Law-Related Education

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Law-Related Education for the Public

December 2025 • Volume 12 • Number 2 •

December 2025 Law-Related Education for the Public Newsletter

Midyear Meeting Is Thursday and Friday!
Please join us on Thursday, December 11, and Friday, December 12, for the 2025 Joint Midyear Meeting in Chicago! This two-day event features excellent programming along with fun and exciting events, and opportunities to network with colleagues. The deadline for early bird registration has passed, but on-site registration begins December 11 at JW Marriott Chicago.

Looking for an Opportunity to Lead?

ISBA Election - Read the Notice of Election for a list of offices to be filled by the 2026 annual election. Create and sign petitions, see important dates, and more.
Nominate yourself for one of our section councils and committees for the 2026-27 bar year. Deadline for nominations is January 15, 2026.

It's Award Season at the ISBA!
We proudly honor young lawyers and seasoned vets, pro bono service, CLE contributions, newsletter editing, and more. Learn how to nominate yourself or a worthy colleague. Deadline for awards submission is February 13, 2026.

In This Issue

Chair’s Column

By Raquel G. Martinez

In her Chair’s Column, Rocky Martinez outlines how the LRE is organized to accomplish its goals, identifies programs and resources that are available to the public, and details the LRE’s plans for 2025-26.

Is Access to Literacy a Right?

By Madonna T. Lechner

In 2016, a group of students enrolled in elementary and secondary schools filed suit against officials of the State of Michigan, alleging violation of equal protection under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution by denying them access to literacy. Subsequently, four years later, the Eastern District of Michigan confirmed that students had a fundamental right to a basic minimum education.

Become an Illinois Bar Foundation Champion

By Jessica R. Durkin

At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for subscribers’ personal use only; redistribution is prohibited. Copyright Illinois State Bar Association. Statements or expressions of opinion appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Association or Editors, and likewise the publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement.