ISBA President John E. Thies encourages ISBA members to take advantage of the quality service and affordable prices provided by the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company.

Join us in Chicago on April 25th for an in-depth look at the basic estate planning tools you need to effectively assist your estate planning clients! Learn the essentials of the initial client meeting, the appropriate use of advanced directives and the ethical considerations in the estate planning process. Don’t miss this opportunity to update your basic knowledge of wills, trusts, and formulating your client’s estate plan. Trusts and estate professionals, new attorneys, small and closely-held business counsel, financial planners and accountants with beginning to intermediate experience who attend this seminar will: learn how to obtain relevant information during the initial client meeting; be better prepared to draft dispositive provisions in a will; understand how to personalize a client’s will; learn to recognize potential gift and estate tax issues; understand the importance of funding trusts; learn to recognize potential gift and estate tax issues; be able to avoid the various pitfalls that may arise throughout the estate planning process; and better understand the ethical considerations in estate planning, including engagement letters, identifying conflicts, and complying with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.The program is presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estate Section Council and qualifies for 6.25 hours MCLE credit, including 1.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).Click here for more information and to register.

Historically rich. Culturally diverse. Environmentally magnificent. For decades, the Caribbean’s largest island—roughly 90 miles away from U.S. soil—has been but a mystery, perceived through secondhand sources and beyond the grasp of American travelers.This exclusive opportunity to explore Cuba is organized and operated by Go Next, Inc., who has been issued a People-to-People license by the U.S Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that authorizes registered travelers of the educational exchange program to visit Cuba. Go Next invites you to personally experience the people, culture, landscape and architecture of this distinct Caribbean nation on a week-long journey developed for the Illinois State Bar Association.With an intimate group of only 25 travelers, share enriching activities that illuminate the realities of Cuban citizens and provide an ideal gateway into their daily lives. Through informative and educational People-to-People exchanges, uncover Cuba’s sheer beauty, paradoxes and remarkable intrigue on this unforgettable adventure. Space is limited, so sign up now. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to unravel the mysteries of a fascinating country through its most candid, inspiring source—its people.View the Cuban Discovery brochure with itinerary and reservation form

Our panel of leading appellate attorneys review Thursday's Illinois Supreme Court opinions in the civil case In re Estate of Boyar and the criminal cases People v. Fitzpatrick, People v. Le Mirage, Inc. and People v. Hunter.