Child custody laws, driving with cannabis in one’s system, probating wills and estates—state laws addressing these and many other matters are often crafted with feedback from the ISBA, whose members have a seat at the legislative table because of their ISBA section involvement and the Association’s legislative affairs program. It is often said that the Association’s dozens of sections (and its special committees and task forces) represent its beating heart. Most of the ISBA’s networking, continuing legal education, and legislative involvement take place through these specialized groups. The October Illinois Bar Journal devotes its cover story to the tactics and strategies of the ISBA’s rigorous, hands-on legislative affairs program in which ISBA members are given an opportunity to shape the bills that often end up on the governor’s desk.

Self-represented litigants in the Illinois Appellate Court face many unique challenges without adequate resources to help them through the appeals process. A new pro bono opportunity, Illinois Free Legal Answers for Civil Appeals, is now providing them with more legal assistance. Illinois Free Legal Answers for Civil Appeals was developed in partnership with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, the American Bar Association and the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI). 

Join us from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7 for "Workers’ Compensation Update—Virtual Edition, Part 2." Get the information you need to protect your practice from the ethical pitfalls that can arise when representing a workers’ compensation case, the case law updates you need to effectively represent your clients, and the insight you need regarding occupational accidents in light of today’s pandemic with this information program.

The inaugural class of the ISBA Leadership Academy graduated on September 24 during a virtual ceremony. This landmark program is designed to train the next generation of professionals to become effective leaders in the Illinois legal community. Congratulations to the graduates!