The aging of the baby boom generation has made Elder Law one of the fastest growing areas for state courts. As a result, in April of 2022 the Supreme Court announced its establishment of a multidisciplinary Elder Law Commission to study ways in which state courts can better serve the needs of those in advancing years.  

Chicago attorney Kerry R. Peck serves as the first Chair of the Commission with Justice Joy V. Cunningham appointed to serve as the Supreme Court Liaison to the Commission.  

As the Commission effectuates its charge to address a variety of legal issues confronted by seniors throughout Illinois, a series of Listening Sessions are under development.  

Through the Listening Sessions, the Commission aims to collect experiential information from anybody with a close working connection to our aging population, including but not limited to elder law practitioners, attorneys, justice professionals, guardians, healthcare/social service professionals, caregivers, and family members.  

Attendees are requested to come prepared to discuss and share experiences and efforts that will inform the Commission’s ongoing activities and opportunities to enhance the experience of senior court users, elder law practitioners, and the Illinois Courts. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are not available for attending or participating in these events.  

The first two Listening Sessions are scheduled as follows with future Sessions under development in the middle and southern parts of the state.

Register for the Elder Law Commission Listening Sessions:

• April 25, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Simpson Querrey Auditorium, 303 E Superior, 1st Floor Chicago, IL 60611 
• June 1, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Kane County Branch Court,  530 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174