The ISBA Assembly took action on a host of items during the Joint Midyear Meeting on Dec. 12 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The 203-member Assembly is the supreme policy making body of the Association. Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita Garman gave a report on the Court to start the meeting. ISBA Mutual President Jon DeMoss followed and reported that a 10 percent dividend has been approved for policy holders. Judge Michael Chmiel presented the report of the Special Committee on Rule 711. This included a recommendation to the Supreme Court of Illinois to make a change to Rule 711 to allow law students with a 711 license to practice with private attorneys – not just not-for-profit or governmental agencies. The Assembly approved the recommendation. Justice Ann Jorgensen and Board member Dennis Orsey, co-chairs of the Special Committee on Law School Curriculum, presented the committee's final report and recommendations and they were approved. Curtis B. Ross, Chair of the Assembly Finance Committee, presented a dues restructuring proposal to drastically reduce the number of dues categories that includes a slight increase after 10 years of no dues increases. The proposal was unanimously approved. Assembly member Lori G. Levin presented a request for the Assembly to support the Equal Rights Amendment and the measure was approved. Board Member David Sosin presented on the ABA Resolution regarding Model Regulatory Objectives. It was recommended that the Assembly oppose the measure -- which it did.

The Illinois State Bar Association, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company and Chicago Bar Association co-hosted the Annual Supreme Court Dinner and Reception on Dec. 11, 2015 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.

The University of Illinois College of Law, DePaul University College of Law and Loyola University School of Law hosted alumni receptions on Dec. 11 during the Midyear Meeting at the Sheraton Chicago.

The Illinois Judges Association held its Annual Luncheon at the ISBA/IJA Joint Midyear Meeting on Dec. 11 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan served as the keynote speaker.