Evading Trial

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Kelsey Jo Burge

When your client fails to show for trial, judges can conduct one in absentia, but they are obligated to ensure that statutory requirements are met before commencing, notes Charles Golaszewski in his March Illinois Bar Journal article, “Evading Trial.” Golaszewski states prosecutors and defense attorneys must be prepared to argue whether a trial in absentia is warranted in light of the statutory requirements and the circumstances of the case. But if the judge decides to start the trial without the defendant, both parties will need to adjust their trial strategies.

How Cyber-Secure Are You?

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Timothy A. Slating

 If one thing is clear from the Illinois Bar Journal’s March cover story, it’s that now is not the time to ignore cyber-security threats. The article, “How Cyber-Secure Are You?,” unpacks a pair of ISBA continuing legal education programs held in late 2024 that provided guidance on common cyber vulnerabilities for lawyers. The article explores various concerns, including ethics, compromised emails, hacking tactics, financial-information vulnerabilities, and what lawyers can do to safeguard their computer and network systems from cyber-criminals.

ADHD: A Rise in Diagnosis of Women, Its Impact on the Legal Profession, and How It Affects the Professional Woman

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Timothy A. Slating

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our speaker, Dr. Cortney Bindrich, as she draws upon her experience as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Neuropsychology to discuss the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women. In addition to explaining the mental health condition of ADHD (and why more and more female professionals are being diagnosed with this condition), Dr. Bindrich will offer real-world tactics to improve your daily practice and grow in the legal profession.

Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Practice, and The Ethical Issues to Consider

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 Workers’ Compensation Section


0.75 hours MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has gotten a lot of press. But what does it look like for today’s attorneys and where is it going in the future? Don’t miss this informative program that discusses what you need to know before using artificial intelligence in your practice, as well as how to balance innovation with your ethical responsibility as an Illinois attorney. Topics include:
  • Why technology and talent are predicted to be the biggest catalysts of change;
  • How AI is impacting legal research and document review functions for law firms;
  • What skills artificial intelligence can replace or augment;
  • How to draft good prompts when using generative AI;
  • The Illinois Supreme Court’s new policy on the use of artificial intelligence (effective1/1/25);
  • The key ethical considerations in using artificial intelligence, including:
  1. Competence – Rule 1.1
  2. Confidentiality – Rules 1.6 and 1.18
  3. Transparency – Rules 1.4 Communication and 1.5 Fees
  4. Candor to the Tribunal – Rules 3.1 and 3.3
  5. Supervision – Rules 5.1 and 5.3
  • The importance of establishing clear law firm policies for generative AI usage;
  • The recent ethics opinions and disciplinary cases to be aware of; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Deborah A. Benzing, Cozzi, Marek & Parker, South Elgin

Program Chat Moderator:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Practice, and The Ethical Issues to Consider*
Mary F. Andreoni, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Zach Warren, Thomson Reuters, Minnesota


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 $26.25 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $52.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $18.75
    • Law Students – Free

Workers' Compensation Update - Spring 2025 - 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 ISBA Workers’ Compensation Section


2.75 hours MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24th, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Part 2 of ISBA’s Workers’ Compensation Update Spring 2025 seminar explores the ethical considerations to be aware of when using artificial intelligence in your law practice, the case law updates that may impact your client’s case, and what you need to know about the Workers’ Compensation Commission.


Program Coordinators:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Deborah A. Benzing, Cozzi, Marek & Parker, South Elgin

Program Chat Moderator:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Practice, and The Ethical Issues to Consider*
Mary F. Andreoni, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Zach Warren, Thomson Reuters, Minnesota

Case Law Update
Markham Jeep, Jeep, Hauck & Associates P.C., Waukegan

A Roundtable Discussion with the Chairman and other Members of the Commission
Hon. Michael Brennan, Chairman, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago
Christopher Harris, Commissioner, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago
Stephen Mathis, Commissioner, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago
Raychel Wesley, Commissioner, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago


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 $96.25 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $192.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Workers' Compensation Update - Spring 2025 - 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 ISBA Workers’ Compensation Section


2.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 20, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this edition of ISBA’s Workers’ Compensation Update! Part 1 includes a look at how to spot acute trauma vs. the aggravation of preexisting conditions in workers’ compensation claims, discusses how to present your case at trial, and examines the Medicare compliance and post-settlement considerations you need to know.


Program Coordinators:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Deborah A. Benzing, Cozzi, Marek & Parker, South Elgin

Program Chat Moderator:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Rotator Cuff Tears, How to Avoid Permanent Restrictions, and Workers’ Compensation Causation
Dr. Joshua M. Alpert, Fox Valley Orthopedics, Elgin

How to Present a Trial from the Petitioner and Respondent Perspectives
Brent Eames, Eames Law Group, Chicago
Prof. Brandy Johnson, Southern Illinois University – Simmons Law School, Carbondale

Medicare Compliance and Post-Settlement Considerations
John Kane, Ametros, Chicago


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 $87.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $175
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Probate Pitfalls

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Timothy A. Slating

Probate “pitfalls” are inevitable, and no two cases are alike. Learn how to manage or avoid common pitfalls in Illinois probate proceedings for decedents’ estates with this informative online seminar. Estate administration practitioners, Civil practice attorneys, and elder law attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will also learn practical problem-solving solutions when unavoidable probate pitfalls arise; filing requirements and procedures; the Cook County nuances to be aware of; and how to handle: