The Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Supreme Court Rule 795(d)(14) which will permit newly-admitted attorneys to participate in a pro bono pilot program to earn Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit. With this amendment the Court hopes to address unmet legal needs in the state and help foster a career-long commitment for new attorneys to pro bono service.
Practice News
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May 28, 2026 | Practice News

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May 27, 2026 | Practice News

The Illinois Supreme Court invites applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointed member of the Illinois State Public Defender Commission (Commission). The Commission plays a vital role in overseeing and supporting the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD), ensuring the delivery of quality legal representation to those in need throughout Illinois.
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May 26, 2026 | Practice News

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession has been colored by early missteps: spectacular hallucinations, unvetted filings, and judicial sanctions. But when used prudently, AI can (and will) help lawyers deliver better work faster and at lower cost. The question is not whether Illinois lawyers may use AI, but how they can do so while honoring confidentiality, preserving work-product protection, and avoiding privilege pitfalls. In his May Illinois Bar Journal article, “What’s Said to AI May Not Stay in AI,” Jake A.
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May 26, 2026 | Practice News

ALTON, Ill. – Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, was proud to support the Alton Firefighters Local 1255 Third Annual Golf Tournament as a Gold Sponsor.
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May 26, 2026 | Practice News

Justice Elizabeth Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Resident Circuit Judge vacancy in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Fourth Subcircuit. The vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Susan Clancy Boles on July 31, 2026.
Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to full Court approval.
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May 26, 2026 |
Practice News
Chief Judge Michael B. Brennan announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has reappointed Bankruptcy Judge Thomas M. Lynch to another 14 year term when his current term expires on January 1, 2027. Judge Lynch is a bankruptcy judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and his office is located in the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse. Chief Judge Brennan commented that the bar and the public were surveyed extensively and that Judge Lynch is highly regarded as a judge.
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May 22, 2026 | Practice News

Leading appellate attorneys review the four Illinois Supreme Court opinions handed down Thursday, May 21.
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May 20, 2026 | Practice News

The Illinois Supreme Court issued attorney disciplinary orders during its May 2026 Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
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May 20, 2026 | Practice News

Following the retirement of First District Appellate Court Clerk Thomas D. Palella on April 30, 2026, the First District has announced the elevation of Tina Schillaci and Lisa Franklin to the roles of Clerk and Chief Deputy Clerk, respectively.
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May 19, 2026 | Practice News

CHICAGO, May 19, 2026 – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres (“CFDB”) today announced that Joshua Abern has joined the Firm as a Partner and will chair its Private Client Services and Family Enterprise practices, further strengthening CFDB’s private client capabilities for ultra-high-net-worth clients and multigenerational family enterprises. CFDB continues its growth as one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing certified women-owned law firms.