Join us online from 1 until 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 to learn how to advise your clients on the cannabis industry. Cannabis applications are already more complex than any other licensed business in the country, and Illinois’ version includes additional provisions for social equity in the cannabis industry (410 ILCS 705/), which is creating interesting partnerships with people traditionally left behind in business ownership. Attorneys with basic practice experience who are looking to expand their knowledge of the cannabis industry will better understand: the different types of licenses and their terminology; how to put together a winning team for your client; home grow questions; maintaining a drug-free workplace after legalization; the issues and trends with social use, tax, and zoning; and social equity’s role in an Illinois cannabis-based businesses.

The advent of smartphones containing audio and video capabilities gives virtually everyone the means to preserve evidence. More often than not, audio and video information will be the most persuasive evidence the jury will see or hear. In his November 2019 Illinois Bar Journal article, “What Every Trial Lawyer Needs to Know About Audio Recordings,” William Hanson reminds us that in Illinois, a person commits eavesdropping when he or she knowingly, intentionally, and without consent uses an eavesdropping device in a surreptitious manner for the purpose of overhearing, transmitting, or recording all or any part of any private conversation. Hanson goes on to unpack the differences between legality, authenticity, and consent as these concepts pertain to audio recordings.

The ISBA has announced the addition of a new “Profile Plus” option on the Illinois Lawyer Finder directory. Members will still have access to a free “Basic Profile,” but will now also have the option to upgrade to “Profile Plus,” which features a number of additional fields to optimize the member’s profile. With the free “Basic Profile,” members will be able to select up to five different practice areas, as well as post their contact information, education history, title, and a profile photo.

Join us from noon until 1 p.m. Thursday, December 5, for this online seminar that provides an update on executive actions, legislation, and caselaw in the area of U.S. immigration law in 2019. Immigration lawyers, general practitioners, and young attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will better understand: how the Trump administration policies are impacting asylum seekers and others appearing before the immigration courts (caselaw update at the BIA, federal cases, and immigration court developments); federal litigation over TPS, DACA, new F-1 unlawful presence guidance, and state I-9 laws, including matters on the current Supreme Court docket; administrative changes impacting business and family immigration; and legislative issues.