By: Andrew Sharp, Esq., Knowledge Strategy Manager, CARPLS; Executive Director, Legal Wellness Clinic
On June 19, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center opens its doors on Chicago’s South Side. The Center celebrates a presidency grounded in civic participation, dignity, and the idea that government can be a force for inclusion when it is designed to meet people where they are. As the legal profession reflects on that legacy, one part of it deserves renewed attention: the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice.

Perry J. Browder, a Senior Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy, was installed as president of the Illinois State Bar Association at the Illinois Supreme Court building in Springfield.

Learn about what we have in store for this year's Member Appreciation Month.

The Honorable Carole Kamin Bellows, a trailblazing Chicago lawyer and judge, died on May 29, 2026, in Evanston, Illinois.
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June 8, 2026 |
Practice News
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June 8, 2026
The Illinois Judges Foundation (IJF) is proud to support the next generation of legal leaders through its Harold Sullivan Scholarship Program—a collection of scholarships recognizing law students who demonstrate a commitment to service, integrity, and the pursuit of justice. New this year, the IJF introduces the Justice Mary Jane Theis Scholarship, one of several awards offered under the Harold Sullivan Scholarship umbrella, honoring Justice Theis’s legacy of leadership and dedication to the judiciary.
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June 8, 2026 | Practice News
The Illinois Bar Journal “Notable AI Experience” Contest ends June 14. Enter today! -
June 8, 2026 | Practice News
ALTON, Ill. — Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP is proud to announce it has secured more than $12 billion on behalf of clients nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s continued advocacy for individuals and families impacted by asbestos exposure, environmental contamination, dangerous pharmaceuticals, corporate negligence, and personal injury. -
June 8, 2026 | CLE
Civil Appeal Basics: How to Preserve Issues in the Trial Court Live Webcast Thursday, June 18, 2026 11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. 1.0 hour MCLE credit -
June 4, 2026 | Practice News
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the release of a Policy on Transparency in the courts, a vital step toward providing the public with more of the essential data and information from the judicial branch. “Transparency means making data, budgets, and financial reports accessible to the public. It is the judiciary’s strongest bridge to public trust and to the restoration of confidence in our courts,” Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. said. “The Supreme Court appreciates the work of everyone who helped create this policy and looks forward to its implementation.” -
June 4, 2026 | Practice News
ALTON, Ill. — Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce the 2026 Summer Associate class and to welcome back two returning law clerks. The firm has selected seven outstanding law students from schools across the country to participate in the summer associate program, running from May 18 through August 14, 2026. -
June 3, 2026 | ISBA News
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is excited to announce our new Practice Solution Spotlight video series on the ISBA YouTube channel. Practice Solution Spotlight features short, informative videos that highlight ISBA member benefits and provide guided walkthroughs of practice management platforms, including Clio, PracticePanther, and Smokeball. This series aims to help members get the most out of their benefits and save time when searching for the right practice management tools for their firms. View the Practice Solution Spotlight playlist on YouTube! -
June 3, 2026 | ISBA News
This June, we're celebrating you during Member Appreciation Month. We have a full calendar of prizes, discounts, and giveaways, so stay tuned to ISBA communications for detailed announcements with instructions for how you can get in on the fun. You can look forward to a bookstore sale, free live CLE webcasts, member renewal incentives, social media contests, and more. View our Member Appreciation Month page for additional details. -
June 3, 2026 | Practice News
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the creation of a Pretrial Accountability Task Force (Task Force) to address the growing number of defendants on electronic monitoring and make system improvements in the arrest warrant (warrant) process. There are currently over 5,500 pretrial defendants presently being monitored electronically across Illinois.