Become an Illinois Bar Journal Author and Receive CLE Credit

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Illinois State Bar Association is inviting members to submit articles for publication in the Illinois Bar Journal (IBJ), our award-winning monthly publication that is sent to 28,000 attorneys throughout the state.

When you become an author for the IBJ, you not only establish yourself as an authoritative subject matter expert, but you can also claim CLE credit for your work.

Before Making an Offer the Other Side “Can’t Refuse”

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Prior to initiating civil litigation, lawyers often attempt to resolve matters by sending a prelitigation demand—often through a demand letter—instead of immediately filing a lawsuit. Prelawsuit demands can be a cost-efficient way to avoid litigation by demanding relief or putting the opposing side on notice of potential litigation. However, what happens when a client has a civil claim and a potential criminal claim or professional discipline complaint that can be brought against an opposing party or their counsel?

CLE: Making PDFs Accessible

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Lawyers live and die by words, written and spoken, but mostly written. But, of course, not everyone literally reads; perhaps a disability prevents it. 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of President Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. In the same way that much of our public physical spaces are shaped by this law (think ramps versus stairs or brick-colored bumps at the edge of a crosswalk), our legal technologies can accommodate disparate needs, too. But, you have to learn how to make documents accessible.

The ISBA Is Accepting Submissions for the Annual Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Illinois State Bar Association invites Young Lawyers Division (YLD) attorney members to establish yourselves as experts in your practice area and compete for your share of $5,000 in prize money by entering the Annual Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest.

Submissions should be useful, practical articles on topics important to practicing lawyers. Submissions will be considered for publication in the Illinois Bar Journal.

Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Judge Lance Peterson as Third District Appellate Justice

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Justice Robert L. Carter and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced that Thirteenth Circuit Court Judge Lance R. Peterson has been appointed as an Appellate Court Justice in the Third District following the death of Justice Daniel L. Schmidt on July 5, 2022.