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  • August 3, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: The Pension Reform Act Litigation: A View From Both Sides – Live Webcast

    The Illinois Pension Reform Act was recently struck as unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court, which will have a significant effect on government efforts to address the state’s pension obligations. Attorneys with advanced levels of practice experience working in the labor/employment, government, administrative law, and state tax arenas won’t want to miss this opportunity on September 10th to hear opposing counsel from the In re: Pension Reform Litigation case as they examine the arguments each made in court, why these arguments were made, and the reasoning behind the landmark ruling. An explanation of the Pension Protection Clause and the Contract Clause is also included.

    The live webcast is presented by the ISBA Labor & Employment Law Section and qualifies for 1.0 hour MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • June 9, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: Family Law Financial Litigation

    Join us in Chicago on June 25, 2015 for the trial practice tools you need to evaluate the financial issues in a matrimonial case while learning from seasoned litigators as they prepare themselves (and you) for an upcoming mock financial trial! From case assessment through closing argument, this seminar gives you the information you need to analyze, organize, and present persuasive facts that are essential for reaching a favorable ruling during a financial trial. Armed with a hypothetical case fact pattern and supporting business valuation report (which will be provided to registrants prior to the program), attendees will leave with a greater understanding of: how to assess a client’s position regarding maintenance, child support, business valuation, and possible dissipation claims; how to use discovery and other tools to flush out relevant facts and admissions; how to present a storyline favorable to the client; the ethical issues that arise when a client fails to disclose relevant data; how to conduct direct and cross-examination of business valuation experts; how witness choice and the structure of testimony impact a financial trial; the factors courts consider in determining child support, maintenance, and property distribution – as well as the essential evidence needed to present such cases; the key elements of a persuasive oral and written closing argument; the court’s expectations from family practitioners during a financial trial; and much, much more.

    The seminar is presented by the ISBA Family Law Section and qualifies for 7.50 hours MCLE credit, including 7.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

  • June 4, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: Anatomy of a Building Code Violation Administrative Hearing:From Inspection to Judgment

    Lawyers who practice before administrative law agencies are not necessarily well-versed with procedures and their clients’ rights in cases before agencies such as the City of Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings. Don’t miss this program in Chicago or via live webcaston June 24, 2015 that reinforces best practices that attorneys should employ during a building code violation administrative hearing. Attorneys attending this seminar will increase their level of competency in dealing with a variety of issues that may arise in an administrative hearing and better understand: the administrative hearing process; the inspection process, including expectations during the inspection and post-inspection periods; how building code violations are prosecuted; how to properly represent clients at building code violation administrative hearings; and how to preserve the record and other post-judgment issues.

    The program is presented by the ISBA Administrative Law Section and qualifies for 1.75 hours MCLE credit, including 0.50 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • June 1, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: Service Animals: Rights of People with Disabilities under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act – Live Webcast

    People with disabilities use service animals for a wide range of issues. Employers, employees, tenants, housing providers, property managers, customers, and businesses frequently have questions about their rights and responsibilities regarding service animals. Don’t miss this one-hour live webcast on June 10, 2015 that examines the civil rights laws regarding the use of service animals in housing, places of public accommodation, and employment. Disability law attorneys, employment law practitioners, and animal rights counsel with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand: the different definitions of a service animal; the fair housing rights of people with disabilities as they relate to guide dogs, emotional support animals, and other assistance animals; what (if any) restrictions a housing provider may place on an assistance animal; the concept of reasonable accommodation under the ADA; the rights of employees and customers; the responsibilities of employers and business owners; and the legal limitations regarding permissible inquires and requests for documentation.

    The program is presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Disability Law and qualifies for 1.0 hour of MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • May 19, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: Hot Topics in Insurance Coverage 2015 – Live Webcast

    Do you have some understanding of insurance law, but want greater knowledge on the area, including recent developments in the law? Then join us via live webcast on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 for an in-depth look at several hot topic insurance coverage issues, including: how property insurance policies can impose examinations under oath (EUO) on the insured in the event of loss or damage; the various approaches defendants can take to reduce exposure and the risk of loss, including indemnity agreements and contractual insurance requirements; how courts are addressing policy language in the context of data breaches, hacking, and other cyber issues; and the insurance products designed to specifically address cyber and data risk issues.

