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CLE

  • December 4, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: 40 Hour Mediation/Arbitration Training

    Mediation is designed to resolve differences both in and out of the courts. It requires a very different mindset than courtroom litigation. Join us in Chicago on January 13th for this week-long mediation training and learn how to resolve conflicts in a non-adversarial, non-confrontational manner, allowing peaceful resolutions between parties.

    The program is taught by Richard Calkins and Fred Lane– two nationally recognized mediators, authors and educators. Until 20 years ago, both Mr. Calkins and Mr. Lane were well-known and highly regarded litigators. Since then, however, they have successfully mediated over 5,000 cases.

    Mr. Calkins and Mr. Lane have developed an approach that encourages the mediator to be a peacemaker, deemphasizing the antagonism involved in formal litigation. This five-day course has considerable hands-on training and requires each participant to complete two full mediations as a mediator. Course topics include an introduction to mediation, caucus form of mediation, qualities of a peacemaker, ethical considerations, other Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, advanced mediator techniques, and arbitration.

    The program qualifies for 40.0 hours MCLE credit, including 40.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • November 26, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Legal Writing in the Smartphone Age

    Refine your legal writing skills with this Master Series seminar that teaches you how to draft concise language, avoid ambiguous wording, and identify which information is essential for inclusion in your writing!

    Gone are the long, flowing e-mail messages with pretty graphics and lots of attachments. Today’s communication – almost 100% electronic – is immediate, brief, clear, and powerful. Designed to boost your instant (or near-instant) message drafting skills, this program examines the ways in which lawyers’ traditional training in writing and communication ill-prepares them for this new age of “short and to the point.” Lawyers are communicating with clients and each other far differently than their mentors did – and far differently than how they were taught in law school – and many need help making the transition. Join nationally acclaimed speaker, Steven Stark, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers on December 13thas he teaches the principles of good legal writing in these areas: technical writing; memos; letters and e-mails; litigation writing; and contract drafting.

    The program qualifies for 3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 3.0 hours approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • November 20, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Speaking to Win: Building Effective Communication Skills

    Don’t miss this opportunity to polish your presentation skills, while learning tried-and-true techniques for becoming a speaker your audience won’t forget!

    As an attorney, it is imperative that you posses the skills necessary to effectively communicate with a multitude of audiences – from clients and juries, to opposing counsel, CLE classrooms, and the media. Join us at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers on December 13thfor this fun-filled presentation by nationally-recognized speaker, Steven Stark, and improve the communication skills that you need when engaged in many of the varied and numerous tasks that comprise the practice of law! Learn how to capture your audience’s attention, exude confidence in front of a crowd, convey the right message as a lawyer, master your personal delivery style, and handle hostile questions without hesitation. Topics include: the key ingredients to outstanding oral prose; successfully conveying your message; presenting an oral argument before a judge; appearing on television and before the press; controlling your nerves; and much more!

    The program qualifies for 3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 3.0 hours approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • November 13, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Medical Cannabis in Illinois

    The legalization of medical marijuana affects a broad range of legal practices – from those attorneys counseling hospitals, physicians, practice groups, and clinics, to attorneys representing patients wishing to use medical marijuana, businesses employing medical marijuana users, and entities seeking dispensary licenses. Join us in Chicago or via live webcast on Friday, Dec. 6 for a better understanding of: The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act; the rights of and constraints on patients for the purchase, possession and use of medical marijuana; how and when physicians will be able to recommend cannabis for their patients; the scope of forthcoming regulations; how the legal use of medical cannabis will affect employers; and how health care facilities can accommodate or restrict the use of medical marijuana.

    The seminar is presented by the ISBA Health Care Section and qualifies for 1.75 hours MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register for the CHIGAGO program.

    Click here for more information and to register for the LIVE WEBCAST.

  • November 5, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Civility in the Courtroom

    The need for civility in the courtroom has never been greater – especially in the age of stressful economic times and advanced technology! As an Illinois attorney, you need to understand how less-than-civil conduct can negatively impact your argument and reputation. Join us in Chicago on Dec. 5 for this half-day seminar that offers good practice tips for handling your next case with civility and professionalism. Litigators with all levels of practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand: why the Illinois Supreme Court Rule 794(d)(1) requires attorneys to complete six hours of Professional Responsibility MCLE credit; how civility is doing in the Illinois state and federal courts; how to achieve proper civility in the courtroom; what the Commission on Professionalism of the Supreme Court of Illinois has found in regard to civility in the Illinois courtrooms; why certain litigation areas are more prone to uncivil behaviors; and how to foster civility in the courtroom.

