Elder Law

6th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers - Democracy, The Constitution, and Lincoln the Lawyer/President - 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 Illinois State Bar Association
Co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Association


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


Original Program Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­January 6, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss ISBA’s 6th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we study Lincoln’s actions as a lawyer and President in facing threats to democracy in America and the United States Constitution. The program takes place in Springfield, which was the center of Lincoln’s law practice and three partnerships, and where Lincoln developed his understanding of the democratic process and his interpretation of the Constitution. It was the venue for many of Lincoln’s significant trials, including the “Peachy” Quinn Harrison murder trial. Join us for this in-depth look at how Lincoln’s view of the Constitution changed over time and evolved into the use of his Presidential War Powers to advance the case of Union and emancipation. Additional topics include:
  • How the 1909 Centennial Celebration of Lincoln’s birth resulted in no minorities attending the festivities and how, at the same time in New York City, concerned citizens formed the NAACP to discuss and address racism and white supremacy in the U.S.;
  • The current ethical issues facing attorneys, including lawyer-client privilege, confidentiality concerns, and limits on lawyers and litigants’ speech during trials;
  • How future lawyers can research Lincoln’s legal career and cases;
  • What current and future lawyers can learn from Lincoln’s legal legacy; and
  • Much more.

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

Contemporary Ethical Issues*
Join us for a discussion on the ethical issues facing lawyers today, including lawyer-client confidences, confidentiality requirements, restrictions on speech by lawyers and clients during trial, and more.
Melissa A. Smart, Director of Education, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago

Looking for Lawyer Lincoln? How Future Lawyers Can Access Lincoln’s Legal Cases, Papers, and Career*
John Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, Springfield

Lincoln’s Legacy as Lawyer/President*
This panel presentation discusses what current and future generations of lawyers can learn from Abraham Lincoln as a lawyer and a President.
Moderator: Hon. Ronald D. Spears(ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville
J. Steven Beckett, Steve Beckett Law Office LLC, Urbana
Prof. Brian Dirck, Anderson University, Indiana
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington
John Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, Springfield


Program 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

6th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers - Democracy, The Constitution, and Lincoln the Lawyer/President - Part 1

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
Co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Association


3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: January 6, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


 Don’t miss ISBA’s 6th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we study Lincoln’s actions as a lawyer and President in facing threats to democracy in America and the United States Constitution. The program takes place in Springfield, which was the center of Lincoln’s law practice and three partnerships, and where Lincoln developed his understanding of the democratic process and his interpretation of the Constitution. It was the venue for many of Lincoln’s significant trials, including the “Peachy” Quinn Harrison murder trial. Join us for this in-depth look at how Lincoln’s view of the Constitution changed over time and evolved into the use of his Presidential War Powers to advance the case of Union and emancipation. Additional topics include:
  • Lincoln’s representation in the high-profile “Peachy” Quinn Harrison murder trial. (Robert Hitt, a court stenographer at the time, recorded the trial and produced a trial transcript, which is now preserved at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum);
  • The 1908 Springfield Race Riot and how its violence and aftermath showed the nation that Lincoln’s struggle for freedom and equality for all citizens was far from a reality;
  • Much more.

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

Lincoln’s Evolving Views on the Constitution as Lawyer and President*
The program’s opening segment examines Lincoln’s loyalty to the rule of law and commitment to democracy and the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, while at the same tine operating under a Constitution that protected slavery.
Prof. Brian Dirck, Anderson University, Indiana

Lincoln and the “Peachy” Quinn Harrison Murder Trial*
In 1859, a former law clerk of Lincoln’s was murdered, but Lincoln defended the accused, who happened to be the grandson of Reverend Peter Cartwright (who had run against Lincoln for office twice) and the son of a prominent political supporter. Don’t miss this in-depth look at one of Lincoln’s most high profile trials.
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington

1908 Springfield Race Riot
This segment examines the events leading up to racial violence in Lincoln’s Hometown in August 1908, as well as its aftermath.
Kathryn Harris Former Division Manager of Library Services of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Past-President of Abraham Lincoln Association


Program 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

Resting in Pieces: How to Avoid Putting Family Harmony and Plan Integrity at Risk in the Estate Plan - 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 Trusts & Estates Section


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


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 16, 2026(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of the role family dynamics play in the estate planning process, and how drafting and counseling can help avoid family disharmony for your clients. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this full-day seminar will learn:

  • How to decipher the trust documents of complicated family dynamics;
  • The trust and estate administration factors that can disrupt the harmony in a family;
  • What you need to know about dispositive provisions for trust distributions;
  • The challenges facing lawyers when collaborating with financial planners, tax advisors, family therapists, and other professionals; and
  • How to adhere to professional ethical standards to ensure that your client’s estate plan reflects the family’s values, while minimizing potential conflicts.

Program Coordinator:
Daniel P. Felix, The Professional Trustee, Deerfield

Program Moderator:
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, Chicago

Drafting Support and Discretionary Trusts to Incorporate Family Values and Carry Out Client Intent
This segment discusses the oft-neglected aspects of drafting trusts, such as the dispositive provisions relating to trust distributions, including what (if any) legal distinction exists between support and discretionary trusts, as well as how Illinois courts and law construe the provisions of each. Additional topics include: the long-standing trend toward hybrid trusts, combining the aspects of both support and discretionary trusts, and the drafting techniques you can use to ensure that trust provisions reflect the family’s values.
Timothy P. O’Sullivan, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC, Kansas
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, Chicago

Multi-Disciplinary Ethics Issues*
Don’t miss this discussion on the ethical considerations that can arise when incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach to estate planning, specifically in the context of maintaining family harmony and plan integrity. Listen as our speaker draws from the insights and techniques discussed in prior segments to address the challenges and responsibilities that lawyers face when collaborating with other professionals, such as financial planners, tax advisors, and family therapists. Learn how to adhere to professional ethical standards and best practices to ensure that your client’s estate plan reflects and effectuates the family’s values, while minimizing potential conflicts and disputes.
Jason D. Foster, ArentFox Schiff, Chicago

Panel Discussion: Bringing It All Together
The program closes with an interactive discussion regarding the questions and issues raised by both the attendees and speakers throughout the program.
Jason D. Foster, ArentFox Schiff, Chicago
Kim Schneider Malek, Quest for Legitimacy, Denver
Timothy P. O’Sullivan, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC, Kansas
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutle

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 $122.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $245
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Resting in Pieces: How to Avoid Putting Family Harmony and Plan Integrity at Risk in the Estate Plan - Part 1

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 Trusts & Estates Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 16, 2026(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of the role family dynamics play in the estate planning process, and how drafting and counseling can help avoid family disharmony for your clients. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this full-day seminar will learn:

  • How to decipher the trust documents of complicated family dynamics;
  • The trust and estate administration factors that can disrupt the harmony in a family;
  • What you need to know about dispositive provisions for trust distributions;
  • The challenges facing lawyers when collaborating with financial planners, tax advisors, family therapists, and other professionals; and
  • How to adhere to professional ethical standards to ensure that your client’s estate plan reflects the family’s values, while minimizing potential conflicts.

Program Coordinator:
Daniel P. Felix, The Professional Trustee, Deerfield

Program Moderator:
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, Chicago

How to Build a Bridge Between Generations: Applying Family Dynamics to Help the Family Work with Wealth
Have your successful clients overcome certain circumstances that led to their success and now they need help creating a path to connect with the next generation within their family? Are you unsure how to apply family dynamics to help these clients work with (and not against) their wealth? Then don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Dr. James Weiner as he draws upon his vast experience in deciphering trust documents in often complicated family dynamics, while sharing stories and lessons drawn from his latest book, The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Find Their Unique Place in the World .
Kim Schneider Malek, Quest for Legitimacy, Denver

Drafting to Avoid Family Disharmony*
This segment explores the major estate and trust administration factors that can enhance the risk of family disharmony and the negative economic consequences it engenders. Learn which drafting techniques can help minimize these risks (including suggested provisions and clauses) and what to include in wills and revocable trust agreements.
Timothy P. O’Sullivan, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC, Kansas
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, 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 $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

Tort Law Toolkit: Navigating Medical Malpractice and Premises Liability Claims

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 Tort Law Section


2.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 25, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the tools you need to advise your clients on medical malpractice claims and premises liability cases with this informative online seminar. Tort law attorneys, general practitioners, health care counsel, and insurance law lawyers with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this program will better understand:
  • The recent developments in medical malpractice law;
  • How to effectively vet potential cases and evaluate the extent of injuries and damages;
  • The strategies to identify and select appropriate expert witnesses to support claims in medical malpractice cases;
  • The procedural timelines that govern medical malpractice cases;
  • How to assess premises liability cases, including insurance implications; and
  • The differing standards that apply to various defendants (such as governmental entitles vs. private owners).
The program includes case studies and hypothetical situations to show attendees how to apply these principles to real world scenarios.

