Will County Bar Association, 167 N Ottawa Street, Ste 200, Joliet, IL (2026)

09/02/2026

* WCBA News for the week of 8/31/26:

* Now Accepting Applications: 2026 Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program
Applications are now being accepted for the second year of the Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program.

As part of our mission to support initiatives that promote access to justice, civic education, and the well-being of our community, the Community Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Will County whose programs and projects align with these goals.

Grant funding may be awarded to support a variety of initiatives, including community programs, legal services, educational outreach, and other efforts that create a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Will County.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to be considered for this funding cycle.

Learn more and apply here:
https://willcountybarfoundation.com/community-grant-program/

We encourage eligible nonprofit organizations to review the program guidelines and submit an application. We also invite you to share this opportunity with other organizations that may benefit from the program.

If you have any questions about the grant program or the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

We look forward to partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our community and to supporting impactful projects that strengthen and serve the residents of Will County.

* Get Involved: Join a WCBA Committee
The Will County Bar Association encourages all members to consider joining one or more of our newly formed Committees. Committees play an important role in shaping the programs, services, and initiatives offered by the Association. Your ideas, experience, and perspective can help strengthen the WCBA and better serve our members and the legal community. The Committees will be chaired by members of the WCBA Board of Directors. Please note the law area committees will now be referred to as Sections.

For a complete list of the WCBA Committees, the Chairs of each Committee and a description of the purpose of each group head to the WCBA website Committees page.

Committees are as follows:
CLE Committee
Communications Committee
Community Outreach/Service Committee
Diversity Committee
Enterprise Committee
Finance Committee
Governance Committee
Membership Committee
Social Events Committee
Past Presidents Committee

Committee members are asked to actively participate by attending committee meetings, which will be generally held on a quarterly basis, sharing their opinions and ideas, and assisting with planning, recommendations, and decision-making related to the committee’s goals and activities.

Whether you are a new attorney looking to become more involved or a seasoned practitioner wanting to help guide the WCBA, we welcome your participation.

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete the Committee Interest Form. A member of the WCBA will contact you with additional information about committee opportunities and meeting schedules.

* 2026-2027 WCBA Membership Dues: Due starting July 1, 2026
Annual dues for the 2026-2027 year are due starting July 1, 2026. There is the option to join and renew online via the WCBA website. Head to www.willcountybar.net/membership/. There is the option to pay via PayPal or a credit card. Please note, there is still the option to download the membership form and mail it in with a check. The form can be found here.

Membership rates for 2026-2027 are as follows:
Less than 2 Years & Age Over 70: Free
2-3 Years: $120
4-5 Year: $130
Over 5 Years: $170

**In addition, if you are a member of the Will County Women's Bar Association, Black Bar Association of Will County, or the Latino Bar Association of Will County you are eligible for an additional $50 discount. You should only utilize the discount if you are also a member of one of the above mentioned Bar Associations. Please see details on the website and hardcopy form.

If you are part of the Lawyer Referral Program your 2026-2027 dues are also due on July 1, 2026. There is the option to renew and join the Lawyer Referral program online. Head to https://willcountybar.net/lawyer-referral-program-memberships/ for the option to pay via PayPal or credit card. If you would like to renew or join via hardcopy form please see attached referral documentation. All who are currently members will receive an email regarding renewals.

Please send questions via email to [email protected] or call the office at (815)726-0383.

* SAVE THE DATE: Red Mass 2026
Save the date for Red Mass 2026: Sunday, October 11th at 10:30 AM.

Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 N Raynor
Joliet, IL 60435

Please plan to stay for refreshments and fellowship following Mass.

* RSVP NOW: Upcoming Probate GAL Training: September 8th & 9th
Upcoming Probate GAL training on Tuesday, September 8th and Wednesday, September 9th, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Conference Room on the second floor of the Will County Courthouse.

Please RSVP to [email protected] if you would like to attend. Training agendas to be provided soon.

Please note this training is required in order to be added to the Probate GAL list. MCLE credit hours to be determined.

* Upcoming Section Meetings
FAMILY
The Family Section will meet Thursday, September 10th at noon at the WCBA Office at 167 N. Ottawa St.

