Southern Illinois

The Crawford County legal community is mourning the death of long-time Robinson attorney Robert Douglas.

Douglas died early Tuesday at Crawford Memorial Hospital. The Oblong native was 77.

Retired Circuit Judge David Correll, who started his legal career with Douglas' firm in 1974, remembered Douglas as tough and fearless.

"You would never feel Bob was intimidated by any individual or any situation," Correll said. "He wasn't afraid of public feedback and didn't shy away from what might be categorized as negative public opinion."

"Nobody fought harder for a client than Bob Douglas," Mattoon attorney Fred Johnson said.

"He was well-respected through out the legal community and remembered for his zealous advocacy for his clients in and out of the courtroom," Crawford County Associate Judge Mark Shaner said.

"Even though he tried some extremely controversial cases, he believed in fighting for the law," Marie Douglas, his wife of 54 years, added. "He truly, truly loved the law."

"Bob and I spent decades sharing the same mistress - the law," Robinson attorney Mark Weber said.

"He was my toughest and most ethical opponent for more than 50 years," Weber added, saying he and all members of the bar were in mourning. "My condolences to his spouse and my friend, Marie, and to Clint, his son."

"I've known Bob for over 25 years and have always had the deepest respect for him," Crawford County Circuit Clerk Angela Reinoehl said. "My condolences to his family."

By Judge Barb Crowder, Edwardsville

The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee continues to expand its services to veterans in honor of their service to this country. Madison County has a large number of veterans, many of whom are in reduced circumstances or homeless. Madison County started the first Veterans’ Court in the State of Illinois to help veterans navigate the criminal justice by connecting them with volunteers and with social services to assist with the problems that led many of the veterans to criminal court. The Pro Bono committee has focused on legal advice for civil court problems being experienced by veterans and has provided legal advice to veterans near each Veterans Day. For 2014, the Third Circuit Pro Bono Committee and the Madison County Veterans Assistance Commission are excited to announce the creation of the Third Circuit Veterans Legal Assistance Project (VLAP). The circuit’s programs for veterans have grown since the pro bono committee started in 2011. It provides:

St. Clair County Sheriff Richard Watson (second from left) received a 2014 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) during a ceremony hosted by the St. Clair County Bar Association at The Weingarten restaurant in Belleville on October 16.

On hand for the presentation were (from left) Nick Kujawa, who nominated the Sheriff for the award; Sheriff Watson, Russell Scott, a member of the ISBA Board of Governors, who presented the award; and Jon Rosenstengel, president of the St. Clair County Bar Association.

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, one of Chicago’s leading trial firms, has merged with longtime St. Louis and Madison County litigation defense firm Kernell Law Firm, P.C.

The lawyers of the highly regarded Kernell Law Firm have successfully represented insurance companies and private businesses in Asbestos Litigation, Product Liability, Toxic Tort Litigation and Insurance Defense for over 25 years.

“We believe our new St. Louis and Madison County offices will provide the same excellent service that clients have come to expect from Tom Kernell and his team, while expanding the services we offer our present clients,” said Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Managing Partner Timothy G. Nickels. “We
are very excited about this opportunity.”

Praise for the professionalism of the recently passed Tom Kernell and his team comes not only from the defense bar. Perry Browder, chairman of the asbestos practice group at Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, observed, “Tom Kernell was one of the most respected lawyers in the Madison County asbestos arena. He was trusted by judges, defense counsel and plaintiffs’ counsel alike, serving as defense liaison counsel for many years. The attorneys at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP are great litigators with whom we’ve worked for many years. I am happy that Tom’s lawyers and staff are joining Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP to carry on Tom's legacy.”

Kernell Law Firm attorneys joining Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP are: