Laura Ricketts's 'defective' Wilmette mansion leads to legal battles

The legal battles over Laura Ricketts's Wilmette mansion continue to be fought in court, more than a dozen years after the professional sports team owner and billionaire family member purchased the lakefront property.

From: 
Patch (Wilmette-Kenilworth)

Former Citi VP in Chicago pleads guilty to elder fraud, could face prison time

Helen Caldwell admitted bilking $1.5 million by steering older banking clients to invest in her side deals producing slasher movies.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Champaign man gets 6 years for sexually abusing teen enmeshed in forced-labor scheme

A Champaign man whose family members were involved in a forced-labor scheme was sentenced Thursday to six years in prison for sexually assaulting a teen over a period of at least five years.

From: 
The News-Gazette

'We need to strengthen domestic violence laws:' Advocates urge passage of Karina's Bill

Gun prevention advocates and Illinois lawmakers gathered this week to make a plea for the passing of Karina’s Bill.

From: 
The State Journal-Register

Latest Developments in DUI and Traffic Laws

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 Traffic Laws and Courts Section


3.25 hours MCLE credit

Original Program Date: Friday, January 19, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­January 29, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for an in-depth look at the new and trending DUI and traffic-related issues you need to be aware of, including the change in complex legal environment of standardized field sobriety testing, new case law and pending legislation, and how to help your client navigate the alcohol evaluation process.

Program Coordinator:
J. Brick Van Der Snick, Van Der Snick Law Firm Ltd., St. Charles

Program Moderator:
Nancy Easum, Easum Law Office LLC, Springfield


Introduction and Opening Remarks
Nancy Easum, Easum Law Office LLC, Springfield

Traffic Stops & Dog Drug Sniffs (Cannabis)
This segment examines traffic stops and K9 drug sniffs, as well as whether the odor of cannabis alone provides probable cause to search a vehicle. Additional topics include what happens when officers claim they see “shake” that they don’t document, and also report they smelled both burnt and raw cannabis to justify their legal basis for a search.
Matthew Paulson, Paulson & Vandersnick & Bradfield, Rock Island

Preparing Your Client for a Drug & Alcohol Evaluation Uniform Report
This presentation helps you prepare your client for a drug and alcohol evaluation uniform report, explores the differences between preparing for court vs. Secretary of State hearings, addresses confidentiality issues, and discusses the ability of the judges and prosecutors to use any information disclosed as aggravation in sentencing.
Jeffrey R. Hall, Hall Rustom LLC, Peoria

New and Current Case Law & Legislation
Discover the case law and legislative updates that may impact your next client with this informative segment.
Larry A. Davis, The Davis Law Group, P.C., Northfield
J. Brick Van Der Snick, Van Der Snick Law Firm Ltd., St. Charles

NHTSA 2023 Field Sobriety Testing Update
Don’t miss this brief overview of the NHTSA approved field sobriety testing battery, as well as a look at the changes that were recently put into effect in 2023. A digital copy of the new student manual will be provided to attendees.
Donald J. Ramsell, Ramsell & Associates, Wheaton


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 $113.75 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $227.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

ISBA'S LAW ED FACULTY DEVELOPMENT SERIES Virtual Presentations: The Basics and Beyond

ISBA’s Law Ed Faculty Development Series
Complimentary and Exclusively for ISBA Law Ed Faculty
(and for those who want to become Law Ed Faculty)
For ISBA Members Only


1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category : Professionalism, Civility, and Legal Ethics


Original Program Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Febuary 1, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)
Take your virtual presentation skills to the next level with the
practical tools and insights you will gain in this program.


Enhance your online zoom presentation skills by attending this interactive training program! With 95% of ISBA CLE credit delivered online to ISBA members, it’s important that you have the tools and insight you need to reach your next online CLE audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our experienced presenters as they take you through the process of planning your presentation all the way through your zoom presentation day, offering best practices, top tips, and inside advice along the way. For your next on-camera presentation, you’ll learn how to:
Structure and develop your presentation, including how to create learning objectives for your audience;
Identify best practices for written materials;
Use effective interactivity exercises;
Make the most of your available technology tools;
Maintain comfort and confidence on-camera;
  • Use the camera in a professional manner;
  • Know which Zoom (and other platform) features can enhance your delivery skills;
  • Use lighting and sound to your advantage;
  • Develop and use polls and other virtual platform features effectively;
  • And more!

Program Moderator:
Carol A. Casey, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, Joliet

Program Speakers:
Erika N. Harold, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Chicago
Paul Unger, Affinity Consulting, Ohio

‘Ready to work:' Lake County officials introduce new K9 cyber lab investigator

Lake County officials introduced a new K9 officer to their ranks this week, but the four-legged investigator represents a unique approach to battling crime.

From: 
NBC 5 Chicago

New Illinois law recommends yearly mental health screenings in schools

The Wellness Checks in Schools Program Act takes a proactive approach to students struggling with mental health, creating a plan to intervene before it is too late.

From: 
WIFR