The Illinois Text Messaging Ban

The new Illinois text messaging law goes into effect on January 1st, 2010. According to the new law:

"A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message"

And goes on to define an electronic message as;

"Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site."

Please take note of following changes in the Illinois Cell Phone Laws. This might save you some money. It might also facilitate discussion with your children ages 19 and under. Visit this link for more information: http://www.drivinglaws.org/ill.php

As many of you know, Gov. Quinn has signed into law a set of new restrictions regarding use of cell phones while driving. The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2010. I encourage everyone to know what the law stipulates and to begin these safe-driving habits now. Here are the main points:

ON JANUARY 1, 2010 IT WILL BE ILLEGAL (in the state of Illinois) TO:

* send or read a text message while your car is in traffic, unless fully stopped due to a blocked roadway (such as a train crossing). A stop sign or stop light does NOT waive this restriction. You must place the car in park or neutral gear, or pull over to the side of the road and stop.

* send or read an email message while your car is in traffic, unless fully stopped due to a blocked roadway (such as a train crossing). A stop sign or stop light does NOT waive this restriction. You must place the car in park or neutral gear, or pull over to the side of the road and stop.

* use a cell phone in a SCHOOL or CONSTRUCTION zone without the use of a hands-free device. In other words.......you cannot HOLD the cell phone while using it. You must use a device (such as a Bluetooth headset or ear bud) which allows you to keep both hands on the wheel. To use such a device you must have a compatible phone and must purchase and install the hands-free device itself. Contact your cellular provider for specific information about products and services available for your cell phone.

Fines for violation of these laws will start at $75.00, with higher fines expected for the most serious infractions.

The law does NOT apply to use of a navigation device, such as a GPS system.

Entry Level Position with Peoria Law Firm

JOHNSON, BUNCE & NOBLE, P.C.

7800 N SOMMER ST #425

PEORIA ILLINOIS 61615

Local North Peoria law firm seeking to FILL AN ENTRY LEVEL POSITION either full or part-time. Flexibility in hours is possible to allow for children's school schedule or other special circumstances. Duties include secretarial, paralegal and administative work. Ability to work as a "team player" is a must. Pleasant working environment. Position includes paid vacation, personal time and other benefits. Send resume to PO Box 3322, Peoria, IL 61602 OR email to info@peorialawyers.com

Salary: $12/hour (approximate)

PCBA LegalEase, Jobs, News and CLE

Be sure to check the Peoria County Bar Association Monthly Newsletter LegalEase for job openings CLE opportunities and other local law related news. Bookmarkhttp://www.peoriabar.org/legalease as one of your favorites.

We Made a List!

The ICC LAW Blawg was recognized by The MacLawyer as one of a list of excellent blogs aimed at Paralegals. Thanks Ben! And the cartoon accurately describes my former Paralegals and our graduates.

http://themaclawyer.com/2009/11/articles/online-resources/blogs-for-paralegals-and-legal-assistants

Christmas Everywhere Song/Video

Vote for "Christmas Everywhere" a song by Richard Fey and Kevin Elias, husband of ICC Paralegal student Siobhan Elias by going to http://chicagotribune.com/holidaysong

The song, featured below, hits home for the many current and former students and their families who have spent the holidays themselves or with loved ones away with the military.

Congratulations to ICC Paralegal Advisory Board Member Lisa Wilson, on being appointed the 10th Circuit's newest Associate Judge

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts announced that Lisa Y. Wilson, received a majority of the votes cast by the circuit judges in the Tenth Judicial Circuit and is declared to be appointed to the office of associate judge.

Lisa received her undergraduate degree in 1984 from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois and her Juris Doctor in 1987 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Not quite there just yet BUT Legal Research is Moving into the Google World

My Research One class has heard me, in reference to researching with Lexis or Westlaw, say many times that we don't live in a Google world just yet for Legal Research. Well, I guess we may be getting closer. Read the message below from ICC Paralegal grad Carol Nelson and try this out. It's not bad.

"On Nov. 17, Google announced that they are "enabling people everywhere to find and read full text legal opinions from U.S. federal and state district, appellate and supreme courts using Google Scholar."

You can read about it here:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/finding-laws-that-govern-us.html

As one of the paralegal forums put it, "It isn't Westlaw yet, but it's a good start." The power of the Google search engine, and it's free! I'm excited about this, so thought I'd pass it along.


Respectfully yours,
Carol Nelson
Paralegal"

Thanks and Giving campaign - St. Jude

We have the opportunity to Give Thanks for our own Ryan Hiserote, son of recent Paralegal grad Laura. After many months in Memphis Ryan is home and doing well. Thanks to all of the grads and students who helped support Laura, her family and St. Jude this past year. Read Laura's year in review comments and more on Ryan on his Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryanhiserote

Thanks and Giving campaign Meet the patients

FIX MY MORTGAGE - Volunteer Lawyers and Paralegals are Needed

The Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. and METEC, a HUD approved housing counselor, will be holding a workshop. FIX MY MORTGAGE, to help distressed homeowners in our surrounding counties on Saturday, November 21st. At the event, the homeowners will meet with trained volunteer attorneys and counselors who will help them determine if they qualify for President Obama’s Making Home Affordable program. Bank of America and Chase Bank will be present to help with loan modifications. Attached is the press release for more information.

VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT. Although the event is not sponsored by Prairie State Legal Services, will be assisting with the workshop and helping to recruit volunteers. We are looking for volunteer attorneys, but paralegals with experience in this area are welcome. The volunteers are needed from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. All volunteers must participate in a free online training through ATG, and MCLE credit will be given. To volunteer, or for further information please contact Sandra Crow at 674-9831 or via email at scrow@pslegal.org; or Attorney Valerie Umholtz at 347-5875 or via email at vumholtz@msulegal.com.

CIPA Holiday Party!

H O L I D A Y P A R T Y
WHAT: CIPA MEETING

WHERE: CHATEAU PORT OF CALL ROOM
in BLOOMINGTON
on VETERAN’S PARKWAY

WHEN: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

TIME: 5:30 PM

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO INVITE YOU TO BE OUR GUEST FOR DINNER AND WITNESS THE SWEARING IN OF THE 2010 OFFICERS

Choose from the following and respond by noon on Wednesday, December 2nd to: ciparalegal.org.

The Executive
An 8oz. center cut Ribeye charbroiled, served open faced on an English Muffin with sautéed mushrooms, Potato du jour

Chicken Teriyaki
Breast of Chicken skillfully marinated in Soy, Sherry and Pineapple served with Rice Pilaf

Vegetarian – Chef’s Choice

Happy Holidays and we look forward to celebrating with you next month!
The 2009 Officers




Central Illinois Paralegal Association
P. O. Box 1948
Bloomington, IL 61702-1948