PROBATE
The Probate Section will meet Monday, September 14th at 4:30 via Zoom.
Zoom Details
Meeting ID: 835 7776 2333
Passcode: 640195

CIVIL
The Civil Section will meet Tuesday, September 22nd at 4:00 via Zoom.
Zoom Details
Meeting ID: 891 5714 7738
Passcode: 428953

GAL
The GAL Section will meet Tuesday, September 29th at noon at the WCBA Office at 167 N. Ottawa St. Amirrah Abou Youssef will present on domestic violence.

If you would like to receive 1 hour of MCLE credit for attending a Section meeting please RSVP to [email protected]. You must be a WCBA member in order to receive MCLE credit.

WCBA HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF 8/31/26:Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PMAny questions please reach out via email at info@w...

08/31/2026

WCBA HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF 8/31/26:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Any questions please reach out via email at [email protected] or phone (815)726-0383.

08/27/2026

2026 Will County Legal Opportunity Scholarship Recipient Named

By Rachel Barks

The Will County Bar Association, in collaboration with the Black Bar Association, Latino Bar Association, and Women’s Bar Association of Will County, has officially named its newest scholarship recipient: LJ Brockington, a Plainfield resident and current 2L at Northern Illinois University College of Law.

A driven, high-achieving scholar who grew up in Bolingbrook, LJ earned his associate degree from the College of DuPage before graduating from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign in 2024 with high distinction in Political Science and a minor in Criminology.

"When I received the call that I was the recipient of the scholarship this year, I was beyond excited to the point that I did not have any words," LJ said. "I applied and interviewed for the scholarship prior to my first year of law school, but unfortunately, I was not selected. Just like in any other aspect of life, there will be setbacks, but if you stay persistent, you will eventually overcome them and achieve your goals. Hard work truly does pay off."

LJ brings a practical depth to the legal field, having interned over the past three summers with his mentor, local attorney John Schrock. During a complex wrongful shooting investigation involving the Will County Sheriff’s Office, LJ analyzed body camera footage to help determine that a client was innocent, key evidence that helped secure a fair settlement for them. LJ has also written briefs and worked on multiple defamation cases that Schrock's firm successfully won.

"LJ is remarkable at handling sets of complex information," Schrock said. "He has a good ability to analyze it and apply it to a case. He's writing at a level of a third or fourth level associate; he's way ahead of the game as far as practicing law. I consider myself to be his mentor."

For LJ, the mentorship has proved transformative. "Working with Mr. Schrock has turned into an opportunity of a lifetime that I will forever be grateful for," LJ shared. "There have been times where I lacked confidence and questioned pursuing a legal career, however, Mr. Schrock has shown me that the most important skills that lawyers have, are indeed skills that I possess."

Designed to promote diversity and opportunity within the local legal community, the Will County Legal Opportunity Scholarship offers second-year law students like LJ $10,000 for their second year law school tuition, $5,000 for their final year, an additional $1,000 toward bar preparation as well as additional funds if the recipient commits to practicing law within Will County upon graduation. First-year law students are also eligible to apply. The program also provides possible internship opportunities with the Courthouse, State’s Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and local firms.

"This scholarship is a stepping stone toward allowing recipients to build meaningful relationships within the legal community," LJ said. "It serves as a reminder that despite being a first-generation law student, my background does not define the limits of what I can accomplish. Will County is a community that recognizes the importance of diversity in the legal profession especially considering that people from different types of backgrounds are involved with the legal system.”

Looking toward the future, LJ aims to launch a non-profit organization in Will County, with other attorneys who share the same passion, dedicated to providing resources and legal representation for wrongfully convicted individuals.
LJ offers advice to future applicants of the Will County Legal Opportunity Scholarship, telling them to not give up or be scared to apply again if they apply the first time and do not receive the scholarship.

"One of the most joyous parts has been sharing the good news," LJ added. "I look forward to giving back to the Will County legal community."

08/26/2026

* WCBA News for the week of 8/24/26:

* Now Accepting Applications: 2026 Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program
Applications are now being accepted for the second year of the Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program.

As part of our mission to support initiatives that promote access to justice, civic education, and the well-being of our community, the Community Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Will County whose programs and projects align with these goals.

Grant funding may be awarded to support a variety of initiatives, including community programs, legal services, educational outreach, and other efforts that create a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Will County.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to be considered for this funding cycle.

Learn more and apply here:
https://willcountybarfoundation.com/community-grant-program/

We encourage eligible nonprofit organizations to review the program guidelines and submit an application. We also invite you to share this opportunity with other organizations that may benefit from the program.

If you have any questions about the grant program or the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

We look forward to partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our community and to supporting impactful projects that strengthen and serve the residents of Will County.

* Get Involved: Join a WCBA Committee
The Will County Bar Association encourages all members to consider joining one or more of our newly formed Committees. Committees play an important role in shaping the programs, services, and initiatives offered by the Association. Your ideas, experience, and perspective can help strengthen the WCBA and better serve our members and the legal community. The Committees will be chaired by members of the WCBA Board of Directors. Please note the law area committees will now be referred to as Sections.

For a complete list of the WCBA Committees, the Chairs of each Committee and a description of the purpose of each group head to the WCBA website Committees page.

Committees are as follows:
CLE Committee
Communications Committee
Community Outreach/Service Committee
Diversity Committee
Enterprise Committee
Finance Committee
Governance Committee
Membership Committee
Social Events Committee
Past Presidents Committee

Committee members are asked to actively participate by attending committee meetings, which will be generally held on a quarterly basis, sharing their opinions and ideas, and assisting with planning, recommendations, and decision-making related to the committee’s goals and activities.

Whether you are a new attorney looking to become more involved or a seasoned practitioner wanting to help guide the WCBA, we welcome your participation.

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete the Committee Interest Form. A member of the WCBA will contact you with additional information about committee opportunities and meeting schedules.

* 2026-2027 WCBA Membership Dues: Due starting July 1, 2026
Annual dues for the 2026-2027 year are due starting July 1, 2026. There is the option to join and renew online via the WCBA website. Head to www.willcountybar.net/membership/. There is the option to pay via PayPal or a credit card. Please note, there is still the option to download the membership form and mail it in with a check. The form can be found here.

Membership rates for 2026-2027 are as follows:
Less than 2 Years & Age Over 70: Free
2-3 Years: $120
4-5 Year: $130
Over 5 Years: $170

**In addition, if you are a member of the Will County Women's Bar Association, Black Bar Association of Will County, or the Latino Bar Association of Will County you are eligible for an additional $50 discount. You should only utilize the discount if you are also a member of one of the above mentioned Bar Associations. Please see details on the website and hardcopy form.

If you are part of the Lawyer Referral Program your 2026-2027 dues are also due on July 1, 2026. There is the option to renew and join the Lawyer Referral program online. Head to https://willcountybar.net/lawyer-referral-program-memberships/ for the option to pay via PayPal or credit card. If you would like to renew or join via hardcopy form please see attached referral documentation. All who are currently members will receive an email regarding renewals.

Please send questions via email to [email protected] or call the office at (815)726-0383.

* SAVE THE DATE: Red Mass 2026
Save the date for Red Mass 2026: Sunday, October 11th at 10:30 AM.

Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 N Raynor
Joliet, IL 60435

Please plan to stay for refreshments and fellowship following Mass.

* RSVP NOW: Upcoming Probate GAL Training: September 8th & 9th
Upcoming Probate GAL training on Tuesday, September 8th and Wednesday, September 9th, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Conference Room on the second floor of the Will County Courthouse.

Please RSVP to [email protected] if you would like to attend. Training agendas to be provided soon.

Please note this training is required in order to be added to the Probate GAL list. MCLE credit hours to be determined.

* Notice of Redesigned Statewide Standardized Court Forms
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice is pleased to announce important updates to our statewide standardized court forms:

• The Orders in Eviction Cases form set has been updated to the redesigned format.

As a reminder, we will not immediately announce every update, so please make sure that you are directing court users to the forms via our website. Do not link directly to saved PDFs of the forms because you may miss an updated version. For your convenience, we have a complete list of our currently published forms and their respective form numbers.

* NIU Law Awards Reception - Wednesday, September 2nd
All are invited to attend the 2026 NIU Law Awards Reception on Wednesday, September 2 at the Harry Caray Ballroom from 5:30-7:30 pm located 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148. In addition to honoring the 2026 award recipients, we will be acknowledging our 2026 Super Lawyers during the program. Please RSVP here for the reception by August 21.

