Elder Law

1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: November 18, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 19, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Improve the culture of your office and satisfy your annually mandated sexual harassment prevention training requirement by attending this program. Consistent with the requirements established in Section 2-109(B) of the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (Public Act 101-0220) this program will help you gain an understanding of what sexual harassment is, what remedies are available to victims of sexual harassment, and what responsibilities employers have in the prevention, investigation, and provision of corrective measures to address sexual harassment in the workplace. Topics include: reporting allegations; conditions of employment; settlement or termination agreements; and more. This program is open to both Illinois lawyers and their staff members.

Program Virtual Moderator:
Laura E. Schrick, Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., Belleville

Program Speakers:
Michael R. Lied, Attorney at Law, Dunlap
Thalia Pacheco, Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C., Chicago

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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: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 6, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Movies often depict lawyers behaving badly, acting unprofessionally, or blatantly violating rules of professional conduct – all for the sake of entertainment. But in real life, attorneys need to avoid these gaffes at all costs, learn from their mistake when they do occur, and understand the consequences that may arise in the aftermath. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Stuart Teicher as he examines both the obvious and subtle ethics violations being committed by lawyers in the movies and on television. Topics include:

• Ex parte conversations with a judge (Rule 3.5);
• How fictional lawyers are constantly disrupting a tribunal (Rule 3.4(d)); and
• Your responsibility to report a colleague’s misconduct (Rule 8.3 (a)).

About the Speaker:
Stuart I. Teicher , Esq. is a professional legal educator who focuses on ethics law and writing instruction. A practicing lawyer for 30 years, Stuart’s career is now dedicated to helping fellow lawyers survive the practice of law and thrive in the profession. He teaches seminars, provides in-house training to law firms and legal departments, provides CLE instruction at law firm client events, and also gives keynote speeches at conventions and association meetings. Stuart helps lawyers get better at what they do (and enjoy the process) through his entertaining and educational CLE “performances.” He speaks, teaches, and writes. His most recent book is titled, How to Stop Hating the Law: A Path to Hope for Miserable Lawyers. Mr. Teicher is a Supreme Court appointee to the New Jersey District Ethics Committee where he investigates and prosecutes grievances filed against attorneys. He is an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown Law where he teaches Professional Responsibility, and served for 15 years as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he taught undergraduate writing courses. He also taught both Professional Responsibility and Legal Writing at St. John’s University School of Law in New York City.

1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Diversity & Inclusion credit


Original Program Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 6, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


To address the unmet legal needs in our communities, the Illinois Supreme Court has adopted the Pro Bono Pilot Project, which is a two-year pilot program that allows Illinois attorneys to earn up to 1 hour of MCLE credit for every 2 hours of pro bono participation they complete with Illinois Free Legal Answers. Join us for an in-depth look at what you need to know about this project, including:

• The Midwest findings from the 2022 Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Justice Gap study;
• A review of the Illinois Supreme Court Rule 795(d), which establishes earning MCLE credit for Pro Bono Pilot Project;
• A summary of the annual pro bono reporting requirements for attorneys;
• What the Public Interest Law Initiative is working on to help our profession and community; and
• A demonstration on how to navigate the Illinois Free Legal Answers website.

Program Coordinator:
Dolores A. Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Woodstock

Program Moderator:
Karen Alice Kloppe, Legal Assistance Developer, Illinois Department on Aging, Springfield

Program Speaker:
Andrea Schrader, Attorney Program Manager Public Interest Law Initiative, Edwardsville

10.50 hours MCLE credit, including 4.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:

• 2.0 hours Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit
• 1.0 hour Diversity & Inclusion credit
• 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit

Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 6, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


This three-part program is designed to help those attorneys who represent children. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 906(c), an attorney should receive ten hours of education every two years in child developments; 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:

• How to become a guardian ad litem and what the work entails;
• What is expected from the guardian ad litem;
• How to handle your client’s issues;
• How implicit bias impacts the way legal matters are handled;
• The recent case law updates that may impact your next case;
• Guardian ad litem appointments;
• How substance abuse can impact parenting time;
• The special needs and school-related issues you need to be aware of;
• How to recognize domestic violence in your case;
• Understanding child development and how to ask age-appropriate questions during the interview process;
• What judges are looking for in guardians ad litem; and
• Much more.

The training may qualify the attendee to be placed on their local Circuit’s guardian ad litem list and/or qualify as continuing guardian ad litem education required by the attendee’s local rules, but attendees should verify with their Circuit to ensure this training will meet the Circuit’s rules.


