Kane County bar group set for big year

The Kane County Bar Association is gearing up for a big 2008, which will mark its 150th anniversary.

"There isn't any civilized society that functions without a good legal system. We're part of that," bar association President Patrick Flaherty said.

The 1,100-plus member group is planning to publish a book that will look at the association's roots, growth and evolution of law in the county.

"When you look at the history of the Kane County Bar Association, it's really a history of all the developments along the Fox Valley," Flaherty said.

About 750 copies of the 192-page book will be published.

They will be available to members and also donated to local history groups and libraries.

"It should be a nice keepsake coffee table book," said Jan Wade, the association's executive director.

The association also will host a "Bar Show" -- a mix of "Saturday Night Live" and the "Carol Burnett Show" -- in April.

It will be the first time in 12 years the gala will be held.

Other activities include a Bar Foundation Gala March 1, the annual dinner and book release in June, and mock trials by high school students May 2.

"(The mock trial) has been a longstanding program the Kane County Bar Association has had, but it takes on a special significance this year," said Scott Richmond, attorney and member of the association's publicity committee.

The association serves mainly as a resource for area lawyers, but also is working to establish an endowment fund to support area charities.

It is the second-largest county bar association behind DuPage and oldest in the state, members say.

For more information, call (630) 762-1915 or go online to www.kanecountybar.org.