, the ones lacking any evidence at all, based entirely on hearsay, and/ or ones clearly filed for the wrong reasons, cannot continue to be granted by courts. Petitions simply stating that DCFS told me to do this should not be granted nor upheld at any time, and yet courts continue to grant emergencies with that being the only allegation. Keeping a loving parent away from the innocent children on baseless allegations is truly inexcusable. Technically, there is an avenue of relief to attempt to vacate the Emergency Order of Protection quickly, found at 750 ILCS 60/224(d). That statute provides “[-u]pon 2 days’ notice to petitioner, in accordance with Section 211 of the Act, or such shorter notice as the court may prescribe, a respondent subject to an emergency or interim order of protection under this Act may appear and petition the court to rehear the original or amended petition. Any petition to re-hear shall be verified and shall allege the following: (1) that respondent did not receive prior notice of the initial hearing in which the emergency, interim, or plenary order was entered under Sections 211 and 217; and (2) that respondent had a meritorious defense to the order or any of its remedies…” Unfortunately, in several counties in Illinois, the judges take this to mean that the Respondent can present a motion to vacate or re-hear upon two days’ notice and that the court will then set a hearing date on that motion on some date down the road. Typically, the hearing date will be the same date that the Plenary Order of Protection is set for. Thus, 750 ILCS 60/224(d) is basically rendered meaningless. Further, in cases involving children, the children continue to be blocked from being with one of their parents. This forces the other parent to have to negotiate things like giving the petitioning parent exclusive possession of a home or more financial support in order to see the children again. By way of an unbelievable yet true example, from years ago, I represented a parent in an attempt to vacate a bogus Emergency Order of Protection. To this day, I truly feel that the judge who issued the Emergency Order had not read the Petition. The only allegation made by the other parent was that the Respondent did not feed the children healthy- enough dinners and that the children should be fed more vegetables. The court actually granted this Emergency

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and blocked the parent from being near the children. The Motion to Vacate was not allowed to be heard on two days’ notice and was continued to the hearing date on the Plenary Order of Protection. Obviously, the Order of Protection was then denied at the Motion to Vacate hearing, but the children went without seeing this parent for weeks. This was wrong on so many levels. I have had several similar cases with the lone allegation being a DCFS investigation and they were treated the same way as this “lack of vegetables” case. I have also heard judges tell parties that if they find out that the allegations were untrue or lacking evidence to support the claims, then they will order make-up parenting time or maybe will hold the frivolous filing against the petitioning parent. First and I have seen a judge actually hold the frivolous filing against a parent only one time in my 15 years of the practice of law. Both the judge in that case and the appellate court considered the fact that the mother had repeatedly sought Orders of Protections and restriction orders against the father in denying her attempt to relocate with the child to another state. Second, make-up parenting time is not remotely close to a solution to this problem. If any of us parents were separated from our kids for a lengthy period and then told that if we were right, then we would will get make up time, that would not solve the pain and hurt that we and the children would have endured. As a parent, I will never, ever understand lawyers who encourage the misuse and abuse of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. This is not a game and children are being hurt. These are real people and real families. This abuse of an important statute leaves scars on the parties and children that may never go away after the litigation has ended. These actions can permanently injure connections that the child feels towards one or both of the parents. Further, encouraging bogus Orders of Protections increases the litigation and costs for the parties. As lawyers, we are supposed to help the families and not make the matter worse for them. Lawyers who misuse this statute are not only in this for the wrong reasons, but they are being horribly short-sighted. Their advice and actions may lead a party to “win” the divorce case or paternity case. However, they have permanently ruined the relationship between the parties. Issues in the future that could have been easily resolved will now almost certainly require litigation and court intervention. Further, the unnecessary separation of one parent from the child will also cause permanent damage to that child and perhaps to the parent as well. Again, I spend much of my time supporting domestic violence victims and their families. This article is not directed at true victims of domestic violence, who are in need of understanding and support. This article is directed at parties obtaining Orders of Protection with or without the encouragement of his or her attorney only to gain an advantage in their pending divorces. As lawyers, we have to be better than that. We have to. The lives of the innocent children are just too important to continue to play these kind of games with.