2026 Awards Reception
Wednesday, September 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm
Harry Caray’s Lombard (70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148)

2026 NIU Law Alumni Award Honorees
Alum of Year: Rocio Becceril (’09)
Young Alum of Year: Major Maureen Dowling (’16)
Distinguished Service Award: James W. Glasgow (’78)
Outstanding Service Award: Richard Larsen (’86)
Outstanding Service Award: Nick Valadez (’89), Posthumously
Honorary Alum: Asst. Dean Greg Anderson
Public Service Award: Representative Lisa Davis (’07)
Mentor of the Year: Hon. Joseph Pedersen

WCBA HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF 8/24/26:Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PMAny questions please reach out via email at info@w...

08/24/2026

WCBA HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF 8/24/26:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Any questions please reach out via email at [email protected] or phone (815)726-038

08/19/2026

* WCBA News for the week of 8/17/26:

* CANCELLED: Slammers Baseball Event
Due to a lack of interest the Slammers Event planned for August 20th has been cancelled. Refunds have been issued to all individuals who registered.

* WCBA 2nd Annual Traveling CLE: Register for the Seminar and book your Hotel now!
The Will County Bar Association is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Traveling CLE, heading to the beautiful lakefront destination of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!

Join your colleagues for a unique blend of high-quality continuing legal education, networking, and a refreshing change of scenery. This popular event combines professional development with the opportunity to connect, relax, and recharge in a memorable setting.

Seminar agenda can be found here!

📍 Location: Lake Geneva, WI
📆 Dates: September 24th and 25th*
📚 CLE Programming, networking events, and social activities
*Please note, programming will not begin on September 24th until late afternoon.

Seminar registration is now open!
🔗 Register for the Seminar Here: Seminar

We are pleased to offer a special room block for our Continuing Legal Education Seminar attendees at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

Room Rate: Discounted room rates start at $229 per night (plus applicable taxes) and vary based on accommodations selected
Resort Fee: $25 per night

These exclusive rates are available for a limited time and subject to availability, so we encourage you to reserve your room early.

Utilize the following link to reserve your stay: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Room Block

Additional details and seminar agenda will be released soon. Mark your calendar and get ready to travel with the WCBA!

* Presentence Investigation (PSI) Order Submission and Investigation Timeframe
As a reminder for all Court Stakeholders, all orders for presentence investigations are to be submitted directly to the Will County Court Services Department at the probation suite located on the 3rd floor of the courthouse, by fax at (815) 727-9326, or by email at [email protected].

To support the accuracy, reliability, and completeness expected of presentence investigations submitted for judicial review, Will County Court Services has established a minimum timeframe of eight (8) weeks for completion of the investigation. Every reasonable effort is made to complete the investigation within the established timeframe; however, circumstances including the timing of order receipt, defendant compliance, and other investigative or supervisory responsibilities may affect completion.

When circumstances require additional time to ensure a complete and credible investigation, the assigned investigator may, request an appropriate continuance from the Court for purposes of completing the report for judicial review.

Your cooperation in the above procedures is greatly appreciated.

* Now Accepting Applications: 2026 Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program
Applications are now being accepted for the second year of the Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program.

As part of our mission to support initiatives that promote access to justice, civic education, and the well-being of our community, the Community Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Will County whose programs and projects align with these goals.

Grant funding may be awarded to support a variety of initiatives, including community programs, legal services, educational outreach, and other efforts that create a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Will County.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to be considered for this funding cycle.

Learn more and apply here:
https://willcountybarfoundation.com/community-grant-program/

We encourage eligible nonprofit organizations to review the program guidelines and submit an application. We also invite you to share this opportunity with other organizations that may benefit from the program.

If you have any questions about the grant program or the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

We look forward to partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our community and to supporting impactful projects that strengthen and serve the residents of Will County.

* Get Involved: Join a WCBA Committee
The Will County Bar Association encourages all members to consider joining one or more of our newly formed Committees. Committees play an important role in shaping the programs, services, and initiatives offered by the Association. Your ideas, experience, and perspective can help strengthen the WCBA and better serve our members and the legal community. The Committees will be chaired by members of the WCBA Board of Directors. Please note the law area committees will now be referred to as Sections.

For a complete list of the WCBA Committees, the Chairs of each Committee and a description of the purpose of each group head to the WCBA website Committees page.

