Illinois State Bar Association | Illinois Judges Association
December 10 – 11, 2026
Renaissance Chicago Downtown
1 West Wacker Drive, Chicago (map & directions)
Friday, December 11
IJA/ISBA Joint CLE Program: The Modern Courtroom: Navigating AI, Efficiency, and Community Well-Being
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association & Illinois Judges Association
9:00 – 11:50 a.m.
2.50 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval)
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from top judicial leaders and a highly regarded psychologist as we examine the modern courtroom and the evolving legal landscape. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this seminar will learn: the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the legal practice; the threat of deepfakes in the courtroom; the rising litigation costs stemming from improper AI use by self-represented litigants; how to combat chronic stress, burnout, and isolation accelerated by the virtual law practice; the importance of procedural fairness and judicial time standards; and much more.
Speakers: Hon. Stephen E. Balogh, 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Hon. Michael Chmiel, 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Hon. Vincent F. Cornelius, 12th Judicial Circuit Court, Hon. Daniel L. Jasica, 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Hon. Elizabeth M. Rochford, Illinois Supreme Court, Hon. Sarah D. Smith, Third Judicial Circuit Court, Dr. Diana Uchiyama, Psychologist, J.D., Psy. D., Executive Director, Illinois Lawyers Assistance Program
Child First Justice – What Is It and What Difference Will It Make?
Presented by the ISBA Child Law Section
1:15 – 2:20 p.m.
1.0 hour MCLE credit
Get the information you need regarding Illinois's newly created Child First Task Force and its transformative approach to juvenile justice. Learn how the state is shifting toward early intervention models rooted deeply in trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and international children's rights, while gaining a better understanding of how this model operates in practice by examining its remarkable success in Northern Ireland (which served as the blueprint for the Illinois legislature). Walk away with insights into the scope, strategic goals, and operational timeline of the task force which begins meeting in the fall of 2026.
Speakers: David Kelly, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Chicago, Senator Robert Peters, Illinois State Senator, 13th District, Chicago, Robert Vickery, Director, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Chicago