ISBA CLE

Hot Topics in Animal Law

Presented by the ISBA Animal Law Section

Chicago
Thursday, June 4, 2009
ISBA Regional Office
20 S. Clark Street (map and directions)
Suite 900
1:00 – 5:30 p.m.

4.0 MCLE credit hours, including 1.0* PMCLE credit hour

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Amy A. Breyer, The Law Offices of Amy A. Breyer, LLC, Chicago

For the first time ever, the ISBA is offering two CLE programs on the hot topic of animal law, sponsored by the new ISBA Section on this subject, with the first one scheduled for Chicago. No matter what area of law you practice, animals are increasingly the subject of legislation and litigation. Whether it’s spouses arguing over who gets the cat in a divorce, the euthanasia order for the family dog or even just figuring out how much the loss of a client’s companion animal is worth, here’s an opportunity to learn the latest in this developing area! Topics include animal law legislation and its process, “pet custody” and pet trusts in Illinois, dangerous dog ordinances, and ethical issues.

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. No Sausage Here: Making Animal Laws in Illinois
In this session, our distinguished speaker will examine various animal law related legislation, as well as the legislative process.
Senator Donald F Harmon, 39th District Illinois State Senate, Oak Park

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Break

2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Take the House but the Dog is Mine: Anecdotal “Tails” about Pet “Custody” Issues in Divorce
This session will provide an update on how courtrooms across the state and country are informally addressing the growing recognition that despite what the law says, divorcing spouses don’t always view the family pet like the rest of their stuff.
Angela E. Peters, Buffalo Grove Law Offices, Arlington Heights

2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Don’t Have Faith, Have a Trust: Estate Planning for Companion Animals
This session will examine how enforceable pet trusts can give companion humans some peace of mind.
Linscott R. Hanson, DiMonte & Lizak, LLC, Park Ridge

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Who’s the Real Danger Here? Navigating through Chicago’s Troublesome Dangerous Dog Ordinance
Our panel will discuss the procedural and substantive challenges in handling dangerous dog hearings, as well as how to deal with a client’s angst if their dog is sentenced to euthanasia. Gathering the behavioral evidence needed to properly evaluate and defend these claims will also be addressed.
Anna Morrison Ricordati, AMR Law Group, LLC, Chicago
Jamie L. D’Amato, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Animal Sense, Chicago

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. It’s Okay if Your Client is a Real Animal. You? Not So Much.*
This session will include a wide-ranging discussion of ethical issues—from specific animal law concerns to general practice tips for avoiding common ethical pitfalls.
Eugene F. Friedman, Friedman & Friedman, Ltd., Chicago

*Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval