NextGen Symposium 2025: Illinois’ New Bar Exam Focuses on Getting Students “Practice Ready”

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

Why is Illinois joining 42 other jurisdictions that have chosen to implement NextGen for their bar exam? What effect will this implementation have on the practice of law in this state? How are these changes likely to impact both law school study and the legal community as a whole? Get the answers to these questions and more with these two half-day seminars that explore the various ways Illinois law schools are preparing their students to practice law in the real world.

A first in BIPA litigation: class members receive equity in Clearview AI

On March 20, 2025, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman approved a nationwide class-action settlement that grants class members a 23% equity stake in Clearview AI. The settlement, outlined in a 36-page order, is a first-of-its-kind resolution to privacy litigation involving alleged violations of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) and other state laws.

From: 
The National Law Review

Armed man prompts Dirksen Federal Courthouse lockdown for several hours in downtown Chicago

A standoff went on for some nine hours Tuesday evening, after an armed man prompted a lockdown at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

From: 
CBS News

House GOP want Illinois to support ICE, Democrats hope to ban police from wearing masks

A suburban Republican lawmaker has filed a resolution for Illinois to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rep. Patrick Sheehan (R-Lockport) told WAND News that ICE officers and their families deserve to be protected from harassment and assault.

From: 
WAND

Cook County Democrats slate 4 judicial candidates, prepare for lean 2026 war chest

Last week the party nominated a diverse slate for a record-low number of vacant judicial positions open to countywide voting.

From: 
Injustice Watch

State agency withholds details in teen's death at Illinois foster home

Mackenzi Felmlee fell through the safety net of doctors, judges, lawyers, social workers, teachers, child welfare organizations and the state agency charged with protecting abused and neglected children in Illinois until she was found bruised and struggling to breathe at the bottom of the basement stairs in a Fairview Heights foster home.

From: 
ABC 7

Feds weigh in on lawsuit challenging how Illinois maintains voter registration rolls

The U.S. Department of Justice added its voice this month to a lawsuit by private entities accusing the state of Illinois of failing to properly maintain a statewide voter registration list, in violation of a 1993 federal law.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

Don't Let a Romance Scammer Steal Your Client's Heart and Life Savings

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Elder Law Section
Co-presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Law Section and ISBA Rural Practice Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: August 8, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


In today’s digital world, it is important to stay apprised of the various scams and financial abuses targeting the elderly members in our communities. One such offense that has resulted directly through advanced technology is the “romance scam,” which targets lonely and trusting elderly individuals through online dating apps and social media sites. Join us for an in-depth look at how to spot a possible scam and what you can do to help your client who has been the victim of this type of deception. Any attorney who regularly works with elderly or intellectually disabled clients who attend this online program will better understand:
  • What constitutes a “romance scam”;
  • Why people fall for this type of scam;
  • How to help your clients that have been targeted by a romance scam;
  • What your role is in combatting and reporting financial abuse; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign
Dolores Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

Program Moderator:
Dolores Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

Program Chat Moderator:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign

Program Speakers:
Brian Lambert, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, East St. Louis
Ruth E. Robinson, Amundsen Davis LLC, Rockford
Sharon R. Rudy, Sharon R. Rudy P.C., Rockford



Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free