23rd Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference - Part 3

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 Illinois State Bar Association Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, The Chicago Bar Association Environmental Law Committee,
and The Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Environmental Committee


3.25 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: May 22, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: August 3, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for an in-depth look at several important environmental law issues, including the future of Illinois’ electricity and natural gas industries under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA); the liability and regulatory concerns in property transactions; how to mitigate the risk and effect of any environmental crisis; and the initiatives to expand Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.


Program Coordinators:
Jane E. McBride, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Michael P. Murphy, HeplerBroom LLC, Springfield


The Future of Energy in Illinois: Implementing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)
Over the past year, the Illinois Commerce Commission has issued guidelines for the implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA, P.A. 102 0662). This blockbuster law sets ambitious renewable energy and decarbonization targets that will shape the future of the Illinois electricity and natural gas industries. Join us as our speakers identify the most important developments in Illinois and put them in context with other Midwestern states.
Moderator: James L. Morgan, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Robert Kelter, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Chicago
Bradley Klein, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Chicago

Environmental Due Diligence in Property Transactions
What is the proper scope of due diligence for commercial property with an operating industrial or commercial activity? What is the role of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment performed pursuant to ASTM Standard E1527-21? Get the answers to these questions and more as our speakers discuss statutory environmental cleanup liability concerns, regulatory concerns, permit assignments and notices, and tort concerns for the prospective purchaser. A discussion on conservation easements is also included.
Moderator/Speaker: Eugene P. Schmittgens, Jr., Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes, P.C., Missouri
William J. Anaya, UBGreensfelder LLP, Chicago
Eric Hanis, Hanis Consulting, Palatine

Emergency Response and Crisis Management
Prevention and preparedness are key to mitigating the risk and effects of any environmental crisis. Join us for a look at compliance counseling and risk mitigation, as well as the coordination of responses to local, state, and federal agencies (including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Moderator/Speaker: Emily N. Masalski, Eaton Corporation, Oak Park
Aaron R. Gelb, Conn Maciel Carey LLP, Chicago

Initiatives in the Expansion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Illinois has several Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that require manufacturers to pay for the collection, transportation, and recycling of their products.These laws aim to reduce waste, shift the cost of managing waste from taxpayers to manufacturers, and achieve environmental goals like recycling targets, source reduction, and compostable targets. This segment offers an in-depth overview of EPR, as well as a look at how it has been implemented in other states, the status of existing EPR regulation in Illinois (and the proposed legislation to expand its reach), and how to prepare for future changes.
Moderator: Karen Kavanagh Mack, Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C., Chicago
Sydney G. Weiss, King & Spalding, Chicago



*Originally presented as part of the 23rd Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.



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 $114 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $228
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students – Free

23rd Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference - Part 2

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 Illinois State Bar Association Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, The Chicago Bar Association Environmental Law Committee, and The Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Environmental Committee


4.50 MCLE credit


Original Program Date: May 22, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­August 3, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the updates you need on several hot topic issues with this informative program! Topics include: how rights of nature law theories are being written into local ordinances and tribal law; how sustainability and ESG can impact the day-to-day operations of a business and the bottom line of corporate performance; how microplastics and other emerging contaminants are being regulated at the federal and state levels; the technical advancements you need to be aware of in assessing and addressing PFAS; and the role of the newly appointed Natural Resource Trustees and how they plan to protect Illinois’ natural resources.


Program Coordinators:
Jane E. McBride, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Michael P. Murphy, HeplerBroom LLC, Springfield


The Rights of Nature: What Is It? Where Does It Come From? How Is It Taking Hold?
Right of nature laws recognize that ecosystems (and the species within them) be protected and allowed to flourish. As such, these legal theories are being written into local ordinances and tribal law, and taking shape in other nations’ constitutions. This presentation examines the origins of these concepts, the language of these laws, and two unique case studies impacting right of nature laws: Manoomin v. DNR in White Earth Tribal Court (Case No. GC21-0428) and DNR v. White Earth Band of Ojibwe and Chief Judge DeGroat in Minnesota District Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2021-2022).
Frank Bibeau, Tribal Attorney & Director of the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights’ Tribal Rights of Nature Program, Leech Lake Reservation, Minnesota

How Sustainability and ESG Affect Daily Business Operations
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our speakers as they draw upon their vast experience in describing how sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) can impact the day-to-day operations of a business and the bottom line of corporate performance. A discussion on how sustainability and ESG directly impacts energy use, resource consumption, and waste production is included, as well as a look at the process of assessment and planning, engineering solutions to adapt, and developing and communicating corporate policies.
Moderator: James L. Morgan, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Kristian A. Macoskey, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., Pittsburgh
Chris Perzan, Kyndenos LLC, Chicago

The Regulation and Challenges of Microplastics and Other Emerging Contaminants
Microplastics are plastic particles up to five millimeters in diameter and can be found in the environment, food, water, humans, and animals. These particles are released from a variety of sources, including microfibers from synthetic clothing and textiles, plastic pellets used in manufacturing (nurdles), tire-wear particles, and the breakdown products of larger plastic items. This segment examines the federal and state regulation of microplastics and other emerging contaminants, examines the challenges they present, offers strategies for navigating this ever-changing field, and discusses the potential solutions for the regulated community and environment.
Moderator/Speaker: Michael Murphy, HeplerBroom, Springfield
Rachel Zajac-Fay, Senior Scientist, Geosyntec, Tampa

