Illinois, Out on Bail

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

In Feb. 22, 2021, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB 3653. Among the many provisions contained within HB 3653 (now Public Act 101-0652) is the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA), a massive overhaul of Illinois’ cash bail system. The PFA makes Illinois the first state to eliminate monetary bail, creating a system in which defendants will be released or detained pending trial based on their risk of nonappearance and/or their perceived dangerousness. If the individual does not fit a certain set of predetermined criteria, they must be released. In his June Illinois Bar Journal article, “Illinois, Out on Bail,” Thomas A. Drysdale compares Illinois’ new law to the federal criminal system, which has operated without cash bail for more than 35 years.

CLE: Techniques To Improve Gender Communication

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Do you ever feel that your words come across as week, passive, or wishy-washy? Conversely, do your words sound pushy, abrasive, or arrogant? Between these two extremes lies a powerful way of communicating that combines confidence, strength, and authenticity and allows you to stand out. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Andie Kramer and Al Harris, co-authors of two award-winning books that are designed to teach you how to communicate effectively. Learn how to identify and eliminate the words and phrases that decrease your authority and self-assurance – and discover what to say instead.

Illinois Trust Code: What You Need to Know - Part 1

Presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estate Law Section


2.5 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, October 11, 2019
Accreditation Expiration Date: September 1,2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Illinois has created the new Illinois Trust Code, which will impact the practice of all Illinois estate planners. Join us for this full-day seminar that examines everything you need to know about the new law, including:
  • When the law goes into effect;
  • The modified fiduciary duties of trustees;
  • The new requirements for appropriate notice and accountings to beneficiaries;
  • The role of a beneficiary representative under the new law;
  • The new avenues for judicial modifications of trusts;
  • Much more!

Program Coordinator:
William R. Kuehn , Williston, McGibbon & Kuehn, Barrington

Program Moderator:
Susan T. Bart , Schiff Hardin LLP, Chicago

Introductory Concepts
Get the background information you need regarding the Illinois Trust Code, including when the new law goes into effect, the mandatory and default rules, and how the law applies to your document.
Susan T. Bart, Schiff Hardin LLP, Chicago
Adam M. Damerow, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Chicago
Lauren MacDonald, William Harris Investors, Inc., Chicago

Representation Issues
Gain a better understanding of the representative’s role under the new law with this in-depth look at how representatives are described, the default order of representatives, and the designated representatives.
Jane Ditelberg, Northern Trust Company, Chicago
Tye J. Klooster, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Chicago

Judicial Modification of Trust
This segment examines the mechanics of trust modification and termination under the new law, as well as how the new law allows for the creation of new trusts.
Stuart J. Kohn, Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC, Northbrook

Notice and Accounting to Beneficiaries
Don’t miss this discussion on the new laws’ requirements for appropriate notice and accountings to beneficiaries. How the new law operates and what needs to be done to comply with it is also examined.
Jane Ditelberg, Northern Trust Company, Chicago

Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $75 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $125
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

To Release or Not to Release

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

In February 2021, the Illinois General Assembly enacted sweeping changes to the state’s criminal justice system. The 764-page bill (now Public Act 101-0652), which has since been amended in part, addresses police conduct, bail reform, and pretrial release among other issues. In their June Illinois Bar Journal article, "To Release or Not to Release," Emily L. Fitch and Brenda M. (Duke) Mathis note that many prosecutors across the state opposed the changes in the bill while many defense attorneys embraced them.

Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission Receives Grant to Digitize Case Files

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

A new project will make early Illinois Supreme Court case files more accessible to the public. 

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) has awarded the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission a $135,000 grant to support the digitization of nearly 3,700 case files from 1818 to 1865—the beginning of Illinois statehood through the Civil War. The Commission expects the work to take two years. 

Volunteers Needed for the University of Illinois’ Mock Trial Tournament (Oct. 22 - 23)

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The undergraduate Mock Trial Team for the University of Illinois is hosting its 15th Annual Illinois Invitational Tournament on October 22 - 23, 2022,  at the Urbana-Champaign campus. The Illinois Trial Team is in need of additional teams to judge the tournament on both Saturday (10/22) and Sunday (10/23).