Resiliency For Lawyers: Strength Under Stress

ISBA's Wellness Webcast Series
Presented by the ISBA Special Committee on Health and Wellness


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Mental Health and Substance Abuse credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, May 23, 2019
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­July 13, 2023 - July 12, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Long hours. Filing deadlines. Demanding clients. Unequal work-life balance. With that kind of environment, it’s no wonder that being an attorney is one of the most stressful careers out there. For the sake of our clients – and our health – it is imperative that we learn how to be resilient and face the stress for our career with strength. Don’t miss this online seminar that explains why resiliency is so important to our profession. Topics include:
  • What the terms resiliency and grit mean; 
  • The common personality characteristics that many lawyers share;
  • How attorneys compare against the characteristics exhibited by resilient people; and
  • How to develop behaviors that increase resiliency – and how those new behaviors can aid in your overall wellbeing.

Program Speaker:
Robin M. Belleau, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 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 $30 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

Eight Things Every Trial Lawyer Should Know

Presented by the ISBA Tort Law Section


2.25 hours MCLE credit, including 2.25 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility or Legal Ethics MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­July 13, 2023 - July 12, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Learn from experienced trial lawyers and a Cook County Circuit Court judge on how to be a more effective advocate for your client — from jury selection through closing argument. Civil litigators, trial attorneys, young lawyers, and tort practitioners with basic to intermediate levels of experience who attend this online seminar will better understand how to:
  • Present and argue motions in limine;
  • Make effective jury selections;
  • Make objections during trial;
  • Establish proofs through direct examination;
  • Control a witness on cross-examination;
  • Handle the jury instruction conference;
  • Deliver a memorable closing argument;
  • Maintain professionalism throughout the adversarial process; and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Kathryn L. Conway, Power Rogers & Smith, Chicago


Tips for Presenting and Arguing Motions in Limine
A motion in limine is a powerful tool in a lawyer’s arsenal. Listen to an experienced trial attorney explain how to best present and argue these strategic motions.
Ronald D. Kalish, Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, Chicago

Tips for Effective Jury Selection
The right jury selection can turn a case for or against your client from the beginning. Take this opportunity to learn pointers on how to make your next jury selections more effective.
Albert E. Durkin, Miroballi Durkin & Rudin, LLC, Chicago

Tips for Making Objections During Trial
Making courtroom objections are an essential component of trial. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a trial judge on how to do so effectively.
Hon. Elizabeth M. Budzinski, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago

Tips for Establishing Proofs through Direct Examination
Creating a direct examination that supports the facts of your case requires careful planning. Listen to an experienced trial lawyer provide tips to help you succeed on your next examination.
Michelle M. Kohut, Corboy & Demetrio, Chicago

How to Control a Witness on Cross-Examination
There are a variety of ways an attorney can lose control of a witness. Learn from a trial lawyer as he explains how to avoid that scenario.
Albert E. Durkin, Miroballi Durkin & Rudin, LLC, Chicago

Tips for Handling the Jury Instructions Conference
Jury instructions are critically important in every trial. Take this opportunity to learn how to best prepare for this conference.
Ronald D. Kalish, Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, Chicago

The Best Way to Deliver a Closing Argument
A closing argument is your last chance to persuade the jury to reach a decision favorable to your client. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a seasoned trial lawyer on how to do just that.
Michelle M. Kohut, Corboy & Demetrio, Chicago

Tips for Maintaining Professionalism throughout the Adversarial Process
Hear the perspective of a trial judge on how attorneys can both zealously represent their client and act with civility and professionalism toward opposing counsel through all stages of the trial.
Hon. Elizabeth M. Budzinski, Circuit Court of Cook County, 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 $67.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $112.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

Reducing Workplace Stress and Anxiety: Meditation and other Tools

Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association 

1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Mental Health and Substance Abuse


Original Program Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­July 13, 2023 - July 12, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Chronic stress and anxiety prevent you from living joyfully and working productively. Not all stress is inherently bad – it’s how you respond to stress that matters. Learning to manage stress is a healthy way creates a pathway for happy, healthy living. Don’t miss this online seminar that helps you understand:
  • The strategies to identify your own stress triggers and how to prevent getting caught in the “downward stress spiral”
  • The yoga, breathing, and meditation practices that train your mind-body to respond to stress constructively, and
  • The techniques that unwind chronic stress in the body.

Program Speakers:
Nicole Elipas Doherty, Unfold Yoga, Chicago
About the Speaker:
Nicole Elipas Doherty, co-founder of Unfold Yoga, is a formerly-practicing Illinois attorney who frequently teaches yoga and meditation to other attorneys, law-firm employees, and other high-stress office workers. She received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, having studied Art History, Biology and Economics, and holds her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.