Technical Advancements in Assessing and Addressing PFAS
2024 was a monumental year for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) regulation at the federal level, with EPA formally establishing stringent drinking water standards, designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and developing ambient water quality criteria. States continue to regulate PFAS in other areas by establishing surface water quality standards, biosolid regulations, and even prohibiting the sale of consumer products containing PFAS. This presentation goes beyond “what are PFAS?” and offers a technical focus on the latest remedial technologies, monitoring and testing standards, and litigation resources to equip environmental attorneys with the technical knowhow to deal with the ever changing regulatory and litigation environment.
Moderator/Speaker: Matthew A. Walker, Lathrop GPM LLP, Chicago
Tim Bradburne, BBJ Group, Chicago
Walter Pochron, Hydrogeologist, Independent Consultant, Chicago

Natural Resource Damages: What Is the Process for a Natural Resource Damage Assessment and What Does a Restoration Project Entail?
Protecting Illinois’ natural resources is vital for both the State’s current residents and generations to come. Because of this, Governor Pritzker has designated the Directors of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to serve as Natural Resource Trustees with the responsibility of protecting and addressing damages to natural resources in Illinois. Learn more about how the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will fulfill their role as trustee and the framework through
which a Natural Resource Damage Assessment matter works with this informative presentation. The applicable federal and state laws are also discussed.
Moderator: James L. Morgan, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Brian Navarrete, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield
Renee Snow, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield
Nicole Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield
Nancy J. Tikalsky, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Chicago
Elizabeth Whetsell, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield



*Originally presented as part of the 23rd Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.



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 $157.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $315
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students – Free

23rd Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference - Part 1

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 Illinois State Bar Association Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, The Chicago Bar Association Environmental Law Committee, and The Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Environmental Committee


3.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: May 22, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: July 30, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this program that offers updates on the latest state and federal initiatives, as well as a discussion on the historical ties of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to Illinois and their efforts to reacquire and control lands within the Reservation boundaries. A look at the criteria used to identify a wetland and the current status of the wetland regulations is included.


Program Coordinators:
Jane E. McBride, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Michael P. Murphy, HeplerBroom LLC, Springfield


Annual Update on Agency Activities and Priorities: Illinois and Region V
The 23rd Annual Environmental Law Conference kicks off with a look at the latest initiatives at the state and federal levels as presented by distinguished representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
Moderator: James L. Morgan, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Andrew Armstrong, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Springfield
Matthew J. Dunn, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Springfield
Robert Kaplan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region V, Chicago
Renee Snow, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield
Jennifer Van Wie, Illinois Pollution Control Board, Chicago

Coming Home: Prairie Band Potawatomi Returns to Illinois
Don’t miss this panel presentation as our speakers discuss the return of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to its homeland in what is now called Illinois. Topics include: the Nation’s historical ties to the area, its efforts to reacquire ownership and control of lands within the Reservation boundaries, recent federal and state legislative efforts, and issues related to Shabbona Lake State Park.
Moderator: Jane E. McBride, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Russell Brien, Brien Law LLC, Kansas
Darren Root, Tribal Attorney, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Choctaw Nation, Kansas
Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, Chairman, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Kansas

WOTUS: When a Wetland is Not a Wetland …. Or Is It? And What If It Is?
This session examines the criteria used to identify a wetland, and the status of wetland regulation following the tumultuous 2024 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) activity.
Moderator: William Anaya, UBGreensfelder LLP, Chicago
Clayton Heffter, DuPage County Stormwater Management, Wheaton
Vincent J. Mosca, Hey and Associates, Inc., Chicago



*Originally presented as part of the 23rd Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.



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 $122.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $245
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students – Free

The End of Rosen-Durling

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

 In her July Illinois Bar Journal article, “The End of Rosen-Durling,” Alicia Xue discusses the legal implications of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s overruling in LKQ Corp v. GM Global Technology Operations LLC of the Rosen-Durling design-patent obviousness test. In LKQ Corp., the Court articulated a new test that may make it harder for applicants to obtain design patents but still left several legal questions unanswered.

After State Farm rate hike, legislators are pressured to provide relief. Here’s what could be on the table.

Gov. JB Pritzker wasted no time in calling on state legislators to do something about rising insurance rates after State Farm announced it was hiking homeowners insurance by 27.2% beginning this month, citing rising costs due to extreme weather events and pricier repairs.

From: 
Belleville News-Democrat

16-year-old charged with plotting terror attack at suburban Islamic center

Court records revealed the teenager entered the building and video recorded religious services to assist in preparing for detonating an explosive device earlier this month.

From: 
NBC 5 Chicago

Governor Pritzker to sign Illinois 'Squatter Bill' into law

The proposed Illinois law would make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone's home, bypassing the months-long eviction process.

From: 
ABC 7

Companies warn Illinois will be ‘toxic tort’ capital if bill is signed, but lawyers call it ‘fundamental fairness’

When Illinois House and Senate Democrats approve a measure unanimously, there’s usually a good chance Gov. JB Pritzker will sign it. But business groups are crossing their fingers that controversial “toxic tort” Bill 328 is an outlier.

From: 
Daily Herald

First District Appellate Court Justice Thomas E. Hoffman dead at 77: 'His opinions were golden'

The first time Jim Figliulo, co-founder and former president of the Chicago Inn of Court, met Judge Thomas E. Hoffman, they were involved in a case.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Justice Lisa Holder White Announces Formation of Screening Committee To Fill Fifteenth Circuit Vacancy

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

Justice Lisa Holder White of the Supreme Court of Illinois has announced the formation of a judicial screening committee for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.

The screening committee was formed for the purpose of assessing the qualifications of those who have applied for appointment to the office of Resident Circuit Judge for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. The vacancy resulted from the retirement of the Hon. Kevin J. Ward, effective August 22, 2025. Under the Illinois Constitution, the vacancy will be filled by a Supreme Court appointment.