Program Coordinator:
Deanna Hoyt, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC, Libertyville

Program Moderators:
Deanna Hoyt, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC, Libertyville
Kelly Thames Bennett, Greenberg and Sinkovits, Chicago
Hon. Robert Anderson (Ret.), Wheaton


Part 1

Original Program Date: October 9, 2025

Program Chat Moderators:

• Hallie M. Bezner, Bezner Law, Oak Park
• Umberto S. Davi, Umberto S. Davi, P.C., Western Springs

Starting as a Guardian ad Litem: Appointed, Now What?
This three-part series opens with an in-depth look at the multiple things you need to know when embarking on your role as a GAL – from who to interview (and in what order), how to get protected records, the statute provisions to be aware of, the importance of taking notes, preparing to testify if called as a witness, and much more.
Christopher B. Smith, Weller Law, LLC, Belleville
Megan Gilbreth, Cooper, Gilbreth & Doyle Law Offices, Red Bud/Waterloo
Paul Ray, Ray Law LLC, Redbud
Catherine Evans, Catherine E Evans Attorney at Law P.C., Redbud

Writing a Report
This segment discusses what you need to include when writing your report, what to leave out, how long the report should be, and the best format for writing your report. Additional topics include: assessing statutory factors, writing recommendations, and understanding what the statute requires.
Christopher B. Smith, Weller Law, LLC, Belleville
Megan Gilbreth, Cooper, Gilbreth & Doyle Law Offices, Red Bud/Waterloo

Case Law
Don’t miss this presentation that examines relevant case law for GALs, as well as a look at the instances when court discretion and parenting rules have been overturned. A discussion on whether case law can help you throughout your investigation, testimony, and report writing is also included.
David Gotzh, Appellate Solutions, LLC, Chicago


Part 2

Original Program Date: October 16, 2025

Program Chat Moderators:

• Kelly Thames Bennett, Greenberg and Sinkovits, Chicago
• Josette Allen, Smart Law LLC, Rosemont

Substance Abuse*
This presentation discusses how to determine if there are substance abuse issues, what evaluations are available (and what those evaluations tell a GAL or court), and what happens after the evaluation has taken place and recommendations have been presented. A look at how substance abuse issues impact parenting time is also examined.
Elizabeth Miner-McIntyre, MSW, LCSW, LPHA, Rosecrance Health Network, Rockford
Alysia Fenton-Stackpole, MS, Rosecrance Health Network, Rockford

School Laws/Special Needs
Get the information you need on a multitude of special needs and school related issues with this informative segment. Topics include: how physical disabilities and medical needs can impact learning, when you should contact school professionals and the questions you should be asking, how the information in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help with making GAL recommendations, and how the IEP differs from a 504 Plan.
Thomas Dennis, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Peoria

We Need To Talk: Navigating Challenging Conversations about Diversity*
Learn how to investigate different cultural backgrounds and economic situations without imposing your own personal values throughout the process, as well as how to identify biases and the strategies we can use to combat them. The do’s and don’ts of difficult conversations are
also discussed.
Julia Roundtree Livingston, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Chicago


Part 3

Original Program Date: October 23, 2025

Program Chat Moderators:

• Deanna Hoyt, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC, Libertyville
• Lindsay Roalfs, Roalfs Law & Mediation LLC, Waukegan

Domestic Violence in GAL Matters
Gain a better understanding of how to identify domestic violence in your GAL cases, how to check for previous and current Orders of Protection, and the resources available for the families you’ve been assigned to represent.
Kendall Hodges, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Ottawa

Child Development*
Get the tips you need for interviewing children, how to ask age-appropriate questions, and how to how to ask open-ended questions that avoid leading the child. Additional topics include: observation vs. interview, understanding brain development, and how parent separation may be impacting the child you are interviewing.
Carolyn Hubler, St. Clair Child Advocacy Center, Belleville

Mental Health*
This presentation explores the various mental health issues you may encounter as a GAL – from parents having mental health issues to personality disorders in children (and how that may impact parenting), to adverse childhood experiences and the trauma you may feel vicariously through you clients.
Dr. Sarah Dyer, Amethyst Neuropsychology PLLC, Swansea

Judicial Panel
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our panel of judges as they discuss what judges are looking for from GALs, how GALs are chosen for cases, and how GALs will be notified of their appointments. A look at how to get on the county’s GAL list and whether appointments are for family law cases only or if they are for probate, juvenile, and other matters is included.
Moderator: Hon. Robert J. Anderson (Ret.), Loyola University, Chicago
Hon. Chad S. Beckett, 6th Judicial Circuit, Champaign
Hon. Amanda Byassee Gott, 1st Judicial Circuit, Marion
Hon. Leah D. Setzen, 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage
Hon. Kenton J. Skarin, 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage

Friday, December 12, 2025
JW Marriott, 151 W Adams St, Chicago
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
(during the ISBA/IJA Midyear Meeting)

1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50* hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment credit



Get the information you need regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence with this informative panel presentation. Attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:

• What artificial intelligence really means and the differences between “old” AI and today’s LLM/Generative AI (GenAI).
• How the ARDC’s new guidance will help you to maintain compliance with ethical standards, including:
  • The ethics of (not) using AI and billing by the hour (Illinois Rule 1.5, Comment 9);
  • Preventing the unauthorized practice of law committed by relying upon GenAI answers; and
  • Other competency obligations, including duty to supervise, avoiding bias, candor to courts, and advertising implications.
• How to use, store, and protect client data within a GenAI/LLM system (and how to judge a system is sufficiently secure/appropriate for lawyers) to comply with Rule 1.6.

An in-house attorney also provides client viewpoints such as securing data when using a GenAI system and whether you should adjust your billable rates to reflect the use of GenAI.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC

Program Speakers:
Neil Ballentine, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Aaron Brooks, Brooks Law and Consulting, LLC, Chicago
Mathew Kerbis, Subscription Attorney LLC, Deerfield
Sari W. Montgomery, Robinson, Stewart, Montgomery & Doppke LLC, Chicago


*Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval

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6.25 hours MCLE credit, including 6.25 hours approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Friday, September 12, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 30, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Why is Illinois joining 42 other jurisdictions that have chosen to implement NextGen for their bar exam? What effect will this implementation have on the practice of law in this state? How are these changes likely to impact both law school study and the legal community as a whole? Get the answers to these questions and more with these two half-day seminars that explore the various ways Illinois law schools are preparing their students to practice law in the real world. Topics include:

• An overview of the NextGen Bar Exam;
• How law school leadership can help students succeed after law school;
• The historical efforts of the Illinois State Bar Association in helping prepare law students to practice law;
• Understanding what the NextGen Bar Exam means for the future of legal education and the practice of law; and
• A look at the new topics on the NextGen Bar Exam.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Ted A. Donner , Donner & Company Law Offices, LLC, Glen Ellyn

Overview: Illinois Adopts the NextGen Bar Exam*
Moderator: Prof. Wendy H. Vaughn, Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb
Prof. Jon J. Lee , Distinguished Scholar in Residence, National Conference of Bar Examiners, Wisconsin
Susannah Pollvogt , Principal Consultant for Curriculum, Law School Admission Council, Pennsylvania
Suzanne J. Schmitz , President, Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar, Carbondale

Law School Leadership: What Do Students Need from Their Law Schools and Bar Associations?*
Moderator: Jason R. Blumenthal, Donahue & Rose, P.C., Rosemont
Moderator: Joseph A. Souligne, Webber & Thies, P.C., Urbana

Roundtable Discussion: What the NextGen Bar Exam Means for the Future of Legal Education*
Moderator: Daniel R. Thies , Webber & Thies, P.C., Urbana
Prof. Marsha Griggs , St. Louis University School of Law, Missouri
Megan Kreminski , Director of Academic Success, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago
Susannah Pollvogt , Principal Consultant for Curriculum, Law School Admission Council, Pennsylvania
Prof. Kate Waldinger, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago

Next Gen’s Emphasis on Foundational Lawyering Skills*
Moderator: H. Case Ellis, Resolute Systems, Chicago
Michael Bergmann , Executive Director, Public Interest Law Initiative, Chicago
Melissa A. Smart , Director of Education, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, 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 $150 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
• Non-Member Price $310
• New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
• Law Students – Free

Live Webcast
Thursday, December 18, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

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

Although mediation offers the path of least resistance to resolving differences between parties, it still requires thorough preparation from both you and your client. Don’t miss this in-depth look at how to help your client get the most out of mediation, including what to expect at the meeting, the best practices for preparing for the mediation (from both the plaintiff and defense perspectives), how to prepare a concise and compelling mediation package, and how to handle yourself throughout the mediation process.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Judith Conway, Cooney & Conway, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
Josh Rohrscheib, Onward Injury Law, Bloomington

Program Speakers:
Michael R. Hartigan, Hartigan & O’Connor, LLC, Chicago
Hon. Clare McWilliams (ret.), Resolute Systems, Chicago
Jeffrey A. Schulkin, Ankin Law, LLC, Chicago


For best practices, before attending the program using ISBA's Zoom platform, please visit our Technical Support page.

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3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 3.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 8, 2023
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 9, 2025 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this two part series from ISBA’s 5^th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar, as we take an in-depth look at how inventions and advancements in science and technology create opportunities for lawyers to represent innovators, as well as those clients who are disrupted by the innovation (including the legal profession). The program takes place at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum located on the historic island that supported part of the railroad bridge subject to Lincoln’s famous case of Hurd et al v. Rock Island Bridge Company (often called the Effie Afton trial.) Ft. Armstrong has been on Rock Island since 1816. Army Dr. Emerson was stationed at Ft. Armstrong from 1834 to 1836 and took Dred Scott with him as a slave. Slavery was prohibited in Illinois and that later served as Scott’s claim for freedom in the Dred Scott case. The first rail bridge over the Mississippi used the Island to connect Illinois to Iowa and was finished in 1856 (and struck by the steamboat Effie Afton the same year!). President Lincoln signed the legislation creating the Arsenal in 1862, which became a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Join us for this informative, historical look at how Lincoln addressed the science and technology issues of his time, and how lawyers of every generation face similar challenges. Topics include:

• The ethical issues facing lawyers regarding science and technology innovations;
• How AI and emerging technology is impacting current lawyers and law practice; and
• Much more.

Program Coordinators:
J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office P.C., Urbana
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville

Contemporary Ethical Issues
Explore the ethical issues facing lawyers today – from the need to stay current with technology to problems with email, websites, cybersecurity, and more – with this informative session.
Peter L. Rotskoff, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Springfield

How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Lawyers and the Legal Profession
Get the information you need about how the evolving area of AI may impact your law practice and the legal system.
Jonathan T. Nessler, Nessler & Associates Ltd., Springfield

Block Chain, AI, Disruptive Innovations – What is a Lawyer To Do?
This panel presentation discusses what we can learn from Lincoln’s experiences with science and technology, and how lawyers and the legal profession will continue to be impacted.
Moderator: J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office P.C., Urbana
Jonathan T. Nessler, Nessler & Associates Ltd., Springfield
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville



*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s 5th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy Conference. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.



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 $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
• Non-Member Price $210
• New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
• Law Students - Free

2.75 hours MCLE credit, including 2.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 8, 2023
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­October 21, 2025 - October 20, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this two part series from ISBA’s 5^th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar, as we take an in-depth look at how inventions and advancements in science and technology create opportunities for lawyers to represent innovators, as well as those clients who are disrupted by the innovation (including the legal profession). The program takes place at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum located on the historic island that supported part of the railroad bridge subject to Lincoln’s famous case of Hurd et al v. Rock Island Bridge Company (often called the Effie Afton trial.) Ft. Armstrong has been on Rock Island since 1816. Army Dr. Emerson was stationed at Ft. Armstrong from 1834 to 1836 and took Dred Scott with him as a slave. Slavery was prohibited in Illinois and that later served as Scott’s claim for freedom in the Dred Scott case. The first rail bridge over the Mississippi used the Island to connect Illinois to Iowa and was finished in 1856 (and struck by the steamboat Effie Afton the same year!). President Lincoln signed the legislation creating the Arsenal in 1862, which became a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Join us for this informative, historical look at how Lincoln addressed the science and technology issues of his time, and how lawyers of every generation face similar challenges. Topics include:

• How Lincoln’s curiosity and self-study of other disciplines (including science and technology) enhanced his ability to represent clients from a broad range of industries;
• Lincoln’s representation in the famous Effie Afton trial where the interests of steamboats clashed with the development of railroad expansion;
• Lincoln’s role as legislator, lawyer, President, and inventor in other areas of science and technology innovations;
• Much more.

Program Coordinators:
J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office P.C., Urbana
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville

Lincoln’s Interest and Commitment to Science and Technology
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

Lincoln and the Effie Afton Case
Don’t miss this in-depth look at how the westward expansion of railroads required a bridge over the Mississippi and how that collided, figuratively and literally, with the steamboat industry.
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington

Lincoln’s Cases involving Railroads and Other Patents and Inventions
This segment explores some of the many cases Lincoln participated in as new inventions, methods of transportation, commerce, and industry came to Illinois.
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville



*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s 5th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy Conference. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.



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 $96.25 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
• Non-Member Price $192.50
• New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
• Law Students - Free