Herman G. Bodewes

About

Herman is a recognized leader in the areas of general business law, governmental law/lobbying, regulatory affairs, and complex estate planning. He was nominated for the Leading Lawyers Network by his peers for his excellence in the areas of Associations & Non-profit law, as well as Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law. In addition, Herman was identified by his peers as a “Super Lawyer” in Illinois for 2005 and 2006 (ranked in the top 5% of respected lawyers in the state; published by Super Lawyer Magazine and Chicago Magazine). Herman brings over 40 years of experience into play for his clients. He offers clients services in the areas of:

Governmental Law & Lobbying – Herman has been a lobbyist in the State of Illinois for over 35 years. In that time, he has represented major trade associations and other businesses. He has appeared before legislative hearings on a wide range of legislative initiatives. Herman has drafted numerous laws now in effect in Illinois. With his extensive knowledge of the alcoholic beverage industry, he drafted such legislation as the Illinois Beer Industry Fair Dealing Act. In conjunction with the banking industry, Herman drafted the Illinois Savings Bank Act of 1990.

Regulatory – Many of the trade associations Herman serve also look to him to provide guidance for their members on regulatory issues. He has advised businesses in the areas of banking, insurance, healthcare and the alcoholic beverage industry.

General Business – Herman has provided quality legal services to businesses throughout Central Illinois for his entire career. He is particularly known for his ability to aid a business from inception, through the challenges of an on-going entity, and finally to the development of comprehensive estate plans so that the business will survive the passing of key individuals.

Herman has been a featured speaker on numerous occasions, presenting on such topics as ethics, regulatory issues and healthcare issues for the elderly.

Education:

• Saint Louis University School of Law, J.D., 1964
• Saint Louis University, B.S., 1961

Admissions to Practice:

• Illinois
• U.S. District Court
  • Central District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Publications:

• Co-author, “Privacy Provisions under State Law,” Illinois Reporter, Oct. 2000.
• Co-author, “Sailors and Soldiers Act,” Illinois Reporter, Nov./Dec. 2001, at 13.
• Co-author, Complying with the “USA Patriot Act,” Illinois Reporter, Mar./Apr. 2002, at 11.
• Co-author, “USA Patriot Act, Part II: Practical Compliance,” Illinois Reporter, May/June 2002, at 6.
• Co-author,”Stop the Confusion: Simplifying a Financial Institution’s Account Directives for a Depositor’s Revocable Trust Account,” Illinois Reporter, May/June 2003, at 7.
• Co-author, “New FDIC Rules Simplify Insurance of Account Issues For Living Trust Accounts,” Illinois Reporter, May/June 2004, at 6.

Civic Participation:

• Springfield Airport Authority
  • Board Member, 2005-Present
• Illinois Nature Conservancy
  • Trustee, 1994-2005
• Illinois Secretary of State, Dept. of Business Services
  • Advisory Counsel, 2000-2005