Ryan Suniga, an attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, discusses tips for effective brief writing. Tips include framing your issue at the beginning of a piece of writing, becoming proficient at designing text, and the use of caselaw.

It’s a common source of workplace anxiety: Did you inadvertently carbon copy the wrong person on that email? Or was a critical piece of information left out that clarifies your position? In the fast-paced modern work environment, emails are often sent in a hurry. That’s why it’s especially important that attorneys ensure their email communications are concise, pleasant, and accurate.

ISBA’s Illinois Animal Law Conference is back again, giving you the updates you need to effectively advise your clients on a number of important animal law topics. Criminal law attorneys, animal law practitioners, environmental lawyers, general practitioners, and counsel for municipalities and government entities who attend this seminar Feb. 14-15 in Carbondale will better understand: how “forensic veterinary medicine” can be used in all aspects of animal law litigation; how data is being collected and used to proactively address animal-related community concerns; what is being done to protect horses and how horse rescue organizations are regulated; the most common conservation violations and the enforcement process; the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act and what Illinois is doing to protect amphibians and reptiles; the recent issues that have arisen in the pet food industry; how to help your client with their pet planning needs; how coyotes are being targeted in killing contests, and the efforts that are being made to outlaw these type of events; the recent case law, legislation, and regulations affecting the animal law arena; and how mindfulness practices can improve our wellbeing.

Pictured are ISBA 3rd Vice President Anna Krolikowska, ISBA President James McCluskey, Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier, and ISBA President Elect David Sosin.  The Illinois Supreme Court received a high-quality reproduction of a famous Abraham Lincoln photograph on Jan. 15 during a ceremony held in Springfield. The photograph was taken in Springfield by well-known photographer Alexander Hesler on June 3, 1860, for Lincoln’s 1860 presidential campaign. Historians consider Hesler’s portrait one of the best taken of Lincoln during his pre-presidential years.