Mailing of dues statements to ISBA members has been delayed until after the Assembly meeting on June 17. Members should expect to receive their statements in late June or early July, along with a special offer of a half-price Law Ed program to any members who pay dues by July 31.

At its June meeting, the Assembly will vote on enhanced services for ISBA members in three crucial areas: proposed online legal research, advertising to improve the image of the profession and the use of lawyers' services, and an expansion of state bar association CLE programming and services.

Online legal research: ISBA members will have access to free federal and state case law and other resources from Fastcase, a Washington, D.C.-based online research service.

Other bar associations, including the state bars of Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana and Iowa, have contracted with Fastcase to provide free case law to their members.

Image advertising: ISBA is embarking on a long-term advertising/marketing campaign designed to improve the image of the profession and to convince consumers that they need someone on their side when confronted with legal situations.

An initial campaign was conducted statewide in April and May in a dozen daily newspapers. Messages will be refined and expanded under the budget proposal pending before the Assembly.

CLE programming: Adoption by the Illinois Supreme Court of minimum continuing legal education standards brings additional opportunities for the ISBA to serve the education needs of its members.

In addition to expanded programming and additional staff, new technology is being added to increase ISBA's ability to provide both live programs and online or recorded programs to reach members in all parts of the state.

Members should receive their dues statements by no later than July 10. If your statement has not arrived by then, or if you have questions, call Ann Boucher at the Illinois Bar Center, (800)252-8908.