Don’t miss this two-day program on June 2, 2016 – June 3, 2016 that’s designed to help attorneys who represent children. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 906(c)*, attorneys should receive ten hours of education every two years in child development; roles of guardians ad litem and child representatives; ethics in child custody cases; relevant substantive state, federal, and case law in custody and visitation matters; and family dynamics, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health issues. Topics for this seminar include: the requirements for those representing children in litigation; the challenges facing the next generation of advocates; the issues attorneys may face when dealing with client problems; recent changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act; legislative and case law updates; how to prepare children for litigation; how litigation may impact children; the work of non-attorney professionals in the parental allocation process; establishing parental responsibilities; structuring and scheduling parenting time; the rights of stepparents and grandparents; addressing domestic violence; and more. The roles of attorney, child representative and guardian ad litem are also discussed.

The ISBA Young Lawyers Division will present "Think Fast: Improving Your Communication Skills through Improv" on June 17 during the Annual Meeting in Rosemont. Sharpen your critical thinking and legal reasoning skills with this fun, interactive seminar!

Improve your communication, listening, and quick reaction skills with this one-hour program that’s designed for all attorneys who use these skills in the courtroom to respond to questions from the judge and arguments from opposing counsel. The seminar engages attendees in a number of interactive activities that are used by improvisational actors to help you strengthen your quick-thinking and story-telling abilities. Pre-registration not required; walk-in registration only.

Pre-registration for this CLE is not required, walk-in registration only.

Asked and Answered

By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC

Q. I am the sole owner of a 25-attorney litigation boutique firm in Los Angeles. I am the only equity partner with nine non-equity partners and 15 associates. I am concerned that if I don't provide a path to equity partnership, some of my senior talent may gradually defect to other firms or split off to create their own firms. I also believe that providing a path to equity partner for deserving non-equity partners is the right thing to do. Therefore, I am planning on admitting two non-equity members this year. Should I require capital contributions?

The Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Office is accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) openings in its Criminal Division in Chicago, Illinois. The applicant selected will represent the U.S. Government as an AUSA in a wide range of unique and complex cases.

Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years post-J.D. experience.

Preferred qualifications: Excellent academics, significant litigation experience, criminal law experience (for our Criminal Division), strong legal writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

United States citizenship is required.

Congratulations to David Saltiel for winning the Beats Studio Wireless Headphones from ISBA travel partner Go Next. Over 1,300 members participated in this contest. Don't forget to visit our Member Appreciation Month website for upcoming promotions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to keep apprised of all major Illinois insurance case law developments, as well as a look forward as we continue through 2016. Attorneys working in the insurance law arena who attend this online seminar on June 2, 2016 will gain a better understanding of automobile insurance developments, changes to commercial insurance coverage, the various forms of life and health insurance coverage, and recent developments with additional insureds.

The seminar is presented by the ISBA Insurance Law Section and qualifies for 2.25 hours MCLE credit.

Click here for more information and to register.

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers IMDMA cleanup (House Bill 3898), Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (Senate Bill 323), Cannabis civil penalties (Senate Bill 2228), Limited Liability Company Act (House Bill 4361), Income shares and child support (House Bill 3982), Land Trust Beneficiary Rights Act (House Bill 4697) and Trust law (Senate Bill 2842). More information on each bill is available below the video.

The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) will kick off a new term of office on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, during its 102nd Annual Installation Dinner at the Chicago Hilton Towers, located at 720 S. Michigan Avenue. The event will feature keynote speaker Mary Cranston and presentation of the Myra Bradwell Woman of Achievement Award to Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Rita B. Garman.  The Annual Dinner serves as one of the largest annual celebrations within the Chicago legal community, with over 700 judges, attorneys, corporate supporters and prominent community leaders in attendance each year.  The cocktail reception begins at 5:00 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:00 p.m. 

A bill that would prohibit Illinois from suing prison inmates to recover the cost of their incarceration passed the Senate last month. SB 2465 is sponsored by Senator Daniel Biss of Evanston. In October 2015, the Illinois Bar Journal reported on the practice of funding the government with fees and fines collected from criminals. Suing prisoners for their costs is even more unfair, according to some observers.

Unlike fines, which are tied to the crime itself, fees for things like inmate room and board are designed to raise revenue. According to an article from the Brennan Center for Justice, the mean annual state corrections expenditure in 2010 was $28,323 per inmate. Find out more about the problem and the proposed legislation in the May IBJ.

Authorization pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 39 has been received by the Chief Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit to post a notice of vacancy for associate judge. The associate judge position is the result of the resignation of Associate Judge Jane Hird Mitton effective July 4, 2016. Applications are now being accepted for this vacancy which will be filled by vote of the Circuit judges of the 18th Judicial Circuit.