On the Bar with the Kane County Bar Association

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by Lidia Serrano, of Serrano, Hanson & Hurtado, an Attorney at law & KCBA member along with host Lori Schmidt to discuss her life serving the wonderful and complex world of the Law and her exciting involvement with the KCBA.

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by Misti Floyd and Karla Hunter, lawyers and current longtime members of the KCBA along with guest host Gina Armstrong, to discuss and share details about the past KCBA trip to SCOTUS in Washington D.C. Here they all reflect on their experiences together and explore what a life changing moment it was to be sworn into the highest court of the land.

***WARNING: MATURE CONTENT*** Contains mentions of: Murder, Sexual Assault & Crimes involving minors. In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by Gary Johnson, of Camic Johnson Law. A Former Kane County State’s Attorney, Private Criminal Attorney at law & KCBA member along with host Lori Schmidt to discuss his debut novel "Luck is a Talent" and his upcoming retirement from...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by Dorothy Voigt, Attorney at Law to discusser upcoming retirement, her exploration of QDRO and QILDRO drafting and filing and her vast experience with the KCBA Bar Show!

**MATURE WARNING** Contains discussions of Domestic Violence and Murder In this episode of On the Bar, we are joined by Greg Sams, now the Former Assistant State's Attorney along with host Lori Schmidt , to discuss his retirement and reflect on his long 29 year career with the law. With over 35 murder trials under his belt, his impact will be everlasting as he fought to get the many people of...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by Gina Armstrong, Executive Director of the Kane County Bar Association along with host Lori Schmidt , to discuss and share details about the launch of the SafeRoads Driving School program launching today, April 1st!

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by Len Solfa as he shares about his recent trip to Antarctica. Len begins by discussing his legal background before diving into his long-standing passion for travel and what inspired him to journey to one of the most remote places on earth. He walks us through the planning process, what it takes to reach Antarctica, and what the experience was like on...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by KCBA members Nydia Molina and Deborah Lang, along with host Lori Schmidt, as they reflect on their experience being admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States during the KCBA’s 2019 admissions trip to Washington, D.C. They reflect on the trip and being admitted to the Supreme Court, what the process entails, and why it was such an amazing e...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we are joined by KCBA member, Co-Chair of the Civil Practice Committee, and attorney Chris Cosentino of The Cosentino Law Firm, LLC. Chris shares the story of how he “accidentally” found his way to law school—and why, in the end, he knows he made the right career choice. He discusses what he enjoys most about practicing law and reflects on working alongside his fam...

On this episode of On the Bar, we welcome Rachel Hernandez and Kristin Louis of Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC for an insightful conversation on family law and the growing role of collaborative divorce. Rachel and Kristin begin by sharing their individual journeys to law school, their professional backgrounds, and what led them to focus their practices on family law. They discuss how thei...

Carolyn Jansons—attorney, KCBA member, and partner at Drendel & Jansons—is back for another conversation on this episode of  On the Bar . Carolyn shares her inspiring personal story that led her to law school and ultimately shaped her legal career. She discusses her deep involvement with the Kane County Bar Association, including her time as KCBA President and her work on numerous committees,...

On this episode of  On the Bar , we talk with Michael Isaacson from the Kane County Health Department about his journey into public health and the wide range of services the KCHD provides. He explains how the KCHD partners with organizations across the community, the importance of the Behavioral Health 360 website, and how attorneys can use these resources—such as referrals, support groups, and pa...

Co-Editors of the Bar Briefs  Magazine, Anna Dopke and Karen Zajicek   , join us for this week’s episode of  On the Bar . We learn about their backgrounds, their day jobs, and what led them to the Bar Briefs Committee — and eventually to becoming Co-Editors of the publication. They walk us through the planning, coordination, and behind-the-scenes effort that goes into producing each issue. Anna an...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we sit down with KCBA member, attorney, and professional actor Frank Louis Calabrese for a conversation that bridges the worlds of law and the performing arts. Frank shares what inspired him to pursue law and how his career has evolved through a range of roles — from IRS Special Agent and U.S. Attorney Adviser to private practice attorney and accomplished stage and...

In this episode, we get to know our current KCBA President Robert (Bob) Kuehl. Bob shares how he got his start in law, where his career began, and the mentors who helped guide his path. He also talks about his goals for the year ahead, giving updates on the Driving School Program and the KCBA Attorney Lounge coming soon to the Third Street Courthouse. Listeners will also enjoy hearing about Bob’s...

Chief Judge Robert Villa returns to  On the Bar  for another insightful conversation — this time with the perspective that comes from being more seasoned in his role. He shares his thoughts on professionalism and decorum in the legal field, how remote work and virtual court have impacted both, and the unique challenges and benefits technology has brought to the courtroom. The Chief Judge also disc...

In this episode, we turn the mic to our Communications Coordinator, Reghan Feehery. Reghan shares her background and what brought her to the KCBA. She provides an insightful look at her role, including producing the  On the Bar  podcast, designing and coordinating the  Bar Briefs  magazine, managing advertising options, developing marketing materials, and helping with the coordination of KCBA even...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we sit down with Vickie Lundy, KCBA’s CLE & Committee Coordinator, to learn more about the work that keeps our members engaged, educated, and connected. Vickie shares her background and how she came into her role at the KCBA, as well as what it takes to organize CLE Seminars and support Committee Chairpersons. She also highlights the qualities she looks for in...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we sit down with Andrea O’Brien, Court Administrator, and Jason Mathis, Deputy Court Administrator, of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. They share how they each found their path to Court Administration, what they enjoy most about their roles, and the unique challenges that come with keeping the courthouse running smoothly. From putting out daily “fires” to navigati...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we sit down with longtime Kane County Bar Association member and former president Patrick Kinnally. Patrick shares stories from his decades-long legal career, reflects on his time leading the Kane County Bar Association, and offers insights and advice for current and future attorneys. From memorable cases to lessons learned along the way, this conversation is a mus...

In this episode of  On the Bar , we sit down with longtime KCBA member Richard Todas for a candid conversation about his legal career. From his early days in law to the lessons he's learned along the way, Richard shares stories, insights, and advice for the next generation of attorneys. It's a thoughtful look at how the practice—and the profession—has changed, and what’s remained constant.

Most people clock out after work. Wally Werderich clocked in for a 2,350-mile race down the Mississippi River — and made history. In this episode of  On the Bar , we sit down with Kane County Assistant Public Defender and Guinness World Record holder Wally Wederich. In May 2023, Wally and three teammates set off in a 23-foot canoe from Minnesota’s Lake Itasca, aiming to break the Guinness World Re...

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Aust, Executive Director of Kane County Court Services, for a deep dive into the many facets of her role and the innovative work being done in the justice system. From the structure and purpose of specialty courts to the process of admitting participants, Lisa breaks down how these alternatives to traditional court can change lives. We also explore the scienc...

In this episode of  On the Bar , host Lori sits down with Ellie Armstrong, the Kane County Bar Association’s Office & Membership Coordinator, for an inside look at the role that keeps KCBA running smoothly. Ellie shares how she got her start, what her day-to-day responsibilities involve, and the key things KCBA members should know — but often don’t. They discuss what’s ahead for KCBA, includin...

What happens when your coworkers also happen to be your family? In this episode, we sit down with three members of the Peskind Law Firm — Steven Peskind and his two children, Mollie and John — who not only work together but also share a last name. They explore the beginnings of the Peskind Law Firm, the unique dynamics of practicing law as a family, reflecting on what it was like growing up in a h...