The work of the ISBA Standing Committee on Law-Related Education for the Public marches on. The 2017 High School Mock Trial Invitational was an overwhelming success. Much thanks goes to Sarah Taylor, Mock Trial Subcommittee Chair, and Katy Karayannis, Mock Trial Coordinator, the entire Mock Trial Subcommittee and LRE Committee, the Illinois Trial Team, and the many judges and attorneys from around the state who volunteered their time and counsel over the Mock Trial weekend. A special thanks goes to ISBA President Vincent Cornelius for his presence and support at this event.

The young people who participated in this event were truly inspiring and their preparation and commitment to this project were very evident. Congratulations to the first place team of St. Charles North High School, who will be competing at the National Mock Trial Invitational in May, and to the team of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, the first recipient of the Civility and Professionalism Award.

In addition, the Committee’s efforts in the Civic Education area, under the leadership of Judge Michael Chmiel, Chair of the Civics Education Committee, continue to expand. The ISBA Speakers Bureau webpage is now up and can be accessed through the ISBA website. The Committee owes a great deal of gratitude to Hon. Robert Beaderstadt who has authored “ISBA Speaker’s Bureau: A Guide for Lawyers Invited to Speak,” available on the website, to assist volunteers when making presentations to their local community organizations.

Also on the website is a Courtroom to the Community presentation, prepared in large part by Hon. Robert A. Wilbrandt, which provides a succinct but informative lesson on the court system and its various participants and follows an actual case, Gurba v. High School Dist. 155, involving a decision by the Crystal Lake High School Board to replace the school bleachers. Much appreciation goes to Judge Wilbrandt for his time and effort in creating this presentation.

I heartily invite all to visit the website to learn more about these programs, as well as our ongoing Lawyers in the Classroom initiative, and most importantly…..VOLUNTEER! 