‘The modern attorney has made a lot of changes’: Local attorneys weigh in on legal challenges in the Tri-States

With the resignation of Adams County Chief Public Defender Todd Nelson taking effect on Feb. 15, and Deputy Chief Public Defender Chris Pratt running for Hancock County State’s Attorney, the office already has vacancies. The question at hand is if this is a problem facing all rural Illinois communities.

From: 
WGEM

Democratic leaders poised to revisit Biometric Information Privacy Act after court rulings

Nearly a year ago, the Illinois Supreme Court asked the General Assembly to clarify a 15-year-old law that’s led to hundreds of lawsuits and several high-dollar settlements with companies alleged to have illegally collected Illinoisans’ biometric data.

From: 
Daily Herald

Artificial Intelligence and the Authentic Attorney

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

 In a roundup of two recent Illinois State Bar Association CLE programs, the Illinois Bar Journal’s February cover story, “Artificial Intelligence and the Authentic Attorney,” observes that just as an attorney’s time is well spent considering the benefits and drawbacks of AI, the same can be said for keeping in mind best practices for communicating clearly and effectively with clients and colleagues. 

Fred Lane’s Trial Techniques Institute – Spring Semester 2024

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

There’s still time to register! Improve your trial skills in this “learn-by-doing” program that covers all phases of trial work from both a plaintiff/prosecutor and defendant’s viewpoint, in both civil and criminal cases. Through this course, you will learn and practice new trial techniques that are most effective and consistent with the Illinois Rules of Evidence and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Each session is audio-video taped so you can see and hear the improvements in your voice, manner, and trial technique. The course has been proven to be of value whether your practice includes trying jury and non-jury cases, administrative hearings, arbitrations, or even mediations.

ISBA's 6 Hour Professional Responsibility MCLE Bundle

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association


6.0 hours MCLE credit, including 6.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:
  • 4.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit
  • 1.0 hour Diversity and Inclusion credit
  • 1.0 hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse credit

Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 4, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this in-depth program that explores the important issues of professional responsibility in the practice of law. Attorneys who take advantage of this 6-hour bundle will better understand:
  • How technology impacted Abraham Lincoln’s role as a lawyer, legislator, and President;
  • How artificial intelligence can help streamline your business operations and improve your marketing;
  • The importance of engagement letters;
  • How to prepare informative bills for your clients;
  • What you need to know to create and operate a successful law practice;
  • The importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession;
  • The science-based techniques to being happy and satisfied in your legal career; and
  • Much more.

Lincoln’s Interest and Commitment to Science and Technology
Originally presented on September 8, 2023 by the Illinois State Bar Association and Co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Association
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
The program’s opening segment examines Lincoln’s evolving interest in and involvement with science and technology issues – and how it impacted his role as lawyer, legislator, and President.
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville

Artificial Intelligence for Lawyers: What You Need to Know So You Aren't Left In the Dust
Originally presented on December 12, 2023 by the Illinois State Bar Association
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our highly-popular speaker, Drew Vaughn, as he explains how artificial intelligence can help streamline your business operations and improve your marketing, which will allow you to focus on what you love – practicing law.
Andrew G. Vaughn, Deviant Marketing, Chicago

Engagement Letters, Timesheets, and Billing Tips
Originally presented on February 7, 2023 by the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Kevin Stine as he teaches you the importance of engagement letters, how to keep track of your time, how to prepare informative bills for clients, and the ethical pitfalls to avoid.
Kevin Stine, First Co Bancorp Inc and FCB Banks, Collinsville

Creating and Operating a Successful Law Practice
Originally presented on June 9, 2023 by the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Antwan Williams as he examines the various ways lawyers have created and operated a successful law practice. Attorneys interested in finding out more about how to start and operate a law practice who attend this seminar will better understand: the globalization of the legal practice; email and the internet; the unique opportunities created by an aging population; how to locate the ideal place to open an office; goals and timelines; how much money it takes to get started; how to find candidates and opportunities; the law office management software you need to know about; client development and management; and the ethical issues you need to consider, including Rule 1.17.
Antwan M. Williams, Law Office of Antwan M. Williams, Chicago

Ways to Improve and Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession
Originally presented on June 9, 2023 by the ISBA Diversity Leadership Council
(0.50 hours Diversity and Inclusion MCLE/PMCLE credit)
Get the tips and practical advice you need to improve diversity and inclusion throughout your professional circles with this informative presentation. Topics include: how the legal profession can do better in hiring, retention, promotion, and professional development; how to recognize unconscious biases in ourselves and the strategies we can employ to successfully interrupt these biases in both our personal and professional lives; and what solo and small firm attorneys can do to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, including mentoring and job shadowing.
Toussaint Romain, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, North Carolina

Isn't it Time to Have a Conversation? - Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Originally presented on September 29, 2023 by the Illinois State Bar Association
(0.50 hours Diversity and Inclusion MCLE/PMCLE credit)
Finding solutions to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession requires discussions among all of us. Join us for this interactive workshop where we learn to build bridges and collaboratively find new solutions – both personally and professionally. After learning about some personal experiences of attorneys who have been impacted, each attendee will participate in table discussions guided by our facilitator to explore the topic.
Dr. Richard D. Harvey, Saint Louis University, Missouri

Like the Law, Happiness is a Practice
Originally presented on May 25, 2023 by the Illinois State Bar Association
(1.0 hour Mental Health or Substance Abuse MCLE/PMCLE credit)
A common misconception about happiness is that it is something that happens to us. To the contrary, scientific research has revealed that happiness requires intentional practice. We cannot just hope to be happy; we must work at it. Don’t miss this workshop that introduces attendees to the science of happiness and satisfaction in the legal profession. It provides scientific support for the importance of happiness to the practice of law and teaches participants science-based techniques for pursuing happiness and satisfaction in a healthy way.
Nora Riva Bergman, Real Life Practice, Florida
Chelsy Castro, Castro Jacobs Psychotherapy and Consulting (CIPC), Chicago



*This bundle satisfies the 6 hour Professional Responsibility Requirement for a two-year reporting period under Supreme Court Rule 794(d).


Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $159 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $375
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students - Free

Limited Scope Representation Part 2: Advanced Practice Techniques and Perspectives

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Februrary 7, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of this form of representation, including when it is strategically and ethically appropriate, the risks and pitfalls for the attorney and/or client, and how to better implement it into your practice. Topics include:
  • The role limited scope representation plays in allowing private practitioners and pro bono organizations to provide representation to persons of limited means;
  • The common misconceptions of limited scope representation;
  • The ethical considerations (and applicable rules) to keep in mind when providing limited scope representation.
The program offers attendees the opportunity to ask questions and get the speakers’ perspectives on a number of issues relating to limited scope representation.

Program Coordinators:
John E. Brennock, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, Naperville
Abigail G. Causer, Public Interest Law Initiative, Champaign
Lori K. Hansen, Champaign County Circuit Court, Urbana
Bryan P. Thompson, Chicago Consumer Law Center, P.C., Lisle
Megan McGlothlin Wood, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Bloomington

Program Moderator:
Abigail G. Causer, Public Interest Law Initiative, Champaign

Program Chat Moderator:
John E. Brennock, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, Naperville

Program Speakers:
Benjamin Boroughf, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Elliott Jensen, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Urbana
Rory Quinn, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Kendall Reeves, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, St. Louis


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 $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Single-Family Residential Construction: The Owner's Perspective - Part 2

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Construction Law Section


2.25 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 5, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Investing in the construction of a new home or remodeling an existing home may be one of the largest financial investments that a client may make. Moreover, securing the home of “their dreams” is also an emotional investment by the client. Don’t miss this two-part on-demand program that gives you an overview of the various construction law issues from the owner’s perspective, which will allow you to better protect your clients from construction and payment disputes with their contractors and guide them to a smoother journey to obtain their dream home. Part 2 topics include:
  • Payment processes;
  • Lien waivers;
  • The Illinois Mechanics Lien Act provisions bearing on residential construction;
  • Warranties applicable to residential construction;
  • Understanding the concepts of substantial and final completion and the certificate of occupancy; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Stanley N. Wasser, Feldman Wasser, Springfield


Understanding the Payment Process
Learn how to help your clients navigate the payment process with this informative presentation.
Topics include: pay applications, escrow disbursements, punch lists, and lien waivers.
Samuel H. Levine, Downey & Lenkov LLC, Chicago
David T. Arena, Arena Law Office, LLC, Park Ridge

Understanding Illinois Mechanics Lien Act
Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act as it applies to residential construction.
Mark B. Grzymala, Grzymala Law Offices, P.C., Skokie
Adam Whiteman, Whiteman Law, Chicago

Understanding Warranties and the Right to Cure
Get the information you need about warranties and the right to cure construction defects, including implied workmanship warranty, UCC warranties, contractual call back warranties, and statutes of limitations.
Justin L. Weisberg, Robbins, DiMonte, Ltd. Chicago
Adam Whiteman, Whiteman Law, Chicago

Understanding the Concept of Occupancy
Learn the difference between substantial and final completions, certificates of occupancy and their implications for warranty coverage and insurance issues.
Samuel H. Levine, Downey & Lenkov LLC, Chicago
Cornelius F. Riordan, Hahn Loeser, 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 $78.75 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $157.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free