YLD Professional Development are aimed at teaching law students and young attorneys practical steps in developing their legal careers and features esteemed panelists discussing a variety of topics, while also taking questions from the audience.
Settlement Conferences & Mediations
During our May 11th Food Court event, our panel of judges participate in a moderated question and answer session focusing on what an attorney should know when appearing for settlement conferences and participating in mediations. Learn what to expect, how best to prepare, and how to be an effective advocate within the context of mediations and settlement conferences, plus more. The distinguished panel of judges includes Hon. Beth W. Jantz, Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Hon. David G. Bernthal, Former Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, and Hon. Brad K. Bleyer, Former Presiding Judge of Williamson County in the First Judicial Circuit. Recorded May 11, 2022.
Taking and Defending Expert Depositions
Our Lunch and Learn features a panel of experienced attorneys with tips and tricks to excel at expert depositions. We will discuss both taking and defending expert depositions. We will cover disclosures, preparing the witness, deciding on lines of questioning, use of exhibits, expert reports, considerations for in person versus remote depositions, and much more. Whether you have never taken an expert deposition or conduct them routinely, there will be something for you to learn and improve your practice. Recorded April 13, 2022.
International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
During our March 9th Food Court event, we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month and with an incredible group of female judges. Our panel of judges will discuss the various challenges, including bias, stereotypes, and discrimination that women face within the legal field. We will celebrate the progress made in the past and discuss what can be done to continue gender equality in the future. We will also discuss more practical steps that individuals can implement to support women’s progress, such as mentorship, awareness of bias, and more. Recorded March 9, 2022.
Beyond YLD
Ever wonder what your life in the ISBA might look like after the YLD? A virtual panel discussion with President Elect Rory Weiler, Second VP Shawn Kasserman, Third VP Sonni Williams, and Former President John Thies talking about how to get involved in the ISBA outside of the YLD, including through service as an officer, on the Board of Governors, or in the Assembly. This highly experienced panel will discuss the activities of the bigger ISBA, the need for good bar leadership, the ISBA election process, and the path to being an officer, board member, or assembly member. Recorded on February 28, 2022.
What to Know Before Your First Court Appearance
During this session of Food Court our panel of judges participate in a moderated question and answer session focusing on what an attorney should know before their first court appearance. Learn how best to prepare for your first appearance, what to expect based upon the type of appearance and where you may be practicing, how to address issues that may arise, and more. Recorded January 26, 2022.
State Your Case: How to Succeed at Oral Argument
Our panel of judges participate in a moderated question and answer session focusing on oral arguments. Learn what to focus on during oral arguments, how to handle judges’ questions, how you should prepare for arguments, and more. Recorded November 17, 2021.
Effective Brief Writing
Our panel of judges participate in a moderator led question and answer session discussing how to properly write briefs, what aspects of brief writing judges find most important, how attorneys can more effectively advocate for their clients in their briefs, what to avoid when drafting briefs, and other related topics. Recorded September 29, 2021.
Social Media Evidence
Instagram. Snapchat. Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. Meetup. The list goes on and on with much of our life being consumed by our social media interactions - it’s no surprise that our online presence can make or break a case. Learn how to obtain social media evidence, the ethical implications to be aware of, and the basic requirements for admitting social media into evidence at trial. Recorded September 24, 2019 (please note content begins at about the 48 minute mark)
Ten Things the Non-Real Estate Practitioner Should Know About Residential Real Estate Transactions
Join us for a panel discussion on the basic elements of an Illinois residential real estate transaction tempered for the non-real estate practitioner, including a presentation as to material provisions in the purchase agreement, the need for title insurance and surveys, deed provisions, and closing the transaction. Recorded May 16, 2019
Networking & Building Your Brand
Want to get better at Networking? Need Advice on how to attract clients and build up your reputation? Learn how to make the most of your time networking and expanding your business opportunities. Recorded March 26, 2019
Research Refreshing Skills
Research is one of the most important skills that can make or break your argument, or even your entire case. This lunch will give you tips to help refresh and reinvigorate your research skills from other young attorneys who know how critical researching is to your success as a lawyer. These tips will ensure your research stands out! Recorded January 29, 2019
Key Performance Indicators to Increase Law Firm Profitability
Join the ISBA for a lunch discussion on Key Performance Indicators brought to you by Josh Taylor, Attorney at Smokeball. He will speak about tangible examples on how to Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Increase Law Firm Profitability. You can take this information back to your law firm and start applying immediately to help this be your best year yet. Recorded September 26, 2018
Alternative Careers for Attorneys
This luncheon program addresses utilizing legal skills outside of a traditional law firm setting. Recorded February 11, 2014
Advice From the Bench
This luncheon program features sitting judges offering tips to young lawyers on how to make a good impression in the courtroom. Recorded November 13, 2013.
Financial Planning for Young Attorneys
The luncheon program features two panelists with financial planning backgrounds discussing investing in your future while also paying off your student loans. Recorded September 30, 2013.
Graduating to the Bench
This luncheon features three esteemed panelists discussing how to take your legal career to the next level. Recorded January 15, 2013.
Taking Charge of Your Legal Career
This luncheon features three esteemed panelists discussing how to take your legal career to the next level. Recorded October 9, 2012.