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 $30 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

In Defense of Rejected Proposals

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Until recently, former trial judge and Illinois Appellate Court Justice Gino DiVito had served on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Illinois Evidence since its inception. In his June Illinois Bar Journal article, “In Defense of Rejected Proposals,” the former justice documents rejected proposals from 2013, the source of certain evidence rules, and why some rules have been reserved or are otherwise absent.

ISBA Offices to Close July 3-4

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The ISBA Springfield and Chicago offices will be closed for the holiday beginning Monday, July 3. They will reopen on Wednesday, July 5. During this time, members can expect the following:

  • E-Clips will not be delivered for the duration of this period.

All business and e-newsletter distribution will resume as usual on Wednesday, July 5. 

Federal Rules of Civil Practice 56: A Summary Judgment Refresher

Presented by the ISBA Federal Civil Practice Section


2.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: June 23, 2023
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 5, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Update your knowledge on summary judgment with this online refresher that examines the purpose of summary judgment, what to consider when filing a summary judgment motion, and the local rules impacting procedure. Attorneys with basic practice experience who attend this program will also better understand:
  • The burden under Federal Rules of Civil Practice 56 and Celotex;
  • The burdens of production and burden of proof;
  • The court’s role in deciding a summary judgment motion;
  • The intent, motive, and ambiguity issues with summary judgment;
  • The purpose of expert affidavits; and
  • How to prepare a cross-motion for summary judgment.

Program Coordinator:
Janaan Hashim, Amal Law Group, LLC, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Ryan Suniga, Judicial Law Clerk, U.S. District Court Norther District of Illinois, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Deidre Baumann, Baumann & Shuldiner, Chicago
Hon. Sidney I. Schenkier (ret.), Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Britany P. Warren, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen, Edwardsville



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 $60 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $100
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

Has Your Client's Trust Dispute Become an Episode from "Succession"?

Presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: June 22, 2023
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 5, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Fans of HBO’s hit series “Succession” are all too familiar with the lengths people will go to when fighting for their share of the family pie. Don’t miss this online seminar that can help you navigate your client’s trust dispute that looks a lot like an episode from “Succession.” Trust and estates lawyers, family law attorneys, business advice counsel, and general practitioners who attend this program will better understand:
  • How to prepare your client on the trust litigation process;
  • How to identify the minimum requirements for an accounting;
  • How to better anticipate some common litigation issues that can arise;
  • The drafting considerations for trusts that you need to be aware of;
  • How trust litigation can impact a family;
  • Accounting under the new trust code; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Daniel P. Felix, The Professional Trustee, Deerfield

Program Speakers:
Hon. Daniel L. Jasica, 19th Judicial Circuit, Waukegan
Hon. Allen Walker, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago


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 $30 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

Civil Appeal Basics: Appealing Orders That Do Not Resolve All Claims

Presented by the ISBA Civil Practice and Procedure Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: June 22, 2023
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 5, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Not all appeals involve final judgments. Practitioners should be aware that other types of orders may be appealed -- and may have to be appealed -- before the entire case is concluded. The deadlines and procedures in such cases are often much different from those in appeals of final judgments. This program explains each kind of appealable order, the legal authority that permits an appeal, and the special timelines and procedures that apply to each kind of appeal. Topics include appealing:
  • Final judgements that do not dispose of an entire proceeding after a special finding by the trial court under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a);
  • Otherwise non-appealable judgments without the need for a special finding by the trial court under Rule 304(b);
  • Certain types of interlocutory orders by right under Rule 307;
  • Interlocutory orders by petitions for leave to appeal under Rule 306; and
  • A certified question of law by application for leave to appeal under Rule 308.

Program Coordinator/Speaker:
Timothy J. Storm , Storm Appellate Law, Barrington


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 $30 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

Selling Yourself: How to Advocate for Promotions

Presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Diversity and Inclusion credit


Original Program Date: June 21, 2023
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 12, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this virtual roundtable presentation as three women in the legal profession discuss their personal experiences in reaching the top of their respective fields in government, public interest/non-profit, and a private practice firm. Learn how to advocate for promotions, how to navigate office culture and politics, and how to ask for an increase in salary.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Bridget L. Schott, Lee County Assistant State’s Attorney’s Office, Dixon

Program Speakers;
Deane B. Brown, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., Chicago
Denise E. Conklin, Prairie State Legal Services, Peoria
Joy E. Gossman, Lake County Public Defender’s Office, Waukegan



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 $30 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free