Fred Lane’s Trial Techniques Institute – Fall Semester 2024

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Fall Semester Starts September 10! Improve your trial skills in this “learn-by-doing” program that covers all phases of trial work from both a plaintiff/prosecutor and defendant’s viewpoint, in both civil and criminal cases. Through this course, you will learn and practice new trial techniques that are most effective and consistent with the Illinois Rules of Evidence and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Each session is audio-video taped so you can see and hear the improvements in your voice, manner, and trial technique. The course has been proven to be of value whether your practice includes trying jury and non-jury cases, administrative hearings, arbitrations, or even mediations.

The Deepfake Dilemma

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

 In her June Illinois Bar Journal article, “The Deepfake Dilemma,” Donna Etemadi discusses recently introduced and enacted legislation combatting the endemic of sexually explicit deepfakes that threaten the lives of individuals—predominantly women and girls. Legislative proposals regulating deepfake content are moving slowly, Etemadi notes, but early attempts to combat a worrisome technology provide glimpses into the issues at stake.

Deer Grove man sentenced to 180 days in jail, probation for aggravated DUI that killed Sterling businessman

A Deer Grove man has been sentenced to 180 days in jail and four years of probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence and causing a head-on crash that killed a Sterling businessman.

From: 
Shaw Local News Network

Five more law schools now approved to use JD-Next for admissions

Five law schools joined the ranks of 52 others that allow applicants to take the JD-Next alternative admissions program instead of traditional standardized tests. The council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar approved Fordham University School of Law, the University of Illinois College of Law, DePaul University College of Law, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and the University of St. Thomas School of Law to use the test.

From: 
ABA Journal

Ethical Concerns When Working With Clients With Diminished Capacity

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


1.0 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­June 24, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


The attorney-client relationship is an important aspect of being a lawyer, but what happens when your client appears to have diminished capacity and is unable to make reasonable decisions regarding their situation due to dementia or mental illness? Join us for this in-depth look at the ethical issues to consider when representing older clients, including:
  • The Rules of Professional Conduct and your duty when representing this type of client;
  • The do’s and don’ts when working with the client’s agents and family members; and
  • When (and what) protective action can be taken for a client with limited mental ability.

Program Coordinator/Chat Moderator:
Dolores A. Wigman , Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Woodstock

Program Speaker:
John R. Cesario , Senior Counsel, Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago


Pricing 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

Defending a Demon: How Representing John Wayne Gacy Impacted One Woman's Legal Career

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 Criminal Justice Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­June 24, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Karen Conti’s quest to end capital punishment included her early career representation of the notorious killer John Wayne Gacy in his final death row appeals, which changed the trajectory of her career and life. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Ms. Conti as she discusses her representation of this infamous serial killer and other criminals, particularly from her viewpoint as a woman navigating a typically male-dominated field. Gain insight and perspective as she discusses her journey of courage, empathy, and self-discovery. Like many attorneys who stand up for unpopular causes, Karen learned lessons along the way that she shares with you throughout the seminar in hopes of encouraging you to learn how to cope and flourish in a sometimes onerous and challenging job. A look at the future of the death penalty in this country is also included.

Program Moderator:
Sarah Toney, The Toney Law Firm LLC, Chicago
Program Speaker:
Karen Conti, Conti & Dolan, LLC, Chicago
About the Speaker: Karen is the author of the recently published book Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row in which she shares insights into what it is like to zealously advocate for someone who is the epitome of evil and despised by the world. She has been a litigator and trial lawyer for 37 years, trying hundreds of cases and handling numerous high-profile and noteworthy cases across the country, including a U.S. Supreme Court appeal in a ballot access case on behalf of the Democratic Party, and obtained a reversal by the Illinois Supreme Court in favor of women’s rights in the workplace She also secured a large settlement in a wrongful arrest and injury suit against the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers stemming from the May 2000 Wrigley Field brawl, and obtained a $1.2 million verdict as the lead trial attorney against one of the nation’s largest homebuilders. She is licensed in Illinois and California and is a certified mediator and collaborative lawyer.

Pricing 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 $52.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $105
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

8 Things Killing Your Law Firm and How to Stop Them

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!
ISBA’s Practice Toolbox Series
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­June 24, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Waste is defined as anything that doesn’t add value in your client’s eyes, and the competitive business of law demands that we eliminate wastefulness. Clients demand value from their lawyers and are willing to shop around to find it, forcing lawyers to re-examine their practices and processes. in this webcast, you’ll learn how to identify and remove the eight most common types of waste from your practice.

Program Speaker:
Jeffrey Schoenberger, Affinity Consulting Group
About the Speaker: Jeff’s unique role at Affinity involves managing our Practice Management Advisory program. Prior to joining the Affinity family, Jeff practiced law with Legal Aid in Cincinnati, Ohio. He learned about Affinity and consulting as a career path through some of partners Paul Unger’s and Barron Henley’s CLE courses. Jeff’s describes his superpower as his ability to “get the podcast done.” His favorite part of his job is discovering new tech and techniques to help attorneys.


Pricing 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.
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

License plate cameras help solve crimes, but are creating a backlash over privacy concerns

In 2022, a teenager accused of fatally shooting a young mother in the back of the head in Morris was caught driving a stolen car with the help of a license plate camera.

From: 
Chicago Tribune