CLE: Real Estate Law Transactions 101—Part 1

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Don’t miss this opportunity on Wednesday, May 5 to expand your understanding of the issues that can arise in your next real estate law transaction – from who should hold the earnest money and the difference between a general warranty deed and special warranty deed, to what constitutes a marketable title and understanding a boundary survey. Join us for part on of this two-part series that will help you better understand: what happens if the realtor refuses to hold the earnest money; the ethical issues involved if the seller’s or buyer’s attorney holds the earnest money; what is required of the seller to disclose; what constitutes a warranty deed; the hazards associated with using a general warranty deed; how to effectively represent your real estate clients during COVID without physically attending the closing; and much more.

Illinois Supreme Court Approves Amendments to Order on Residential Evictions

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Order M.R. 30370 regarding residential evictions. The Illinois Judicial Conference’s Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) recommended these amendments to the Court in order to better clarify the standard for residential evictions impacted by the governor’s executive orders.

ISBA Board of Governors Approves Two Ethics Opinions

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Board of Governors approved two new Professional Conduct Advisory Opinions on March 26 during its regularly scheduled Board meeting.

The opinions address a lawyer representing surviving spouse as both estate administrator and renouncing spouse, and a lawyer's disclosure of client estate planning documents after the client's death.

Guilty Plea, Innocent Defendant

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Historically, guilty-plea defendants in Illinois have been denied the opportunity to present actual-innocence claims based on newly discovered evidence because their convictions were founded on valid guilty pleas. However, the Illinois Supreme Court recently held in People v. Reed that these defendants can raise claims of actual innocence under the Post-Conviction Hearing Act. Although this is a momentous victory for guilty-plea defendants, the burden they must meet is significant. In her April 2021 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Guilty Plea, Innocent Defendant,” Ashley Kidd, a law clerk for the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court, discusses the function of plea agreements in our criminal justice system, the Reed decision, and how these claims should be presented post-Reed.

Dale A. Anderson 1937-2021

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

After nearly a century of thoughtfulness toward others, dedication to his craft, and an endless devotion to Chicago sports teams, revered attorney, loving husband and beloved father Dale A. Anderson, 83, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 from complications due to cancer.

He was an ISBA member for over 40 years, serving as ISBA president in 1980.

CLE: ISBA’s Law Ed Faculty Development Series—Engaging Presentations in the Virtual World

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Most presentations today are virtual, and ISBA wants to equip you with the techniques you need to reach your online audience.

Join us as our master series speaker, David Mann, returns from noon until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 with a fresh look at the how to effectively interact in the virtual world, including tips for clarity and how to maintain your online professionalism. Topics include: how to translate arcane legal language into plain English; how to create captivating openings with rhetorical impact; delivering your case story for engaging flow; illustrating complex legal concepts simply; how structure and language can inspire action; understanding which storytelling techniques build clarity, understanding, and trust; using the camera in a professional manner; knowing which Zoom (and other platform) features can enhance your delivery skills; how to use lighting and sound to your advantage; arranging the background to communicate stability and trustworthiness; and how to use polls and other virtual platform features effectively.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Seeks Administrative United States Penitentiary Attorney

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Federal Bureau of Prisons seeks an administrative united states penitentiary attorney in Thomson, Illinois.

The legal practice at the United States Penitentiary located in Thomson is part of the Consolidated Legal Center (CLC), Federal Medical Center, Rochester, Minnesota. This CLC covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes such matters as inmate's reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, access to information, and discipline.

Bullies in the Workplace: Legal Implications and Recommended Solutions

Presented by the ISBA Labor & Employment Law Section


2.0 hours MCLE credit

Original Program Date:
January 12, 2021
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 21, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


The existence of bullies in the workplace is all too real and comes complete with legal implications for employers. But solutions do exist, and you need to know how to help your clients when they come to you for advice. Don’t miss this in-depth look at bulling in the workplace and how the new Illinois Workplace Transparency Act impacts companies’ obligations, including anti-harassment policies and annual training programs for employees. Attorneys who represent companies and individuals who attend this seminar will better understand:

  • How to identify bullying conduct;
  • The implications of bullying conduct in the workplace;
  • The legal causes of action employees may pursue, as well as the damages that may be awarded;
  • The remedies available to resolve bullying issues, including policies, complaints, and resolution procedures;
  • How to coach human resources professionals, manager, and bullies;
  • The ways in which bullying may be reduced or eliminated in the workplace; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Alan M. Kaplan, Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd., Schaumburg

Program Speakers:
Linda M. Beitz, Solutions through Dialogue, LLC, Chicago
Ronald S. Langacker
, Langacker Law, Ltd., Urbana

Illinois’ Secure Choice Act: Requirements & Penalties for Retirement Plans

Presented by the ISBA Corporate Law Section
Co-Sponsored by the ISBA Employee Benefits Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit

Original Program Date: Thursday, January 7, 2021
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 22, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the information you need to effectively advise your clients on how the Illinois Secure Choice Act fills a void for employers who don’t want to administer their own retirement plan for employees. Corporate law attorneys, employee benefits lawyers, general practitioners, and any attorney who advises companies on the employment law aspects of their business who attend this online seminar will better understand:
  • What the Illinois Secure Choice Act is and it’s requirements;
  • The financial penalties for not making the Secure Choice Savings Program available to employees if a retirement plan is not being offered;
  • How the Program helps Illinois employees save for retirement and avoid living their retirement years in poverty;
  • How the Secure Choice Act Program was implemented;
  • The number of Illinois citizens who have enrolled in the program so far, as well as the plan assets of participants; and
  • The potential legal problems the Program could face.

Program Coordinators:
Melissa Carter Columbia College Chicago, Chicago
Shelly Hurta McDonald’s Corporation, Oak Brook
J. Christopher Jackson, Calamos Investments, St. Charles
Bernard G. Peter , Maduff & Maduff, LLC, Glenview


Program Moderator:
Bernard G. Peter, Maduff & Maduff, LLC, Glenview

Program Speaker:
Courtney Eccles
, Director, Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program, Chicago
Bernard G. Peter , Maduff & Maduff, LLC, Glenview