Don’t miss this opportunity on Wednesday, May 5 to expand your understanding of the issues that can arise in your next real estate law transaction – from who should hold the earnest money and the difference between a general warranty deed and special warranty deed, to what constitutes a marketable title and understanding a boundary survey. Join us for part on of this two-part series that will help you better understand: what happens if the realtor refuses to hold the earnest money; the ethical issues involved if the seller’s or buyer’s attorney holds the earnest money; what is required of the seller to disclose; what constitutes a warranty deed; the hazards associated with using a general warranty deed; how to effectively represent your real estate clients during COVID without physically attending the closing; and much more.

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Order M.R. 30370 regarding residential evictions. The Illinois Judicial Conference’s Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) recommended these amendments to the Court in order to better clarify the standard for residential evictions impacted by the governor’s executive orders.

Historically, guilty-plea defendants in Illinois have been denied the opportunity to present actual-innocence claims based on newly discovered evidence because their convictions were founded on valid guilty pleas. However, the Illinois Supreme Court recently held in People v. Reed that these defendants can raise claims of actual innocence under the Post-Conviction Hearing Act. Although this is a momentous victory for guilty-plea defendants, the burden they must meet is significant. In her April 2021 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Guilty Plea, Innocent Defendant,” Ashley Kidd, a law clerk for the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court, discusses the function of plea agreements in our criminal justice system, the Reed decision, and how these claims should be presented post-Reed.

Most presentations today are virtual, and ISBA wants to equip you with the techniques you need to reach your online audience. Join us as our master series speaker, David Mann, returns from noon until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 with a fresh look at the how to effectively interact in the virtual world, including tips for clarity and how to maintain your online professionalism. Topics include: how to translate arcane legal language into plain English; how to create captivating openings with rhetorical impact; delivering your case story for engaging flow; illustrating complex legal concepts simply; how structure and language can inspire action; understanding which storytelling techniques build clarity, understanding, and trust; using the camera in a professional manner; knowing which Zoom (and other platform) features can enhance your delivery skills; how to use lighting and sound to your advantage; arranging the background to communicate stability and trustworthiness; and how to use polls and other virtual platform features effectively.