Allerton Conference 2025: Exploring the Future of Law with Artificial Intelligence

The Illinois State Bar Association’s biennial Allerton Conference is just around the corner, and this year’s theme is one that every legal professional should have on their radar: "Generative Artificial Intelligence – Fact or Fiction: Transforming the Legal Practice." Held from April 2-4, 2025, at the I Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign, IL.

Co-hosted by the ISBA Civil Practice and Procedure Section and the ISBA Standing Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law, and sponsored by ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, the conference will feature leading legal scholars, judges, and technology experts discussing the opportunities and challenges AI presents for attorneys. 

Why You Should Attend

The Allerton Conference brings together invited lawyers, judges, and law professors from around the state to discuss recent issues in the legal profession. As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, it presents both opportunities and challenges for attorneys across all practice areas. Whether you’re a litigator, in-house counsel, or law firm leader, understanding AI’s role in evidence, legal research, and courtroom procedures is essential. The Allerton Conference will dive deep into the implications of AI in law, covering topics such as:

• The use of AI-generated evidence in litigation and the legal risks associated with deepfakes.
• Ethical considerations when integrating AI into legal practice.
• Cybersecurity concerns in the digital age and best practices for protecting client data.
• Legislative and judicial perspectives on AI regulation and courtroom applications.

An Impressive Lineup of Experts

This year’s program features renowned speakers and panelists, including Prof. Kristian Hammond from Northwestern University, Hon. Iain D. Johnston of the U.S. District Court, and AI security professionals from leading firms. Sessions will include expert-led discussions, interactive panels, and fireside chats that provide actionable insights for attorneys navigating AI’s impact on their practice.

Engaging Networking Opportunities

The Allerton Conference isn’t just about education—it’s also a prime opportunity to network. Join colleagues from across Illinois at cocktail receptions, sponsored meals, and breakout discussions, all designed to foster connections and collaboration among ISBA members.

A Closer Look at the Conference Sessions

This three-day event is packed with highly relevant, expert-led discussions, including:

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

• 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception – Network with fellow attorneys over drinks. (Sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP.)
• 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner & Welcome Remarks – Kick off the conference with introductory remarks and networking. (Sponsored by Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC and Mathis Marifian & Richter Ltd.)

Thursday, April 3, 2025

• 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast – Power up for the day with a delicious breakfast spread. (Sponsored by the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company and the Illinois State Bar Association)
• 8:45 – 10:00 a.m. Generative AI: A New Era – An in-depth overview of AI’s rapid development and what it means for legal professionals, featuring Prof. Kristian Hammond (Northwestern University).
• 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Artificial Intelligence Evidence Introduction – A judge’s perspective on the admissibility of AI-generated evidence, presented by Hon. Iain D. Johnston (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois).
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Artificial Intelligence Evidence in Litigation and Beyond – A panel discussion on AI-generated evidence, deepfake detection, and courtroom challenges. Panelists include:
  • Hon. Iain D. Johnston, U.S. District Court
  • Shannon M. McNulty, Clifford Law Offices
  • Prof. Anita Nikolich, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Fireside Chat – Enjoy lunch and a thought-provoking discussion with special guests. (Sponsored by the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company and the Illinois State Bar Association)
• 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Digital & Data Security in the Age of AI – Learn how to protect client data from AI-driven cybersecurity threats. Experts include:
  • Aaron W. Brooks, Brooks Law and Consulting
  • Scott Carlson, Retired Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
  • Brad Moldenhauer, Zscaler
• 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Legislators’ Perspectives on AI Regulation – Illinois lawmakers discuss the latest AI legislation and its implications for attorneys. Speakers include:
  • Sen. Steve McClure (54th District)
  • Rep. Travis R. Weaver (93rd District)
• 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. AI in the Courtroom: Judges' Perspectives – Hear firsthand how courts are utilizing AI and the challenges it presents, moderated by Hon. Joel Chupack, Circuit Court of Cook County. Panelists include:
  • Hon. Michael J. Chmiel, Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit
  • Hon. Eugene Doherty, Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District
  • Hon. Jeffrey A. Goffinet, First Judicial Circuit Court
• 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception – Network with fellow attorneys and debrief on the day’s panels over drinks. (Sponsored by Johnson & Bell)
• 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Dinner – Enjoy dinner with peers. (Sponsored by Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC)

Friday, April 4, 2025

• 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Artificial Intelligence and Ethics – A must-attend panel on how attorneys can responsibly integrate AI into their practice. Speakers include:
  • Jason D. Krieser, McDermott Will & Emery LLP
  • Prof. Wendy J. Muchman, Northwestern University
• 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Breakout Session Reports & Proposed Changes
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concluding Remarks

Refreshments throughout the Conference are sponsored by Amundsen Davis LLC; Webber & Thies P.C.; Heather McPherson, Candidate for ISBA’s 3rd Vice President.

Register Today

This three-day event is a must-attend for attorneys who want to stay ahead of AI-driven changes in the legal profession. Don’t miss your chance to gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and connections that will shape the future of your practice.

Register now – deadline is March 23 – and be part of the conversation that will define the next era of law and technology!