The Illinois State Bar Association had its mobile billboard in the lineup of Sunday's Gay Pride Parade in Chicago – one of more than 200 entries. The parade entry was a collaborative effort between the ISBA, CBA, and LAGBAC (the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago).

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. The official location for the position will be Peoria, Illinois. Full-time magistrate judges are appointed to eight-year terms of office by the judges of each respective United States district court.

Honored in recognition of his commitment to equal justice and exemplary career as a civil legal services attorneyBy Wendy Vaughn, Clinical Assistant Professor,NIU College of Law, Zeke Giorgi Legal ClinicDuring its 137th Annual Meeting, the Illinois State Bar Association awarded Bernard H. Shapiro with the Joseph R. Bartylak Memorial Legal Services Award at award luncheon on June 21, 2013.  For the last 35 years, Bernard H. Shapiro (Bernie) has dedicated his legal career and devoted his considerable intellect and legal acumen to meeting the basic needs of residents of Northern Illinois in his role as attorney, mentor, advocate, trainer, and Director of Litigation at Prairie State Legal Services (Prairie State). In her nomination letter, Sarah Megan, who also serves as Director of Litigation at Prairie State, writes that Bernie is “the lynchpin of our legal aid program,” “the soul of our organization,” and “a role model for not only all our staff, but for all legal aid staff.” Ms. Megan explains that Bernie’s fellow attorneys “rely on his superb legal analysis and strategy as well as his pragmatic problem solving skill.  We learn from his example of excellence; always focused on achieving our clients’ goals, providing our clients the highest caliber legal services in a most compassionate and respectful way.”

United States Bankruptcy Judge Thomas L. Perkins of the Central District of Illinois has applied to be reappointed by the United States Court of Appeals to a new 14-year term when his current term expires on July 19, 2014. A United States Bankruptcy Judge is a judicial officer of the United States District Court who exercises the authority of the district court with respect to any action, suit, or proceeding under Chapter 6 of Title 28 of the United States Code. 28 U.S.C. § 151.Comments are invited from the public and the bar as to whether Judge Perkins should be reappointed. Those comments should be in writing and sent by July 30, 2013 to:Collins T. FitzpatrickCircuit Executive219 S. Dearborn StreetRoom 2780Chicago, IL 60604