In her October Illinois Bar Journal article, “It Can End With PAIP,” Brandy N. Arvantis details an underutilized court remedy outlined in the Domestic Violence Act requiring that a respondent in an order of protection case attend counseling or a program designed for domestic violence abusers. Known as the Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP), PAIP’s protocols are outlined by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Read, "It Can End With PAIP," in the October Illinois Bar Journal.

Campaign season for the 2027 Illinois State Bar Association Election has begun.

Join us on November 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for our Member Appreciation Reception honoring the 2026 class of Distinguished Counselors.

The ISBA is working on the development of a group health insurance offering for members’ law firms, but we need your help!
ISBA members, sign up to receive The Bar News' biweekly e-newsletter by emailing emailpreferences@isba.org
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October 12, 2026 | Practice News

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October 9, 2026 | Practice News
ALTON, Ill. — Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs’ law firms, has been named a 2026 Illinois Regional Powerhouse by Law360. The legal business publication annually recognizes a select group of law firms for their impact on their state’s legal market and work on significant matters with broader regional and national implications. -
October 7, 2026 | Practice NewsThe Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for multiple open attorney positions.
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October 7, 2026 | CLE
Trial Strategies and Criminal Law Update -
October 7, 2026 |
Member Services | ISBA News
The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of September, 2026, the ISBA helped 1,114 people in need of legal services find lawyers.
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October 6, 2026 | Practice News
The Illinois Appellate Court Second District is pleased to announce that the launch of a new pilot program aimed at assisting self-represented litigants (SRLs) will take place on November 1. The number of appeals filed by SRLs now makes up approximately 50 percent of filings and continues to increase. This innovative program is designed to address the difficulties experienced both by SRLs and the other party by offering free mediation with volunteer attorneys as mediation advocates. -
October 6, 2026 | People
David Thomas Arena Esq., 58, passed away, surrounded by his loving wife and son, on October 2, 2026. David is a man whose larger-than-life personality could fill any room and warm any heart. Known for his infectious smile and enthusiasm and unshakeable love for his family, David lived life at full throttle, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and deeply cherished memories. David was born March 5, 1968 in New Jersey. -
October 6, 2026 | CLE | Events
On October 2-3, 2026, the ISBA Family Law Section presented the Family Law Update: Music City Conference 2026 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Thank you to our sponsors, vendors, speakers, and everyone who attended! We hope you enjoyed the comprehensive lineup of programming and all of the fun activities Nashville had to offer. -
October 5, 2026 | Practice News
Panelists in a recent ISBA continuing legal education program titled “Advocacy in Action: Reframing Ageist and Ableist Language for Lawyers” made the case for rooting out “ageism” and “ableism” from one’s words. As one presenter noted, with an insight attorneys will appreciate, word choice “can certainly influence perception." The program forms the basis of the Illinois Bar Journal's October cover story, "Reframing the Record." Read, "Reframing the Record," in the October Illinois Bar Journal. -
October 1, 2026 | Practice News
The Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce that it will honor Anne M. Burke, former Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, for her outstanding career and contributions as a jurist. The presentation of the award will take place during a special session of the Illinois Supreme Court at 2 p.m. on October 9, 2026, in the Illinois Supreme Court Courtroom, 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago. A reception hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association will follow the presentation ceremony.