It will be a busy autumn for the ISBA. But find time for yourself, too!

As I survey the ISBA’s online calendar, I see nearly two dozen section council meetings, CLE programs, and social events scheduled for this autumn. Most of these still will be held virtually. With great joy, we had planned a few in-person events, too. But the Delta-variant phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the baton, continues to upend myriad aspects of our lives, and has cleared hurdles we thought were good enough to stop it (yes, I watched portions of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. U.S.A.! U.S.A.!).

I am an optimist, especially when it comes to the future of our association (and even humanity). During the pandemic, we’ve become more empathetic of others, especially colleagues who are struggling or who need to focus on family or their own well-being. If this is you—if you need a break and are able to take one—please know you have my support and my admiration.

At the same time, I think of all the meetings I mentioned above. As they are able, hundreds of our colleagues are busy advocating for our profession in section council meetings and seizing opportunities to grow by participating in our CLE programs. I’d like to draw attention to two major events this fall: The Solo & Small Firm Conference, to be held virtually from Sept. 30 to Oct 1; and the next installment of our new Business Institute, also to be held virtually, on Sept. 14.

The Solo & Small Firm Conference

This annual powerhouse event offers two jam-packed days of practical advice from experts on skills and topics essential for the small-firm and solo attorney. (See this month’s cover story, “Achieving Digital Mastery” on page 22, and the Illinois Bar Journal’s August cover, “Healthy, Happy Workplaces” for previews of some of the Solo & Small Firm Conference’s (SSFC) programs.)

Please, at least, take a look at the amazing conference program lineup. Also note the fun, virtual events planned, including a Zoom Networking Happy Hour and a “Paws for a Break” (when attendees can introduce colleagues to their pets). Last, but certainly not least, attendees will be eligible for eight hours of MCLE credit (including professional responsibility MCLE credit) and eight hours of additional MCLE/PMCLE credit via bonus live-web events. Prizes also will be awarded to random attendees at the close of the conference, including an Apple iPad.

ISBA Business Institute

It was an honor to introduce the inaugural year of the ISBA’s Business Institute upon assuming my presidency this July. The institute, a major initiative of my presidential term, will hold short programs throughout the bar year for practitioners of all levels of experience. The general objective of the institute is to help attorneys master the art of practicing law as a business.

On Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 3:35 p.m., the institute will present “Your Essential Toolkit: Starting a Practice (or Making Yours Better),” featuring attorneys Bryan M. Sims of Naperville, ISBA Past President David B. Sosin of Orland Park, and John C. Sciaccotta of Chicago. Unlike ISBA CLE programs, Business Institute events are available only to ISBA members. Do not think of the Business Institute as “SSFC lite.” The institute provides curated exposure to important concepts of running a law firm in all stages of its life. Spread throughout the course of a year, its programs will help you develop a comprehensive set of business knowledge and tools to take your practice to the next level.

Find out more information about the Business Institute.

In closing

These programs do not sprout from nothing. Countless hours and months, if not years, of planning are required from ISBA members and staff to make them happen. If you have not taken advantage of the SSFC or Business Institute yet, please consider registering for one or both. I am especially grateful to our SSFC sponsors, whose support makes this event possible. Please visit the conference homepage to see the list of our generous partners. Finally, a special thanks to Anita DeCarlo, Matt Pfeiffer, and the members of the Business Institute Committee, as well as Debra Thomas, Diana Taylor, and the members of the SSFC Committee.

I hope that all members will take advantage of these great programs we have planned for the fall. But whether or not you’re able to attend, I wish everyone a happy and safe autumn.