Are you new to the trusts and estates practice? Want to learn more about how to help families manage their assets? Then don’t miss this seminar that offers you a basic understanding of what it means to “plan an estate.” Topics include: the most common documents used in estate planning; how to help your clients draft wills and power of attorneys; the tax issues that you should consider when helping your clients plan their estates; how to anticipate and prevent ethical pitfalls in estate planning; and much more.

Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of the workers’ compensation updates that may impact you or your clients! Labor/employment attorneys, workers’ compensation lawyers, and general practitioners with all levels of practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand: how to spot acute trauma vs. the aggravation of preexisting conditions; how to present your case at trial; how to navigate the Medicare Set-Aside landscape; the ethical considerations when using artificial intelligence in your law practice; the case law updates you need to know; and much more.

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of December, 2024, ISBA helped 873 people in need of legal services find lawyers. 

Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Kimberly Przekota as a judge in the Eleventh Subcircuit of the Cook County Circuit Court. 

“Ms. Przekota received rave reviews from the judicial screening committee during the application process,” Chief Justice Theis said. “Her extensive courtroom experience has prepared her well for this new role.” 

 When filing a joint federal income tax return, both husband and wife are jointly and severally liable for the tax and any additions to the tax, interest, or penalties that arise from the joint return, even if the parties later divorce or one of them dies. But, as Richard Hirschtritt notes in his January Illinois Bar Journal article, “Tax Appeal,” many individuals are unaware of their spouse’s income or the family’s finances. This provides the knowledgeable spouse with an opportunity to expend funds without the knowledge of his or her spouse.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of 2025 …. will your clients be ready? And, more importantly, are you equipped with the information you need to advise them? Don’t miss this informative presentation that reviews the history of the federal estate and gift tax exemption, explores the different planning strategies and opportunities available to your clients, and shows you how to assess your clients’ circumstances when deciding whether the client is a good fit for a particular recommendation.

Leading appellate attorneys review the Illinois Supreme Court opinions handed down Friday, January 24.

The Illinois Supreme Court announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on January 24, 2025. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.

Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Sonni Choi Williams as a Circuit Judge in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Third Subcircuit.