Don't Put Your Computer at Risk

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!
ISBA’s Practice Toolbox Series
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association


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


Original Program Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 5, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Lawyers and legal organizations hold lots of valuable information. Your computer and mobile devices are attractive targets. You have a legal and ethical obligation to protect data entrusted to you by clients, whether from state-sponsored actors, ransomware prospectors, or script kiddies. After a brief overview of the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, we’ll move into our popular “tips in time” format, where we offer up to 60 actionable security tips and tricks to protect your technology.

Program Speaker:
Jeffrey Schoenberger, Affinity Consulting Group
About the Speaker: Jeff’s unique role at Affinity involves managing our Practice Management Advisory program. Prior to joining the Affinity family, Jeff practiced law with Legal Aid in Cincinnati, Ohio. He learned about Affinity and consulting as a career path through some of partners Paul Unger’s and Barron Henley’s CLE courses. Jeff’s describes his superpower as his ability to “get the podcast done.” His favorite part of his job is discovering new tech and techniques to help attorneys.



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
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

ISBA's Child Custody Trial

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 Family Law Section


15.0 hours MCLE credit, including 15.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit


Original Program Date: October 10, 2013 – October 11, 2013
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­March 8, 2024 - March 7, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


The Child Custody Trial seminar, presented in Galena, Illinois on October 10-11, 2013, was the cooperative effort of members of the ISBA Family Law Section Council, mental health professionals, and attendees of ISBA seminar, Child Custody Litigation: Techniques for Trying a Custody Case from Rehearsal to Closing, who served as actors. The seminar and character testimony was based on the Guardian Ad Litem and Custody Evaluator Reports created by Pamela J. Kuzniar for CLE purposes. Trial attorneys chose witnesses from the reports. Once witnesses were determined, the play was cast with mental health professionals and ISBA attorneys. Trial counsel “deposed” witnesses prior to trial by submitting questions to the “actors” who answered in character via email. The custody evaluator also interviewed the attorneys playing the mother and father (who were in character) prior to trial to hone their performance. During the seminar five judges observed testimony and arguments. After each argument, motion, and witness, the trial was suspended to permit all five judges to comment on the trial strategy, objections and rulings. This seminar was a herculean effort by ISBA members and volunteer mental health professionals, and we applaud their dedication.

Although the law has changed since the original presentation, many of the techniques and precepts demonstrated are still very valuable for the family law practitioner. The Family Law Section Council has added a new introductory segment and additional material to highlight changes in the law since the original presentation.


The seminar won an Award of Outstanding Achievement on an international level as one of ACLEA’s* “Best” Awards in the Programs Category.
We suggest the viewer read both the GAL report and Custody Evaluator Report prior to watching the presentation. PDF’s of these documents
are available with the program materials under the "Commencement of Trial" video and under the Document icons below.

Program Coordinator & Moderator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Esq., Private Practice, Chicago

Participating Judges:
Hon. Arnold F. Blockman, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Urbana
Hon. Pamela E. Loza, Cook Judicial Circuit, Chicago
Hon. Timothy J. McJoynt, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Wheaton
Hon. Brian R. McKillip, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Wheaton
Hon. Jeanne M. Reynolds, Cook Judicial Circuit, Chicago

Trial Counsel:
Kelli E. Gordon, Feldman Wasser Draper & Cox, Springfield
William J. Scott, Jr., Momkus McCluskey, LLC, Lisle
Morris “Lane” Harvey, Law Offices of Morris Lane Harvey, Mt. Vernon
Roger E. White, Clark Racklin & Roth, Ltd., Olney


Program Outline
  • 2022 Update – Introductory Overview:
    • Hon. Arnold F. Blockman, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Urbana (retired)
  • Introduction to Play and Cast (No MCLE credit)
    • o Trial Judge: Hon. Arnold Blockman, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Urbana
    o Moderator: Pamela J. Kuzniar, Private Practice, Chicago
    o Commentary: Hon. Pamela E. Loza, Cook Judicial Circuit, Chicago
    o Commentary: Hon. Timothy J. McJoynt, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Wheaton
    o Commentary: Hon. Brian R. McKillip, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Wheaton
    o Commentary: Hon. Jeanne M. Reynolds, Cook Judicial Circuit, Chicago
    o Father’s Attorney: William J. Scott Jr., Momkus McCluskey, LLC, Lisle
    o Father’s Attorney: Kelli E. Gordon, Feldman Wasser Draper & Cox, Springfield
    o Mother’s Attorney: Morris “Lane” Harvey, Law Offices of Morris Lane Harvey, Mt. Vernon
    o Mother’s Attorney: Rory T. Weiler, Weiler & Lengle, P.C., St. Charles
    o Guardian Ad Litem’s Attorney: Susan W. Rogaliner, Attorney at Law, St. Charles
    o Guardian Ad Litem: Lisa M. Nyuli, Ariano, Hardy, Ritt, Nyuli, Richmond, Lytle & Goettel, P.C., South Elgin
    o Father: Jon J. Racklin, Clark Racklin & Roth, Ltd., Olney
    o Mother: Deanne J. Bowen, Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen, Gurnee
    o Custody Evaluator: Dr. Sol R. Rappaport, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections, Libertyville
    o Child Care Provider: Jennifer L. Stallings, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C., Elgin
    o Pediatrician: Jennifer A. Shaw, Jennifer A Shaw P.C., Edwardsville
    o Court Facilitator: Paul Chatzky, Law Offices of Paul Chatzky, Northfield
    o Detective: Roger E. White, Clark Racklin & Roth, Ltd., Olney
    o Teacher: Arlette Porter
    o Dual Roles as MD for Father & Abuse Evaluator: David L. Gates
    o MD for Mother: Elisabeth A. Ritter, Kalcheim Haber, LLP, Chicago
    o Triple Roles as Mother’s therapists and Abuse Evaluator: Mary E. Doheny, PhD, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Chicago
    o Dual Roles as Father’s therapist & Sexual Deviancy Expert: Frank M. Lani PhD, PhD., Chicago

  • Commencement of Trial & Motions in Limine
  • Opening Statements
  • Petitioner’s 1st Witness, Mother
  • Petitioner’s 2nd Witness, Guardian Ad Litem
  • Petitioner’s 3rd Witness, Mother’s Therapist
  • Petitioner’s 4th Witness, Father’s Therapist
  • Petitioner’s 5th Witness, Pediatrician
  • Petitioner’s 6th Witness, Independent Abuse Evaluator #1
  • Petitioner’s 7th Witness, Independent Abuse evaluator #2
  • Petitioner’s 8th Witness, Teacher
  • Petitioner’s 9th Witness, Court Facilitator
  • Petitioner’s 10th Witness, Sexual Deviancy Expert
  • Petitioner’s 11th Witness, Child Care Provider
  • Petitioner’s 12th Witness, Father, Jared Smith:
  • Respondent’s 1st Witness, Father, Jared Smith
  • Respondent’s 2nd Witness, Custody Evaluator
  • Respondent’s 3rd Witness, Mother’s Doctor
  • Respondent’s 4th Witness, Police Officer
  • Respondent’s 5th Witness, Mother’s Therapist
  • Respondent’s 6th Witness, Mother
  • Closing Arguments, Deliberations, Ruling
  • Curtain Call: Cast Introductions and Ending Comments (No MCLE credit)


*ACLEA is the International Association of Continuing Legal Education Administrators

Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $249 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $499
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students - Free

Basic Skills - ISBA's Program for Newly Admitted Attorneys

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:
  • 4.75 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention MCLE credit
  • 0.75 hour Diversity and Inclusion MCLE credit
  • 0.50 hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse MCLE credit


Original Program Date: February 15, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 14, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Newly Admitted Attorneys: Satisfy your Illinois Basic Skills
 MCLE requirement with this complimentary program!


Jump start your new Illinois legal career by attending this outstanding Basic Skills professional responsibility course that’s designed to equip you with the information you need as a new Illinois attorney, as well as help you begin to fulfill your Illinois Supreme Court Newly Admitted Attorney requirement (S. Ct. Rule 793)*. Our faculty of high-profile attorneys and judges offers insights, tips, and advice on the issues you face in your practice. The program closes with an in-depth look at the questions you need answered and issues you need help with as a new attorney.


Program Moderators:
Natali Thomas, ISBA Young Lawyers Division Chair 2023-24, South Carolina
Hannah R. Lamore, ISBA Young Lawyers Division Vice-Chair 2023-24, Mahoney Silverman & Cross LLC, Joliet

Welcome and Introduction
Shawn Kasserman, ISBA President 2023-24, Tomasik Kotin Kasserman LLC, Chicago

Perspectives from the Bench
1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics MCLE credit
Although judges may operate their courtrooms in diverse manners, there are some things they agree that new attorneys should know. Our esteemed panelists share tips on common mistakes to avoid, civility, brief-writing, persuasive arguments, career options, remote court issues, and more!
Moderator: Carol A. Casey, Attorney at Law, Joliet
Hon. Jeffrey A. Goffinet, First Judicial Circuit Court
Hon. Chantelle A. Porter,18th Judicial Circuit Court
Hon. Elizabeth M. Rochford, Illinois Supreme Court

Ethical Dilemmas & Common Mistakes to Avoid
1.0 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics MCLE credit
This segment examines some of the common mistakes made by new attorneys and explores some of the best ways to deal with them once they've occurred. Using the framework of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, our panelists discuss common issues you may encounter with supervisory attorneys, opposing counsel, and clients. The discussion covers the requirements for properly setting up a firm, including necessary paperwork, managing trust accounts, recent case law issues impacting law firms, facts about risk management and malpractice, and important issues to be aware of. The importance of being prepared and conducting your practice with honesty and integrity (as well as the potential consequences when you don't) are also examined.
Michael P. Downey, Downey Law Group LLC, St. Louis
Sari W. Montgomery, Robinson, Stewart, Montgomery & Doppke, LLC, Chicago

