Bankruptcy Basics: Ethical Pitfalls in Bankruptcy

Presented by the ISBA Commercial, Banking, and Bankruptcy Section
1.0 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0* hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: October 20, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 19, 2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Discover the ethical issues you need to be aware of with this informative segment. Topics include: how to spot issues with your clients; how to determine if your client is lying; and the pitfalls to avoid when papering the file, retention agreements, fee splitting, and billing your client. A discussion on what the U.S. Trustee’s Office looks for in bankruptcy fraud with the debtors, as well as the missteps attorneys are making or allowing their client to make is also included. Bifurcated fee agreements are also discussed.
Jeffrey L. Gansberg, Office of the U.S. Trustee, Chicago
Julia J. Smolka, Robbins DiMonte, Ltd., Park Ridge


*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s Bankruptcy Basics – From the Debtor’s Perspective. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.


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

ISBA Offices Closing for Holidays

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Timothy A. Slating

The ISBA offices will be closed for the holidays from Friday, December 23, through Monday, January 2. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. During this time, E-Clips and other digital newsletters will not be delivered. All business and e-newsletter distribution will resume as usual on January 3, 2022.

State and Local Tax Review

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Timothy A. Slating

Whether it’s the State, Cook County, or the City of Chicago – our elected officials decide how taxes are collected, how they are distributed, how (and who) they help, and how to achieve the equitable burden and distribution while ensuring the maximum collection and compliance. Join us for an in-depth look at how the laws and ordinances in our tax system operate, as well as how they impact you and your clients.

2023 Annual Meeting: Save the Date!

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Timothy A. Slating

For the first time in over in over 45 years, the ISBA is holding the 2023 Annual Meeting in downtown Chicago. We are planning an engaging new format with substantive programming and great social events designed to appeal to all who attend. The headquarters hotel will be the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel on the Chicago River and the opening reception will be held at the House of Blues.  Mark your calendars now for Thursday to Saturday, June 8-10, 2023.  More details to come, but plan to attend this special event!

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Has Two Open Positions for Technical Advisor II

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Timothy A. Slating

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), Division of Legal Counsel (DLC), is seeking to hire a Technical Advisor II to serve in the area of Bureau of Water (BOW)-Regulatory Development & Appeals. This position performs technical legal work of a general nature, involving the promulgation of rules for, and providing legal counsel to, the IEPA’s BOW. The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting administrative hearings, legal hearings, and litigating matters before judicial and administrative tribunals.

Criminal Justice Updates: Bail Reform and Beyond

Presented by the ISBA Criminal Justice Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Standing Committee on Corrections and Sentencing

2.0 hours MCLE credit


Original program Date: December 1, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: November 30, 2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for this in-depth discussion on the updates arising from the SAFE-T Act, as well as the recent legislation impacting Illinois’ criminal justice system, including the State’s bail reform, which will eliminate cash bail starting January 1, 2023. Criminal lawyers, general practitioners, traffic law attorneys, and corrections/sentencing lawyers with all levels of practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand the recent and upcoming changes to criminal law and the details surrounding the new bail reform laws.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Anisa L. Jordan, The Jordan Law Firm, Arlington Heights

Program Speaker:
Kristine M. Honiotes, Honiotes Law Office, Ltd., Joliet


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 $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

Domestic Violence Assessment for Family Law Mediators

Presented by the ISBA Family Law Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution


2.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility or Legal Ethics credit


Original program Date: December 1, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: November 30, 2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


It is imperative that mediators working in family law are able to determine if both parties are able to speak up for themselves without fear or intimidation, are able to negotiate in their own best interest (and the interest of their children) and can carry out and understand the consequences of any agreements they reach. Learn how to spot issues of concern in your next family law case with this informative online seminar. Attorneys with intermediate practice experience who attend this program will better understand:
  • How to assess if there are impediments that may render mediation an inappropriate option, including domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental illness;
  • How to develop an effective mediation screening protocol for your practice;
  • How to maintain a safe environment while navigating the broad spectrum of domestic violence; and
  • How to ensure that the victim has the opportunity to be heard and participate in the final outcome of their family law matter.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Melissa L. Greathouse, Executive Director, Dispute Resolution Institute, Inc., Glen Carbon
Daniel Hunter, Family Mediation Services, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago
Corinne M. Levitz, Family Mediation Services, 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 $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

Special Education in a Nutshell: The Basics, The Issues, and a Legislative Update - 2018 through Present

Presented by the ISBA Education Law Section
Co-Sponsored by ISBA’s Standing Committee on Disability Law

2.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: December 2, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 1, 2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Whether you’re new to the area of special education or just need a refresher, this comprehensive overview explores the basics, the issues, and the legislative decisions that will impact your next client. Education law attorneys, child law practitioners, disability lawyers, and general practitioners with all levels of practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand:
  • The elements of Individualized Education Programs (IEP);
  • The eligibility requirements and evaluation process of IEPs;
  • How to create a comprehensive enforcement plan;
  • How to resolve placement disputes; and
  • The legislative and regulatory changes that have taken place since 2018.

Program Coordinator:
Robert P. Lyons, Illinois Education Association-NEA, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Veronique Baker, Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Emma Dorantes, Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Champaign
Philip C. Milsk, Law Office of Phil Milsk, New Lenox


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 $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

Bankruptcy Basics: The Case Trustee - Preparing for the 341 Meeting for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Cases

Presented by the ISBA Commercial, Banking, and Bankruptcy Section


1.0 hours MCLE credit

Original Program Date: October 20, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 19, 2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Learn what to expect at the 341 Meeting, including what to provide the trustee, what the trustee’s role is in the bankruptcy, the occasional issues on exemptions, and motions to abandon.
Cindy M. Johnson, Johnson Legal Group LLC, Chicago
Glenn Stearns, Chapter 13 Trustee, Lisle


*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s Bankruptcy Basics – From the Debtor’s Perspective. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.


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

Pretrial Implementation Task Force Updates Resource Documents After Amendments to Pretrial Fairness Act

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Timothy A. Slating

The Illinois Supreme Court Pretrial Implementation Task Force (Task Force) has updated its resource documents, including draft flowcharts, considerations documents and sample orders, to reflect the latest Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA) amendments as of December 15, 2022. 

The updated resources and other Task Force information can be found here.