You’re invited to the AWALC

2019 ANNUAL

Holiday Party Free appetizers and finger food. Cash bar. Where:

Win Win, 30 N. Genesee St. Waukegan IL

When:

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Time:

5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

We are proud to announce our 2019 charity! (Please make donation checks payable to):

Twice as Nice Mother and Child Twice as Nice Mother and Child, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Diaper Bank located in Waukegan, serving over 1,000 families a month. TANMC also provides maternity and children’s clothing, infant formula, and other essential baby gear such as car seats and strollers. For more information visit: www.twiceasnicemc.org

November/December 2019

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The Mathematics of Addiction & Co-Dependency BY JOE SCALLY M.A., J.D., LAP CLINICAL CASE MANAGER

M

aybe you have heard that word codependent. Maybe your child, spouse, colleague, co-worker or friend is struggling with addiction to something like alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex. Maybe you have agonized along with them in their struggle. Maybe you have found that it is very difficult to help them and you have become bitter and frustrated. Maybe you have wondered if that word codependent applies to you. Maybe you’re asking what that even means. There is a lot of confusion about the concept of code- codependency is based on the definition given by the pendency. This confusion is not helpful in addressing the author Melodie Beattie. Her book, Codependent No More, pain that accompanies trying to help someone battling an helped put the word codependency into common usage. addiction. The word codependent is often used in a pejo- She defines a codependent as “one who has let another rative, belittling or dismissive way. Because of this, many person’s behavior affect him or her, and who is obsessed mental health professionals decline to use the term. Yet, with controlling that person’s behavior.” It is hard to when properly understood, the conimagine not being affected by the cept of codependency can be a good behavior of a friend or relative who Joe Scally M.A., way of understanding our responses is engaging in addictive behaviors. J.D., and LAP to the pain, uncertainty and disrupSo, in meeting the first part of the Clinical Case tion that comes with trying to help definition, the codependent perManager, holds a someone who is actively in addiction. son is simply displaying a human J.D. from the UofI Law School and When we see that the roots of coderesponse to that situation. We can an M.A. in clinical pendency are a normal, caring, and predict, in that situation, many psychology loving reaction to a friend or relative people will try to help. However, it is from DePaul who is struggling, we can better often hard to know the best way to University. see the path to improving our own help. Should we ignore the alcoholHe currently practices law at The Child and Family well-being. It may even lead us to do ic or engage with her? Should we Law Center and teaches graduate things that enhance the likelihood search for the drugs and throw them courses in Mental Health Law, Ethics, that our loved one will seek the help out? Should we pay some of his bills and Assessment at the Chicago School they need. to avoid damage to his credit? Obviof Professional Psychology. A useful way of thinking about ously, the choices the helper makes

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will affect him or her as well as the person with an addiction. Given these often-contrasting choices, ambivalence is a normal response to struggles with addiction. Given these choices, the person trying to help can become obsessed with making things better by controlling the addicted person’s behavior. The second part of the above definition is then met. He or she has become codependent. This does not happen all at once. It evolves from normal, predictable, caring human behavior. James Farris, PhD. describes how codependents begin to change their plans and take on some of the responsibilities of the person with an addiction, in an effort to control the destructive behavior. This can result in increasingly problematic behaviors. As they become more focused on helping, codependents stop caring for their own personal appearance and health, have difficulty making decisions, become anxious and tired, struggle with setting limits, drink, engage in compulsive behaviors like drinking or smoking, feel resentful and angry, and blame themselves. If these tendencies are not addressed, they may lead to increased isolation, health problems, sleep disturbances and mood problems. In the extreme situation, codependents feel hopeless, helpless, suicidal, or become addicted themselves. The first step in addressing codependence is recognizing the need for self-care. Codependents can become so involved in helping their addicted loved ones that they lose track of themselves. Reclaiming parts of one’s life is important for the codependent. Accepting that the addictive behaviors are largely out of one’s control is important for the codependent person. The prayer attributed to Rev. Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr speaks to this attitude; “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference, living one day at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, taking this world as it is, not as I would have it….” The codependent person must recognize that all he controls is his own behavior. He must understand that his well-being is important. He can then choose to exercise more, eat better, get needed medical treatment, reduce his own use of substances, meditate, and engage in pleasant distractions such as growing a garden, hiking, or reading. Other good choices include seeking therapy, attending Al-Anon or Families Anonymous meetings, volunteering to help others, taking breaks and vacations, getting a haircut, and listening to music. Note that none of these activities depend on whether the friend or relative of the codependent person is actively engaged in addiction.

Initially, the codependent person may say “How can I do any of those things? Won’t ignoring ____________’s problem make it worse? Won’t he do something foolish, illegal, destructive, if I’m not paying attention?” The codependent person should ask themselves if not engaging in self-care has made the problem better. Has it kept ________ from doing foolish, illegal, destructive things? Hopefully, the codependent person will conclude that he or she does not have much control over ____________’s behavior. Hopefully, they will further conclude that taking care of themselves is important regardless of their loved one’s condition. While a codependent person should seek to heal themselves simply because they are valuable and are entitled to do so, the healing may also be beneficial to their loved one’s fight with addiction. Jeffrey Foote PhD., Carie Wilkens, PhD., and Nicole Kosanke, PhD., are directors at the Center for Motivation and Change. In their book, Beyond Addiction: how science and kindness help people change, they discuss that when a person who has engaged in codependent behavior is redirected to take care of himself, he is better able to set and maintain boundaries and expectations. He is better able to extend loving kindness at appropriate times, not out of an effort to control, but simply to nurture. Being kind to the loved one does not mean a person is being codependent. For instance, it is all right to make breakfast for someone on Sunday morning, even though they are abusing a substance at other times. When the codependent person models a more balanced, satisfied, purposeful life this can have a powerful positive impact on the person struggling with addiction. LAP’s mission is to help, protect, and educate our legal community about substance use, mental health and wellness. If you or someone you know needs support with mental health or well-being, do not hesitate to contact LAP. Our services incur no cost, and are always 100% confidential. gethelp@illinoislap.org, 312-726-6607

Codependents can become so involved in helping their addicted loved ones that they lose track of themselves.

November/December 2019

13


Wayne Flanigan’s Legacy

T

BY REBECCA J. WHITCOMBE

he LCBA Pro Bono Awards Luncheon took place at the Greenbelt Cultural Center on October 22. The highlight of this luncheon was the guest speaker, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who reminded us to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. He urged us to embrace the passion that drove us to practice law and to use not just our legal expertise but our whole selves for the good of others.

We were truly honored and grateful to the AttorAward. Over the years, the Wayne B. Flanagan Award ney General for taking the time to speak to us, and to has been bestowed upon a number of attorneys whose Karissa Anderson and John Joanem, co-chairs of the commitment to pro bono services cannot be denied Community Outreach and Diversity Committee, for Harold Goldman, Gary Schlesinger, Deborah Goldberg, planning and organizing the event. Raymond Kloss, Richard Kohn, Kathleen Curtin, Ann Congratulations go out to Don Conroy, B.J. Carroll, Robert Ackley, Rebecca J. Morrison, who was presented with Lucy Dorenfeld, Kevin Kane, Sandy Whitcombe, the Volunteer Lawyer Pro Bono Moon, and Nancy Shafer. On this, of WhitAward by Prairie State Legal Serthe fifteenth anniversary of Wayne’s combe Law, vices. Don was recognized for his pro passing, as well as the fifteenth P.C., has bono representation in connection year of this award, it was especially been practicing family with the Lake County Driver’s Limeaningful to present this award law in Lake cense Reinstatement Program. Don to Retired Judge Nancy Waites, one County since praised the pro bono “culture” of the of Wayne’s “bad girls.” Nancy has 2001, and LCBA as a whole, and dedicated his served the people of Lake County in has had her award to his good friend, Judge Tom multiple capacities, including as a own practice in Waukegan Schippers, who trained him as a new private attorney, a judge, and chair since 2010. She is also an adjunct attorney. of the Association’s Community instructor in the Legal Studies ProThe other award presented at this Outreach and Diversity Committee. gram at the College of Lake County. luncheon was the Wayne B. Flanigan Nancy never hesitates to give of her

14

The Docket


time and has walked in Wayne’s footsteps by encouraging and mentoring younger and newer members of the LCBA, and by providing and supporting pro bono services throughout her career. As we were planning the luncheon and choosing who to honor with this award, I realized that many of those who are newer to the practice or to Lake County may not know who Wayne Flanigan was, or why there is an award named after him. Wayne Flanigan was admitted to the practice of law in Illinois in 1964, and throughout his 40-year legal career, his primary practice area was family law. Wayne was President of the Lake County Bar Association from 2001 to 2002, and he died in 2004. As a senior attorney, he acted as a mentor to younger, newer lawyers, and was always happy to provide advice or assistance. Wayne was the portrait of civility – always respectful even while zealously advocating for his clients. As LCBA President, Wayne actively encouraged involvement in the Association and in the Volunteer Lawyers Program. He sometimes expressed unpopular opinions, but he always advocated for a strong association that is more than just a social club, but an organization of substance that must speak out on issues relevant to its membership. He encouraged dialogue between the bench and the bar, and urged us all to air disagreements in an effort to reach solutions, rather than letting those disagreements jeopardize healthy relationships. Many of us remember Wayne as the founding member of “The Breakfast Club” – a group of attorneys who would convene in the courthouse cafeteria before morning court. Sometimes there was silence, while the club members read the morning newspaper. More often, there was vibrant conversation and sometimes laughter. Always, there was warmth, camaraderie, and respect. Notably, one of the members of that club was Nancy Waites. Today on the first floor of the courthouse, attorneys still meet before court and continue the tradition of the Breakfast Club. More to the point, however, an award was named after Wayne because he was a tireless advocate for providing pro bono services to those who could not afford attorneys. He volunteered his time freely and without

hesitation. In his “President’s Page” for the September 2001 issue of The Docket, Wayne wrote, “The practice of law is a profession and as such, we do it a disservice by favoring only those clients who can afford our service. Not only is our image enhanced by taking an occasional pro bono case, but there is also a sense of satisfaction derived by having prioritized need over monetary gain.” Because of his tireless advocacy of those less fortunate and his vigorous encouragement of others to do the same, an award was named for him. In accepting her award, Judge Waites spoke fondly of Wayne as someone who made her a better lawyer. She praised Wayne’s commitment to supporting those in our community who cannot afford to pay for legal services, and encouraged us all to “step up” by giving of our time by providing pro bono services, or our resources by donating to Prairie State Legal Services. The specific purpose of the Wayne B. Flanigan Award is to recognize members of the LCBA who have made extraordinary contributions to the delivery of pro bono legal services to indigent members of the Lake County community. This award is a most appropriate way to honor Wayne and his commitment to pro bono work. Now, fifteen years later, as we remember Wayne, his advocacy, his heart, and his dedication to those less fortunate, we should all be compelled to give more of ourselves by providing pro bono services or by donating to those who do so. In this way, Wayne’s legacy will live on.

Not only is our image enhanced by taking an occasional pro bono case, but there is also a sense of satisfaction derived by having prioritized need over monetary gain.

November/December 2019

15


Are All Lost Causes Really Lost Causes? 1973 Lake County Bar Association and Impeachment.

T

BY HERCULES PAUL ZAGORAS

he political climate in Lake County, Illinois in October of the year 1973 found President Richard M. Nixon in some disfavor because the economy was undergoing a cyclical downturn, and for the more serious reason that the President had gotten rid of several people who refused to fire the Special Prosecutor appointed to investigate the Watergate Hotel break-in in Washington, D.C., and because he was ignoring a Court Subpoena. At the same time, it is fair to say, the members of Prosecutor Archibald Cox, over the advice of two of his the Lake County Bar were largely male and republican. own appointees. The firing was viewed as a “cover-up.” There were fewer than ten female lawyers out of a total And for many, the “cover-up” was different. of over one hundred members. Of the thirty member As public opinion immediately began to turn against LCBA Board of Governors, moreover, President Nixon, the undersigned, only two were female. A Democrat Hercules Paul Zagoras, decided to Hercules had not been elected to County-wide circulate a petition calling for the Paul Zagoras office for 100 hundred years before impeachment of Richard Nixon; and was admitvoters elected a Democrat as County to my surprise, in two days I was able ted to the Clerk in 1968. Republican pluralities to obtain 19 signatures of people who Bar in 1961 after graduin the County were two to one. Even were of the same opinion. (The Bar ating from the Watergate break-in produced a Association was much smaller then.) IIT Chicago deep yawn from Republicans. The The request for a “Special Meeting” Kent College “break-in” to gain information about was circulated, and contained the of Law. He Democratic campaign strategy had signatures of 19 lawyers, including a practiced many little effect on the 1972 election. soon-to-be Judge, Fred Geiger, and areas of law Richard Nixon was elected in 1972 in a former Judge, Peter Melius. The including Family Law, Bankruptcy, a landslide. The tide turned, however, President of the Bar Association was Personal Injury and Municipal Law. when President Nixon fired Special Donald Lonchar, who happened to

16

The Docket


be a long­time member of the firm of McClory, Lonchar and Nordigan. Bob McClory had been an active politician, holding both State and finally, Congressional office, for the preceding 15 or more years. He had, however, remained a member of the Lake County Bar Association, and occasionally returned to his law office in Waukegan. Since the By-Laws of the Association permitted the calling of a “Special Meeting” upon the request of 10 or more members, the President of the Bar Association, Don Lonchar, immediately ordered a Special Meeting for November 1, 1973. The meeting was set at the Swedish Glee Club in Waukegan, an excellent luncheon and supper dining area, used often by the Lake County Bar Association for its monthly meetings. Although no head count was taken, there were 30 or more members attending, including 4 full-circuit Judges who sat in the back of the meeting room. The meeting was called to order by Don Lonchar. He turned the podium to me for the purpose of making my Motion. To the paranoid movant (me), it seemed that the four Republican Judges were expressing their disapproval by frowns which faced the movant. An independent observer might have regarded those frowns to be amused curiosity. After I made the Motion to Impeach, a point of order was raised by attorney Bob Brebman. He pointed out that impugning another attorney was not the province of the Lake County Bar Association, and he then moved

to dismiss the Motion and conclude the meeting. President Lonchar, presiding over the meeting, ruled that the Motion to Dismiss was privileged, the vote was taken, the Motion to Impeach was moot, and the meeting was cancelled approximately 10 minutes after it began. The more serious members then retired to the adjoining bar, where the formalities were forgotten, and a lawyer-like discussion of the real issues began. It soon because partisan in nature, but what lawyer ever shies from a good partisan argument? There, of course, was no conclusion of the matter, or disposition of the merits of the issue until August, 1974. Nonetheless, it is significant that when the Congressional House of Representatives was voting on the Articles of Impeachment, a republican from Lake County voted to impeach - Bob McClory. The question remains whether the exercise was really a lost cause. Alert and concerned readers can draw their own conclusions. President Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, just after the Articles of Impeachment were approved by the House. [Ed. Note: This article was submitted to the Docket Editorial Board some time ago, when H. P. Zagoras found it as he was cleaning out his office. It was recently re-discovered by the Editors, and submitted as possibly relevant to current events, legal and otherwise.]

November/December 2019

17


ORIGINAL LETTER TO LCBA PRESIDENT REQUESTING A SPECIAL MEETING AND PETITION SIGNED BY 19 LAWYERS

18

The Docket


ORIGINAL LETTER TO LCBA PRESIDENT REQUESTING A SPECIAL MEETING AND PETITION SIGNED BY 19 LAWYERS

November/December 2019

19


SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE PREPARED BY LCBA PRESIDENT DONALD LONCHAR

20 The Docket


RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON

November/December 2019

21


ORIGINAL LETTER TO LCBA PRESIDENT REQUESTING A SPECIAL MEETING AND PETITION SIGNED BY 19 LAWYERS

22 The Docket


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November/December July 2019

23


PRO-BONO LUNCH

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November/December 2019 25


CRIMINAL LAW SEMINAR

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LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE

Why should YOU join the LCBA Lawyer Referral Service? 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 is widely publicized and all LCBA members in good standing who carry the required malpractice insurance are eligible to join. 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. The Lawyer Referral Service is an intuitive win/win/win. We’re helping the public, by providing them with legal resources with some degree of reliability; we’re helping our members, by playing matchmaker with clients whom they can help for a minimal referral cost; and we’re helping the Bar Association and our public image by offering our services. Although not all of the matches will work out, the risks and costs are minimal and the rewards are great. Deborah Goldberg, Goldberg & Kane

“I have been a member of the referral service for many years, particularly in the fields of Trusts & Estates. The service has generated a stream of potential clients, some of which are not viable but many of which have ripened into clients for litigation or estate planning. Frankly, I don’t mind answering people’s questions about our field of law, which most people find confusing. The referral service has been a great way for potential clients to speak with me and discuss the issues before having to spend money and before I have to commit to the clients. I whole-heartedly recommend the LCBA’s Client Referral Service as a way to grow your practice.” Fredric Bryan Lesser, Lesser Lutrey McGlynn & Howe LLP As a long-time member of the LCBA Lawyer Referral Service I know how useful it is to be a member of the service. I have obtained several cases through the service and would strongly recommend that attorneys seeking cases join. Compared to the many online services that claim to provide cases, the LCBA’s referral service actually delivers at a much lower cost. Steve McCollum, Law Offices of Steven P. McCollum, P.C.

