Prompt Service

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Timothy A. Slating

 Generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can produce apparently quality legal work, leading some to wonder whether an attorney’s work will become streamlined and efficient at best or redundant at worst. The good news? Although generative AI technology appears to be changing the legal industry rapidly (or is at least marketed as doing so), the obligations for being an attorney are changing at a decidedly slower pace. In his February 2025 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Prompt Service,” Joshua L.

McClain attorney hopeful for new trial on previous conviction following favorable ruling in latest trial

The attorney for Michael McClain said he and his client were “pleased and relieved” after Wednesday’s decision by a federal jury not to convict the longtime statehouse lobbyist from Quincy.

From: 
Muddy River News

Former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Garman joins Champaign law firm

Former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman has joined the Champaign law firm of Webber & Thies PC.

From: 
The News-Gazette

Amended Illinois Whistleblower Act increases protections for internal reports

Newly effective amendments to the Illinois Whistleblower Act provide greatly enhanced protections and remedies to Illinois employees who report unlawful conduct by their employers.

From: 
The National Law Review

Six years after mass shooting shook Aurora, legal battle continues for victims’ families, witnesses

Diana Juarez, 38, likes to tell stories about her father with her mother, her siblings and her own children. About how he loved to work on cars, how he would wear matching Cubs or Bears jerseys with his family when there were games going on, the little jokes and sayings he repeated to them.

From: 
The Dispatch-Argus

Ex-Gov. Pat Quinn calls on Ill. Gov. JB Pritzker to push ethics reforms after Michael Madigan conviction

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday challenged Gov. JB Pritzker, a fellow Democrat, to use his bully pulpit to strengthen Illinois' weak ethics laws, saying a "top-to-bottom overhaul" is needed after the federal corruption conviction of their former state party chairman, ex-Speaker Michael Madigan.

From: 
Belleville News-Democrat

Illinois State Bar Association’s High School Mock Trial Invitational To Take Place March 15th and 16th in Springfield

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Timothy A. Slating

Teams from 52 Illinois high schools will participate in the 42nd annual Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) High School Mock Trial Invitational on March 15 and 16, 2025, at Lincoln Land Community College – Main Campus in Springfield. 

The top ten teams will compete in the final round on March 16th for the state championship. The winner will represent Illinois at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Juror speaks out on why former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan found guilty in partial verdict

With the four-month trial now in the rearview mirror, a juror from the Michael Madigan trial explained why they were able to convict the former speaker on some counts, but not others.

From: 
ABC 7

Attorney General Raoul joins coalition proving guidance for businesses on diversity and inclusion

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell are leading a coalition of 16 attorneys general in issuing guidance to "help businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations understand the viability and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and practices in creating and maintaining legally compliant and thriving workplaces."

From: 
WAND