Membership Benefits

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Find a Lawyer

Members may list up to three areas of practice on the Find a Lawyer section of the website so that members of the public seeking legal representation can choose from a selection of attorneys.  Each member participating in this listing must certify that they have malpractice insurance and must indemnify the association against claims arising from their listing.  Since most members of the public now seek legal representation online, this listing is an excellent way of attracting business.

Pro-Bono Court Program 

As an aide to the Court and the Community, the Association provides volunteers for the pro se small claims courtrooms at the Fourth Municipal District, Maywood, Illinois to assist pro se litigants on Monday afternoons.

Defense of Prisoners Panel



This service provides experienced criminal attorneys to the Circuit Court of Cook County for the defense of certain felony defendants.

Judicial Evaluation Committee 



The West Suburban Bar Association has joined with other members of the Suburban Bar Coalition to evaluate judges running for retention in Cook County and other judicial candidates who request evaluation. The credentials of each candidate are checked and discussed by the committee and each is interviewed.  The Coalition's evaluations are distributed to the news media, community organization, and to the attorneys for client mailings.

Continuing Legal Education Seminars



A one-hour Continuing Legal Education seminar is offered at most meetings on topics of general interest to the bar.  From time to time additional CLE programs are offered. The seminars are free.  Dinner is offered at each meeting for $35.00.  The WSBA is a certified provider of continuing legal education.

Monthly Meetings 



The membership meets each month except July and August.  Most meetings occur on the second Monday of the month and include a free one-hour CLE presentation.  Dinner is offered at each meeting for $35.00.  The Board of Governors meets at least quarterly, usually at a membership meeting.  Currently the meetings are held at Tanya Hart's Taste of Vino in Western Springs.  Meetings start at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and conversation, dinner commences at about 6:30 p.m. with the meeting and presentation beginning about 7:00 p.m.  Guests are always welcome to attend.

Monthly News Letter



The Association produces a monthly newsletter to keep membership informed of upcoming events, member news, and important developments in the legal community.

Speakers Bureau



The WSBA will provide speakers on subjects related to the law free of charge to any community group in the western suburbs.

Suburban Bar Coalition



Founded in 1997 by the WSBA, this organization consists of all Cook County Suburban Bar Associations for the purpose of evaluating judges running for retention.

Lawyers and Judges Serving the West Suburban Communities Since 1943