Committees are as follows:
CLE Committee
Communications Committee
Community Outreach/Service Committee
Diversity Committee
Enterprise Committee
Finance Committee
Governance Committee
Membership Committee
Social Events Committee
Past Presidents Committee

Committee members are asked to actively participate by attending committee meetings, which will be generally held on a quarterly basis, sharing their opinions and ideas, and assisting with planning, recommendations, and decision-making related to the committee’s goals and activities.

Whether you are a new attorney looking to become more involved or a seasoned practitioner wanting to help guide the WCBA, we welcome your participation.

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete the Committee Interest Form. A member of the WCBA will contact you with additional information about committee opportunities and meeting schedules.

* 2026-2027 WCBA Membership Dues: Due starting July 1, 2026
Annual dues for the 2026-2027 year are due starting July 1, 2026. There is the option to join and renew online via the WCBA website. Head to www.willcountybar.net/membership/. There is the option to pay via PayPal or a credit card. Please note, there is still the option to download the membership form and mail it in with a check. The form can be found here.

Membership rates for 2026-2027 are as follows:
Less than 2 Years & Age Over 70: Free
2-3 Years: $120
4-5 Year: $130
Over 5 Years: $170

**In addition, if you are a member of the Will County Women's Bar Association, Black Bar Association of Will County, or the Latino Bar Association of Will County you are eligible for an additional $50 discount. You should only utilize the discount if you are also a member of one of the above mentioned Bar Associations. Please see details on the website and hardcopy form.

If you are part of the Lawyer Referral Program your 2026-2027 dues are also due on July 1, 2026. There is the option to renew and join the Lawyer Referral program online. Head to https://willcountybar.net/lawyer-referral-program-memberships/ for the option to pay via PayPal or credit card. If you would like to renew or join via hardcopy form please see attached referral documentation. All who are currently members will receive an email regarding renewals.

Please send questions via email to [email protected] or call the office at (815)726-0383.

* SAVE THE DATE: Red Mass 2026
Save the date for Red Mass 2026: Sunday, October 11th at 10:30 AM.

Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 N Raynor
Joliet, IL 60435

Please plan to stay for refreshments and fellowship following Mass.

* Upcoming Section Meetings
CRIMINAL
The Criminal Section will meet Thursday, August 20th at Noon in the Lincoln Conference Room on the 2nd Floor of the Will County Courthouse.

GAL
The GAL Section will meet Tuesday, August 25th at noon at the WCBA Office at 167 N. Ottawa St. Teretha Lewis will present about truancy offenses.

CIVIL
The Civil Section will meet Tuesday, August 25th at 4:00 via Zoom.
Zoom Details
Meeting ID: 833 2560 3474
Passcode: 382895

If you would like to receive 1 hour of MCLE credit for attending a Section meeting please RSVP to [email protected]. You must be a WCBA member in order to receive MCLE credit.

* NIU Law Awards Reception - Wednesday, September 2nd
All are invited to attend the 2026 NIU Law Awards Reception on Wednesday, September 2 at the Harry Caray Ballroom from 5:30-7:30 pm located 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148. In addition to honoring the 2026 award recipients, we will be acknowledging our 2026 Super Lawyers during the program. Please RSVP here for the reception by August 21.

2026 Awards Reception
Wednesday, September 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm
Harry Caray’s Lombard (70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148)

2026 NIU Law Alumni Award Honorees
Alum of Year: Rocio Becceril (’09)
Young Alum of Year: Major Maureen Dowling (’16)
Distinguished Service Award: James W. Glasgow (’78)
Outstanding Service Award: Richard Larsen (’86)
Outstanding Service Award: Nick Valadez (’89), Posthumously
Honorary Alum: Asst. Dean Greg Anderson
Public Service Award: Representative Lisa Davis (’07)
Mentor of the Year: Hon. Joseph Pedersen

08/17/2026

Due to a lack of interest the Slammers Event planned for August 20th has been cancelled. Refunds have been issued to all individuals who registered.

WCBA HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF 8/17/26:Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PMAny questions please reach out via email at info@w...

08/17/2026

WCBA HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF 8/17/26:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Any questions please reach out via email at [email protected] or phone (815)726-0383.