AVA I L A B L E R E F E R R A L PA N E L S • Administrative • Appellate • Commercial

• Consumer • Criminal • Employment

• Environmental • Family • Real Estate

• Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts and Probate • Personal Injury / Property Damage

C O N TA C T T H E L C B A AT 8 4 7 . 2 4 4 . 3 1 4 3 O R AT I N F O @ L A K E B A R . O R G

L A K E C O U N T Y L A W YNovember/December E R . I N F2019O 27


Board of Directors’ Meeting

The

Meeting Minutes BY TARA R. DEVINE SECRETARY

September 19, 2019 CALL TO ORDER: 12:10 PRESIDENT’S REPORT: ACTION ITEMS: 1. Consent Agenda: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Stephen Rice President Hon. Patricia Cornell First Vice President Joseph Fusz Second Vice President Kathleen Curtin Treasurer Tara Devine Secretary Brian Lewis Past President Hon. Christine L. Bishop 2017-2020 Director Katherine S. Hatch 2017-2020 Director David R. Del Re 2018-2021 Director Thomas A. Pasquesi 2018-2021 Director Dwayne Douglas 2019-2022 Director Dale A. Perrin, Executive Director

28 The Docket

Motion to approve consent agenda. Motion seconded. Motion carried. a. August Minutes b. August Members Assigned new members to officers and board members to call and welcome to the LCBA luncheon. 2. Treasurer’s report: a. June - August 2019 Financial Report. Treasurer, President, and Executive Director discussed report, revenue and expenses, and revenue as compared to budget. Motion to put on October Agenda discussion of credit card charges. Motion seconded. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Current Membership Stats: a. Current Membership – 807 ($172,494)/ Suspended (not renewed) – 169 ($40,732) b. Access Passes Sold: 845 ($21,125) Discussion regarding

contacting former members with lapsed memberships. 2. Committee Event Sponsorship Policy: Request motion to approve the Committee Event Sponsorship Usage Policy allowing LCBA committees to allocate up to 20% of the sponsorship income. Discussion regarding language of proposed sponsorship policy. Motion to table the issue of the sponsorship policy to be taken up at a future time along with a review of policies regarding sponsorship advertising and whether sponsorship income usage will be addressed on a case by case basis. Motion seconded. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Strategic Planning Committee: The ad-hock Strategic Planning Committee will be tasked with reviewing and updating the current LCBA Strategic

Plan. Request a motion to approve the following members to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee: Joe Fusz (Civil/ Criminal), Jeff O’Kelley (Estate Planning), Kat Hatch (Public Defender), Torrie Newsome (Criminal Law), Steve McCollum (Criminal Law), Gary Schlesinger (Family Law), Kelly Collins (Family Law), Brian Lewis (Civil Practice), Jennifer Luczkowiak (Prairie State), Steve Rice as facilitator. Motion to approve the committee that will prepare a draft revised plan to be presented to the LCBA officers and board members. Motion seconded. Motion carried. 2. CLE Presentation & Licensing Agreement: The proposed CLE Presentation & Licensing Agreement provides LCBA authority to record CLE presentations and use the recording as the Assocation sees fit. Request


a motion to approve the proposed CLE Presentation & Licensing Agreement. Discussion regarding language of proposed agreement and potential modifications. 3. Updates: a. Real Estate Conference in Nashville b. Cost-Sharing Agreement with the Foundation

c. Fall Lunches in September, October, November d. 2020 Gridiron Discussion regarding the real estate conference, the cost-sharing agreement, upcoming fall lunches, and the 2020 Gridiron. Committee Liaison Reports: Director Liaisons to report on activities of their assigned committee(s)

1. Civil Trial & Appeals 2. Community Outreach & Diversity 3. CLE 4. Criminal Law 5. Debtor/Creditor 6. Docket 7. Family Law 8. Golf Outing 9. Gridiron 10. J udicial Selection & Retention 11. Local Government

12. Real Estate 13. Trust & Estates 14. Young & New Lawyers Liasion reports to be made at the October meeting. Motion to adjourn: 1:05 Motion to Adjourn: Moved and approved. Next Board Meeting Date: October 17

FUQUA WINTER RECEPTION PHOTOS

November/December 2019 29


The Season of Giving

W

hy do so many people and companies give this time of year? it generally comes down to this: • It’s the holidays and people feel generous. • Tax reasons before the end of the year. • There’s extra money in the bank due to year-end or holiday bonus’. • This is the time of year many charities/non-profits solicit donations so it’s top of mind. Count me in that last point as this is a solicitation for all members of the Lake County Bar Foundation to support the Foundation. Wait. What? If you are reading this,

30 The Docket

with a few expectations, it likely means you are a current member of the Lake County Bar Association. As a member of the Association (LCBA), you are automatically, by default, a member of the Foundation (LCBF). Yes, it has a separate Board of Directors (because the IRS says we must), but the members of the Foundation are the same members of the Association. The Foundation is simply the charitable arm of the Association. It was founded in 1960 to support the LCBA. A couple years ago the Foundation purchased a building in Waukegan and renovated it into the beautiful and multi-functional

In the

Director’s Chair

office that both organizations proudly call home. It is truly something to be proud of. We are the envy of all other suburban Bar Associations. If you have not seen it, you really need to stop by and visit. But it’s more than just a show piece. It’s here for you to use. You can rent the Member Center for an after-hours office function (like your holiday party), meet clients or conduct depositions in the Board Room, park in our large (and free) parking lot, or just hang out for an hour and get some work done between court appearances. It’s way nicer than hanging out in the courthouse or the Burgundy Room. The point is, this place is here for you to use, and it’s Fantastic! Every member of the LCBA is asked to support the Foundation. A small, one-time charitable donation of $500 from every member would pay off the mortgage, bank some

BY DALE PERRIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR money for future repairs/ improvements, and allow us to begin Phase 2 of the renovation and create our own banquet/meeting facility on-site. This means we won’t have to go off-site and pay facility rental fees for most of our meetings. If that’s too rich for your check book, then consider donating $50 every year when you renew your dues or spend $100 for Cabo Raffle tickets and attend the by-annual Foundation Gala. The point is, it’s your organization, please support it. Make donations to the Lake County Bar Foundation and sent to the LCBA/ LCBF office. Please write “Donation” in the memo line. Donations can also be made online by clicking the “Donate” button under the “Foundation” tab on the LCBA home page. Thank you for your support. Happy Holidays. And I hope to see you at our Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 6, or sometime soon.


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November/December 2019

31


Bar

Bulletin Board

Monthly

Committee Meetings

DAY

MEETING

LOCATION

TIME

1st Tuesday

Diversity & Community Outreach

LCBA

12:15-1:15

1 Thursday

Real Estate

Primo, Gurnee

5:30-6:30

Editorial 1st Thursday (Even Mo.) Docket Committee

LCBA

12:15-1:15

2nd Tuesday

LCBA

12:15-1:15

LCBA

4:30-5:30

st

Criminal Law

2nd Tuesday (Odd Mo.) Immigration 2nd Wednesday

Family Law Advisory Group (FLAG)

LCBA

12:00-1:00

2nd Wednesday

Civil Trial and Appeals

LCBA

4:00-5:00

2 Thursday

Young & New Lawyers

TBD

12:15-1:15

2nd Thursday

Trusts and Estates

LCBA

12:15-1:15

3rd Tuesday

Local Government

LCBA

12:15-1:15

3rd Tuesday

LCBF Board of Trustees

LCBA

4:00

3rd Wednesday

Debtor/Creditor Rights

Varies

5:30-6:30

3rd Wednesday

Family Law

C-105

12:00-1:00

3 Wednesday (Odd Mo.) Employment Law

Varies

5:15-6:15

3rd Thursday

LCBA

12:00 noon

nd

rd

LCBA Board of Directors

• 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.

32 The Docket

To place an ad or for information on advertising rates, call (847) 244-3143

Do you have a speaker idea or suggestion for our business meetings? We would like to hear from you! Send your ideas to: dale@lakebar.org


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

MEMBER RECEPTION

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 Dale Perrin at dale@lakebar.org to add your name to a reception.


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