Illinois Bar Center, Springfield

New Admittees:
Welcome to a Year's
Free ISBA Membership!
We know how hard you've worked to get where you are, and we're proud to welcome you to the legal profession and the Illinois State Bar Association. ISBA is a voluntary organization dedicated to promoting the interests of Illinois lawyers and improving the quality of members' professional lives. As a member, you'll enjoy an array of practice resources, plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues, and many other valuable benefits.

Here's Just Some of What
ISBA Membership
Offers You

1. Fastcase—Absolutely FREE online legal research.
Access Fastcase through the ISBA Web site and get unlimited free access to the Fastcase federal and national library and "framed" Illinois statutes and codes. Fastcase is an easy-to-use search engine that allows both Boolean and natural-language searching; cases from the courts of review from Illinois and every other state, as well as U.S. Supreme and federal appellate cases (users can search all jurisdictions at once); and star pagination and double-column printing.

2. Electronic and print publications and information resources for your practice.
From our daily e-mailed newsletter, E-Clips, which includes free case digests, to practice-area-specific ISBA newsletters, from the ISBA Web site to the Illinois Bar Journal, we bring you a wealth of information. Find out more.

3. High quality but affordable continuing legal education.
Minimum Continuing Education (MCLE) is now the rule in Illinois. ISBA, an accredited CLE provider, promises that its Law Ed CLE delivers the most effective, convenient and affordable programs available. Here's the current schedule.

4. A listing on our Internet lawyer directory for consumers.
As an ISBA member you're entitled to a listing on IllinoisLawyerFinder.com, our powerful new way to connect with prospective clients. More than just a directory, IllinoisLawyerFinder.com offers information for the public about Illinois law and other consumer-friendly features. Find out more and sign up for a listing.

5. Networking opportunities through the Young Lawyers Division, ISBA meetings, and ISBA e-mail discussion groups.
As a new admittee, you're automatically enrolled in the ISBA Young Lawyers Division. Watch the YLD newsletter and the ISBA Bar News for information about YLD social events and networking opportunities. Our Annual and Midyear Meetings are great ways to commune with colleagues face to face. And our e-mail discussion groups put you in touch with lawyers across the state for quick answers and thoughtful exchanges.

6. Malpractice insurance at competitive rates.
ISBA Mutual - available only to ISBA members - specializes in professional liability insurance written specifically and exclusively to meet the needs of Illinois attorneys. It's their only business. Find out more and get an application form. And read 10 malpractice prevention tips from former ISBA Mutual counsel Anne Thar.

7. Ethics information and a full-service legislative staff.
ISBA members can get ethics information by reviewing our online database of ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct or by calling our legal department at (800)525-8908 ((217)525-1760 outside of Illinois). And our legislative affairs department provides services and information to members, including free copies of state bills and amendments, status of passed and pending legislation, and schedules of legislative committee hearings. Find out more.

8. Discounts on products and services.
We offer discounted services for you and your practice, including major medical, life, dental, disability and business owners insurance at reasonable rates. See what's available.

It's all free for the first year! To help us better serve your needs, please fill out our online membership form or, for a hard-copy version of the form and more information on membership benefits and services, call the Springfield office at 217/525-1760 or toll free at 800/252-8908.