    The program – which qualifies for 3.5 hours MCLE credit, including 3.25 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval) – is presented by the ISBA Bench and Bar Section and co-sponsored by the ISBA Civil Practice and Procedure Section and the ISBA Family Law Section.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • October 29, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Collection Issues You Don’t Know About…But Should

    Update your knowledge on the collection issues you don’t know about (but should!)  with this informative full-day seminar!


    Don’t miss this opportunity to update your knowledge on the ins-and-out of the less common (but sometimes more complicated) issues that can arise when attempting to collect a commercial debt, whether it’s during a foreclosure, bankruptcy or post judgment proceeding. Attorneys with intermediate practice experience working in commercial litigation, banking, or collections and bankruptcy who attend this seminar in Chicago on November 15th will better understand: the important collection issues within a foreclosure; what happens to your judgment lien on real estate if the defendant passes away; how to break through a trust; how piercing the corporate veil or taking action against fraudulent conveyances can help you collect debts for your client; how the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act shields your servicemember client from adverse collection actions; otions for getting your client’s claim out of a defendant’s bankruptcy; how to handle your client’s lawsuit against a company that’s out of business; and much more!

    The program is presented by the ISBA Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy Section and qualifies for 6.0 hours MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • October 23, 2013 | CLE
    CLE - Drug Case Issues and Specialty Courts

    Increasingly, drug cases are part of the criminal caseload throughout Illinois. As such, it is important for attorneys to educate themselves on the tools needed for handling these types of cases and to be prepared for the unique issues that drug cases often present. Join us in Springfield on November 14th or Chicago on November 22nd! Attorneys with basic to intermediate experience practicing in criminal courts throughout the state who attend this seminar will better understand: the recently passed legislation involving drug and criminal cases; the most common issues involving pre-trial motions in drug cases; search and seizure issues, including the use of dogs to find drugs in homes and vehicles; how to utilize the veteran’s courts to assist your clients; what to expect in drug and other specialty courts; and much more!

    The seminar is presented by the ISBA Criminal Justice Section and qualifies for 5.25 hours MCLE credit.

    Click here for more information on the Springfield program.

    Click here for more information on the Chicago program.

  • October 17, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: SETTLE IT! Resolving Financial Family Law Conundrums

    Join us in Chicago on Nov. 14 to learn how to value your case for settlement purposes and resolve the complex double-count conundrum when determining maintenance and equitable asset division in family law cases! It is important for family law practitioners to understand what the “value” of a private company really means and how value and income from the same source can sometimes be “double-dipping” to the detriment of one of the parties. Attorneys attending this seminar with intermediate to advanced practice experience will better understand: the financial implications of the privately-held business value, professional corporations and earnings which, in many cases, may be the single largest asset and income source to the marital partnership; what “true” or “economic” income really is and how sometimes forensic accounting techniques must be used to determine income; the tax impact of proposed settlements; how valuation experts can be used in the divorce process to achieve successful settlements and, ultimately, how the expert persuasively presents their conclusions and opinions to the mediator/arbitrator or both lawyers as a “neutral” expert to achieve settlement; how to determine the value of your case so that settlement negotiations are meaningful and reach a fair and equitable resolution; and much more!

    The program, which qualifies for 7.0 hours MCLE credit, is presented by the ISBA Family Law Section and the ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.

  • October 11, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Successfully Navigating Civil Litigation Evidence and Theory involving Topics of Expert Testimony

    Learn how to successfully navigate the expert testimony process during a civil litigation proceeding with this informative full-day seminar in Chicago on Nov. 8! Expert witnesses are an integral part of the civil litigation process. Because of their training, education and experience, expert witnesses are allowed to testify about the facts, as well as give expert/professional opinions regarding those facts. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from some of Illinois’ top speakers on expert testimony, as well as from experts in specific fields, including OSHA construction safety and orthopedics.

  • October 8, 2013 | CLE
    CLE: Real Estate Law Update – 2013

    It is important that attorneys working in the real estate arena keep abreast of the ongoing changes and developments taking place in this important field of practice. Join us in Lombard on Oct. 31 for an update on the recently-enacted real estate-related legislation and current case law that will impact your practice! Real estate lawyers, transactional attorneys, and commercial banking/bankruptcy practitioners – with basic to intermediate practice experience – attending this program will better understand: the real estate issues that can arise during the dissolution of a marriage; the economic development incentives being offered by municipalities throughout Illinois; how the landmark Cypress Creek case has affected lien disputes; important tax issues that can affect real estate transactions; the ethical and malpractice issues to consider when representing a client during a real estate case; and much more!

    The seminar is presented by the ISBA Real Estate Law Section and qualifies for 6.0 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.