Improving and Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession
0.75 hour MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Diversity and Inclusion MCLE credit
Join us for this in-depth look at how to improve and promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Learn how your experiences and the challenges you have faced can create implicit bias toward others, as well as the barriers it creates during the hiring, retaining, and promoting process. A discussion on how to recognize unconscious biases in yourself and the strategies you can use to halt it in both your personal and professional life is also included.
Moderator: Khara A. Coleman, Office of the Cook County Sheriff, Oak Park
Lindy A. Giesler, Perbix and Morgan Attorneys at Law, Havana
Antonio Lee, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Chicago
Kenneth A. Matuszewski, Goldberg Segalla LLP, Chicago
Bhavani K. Raveendran, Romanucci & Blandin LLC, Chicago
Taylor Tyler, Tyler Law Offices PC, Chicago
Natali Thomas, ISBA YLD Chair 2023-24, South Carolina

Recognizing Impairment Issues and Lawyers Assistance Program Resources to Help
0.50 hour MCLE credit, including 0.50 hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse MCLE credit
You’ve learned to think like a lawyer. You also need to recognize that these thought processes can result in increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Learn to be aware of potential pitfalls and how to utilize the numerous resources available through the Lawyers’ Assistance Program.
Dr. Diana Uchiyama, Illinois Lawyers Assistance Program, Chicago

Professional Responsibility, Professionalism, and Technology Update
1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics MCLE credit
Equip yourself with the information you need to effectively and ethically incorporate technology into your practice. Technology provides great benefits for attorneys, including highly efficient workflow, unprecedented access to information and rapid, cost-effective communications. Most lawyers, however, do not consider the great risks that technology creates for the practicing attorney. This session identifies those risks and shows you how to address them before launching into the latest and greatest in technology, including the benefits and risks of using Artificial Intelligence.
Melissa A. Smart, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago

Tips to Protect Your Practice
0.50 hour MCLE credit, including 0.50 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics MCLE credit
As a new attorney, you want to make sure you have procedures in place to avoid a malpractice claim. In this session, the President and CEO of the professional liability insurance company founded by the ISBA in 1988 shares some of the tops tips to protect your practice, including client screening, ethical office sharing, conflicts of interest guidance, and more!
Jeffrey B. Strand, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Chicago

Time and Technology Strategies for Success
0.5 hour MCLE credit, including 0.5 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics MCLE credit
Maximize your effectiveness by implementing time management strategies into your practice. Learn tips on managing multiple interruptions, calendaring for success in managing case deadlines, juggling email overload, using technology to stay organized, communicating with clients effectively, and more. Tips on how these strategies help you reduce the stresses of the profession are also shared.
Paul R. Unger, Affinity Consulting Group, Ohio

Your New Legal Career
0.75 hour MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics MCLE credit
Our panelists draw upon their own experiences as a litigation lawyer, transactional practitioner, corporate counsel, and government attorney to address the issues you want to discuss during the closing segment! Topics include: challenges for new attorneys; where to turn for guidance; surviving the stresses of the first year of practice; settling on an area of practice (or transitioning from one you hate); finding your work/life balance, and much more!
Moderator: Judith E. Conway, Cooney & Conway, Chicago
Hannah R. Lamore, ISBA YLD Vice Chair 2023-24, Mahoney Silverman & Cross LLC, Joliet
Susannah Price Sullivan, Union Pacific Railroad Company, Lake Forest
Ryan Suniga, Securities Exchange Commission, Chicago
Natali Thomas, ISBA YLD Chair 2023-24, South Carolina


Legal Technology Assessment (Optional)
New! As a bonus benefit to completing the ISBA Basic Skills program, your registration includes a free Legal Technology Assessment (LTA) by Procertas valued at $129, compliments of the ISBA.

The LTA establishes how fluent you, as a new legal professional, are with the basic technology tools of the trade: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF. The LTA is both a benchmarked assessment and a training platform. Benchmarked results can be used for marketing, professional development, rate negotiation, etc. Primarily, however, results should be used to ensure that you, as a new legal professional, are getting the training you need. The LTA pairs competence-based assessments with synchronous, active learning and will help you assess your legal technology skills as you begin your new legal career.

To access the LTA, compliments of the ISBA:
  1. Email info@procertas.com with “ISBA Access” in the subject line to request your complimentary activation link.
  2. Receive your activation link by email directly from donotreply@Procertas.com within 24 hours of sending the email.


*Amended Supreme Court Rule 793(c)(1) requires newly admitted attorneys to complete a Basic Skills Course consisting of 6.0 hours
of Professional Responsibility MCLE credit and/or mentoring plus additional hours to equal 15 hours of MCLE credit. www.mcleboard.org.
For information on mentoring programs visit www.2civility.org/programs/mentoring/


To certify completion of this course, you must complete all the video or audio segments below.  Then to retrieve your certificate, complete the course evaluation and access your MCLE Certificate.  ISBA will report your credit to the MCLE board no later than 6 weeks after your certification.


Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • Fees:
    • New Attorney Member - Free
    • ISBA Member Price of $210 is displayed below when you log in and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price - $420
    • Law Students - Free

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