Ex-Pritzker aide ‘assisting authorities’ in federal extortion case involving Lincoln Park restaurant owner

Lisa Duarte, now a high-profile lobbyist, says she’s a victim of Jawad Fakroune, who’s accused of shaking down a Lincoln Park restaurateur, but won’t say why she paid nearly $20K in property taxes on a Lemont estate where Fakroune lived that was raided by FBI.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois bill would remove cannabis odor as probable cause for police to search car

The Illinois Senate passed S.B. 42 on Thursday by a vote of 33-20. It was sent to the House of Representatives for passage in that chamber.

From: 
Fox 32

Few know about crime victim compensation. East St. Louis group wants to change that

Back in 2019, East St. Louis’ Gloria Hicks received a last-minute invitation to a meeting at a local church. It was about an organization called Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.

From: 
Belleville News-Democrat

Despite IHSA opposition, Illinois lawmakers approve bill for student-athletes

Student-athletes could be granted waivers for non-school athletic events with a measure approved by the Illinois House.

From: 
Advantage News

American Alliance for Equal Rights sues American Bar Association for racial discrimination in scholarship program

The American Alliance for Equal Rights filed a federal lawsuit against the American Bar Association for operating a racially discriminatory scholarship program that unlawfully excludes white students.

From: 
Morningstar

U.S. Army veteran who became a Central Illinois judge retires from the bench

A Central Illinois judge admired for his compassion and understanding of military veterans who came before him in criminal court is retiring from the bench. Associate Judge William Workman is himself a U.S. Army veteran and became the presiding judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit Veterans’ Treatment Court.

From: 
25 News Now

ISBA's Civil Appeal Basics: Appealing Orders That Do Not Resolve All Claims

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Civil Practice and Procedure Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: June 22, 2023
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­May 6, 2025 - May 5, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Not all appeals involve final judgments. Practitioners should be aware that other types of orders may be appealed -- and may have to be appealed -- before the entire case is concluded. The deadlines and procedures in such cases are often much different from those in appeals of final judgments. This program explains each kind of appealable order, the legal authority that permits an appeal, and the special timelines and procedures that apply to each kind of appeal. Topics include appealing:
  • Final judgements that do not dispose of an entire proceeding after a special finding by the trial court under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a);
  • Otherwise non-appealable judgments without the need for a special finding by the trial court under Rule 304(b);
  • Certain types of interlocutory orders by right under Rule 307;
  • Interlocutory orders by petitions for leave to appeal under Rule 306; and
  • A certified question of law by application for leave to appeal under Rule 308.

Program Coordinator/Speaker:
Timothy J. Storm , Storm Appellate Law, Barrington


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

ISBA's Civil Appeal Basics: The First 30 Days after Judgment

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Sponsored by Civil Practice and Procedure Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: May 16, 2023
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: May 6, 2025 - May 5, 2027(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


The first 30 days after the trial court enters an unfavorable judgment to your client are critical. During this period, you will have to walk your client through several important and complex decisions that could mean the difference between success and failure on appeal. Join us for this informative program that provides a step-by-step guide for using this timeframe to give your client a head start toward winning on appeal. Topics include:
  • What are the important deadlines?
  • Should you file a motion attacking the judgment and what should such a motion contain?
  • Should you appeal instead of filing a post-judgment motion or if the motion is denied?
  • Have the potential issues on appeal been properly preserved in the record?
  • How can you estimate the likelihood of success on appeal?
  • How much will an appeal cost?
  • Is an appeal cost effective?
  • Is it possible to stay the judgment during the appeal?
  • What must be done to obtain a stay pending appeal?
  • How can you ensure that the record on appeal is accurate and complete?
  • If you will refer the case to an appellate attorney, how can you assure a seamless transition?

Program Coordinator/Speaker:
Timothy J. Storm , Storm Appellate Law, Barrington


Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

ISBA's Guardian Ad Litem Training

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Bench & Bar Section, ISBA Child Law Section, and ISBA Family Law Section


11.25 hours MCLE credit, including 4.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit  in the following categories:
  • 4.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit

Original Program Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­April 25, 2025 - April 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


This three-part program is designed to help those attorneys who represent children. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 906(c), an attorney should receive ten hours of education every two years in child developments; roles of guardians ad litem and child representatives; ethics in child custody cases; relevant substantive state, federal, and case law in custody and visitation matters; and family dynamics, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health issues. Topics for this seminar include:
  • How to become a guardian ad litem and what the work entails;
  • What is expected from the guardian ad litem;
  • The challenges facing the next generation of advocates;
  • How to handle your client’s issues;
  • How implicit bias impacts the way legal matters are handled;
  • How (and what) the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 protects children;
  • The recent case law updates that may impact your next case;
  • Guardian ad litem appointments;
  • Removing children from, to, and within Illinois;
  • Structuring parent and grandparent time;
  • The hot topic issues facing the judiciary, attorneys, and litigates;
  • How to prepare your child client for litigation;
  • Understanding the differences between a guardian ad litem, child representative, and attorney for the child;
  • The ethical dilemmas facing guardian ad litems and child representatives; and
  • Much more.
The training may qualify the attendee to be placed on their local Circuit’s guardian ad litem list and/or qualify as continuing guardian ad litem education required by the attendee’s local rules, but attendees should verify with their Circuit to ensure this training will meet the Circuit’s rules.


Program Coordinator:
Hon. Michael J. Chmiel, Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, Woodstock

Program Moderator:
Sandra M. Blake, Kane County Public Defender's Office, Oak Park


Child Advocacy
Discover what requirements exist for those representing children in litigation, which requirements are mandated, and why this training is so important.
Anna P. Krolikowska, Anna P. Krolikowska, P.C., Northbrook

The Important Role of an Attorney in the Life of a Child*
This segment discusses the Illinois Supreme Court’s expectations for those representing children in Illinois’ court system.
Hon. Anne M. Burke, Illinois Supreme Court, Chicago

Emerging Issues for Attorneys*
Gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the next generation of advocates, as well as what law schools are doing to help.
Prof. Camille M. Davidson, Southern Illinois University School of Law, Carbondale

The Expanding Challenges for Attorneys: Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Pandemic
Learn how to help a depressed colleague in need, the repercussions of substance abuse, and how to bridge the gap that the pandemic’s social distancing has created.
Dr. Alexandria A. Tsang, Director, Kane County Diagnostic Center, St. Charles

Implicit Bias*
This comprehensive overview explores the various forms of implicit bias and how it affects how we handle legal matters.
Trina Smith, Cook County Public Defender’s Office, Chicago

Juvenile Acts
The first session of this three-part program closes with an in-depth look at what the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 covers, how children are protected, how juveniles are prosecuted, and how attorneys can help.
Hon. Christopher M. Harmon, Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, Woodstock

Case Law Update
Don’t miss this case law update that explores what’s new in the family law and child law arena – and how these changes may affect your next case.
Prof. Jeff Atkinson, Illinois Judicial Conference, Wilmette

Guardian ad Litem Exposure
To what extent are guardians ad litem (and perhaps others appointed by the Court) immune from tort liability? This session discusses this issue by examining the recent decision of the Illinois Supreme Court in the case of Nichols v Fahrenkamp, 219 IL 123990 .
Hon. Donald D. Bernardi (ret.), Bloomington

The Removal of Children
Learn the ins-and-outs of child removal with this informative presentation, including who can be moved from, to, and within Illinois and what the requirements of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
Gunnar J. Gitlin, The Gitlin Law Firm, P.C., Woodstock

Structuring and Scheduling Parenting Time
This segment discusses who should have parenting time, what that parenting time consists of, and exactly how grandparents fit in to the structure.
L. Steven Rakowski, LSR Family Law Group, Northbrook

View from the Bench
This presentation discusses the hot topics and issues facing the judiciary, attorneys, and litigants in domestic relations courtrooms.
Hon. Robert J. Anderson (ret.), Wheaton
Hon. Anna M. Benjamin, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Urbana
Hon. Debra B. Walker, Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago

Interviewing Children of High Conflict Parents*
The final session of this three-part program begins with a look at how to prepare for interviewing children of high-conflict parents, what to watch for in parents and in children, and what to do in response.
Joseph Canevello, Connections Counseling & Consulting Services, Inc., Crystal Lake

The Compete Roles of the GAL, Child Representative, and Attorney
This segment explores the duty of the guardian ad litem or child representative to investigate what is in a child’s best interest. The discussion includes what should (and should not) be included in pleadings and court files, as well as what rights exist for the protection of mental health during custodial proceedings.
Sean N. McCumber, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, Napverville

Ethics in Child Custody and Allocations of Parental Responsibilities Cases*
This presentation examines the ethical issues you need to consider when representing children.
Umberto S. Davi, Davi & Associates P.C., Western Springs

Other Professionals: Non-Lawyers Who Deal with Children*
The program closes with a comprehensive look at the non-legal professionals who work with children. Topics include: who is available to do what; when they should be involved; and what evaluations can (or should) be conducted.
Dr. Robert B. Shapiro, Robert B. Shapiro & Associates, Bloomingdale


Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $375 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $750
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students - Free

'There is no question that we will fight,' says latest law firm targeted in Trump executive order

The latest law firm targeted by the Trump administration, Susman Godfrey, won’t be the last, President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

From: 
ABA Journal