The Illinois State Bar Association's Special Committee on Law School Debt, formed by President John E. Thies, hosted its first two meeting this week in Wheaton and Peoria (remaining schedule below). ISBA members are encouraged to attend these meetings to discuss how increasing law school debt is impacting the delivery of legal services.

The Committee is particularly interested in hearing about the impact of law school debt in the following situations:

1. Recruitment and retention of new lawyers in small- and medium-size firms
2. Decisions by lawyers to open practices in small communities
3. Recruitment and retention of new lawyers working for legal aid organizations
4. Financial ability of new lawyers to open solo practices (and possible liability and ethical consequences resulting there from);
5. Availability of lawyers being willing to perform pro bono services;
6. Opportunity for new lawyers to advance from entry level positions in the profession.

Hearing Schedule

The hearings will held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

• Thursday, Nov. 15 at Four Points by Sheraton, Fairview Heights
• Friday, Nov. 16 at Hilton Garden Inn & Suites, Champaign
• Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office

Please contact Kim Weaver at kweaver@isba.org or (800) 252-8908 if you would like to appear before the Committee. Please note which hearing you will be attending and which of the above topics you will address.

President Thies and the committee are extremely interested in the insight and experience of all ISBA members and strongly encourage written comments from those who cannot attend. Send comments to kweaver@isba.org