On March 30, 2015, the Association hosted its annual roundtable luncheon honoring the Justices of the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District. Held at the University of Illinois Springfield, the Sangamon County Bar Association and the University of Illinois Springfield College of Public Affairs and Administration co-sponsored the event. 

Prior to the luncheon, the Fourth District Appellate Court heard oral arguments on two criminal matters at the university. Ordinarily, oral arguments before the Fourth District Appellate Court are heard at the courthouse in Springfield, but each year, the Fourth District holds arguments at a local university. In previous years, the court has held oral arguments at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal, Quincy University, Danville Area Community College, and Eastern Illinois University. Holding oral arguments at various locations within the district provides attorneys, students, and members of the public with convenient access to observe the court.  

During the luncheon, ALA members and guests, which included students from several of the university's departments, were encouraged to interact with the Justices and other court personnel. The roundtable luncheon also included a judicial panel discussion featuring the Justices of the Fourth District Appellate Court. The panel featured Justices M. Carol Pope, Thomas R. Appleton, Thomas M. Harris, Lisa Holder White, James A. Knecht, and John W. Turner; Fourth District Research Director Shirley Wilgenbusch; and Fourth District Clerk Carla Bender. ALA president Steve Pflaum moderated the discussion, which included procedural issues and practical advice germane to appellate practice and procedure. 

The ALA thanks the Justices of the Fourth District Appellate Court for another informative and enjoyable roundtable luncheon.