08/12/2026

* WCBA News for the week of 8/10/26:

* Batter Up! Join the Will County Bar Associations for a Night with the Joliet Slammers!
Step away from the office, bring your family or colleagues, and enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark with the Will County Bar Association, Will County Women’s Bar Association, Latino Bar Association of Will County and Black Bar Association of Will County!

Join us on Thursday, August 20th, as the Joliet Slammers take the field for a 6:35 p.m. game. We'll be cheering from the Outfield Picnic Area, where you'll enjoy great views, great company, and food included with your ticket.

Tickets are just $30 and include:
• ⚾ Admission to the game
• 🌭 Food in the Outfield Picnic Area
• 🤝 A fun evening of networking and camaraderie with fellow members of all of the Will County Bar Associations

Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or simply looking for a fun summer outing, this is a great opportunity to relax, connect with colleagues, and enjoy America's favorite pastime.

Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Will County Bar Association website at the following link, so don't wait—reserve your spot today! Ticket sales will end Monday, August 17th and your ticket must be picked up in advance from the Will County Bar Association Office at 167th N Ottawa St. on to be determined days the week of the 17th.

We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark!

* WCBA 2nd Annual Traveling CLE: Register for the Seminar and book your Hotel now!
The Will County Bar Association is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Traveling CLE, heading to the beautiful lakefront destination of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!

Join your colleagues for a unique blend of high-quality continuing legal education, networking, and a refreshing change of scenery. This popular event combines professional development with the opportunity to connect, relax, and recharge in a memorable setting.

Seminar agenda can be found here!

📍 Location: Lake Geneva, WI
📆 Dates: September 24th and 25th*
📚 CLE Programming, networking events, and social activities
*Please note, programming will not begin on September 24th until late afternoon.

Seminar registration is now open!
🔗 Register for the Seminar Here: Seminar

We are pleased to offer a special room block for our Continuing Legal Education Seminar attendees at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

Room Rate: Discounted room rates start at $229 per night (plus applicable taxes) and vary based on accommodations selected
Resort Fee: $25 per night

These exclusive rates are available for a limited time and subject to availability, so we encourage you to reserve your room early.

Utilize the following link to reserve your stay: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Room Block

Additional details and seminar agenda will be released soon. Mark your calendar and get ready to travel with the WCBA!

* Now Accepting Applications: 2026 Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program
Applications are now being accepted for the second year of the Will County Bar Foundation Community Grant Program.

As part of our mission to support initiatives that promote access to justice, civic education, and the well-being of our community, the Community Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Will County whose programs and projects align with these goals.

Grant funding may be awarded to support a variety of initiatives, including community programs, legal services, educational outreach, and other efforts that create a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Will County.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to be considered for this funding cycle.

Learn more and apply here:
https://willcountybarfoundation.com/community-grant-program/

We encourage eligible nonprofit organizations to review the program guidelines and submit an application. We also invite you to share this opportunity with other organizations that may benefit from the program.

If you have any questions about the grant program or the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

We look forward to partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our community and to supporting impactful projects that strengthen and serve the residents of Will County.

* Get Involved: Join a WCBA Committee
The Will County Bar Association encourages all members to consider joining one or more of our newly formed Committees. Committees play an important role in shaping the programs, services, and initiatives offered by the Association. Your ideas, experience, and perspective can help strengthen the WCBA and better serve our members and the legal community. The Committees will be chaired by members of the WCBA Board of Directors. Please note the law area committees will now be referred to as Sections.

For a complete list of the WCBA Committees, the Chairs of each Committee and a description of the purpose of each group head to the WCBA website Committees page.

Committees are as follows:
CLE Committee
Communications Committee
Community Outreach/Service Committee
Diversity Committee
Enterprise Committee
Finance Committee
Governance Committee
Membership Committee
Social Events Committee
Past Presidents Committee

Committee members are asked to actively participate by attending committee meetings, which will be generally held on a quarterly basis, sharing their opinions and ideas, and assisting with planning, recommendations, and decision-making related to the committee’s goals and activities.

Whether you are a new attorney looking to become more involved or a seasoned practitioner wanting to help guide the WCBA, we welcome your participation.

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete the Committee Interest Form. A member of the WCBA will contact you with additional information about committee opportunities and meeting schedules.

* 2026-2027 WCBA Membership Dues: Due starting July 1, 2026
Annual dues for the 2026-2027 year are due starting July 1, 2026. There is the option to join and renew online via the WCBA website. Head to www.willcountybar.net/membership/. There is the option to pay via PayPal or a credit card. Please note, there is still the option to download the membership form and mail it in with a check. The form can be found here.

Membership rates for 2026-2027 are as follows:
Less than 2 Years & Age Over 70: Free
2-3 Years: $120
4-5 Year: $130
Over 5 Years: $170

**In addition, if you are a member of the Will County Women's Bar Association, Black Bar Association of Will County, or the Latino Bar Association of Will County you are eligible for an additional $50 discount. You should only utilize the discount if you are also a member of one of the above mentioned Bar Associations. Please see details on the website and hardcopy form.

If you are part of the Lawyer Referral Program your 2026-2027 dues are also due on July 1, 2026. There is the option to renew and join the Lawyer Referral program online. Head to https://willcountybar.net/lawyer-referral-program-memberships/ for the option to pay via PayPal or credit card. If you would like to renew or join via hardcopy form please see attached referral documentation. All who are currently members will receive an email regarding renewals.

Please send questions via email to [email protected] or call the office at (815)726-0383.

* SAVE THE DATE: Red Mass 2026
Save the date for Red Mass 2026: Sunday, October 11th at 10:30 AM.

Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 N Raynor
Joliet, IL 60435

Please plan to stay for refreshments and fellowship following Mass.

* Upcoming Committee Meetings
FAMILY
The Family Committee will meet Thursday, August 13th at noon at the WCBA Office at 167 N. Ottawa St.

CRIMINAL
The Criminal Committee will meet Thursday, August 20th at Noon in the Lincoln Conference Room on the 2nd Floor of the Will County Courthouse.

GAL
The GAL Committee will meet Tuesday, August 25th at noon at the WCBA Office at 167 N. Ottawa St. Teretha Lewis will present about truancy offenses.

CIVIL
The Civil Committee will meet Tuesday, August 25th at 4:00 via Zoom.
Zoom Details
Meeting ID: 833 2560 3474
Passcode: 382895

If you would like to receive 1 hour of MCLE credit for attending a Committee meeting please RSVP to [email protected]. You must be a WCBA member in order to receive MCLE credit.

* New & Updated Statewide Standardized Appellate and Supreme Court Forms
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice is pleased to announce important updates to our statewide standardized forms for the Appellate Court and Supreme Court:

• Certificate of Court Filing by Mail: This new form set is available for both the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Court. It is designed to help litigants certify court filings by mail under Rule 373 and Rule 12. The set includes two forms – one for litigants who are incarcerated (Supreme Court Rule 12(b)(6)) and one for litigants who are exempt from e-filing and are filing by mail (Supreme Court Rule 12(b)(5)).

• Notice of Appeal: This form set has been updated to include the above-mentioned new Certificate of Court Filing by Mail forms. It also includes updated 1-109 certification language and a revised proof of delivery section.

• Request for Preparation of Record on Appeal: Minor updates were made to better guide self-represented litigants in requesting the entire record on appeal, including ordering transcripts.

• Request for Report of Proceedings (Transcripts): Updates were made to the Getting Started and instruction documents.

• Additional Proof of Delivery: Updates were made to streamline the form and to include the abovementioned updated 1-109 certification language.

As a reminder, we will not immediately announce every update, so please make sure that you are directing court users to the forms via our website. Do not link directly to saved PDFs of the forms because you may miss an updated version. For your convenience, we have a complete list of our currently published forms and their respective form numbers.

* Standardized Court Forms for Public Comment: Application to Appoint the Public Defender
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice is pleased to announce a draft Application to Appoint the Public Defender & Affidavit of Assets & Liabilities form set has been posted for public comment for 21 days until August 27, 2026.

We ask for your feedback and suggestions to improve these draft forms, which are available on the Illinois Courts’ website.

Your input is invaluable in refining these forms. You may submit comments through the website or directly to [email protected]. After the public comment period ends, the feedback and suggestions received will be reviewed, and necessary revisions will be made before the forms are formally approved and published on the Illinois Courts’ website.

Will County Bar Association

09/02/2026

08/31/2026

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

08/19/2026

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08/12/2026

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