On the Bar with the Kane County Bar Association

**Thank you to Theriault Booth Attorneys at Law for sponsoring this episode of On the Bar** In this episode, Lori speaks with Jeffrey Theriault, partner at Theriault Booth, about his transition from a career in law enforcement to the legal profession. Jeffrey offers insight into his time as a police officer — the demands, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped his path and how those experienc...

**Thank you to our 2025 Platinum Sponsor, Churchill Reporting, for sponsoring this episode of On the Bar ** In this episode of  On the Bar  with the Kane County Bar Association, host Lori Schmidt welcomes KCBA Executive Director Gina Armstrong. Together, they discuss Gina’s personal and professional background and the journey that led her to her current role. Gina offers insight into her responsib...

In this episode of  On the Bar  with the Kane County Bar Association, Lori sits down with Hallē Eichert, the Director of the Kane County Law Library & Self-Help Legal Center. They discuss Hallē's professional background, the history of the Kane County Law Library, and the services the library offers to both attorneys and the public. As the Director of the Kane County Law Library & Self Hel...

In this episode of  On the Bar   with the Kane County Bar Association, Lori speaks with Laura Haske, the Coordinator of the Elgin Community College Paralegal Program. They discuss Laura's background, how she became the paralegal program coordinator, and highlight paralegal qualifications, best practices for using paralegals in a law practice, and more. If you're interested in learning more about t...

In this episode of  On the Bar with the Kane County Bar Association, Lori speaks with two representatives from Prairie State Legal Services: Amber Moore, Managing Attorney of the West Suburban Office, and Kim Thielbar, Director of Pro Bono Services. They discuss the positive impact of pro bono support, the different types of cases handled at Prairie State Legal Services, and the launch of their ne...

Thank you to Turner Law Group for sponsoring this episode of “On the Bar” with the Kane County Bar Association!    Welcome to the first episode of the 4th Season of “On the Bar” with the Kane County Bar Association! In this new season, we welcome our new host, Lori Schmidt, KCBA Member, Prosecutor and Executive Director of the Kane County Child Advocacy Center. In this episode, Lori welcomes guest...

In the fifth episode of the Life Before Law podcast series, we bring you a special edition, featuring newly-installed 16th Circuit Chief Judge Robert Villa. Host Andrew Whitfield interviews Chief Judge Villa in his first week on the job. They discuss his new responsibilities as Chief Judge and how those responsibilities differ from his previous judgeships. Andrew and Judge Villa also discuss his e...

Host Andrew Whitfield interviews Mark Stajdohar, Assistant Kane County State’s Attorney, for the fourth episode of the Life Before Law podcast series. Mark shares his fascinating path to his law career that began with his military service followed by his various jobs at the iconic Chicago heavy-metal club, The Thirsty Whale. After completing his undergrad degree at Illinois State University, Mark...

In the third episode of the Life Before Law podcast series, host Andrew Whitfield welcomes guest Lori Schmidt, Assistant Kane County State’s Attorney and Executive Director of the Kane County Child Advocacy Center. Lori discusses her career journey from her first job at the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and on to the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian. With the influence of a mentor, Lor...

In the second episode of the Life Before Law podcast series, host Andrew Whitfield interviews one of his best friends, Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. They discuss the M.D./J.D. program offered by Southern Illinois University, where they became roommates, and how the M.D./J.D. program set Dr. Vohra on his path to being Illinois’ top doctor. Dr. Vohra reveals...

In this “Life Before Law” podcast series debut, host Andrew Whitfield interviews John Kezdy, friend, former boss and former Bureau Chief of the Statewide Grand Jury Bureau at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Prior to beginning his stellar law career, John and his band, The Effigies, were at the forefront of the Chicago punk rock scene in the early 1980s. In their discussion, John expre...

In this episode of On the Bar, Chrissie chats with KCBA member and former president Carolyn Jansons about her family law background and meeting her real-life hero Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the United States Supreme Court. Carolyn shares her inspiring encounter and applies it to her law career and success as a trailblazing woman in law who should never be underestimated. Carolyn D. Jansons is a gradua...

Host Chrissie White welcomes Family Law Attorney Otto Hurtado to the On the Bar Podcast. Otto cleverly presents his Top Five List of characters from film that have inspired him in his legal career. From Matthew McConaughey to Joe Pesci and more, Otto shares an in-depth perspective about how these fictional characters influence and translate to his real life law practice. Otto shares his background...

In this episode, Chrissie White meets with KCBA President Andrew Whitfield to discuss the ways Vincent Bugliosi, an American prosecutor and author, and Neil Mink, the attorney from HBO hit show, The Sopranos, have inspired him and influenced his legal career. Andrew grew up on the east coast, as his New York accent reveals. He now serves as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois....

In this episode, Chrissie White meets with Judge Julio Valdez to discuss the ways Atticus Finch sets a precedent for being an incredibly humble, wise, and effective attorney. Judge Valdez grew up in the same community where he now serves as a Circuit Judge in Kane County. He speaks openly about his career as a lawyer, his values as a judge, and what he hopes to convey to the attorneys and self-rep...

In this episode, KCBA member and host Chrissie White introduces the second series of podcasts entitled Characters of the KCBA . Chrissie is excited to interview and share the stories of her colleagues for the KCBA podcast and encourages any interested members to join her for a conversation about their experience practicing law, lessons they’ve learned, and the variety of characters who inspire the...

KCBA President Emily Rapp sits down with Judge René Cruz in the fifth and final episode of a five part series interviewing judges of Kane County. Judge Cruz discusses his current role as a circuit judge for misdemeanor/traffic, branch courts, DUI and domestic violence. Enjoy this conversation about his experiences as a judge, his previous experience in general practice and pet peeves in the courtr...

KCBA President Emily Rapp sits down with Judge Elizabeth “Betsy” Flood in the fourth episode of a five part series interviewing judges of Kane County. Judge Flood discusses her current role as a circuit judge in the family division and moving into the criminal division. Enjoy this conversation about her experiences as a prosecutor and litigator, pet peeves in the courtroom and how she got into the...

KCBA President Emily Rapp sits down with Judge Bradley David of the 16th Circuit Court in the third episode of a five part series interviewing judges of Kane County. Enjoy this conversation about family and divorce court divisions, Judge David’s appointment to the bench in 2019 and what it’s like to be a new judge. Judge David also talks about how he got into the profession, his hobbies and family...

KCBA President Emily Rapp sits down with Judge Mark Pheanis of the 16th Circuit Court in the second episode of a five part series interviewing judges of Kane County. Enjoy this conversation about divisions of the court, background of civil law and courtroom pet peeves. Judge Pheanis also talks about how he ended up in the profession of law, his cool hobbies & collections and fun fact: he is in...

KCBA President Emily Rapp sits down with Chief Judge Clint Hull of the 16th Circuit Court in the first episode of a five part series interviewing judges of Kane County. Enjoy this conversation about how the courts are set up, judges are selected or elected and the responsibilities of the Chief Judge. Chief Judge Hull also talks about his career highlights and beginnings, his current hobbies and in...