    The program is presented by the ISBA Insurance Law Section and qualifies for 2.25 hours MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • May 15, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: The Ethical Adventures of Sam Seedy

    Eek! It has happened again. Attorney Sam Seedy has lost his copy of the Rules of Professional Conduct while engaging in all types of social media activity – both in his personal and professional life – and needs help! Join us in Chicago on May 28, 2015 for a series of skits performed by high-energy and talented actors as they transport us to the fictional town of Nirvana City and showcase Sam’s ethical breaches. James Grogan, a renowned ethics expert, shows how the exercise of professional and moral judgment is well-guided by the basic principles underlying the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct – which could’ve saved Sam from a wealth of ethical trouble!

    The program is presented by the ISBA Energy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation Section and co-sponsored by Chicago Bar Association Committee on Energy, Telecommunications, and Water. It qualifies for 2.25 hours MCLE credit, including 2.25 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • May 11, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: Federal Jury Instructions - A Refresher Course [Live Webcast]

    The right to trial by jury, though secured by our federal constitution, is meaningful only if jurors have a clear understanding of what they are to decide and which legal principles should guide their decision. Attorneys who try civil cases before juries in Federal Court need to understand the “ins and outs” of the various legal rules and issues that present themselves when drafting and using jury instructions. Join us on May 20th for this online seminar that offers a basic understanding of the federal civil practice and local federal court rules that address jury instructions, including how to draft and when to use jury instructions, protecting against instruction error, and preserving jury issues for appeal.

    The program is presented by the ISBA Federal Civil Practice Section and qualifies for 2.0 hours MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • May 7, 2015 | CLE
    Free CLE webcast: 15 Tips for an Ethical Law Practice

    You are invited to attend ISBA’s upcoming Free Live CLE Webcast as part of our Member Appreciation Month.

    Seating is limited so register today!

    Learn how to evaluate and address risk in your law practice with this one-hour live webcast!

    Join us as legal ethics lawyer, litigator and law firm practice professor, Michael Downey, shows you 15 areas of your practice that are in need of immediate assessment, including employee engagement and compensation, client intake, client communication, handling of client funds and property, marketing your practice and developing new business, dealing with unhappy and dangerous clients – and much more!

    Michael Downey of the Downey Law Group, LLC has represented lawyers on disciplinary and malpractice matters in Missouri and Illinois, and has taught legal ethics and law firm practice to thousands of lawyers, as well as to law students as an adjunct professor at both Washington University and St. Louis University.

    The program closes as a representative from ISBA Mutual Insurance Company provides a brief overview of the claims process and answers your questions.

    *Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval

    PROGRAM SPEAKERS:

    Michael P. Downey, Downey Law Group LLC, St. Louis

    Representative, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Chicago

  • May 4, 2015 | CLE | Events
    Next Solo & Small Firm Practice Institute set for May 14 in Chicago

    The fifth Solo & Small Firm Practice Institute will be held on Thursday, May 14 in at the ISBA Chicago Office, 20 S. Clark. This program will focus on “Protecting Your Practice: Finances and Technology.”

    As a solo or small firm attorney, you have worked hard to build your practice, manage your time, and prepare for the future. Now it’s time to protect everything you’ve accomplished. Join us for this in-depth look at how you can continue building your practice, promote yourself online, and enjoy your profession – all while avoiding various ethical traps along the way. Attorneys who are new solo or small firm practitioners – and those thinking about becoming one – who attend this seminar, will better understand:

    • The ethical issues you need to be aware of regarding client confidentiality;
    • How to protect your retainers, fees, and income;
    • How to properly use IOLTA accounts;
    • The financial details involved in starting your own firm;
    • How to network during business events;
    • The risks associated with using social media to promote your practice;
    • How to balance stress with a happy personal and professional life;
    • The top causes for grievances against lawyers;
    • And much more!

    Find out more and register at tinyurl.com/ok55gqe.

  • April 29, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: Gain the Edge!® Negotiation Strategies for Lawyers

    You negotiate every day. In fact, your ability to effectively negotiate may be the most critical skill you possess, yet most negotiate instinctively or intuitively. Join us in Chicago or via live webcast on June 4, 2015 for this Master Series seminar that trains you to approach negotiations with a strategic mindset, allowing you to become a more effective lawyer. And make no mistake – no matter how much you’ve negotiated, you can still learn. Adding that one new tactic may be the difference between winning and walking away empty-handed. Topics include: the golden rules of negotiation; gaining leverage with alternatives; using objective criteria and timing to your advantage; techniques for gathering information; generating creative solutions; dealing with “negotiation games”; ethical considerations; and much more.