Program Coordinators and Chat Moderators:
Josh Rohrscheib, Onward Injury Law, Bloomington
Judith Conway, Cooney & Conway, Chicago

Program Speaker:
Mark Benfield, Heyl, Royster, Voelker, & Allen P.C., Champaign
Alex Blair, MG+M The Law Firm, Chicago
Judith Conway, Cooney & Conway, Chicago
Sarah F. King, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago
Hon. Marguerite A. Quinn (ret.), ADR Systems, Chicago
Craig J. Squillace, Clifford Law Offices, 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 $70 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $140
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Mental Health 101: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving

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 Young Lawyers Division


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour  Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Mental Health and Substance Abuse


Original Program Date: November 5, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 2, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


As attorneys, we work long hours, juggle multiple cases simultaneously, spend a large amount of time researching case law and preparing legal documents, and have strict deadlines that must be remembered (and met!) – all while staying up to date on the ever-changing laws and regulations that will impact our clients and practice. These mental demands can take its toll and leave us feeling deflated, burnt out, and running on fumes. Join us for this online seminar that teaches you how to create a better work-life balance, while still meeting your professional and personal goals. Topics include:
  • Positive strategies to enhance your self-care;
  • How to practice mindful stress management;
  • Tactics for building your resilience and mental fitness; and
  • How to find your perfect mental health space.

Program Coordinator:
Jason R. Blumenthal, Donahue & Rose P.C., Rosemont

Program Chat Moderator:
Courtney A. Berlin, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago

Program Speaker:
Erin Clifford, Clifford Law Offices, 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 $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

Obtaining Adult Guardianships: Everything You Need to Know

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 Elder Law Section, ISBA Trusts & Estates Section, and the ISBA Health Care Law Section
Co-Sponsored by the ISBA Senior Lawyers Section and ISBA Disability Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: November 3, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 21, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)
Join us online for an in-depth look at the guardianship of adults with disabilities. Elder law attorneys, trusts and estates lawyers, health care counsel, senior lawyer practitioners, and disability law attorneys with basic practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand: 
  • How to file a petition and the notices that are required;
  • How to prepare for your hearing;
  • The rights of the respondent;
  • The common issues facing both the attorney and the client; and
  • The guardian’s role and duties.

Program Coordinators:
Daniel P. Felix , The Professional Trustee, Deerfield
Dolores A. Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

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

Program Speaker:
Sharon R. Rudy,Sharon R Rudy P.C., Rockford


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

Navigating Medicare: Appeals and Long-Term Care Benefits

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 Elder Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 10, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of the Medicare appeals process, while learning how to identify the different levels of appeals with this informative online seminar. Elder law attorneys, health care counsel, senior lawyers, and disability law practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this program will better understand:
  • How to advocate for your clients when their Medicare benefits are prematurely cut off;
  • The regulatory framework governing Medicare benefits for long-term care residents;
  • The practical strategies you need to know to ensure compliance and successful benefit claims; and
  • Much more.

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

Program Speaker:
Al Kushner , Real Easy Medicare, Florida


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

Civil Remedies and Other Avenues to Address Elder Financial Exploitation

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 Elder Law Section Council


1.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 10, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Elder financial exploitation is one of the fastest-growing types of elder abuse and is often the result of greedy family members, caregivers, neighbors, and business partners. Don’t miss this in-depth look at this important area of the law, including the different ways seniors are being financially exploited, how to prevent or stop the financial exploitation of the elder community, the civil remedies that could be used to recover your client’s stolen assets, and the consumer protections that may help financial exploitation victims.


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

Program Speakers:
Megan McGlothlin Wood, Prairie State Legal Services, Bloomington
Megan Kinney, 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

The Dawning of the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Promise or Threat to the Practice of Law?

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 Artificial Intelligence & The Practice of Law


2.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention


Original Program Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­August 5, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Machines thinking like humans used to be the premise of Sci-Fi novels and movies, but machines are now doing what we never thought possible. Join us for an overview of how this technology is already impacting the practice of law, why you should use it, how to use it ethically and efficiently, and how to recognize (and address) the risks of using it. Topics include:
  • What is artificial intelligence and how does it work?
  • How will artificial intelligence change the practice?
  • What is the promise of AI and peril to the practice?
  • Will it be a boost to productivity, or will it replace lawyers?
  • How will we deal with the threat of disinformation?

Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Promise or Peril?
Don’t miss this in-depth look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the legal practice, as well as the ethical issues to be aware of when using this technology. Topics include: recent developments in AI, type of AI, the application of artificial intelligence in the practice of law; how artificial intelligence is being used in the courts; and how to recognize (and address) Deep Fakes.
Moderator: George (“Geo”) Bellas , Bellas & Wachowski, Park Ridge
Jonathan Nessler, Nessler & Associates Ltd., Springfield
Nelson Rosario, Rosario Tech Law, LLC, Chicago

Practical Demonstration of Artificial Intelligence in the Practice
Learn how to identify problems that artificial intelligence can solve (and which AI tools to use in solving that problem) with this informative presentation. Examples of how artificial intelligence can assist with office tasks and market your law practice are also included.
Drew G. Vaughn, Deviant Marketing LLC, 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 $70 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $140
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free