Liberty Bell presentations become Law Day traditions

Presentation of a Liberty Bell Award at a Law Day program has become a tradition for many bar associations. Several were reported last month.

The DuPage County Bar Association honored Sheila Murphy-Russell, executive director of the DuPage Family Center, with a Liberty Bell Award at a May 1 luncheon.

She supervises the center’s operation of a neutral exchange site for supervised visitations, mediation services and parental education that help resolve recurring problems for the legal community.

While the award usually is designated for recognition of a non-lawyer, it is not unusual for a practicing attorney to receive a Liberty Bell.

The Adams County Bar Association selected Quincy attorney George Lewis for the honor that was presented during a May 1 luncheon.

Lewis, a 50-year member, was cited for many years of civil rights initiatives, dedication to victims’ rights, and numerous community efforts.

In Lake County, where the decision for a Liberty Bell recipient has made by judges of the 19th Circuit since 2005, the county bar association honored Lake Forest attorney Edmund R. McGlynn Jr. and The Coalition to Reduce Recidivism.

McGlynn responded to a request from Habitat for Humanity by forming a subcommittee of the LCBA Wills, Trusts and Probate Committee to create a beneficial program.

His initiative resulted in training of lawyers and meetings with low-income Habitat homeowners to provide information and help prepare legal documents such as wills, trusts, estate plans and powers of attorney.

Waukegan Township supervisor Patricia Jones accepted the Liberty Bell on behalf of The Coalition to Reduce Recidivism for its support of families of ex-offenders and assistance to convicted individuals in seeking employment.