Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s Ahead
The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association invite you to attend the highly anticipated Joint Midyear Meeting this December 11-12, 2025, at the JW Marriott in downtown Chicago. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, stay updated on the latest AI developments, or engage with your peers in the judicial community, this two-day event promises something for everyone.
What’s on the agenda?
This year’s programming includes two Continuing Legal Education seminars. First, the IJA/ISBA Joint CLE Program, “The Legal Profession: Caretakers of Democracy,” where you will hear from legal leaders on public outreach, tough speaking settings, and key executive orders affecting firms. (This program is complimentary to Midyear Meeting registered attendees.)
Next up, “Artificial Intelligence and the Ethical Lawyer,” presented by the ISBA, IJA, and ISBA’s Steering Committee on Artificial Intelligence and co-presented by the ISBA Corporate Law Departments Section. Learn about the ARDC’s new Illinois Attorney’s Guide to Implementing AI and the ethical use of GenAI. This panel covers compliance, data security, billing, and client perspectives for today’s AI-driven practice.
New this year: The ISBA Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo on Thursday, December 11, from 6–10 p.m. YLD Chair Jason Blumenthal and his committee have planned an illuminating evening of fun, with each bingo round offering prizes up to $200 and a $300 donation to the YLD Children’s Assistance Fund. Complimentary for Joint Midyear Meeting registrants—don’t miss this glowing night!
What’s on the menu?
Join the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast on December 12, honoring Deane B. Brown, shareholder at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., with the 2025 Distinguished Service to Law & Society Award, and Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr., of Zimmerman Law Offices, with the 2025 Honorary Champion Award. Visit the IBF website for tickets and more info.
Then, attend the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon on December 12 at noon, with featured speaker, Emmy award-winning journalist Mary Ann Ahern, NBC 5 News Political Reporter.
Finally, the two-day festivities conclude with the 6:00 p.m. Holiday Reception Honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois, where Justice Lisa Holder White will share remarks. Enjoy an evening of delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts, drinks, and entertainment.
The final course
Whether you're seeking to grow your legal knowledge, broaden your professional network, or simply enjoy a little holiday magic in downtown Chicago while earning CLE credit, the ISBA & IJA Joint Midyear Meeting promises to be a must-attend event. So, mark your calendar for December 11-12, 2025, and prepare to join us for two days of insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
I can’t wait to see YOU there!
For more details and to register, visit the official ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting page.
Ted M. Niemann serves as Board Liaison for the ISBA Sections on Real Estate, Agricultural Law, and Rural Practice. A partner at Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell LLP in Quincy, he focuses on real estate, commercial, banking, corporate, estate planning, agriculture, and debt collection law.