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.

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.

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.

St. Charles, IL – September 30, 2026 – The Circuit Judges of the 16th Judicial Circuit have announced the election of Elizabeth K. Flood as Chief Judge, effective Monday, December 7, 2026. Judge Flood graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana (BS Finance 1992) and the University of Illinois College of Law (J.D. 1995). She is only the third woman in Kane County history selected to serve as Chief Judge of the 16th Circuit.