One of the goals of PILI’s Tenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee is to enhance pro bono locally, so on Wednesday, September 28th they offered a half-day of CLEs to do just that. Attorneys from Peoria came to Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C. to focus on different topics to improve their pro bono and private practice.
During the first session, attendees learned about incorporating successful pro bono mentoring relationships into their career. The second session covered an array of probate topics to help attendees feel more comfortable handling minor and adult guardianships, wills and advanced directives. Attendees agreed to take on one additional pro bono matter in the next twelve months.
Session One: Making the Most of Mentoring
Mentoring in the context of pro bono is something that is frequently requested by inexperienced attorneys, or those new to pro bono or a particular area of practice. Mark Palmer of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism discussed a unique long-term mentoring program developed by the Commission in Illinois. He also discussed serving as a mentor as an alternative pro bono opportunity. Attendees received 1.0 hour of MCLE Professional Responsibility credit for this session.
Session Two: Guardianships, Wills and Advance Directives
Probate topics are a significant area of need for low-income individuals and families. This session featured several speakers who explained the process for obtaining a minor or adult guardianship. Speakers also provided an overview on advising your clients in preparing wills and advance directives, which are powerful tools for life planning. Attendees received 3.0 hours of MCLE credit for this session.
Speakers:
- James F. Kane, Johnson, Bunce & Noble
- Michael A. Kraft, Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius & Cerulo
- Michele Miller, Prairie State Legal Services
- Ann Pieper, Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White & Frederick
- David L. Wentworth II, Public Guardian and Public Administrator of Peoria County
- Marisa Wiesman, Prairie State Legal Services
Special thanks to Prairie State Legal Services who co-sponsored the program with PILI!
Learn more about the Tenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee »
Learn more about the Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees »