Illinois Supreme Court Announces Creation of Data Task Force

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

As part of continuing its mission to capture accurate and consistent court data from all 102 counties, the Illinois Supreme Court announced today the creation of a Data Task Force (Task Force). Data is crucial to state courts for effective case management, court performance, allocating resources efficiently, making informed decisions, understanding the communities the courts serve, and maintaining public trust through transparency and accountability.

Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet Announces Two Resident Circuit Judge Vacancies in Second District

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

Justice David K. Overstreet of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for two resident circuit judge vacancies in the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Wayne and Edwards counties.

A vacancy for Resident Circuit Judge, Wayne County, was created by the resignation of Judge Michael J. Molt, effective November 30, 2024. A vacancy for Resident Circuit Judge, Edwards County, was created by the death of Judge Michael J. Valentine on November 5, 2024. Appointment to both vacancies go through December 7, 2026, following the 2026 November general election.

Resting in Pieces: How to Avoid Putting Family Harmony and Plan Integrity at Risk in the Estate Plan - 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 Trusts & Estates Section


3.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 16, 2026(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of the role family dynamics play in the estate planning process, and how drafting and counseling can help avoid family disharmony for your clients. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this full-day seminar will learn:

  • How to decipher the trust documents of complicated family dynamics;
  • The trust and estate administration factors that can disrupt the harmony in a family;
  • What you need to know about dispositive provisions for trust distributions;
  • The challenges facing lawyers when collaborating with financial planners, tax advisors, family therapists, and other professionals; and
  • How to adhere to professional ethical standards to ensure that your client’s estate plan reflects the family’s values, while minimizing potential conflicts.

Program Coordinator:
Daniel P. Felix, The Professional Trustee, Deerfield

Program Moderator:
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, Chicago

Drafting Support and Discretionary Trusts to Incorporate Family Values and Carry Out Client Intent
This segment discusses the oft-neglected aspects of drafting trusts, such as the dispositive provisions relating to trust distributions, including what (if any) legal distinction exists between support and discretionary trusts, as well as how Illinois courts and law construe the provisions of each. Additional topics include: the long-standing trend toward hybrid trusts, combining the aspects of both support and discretionary trusts, and the drafting techniques you can use to ensure that trust provisions reflect the family’s values.
Timothy P. O’Sullivan, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC, Kansas
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, Chicago

Multi-Disciplinary Ethics Issues*
Don’t miss this discussion on the ethical considerations that can arise when incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach to estate planning, specifically in the context of maintaining family harmony and plan integrity. Listen as our speaker draws from the insights and techniques discussed in prior segments to address the challenges and responsibilities that lawyers face when collaborating with other professionals, such as financial planners, tax advisors, and family therapists. Learn how to adhere to professional ethical standards and best practices to ensure that your client’s estate plan reflects and effectuates the family’s values, while minimizing potential conflicts and disputes.
Jason D. Foster, ArentFox Schiff, Chicago

Panel Discussion: Bringing It All Together
The program closes with an interactive discussion regarding the questions and issues raised by both the attendees and speakers throughout the program.
Jason D. Foster, ArentFox Schiff, Chicago
Kim Schneider Malek, Quest for Legitimacy, Denver
Timothy P. O’Sullivan, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC, Kansas
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutle

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) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Resting in Pieces: How to Avoid Putting Family Harmony and Plan Integrity at Risk in the Estate Plan - 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 Trusts & Estates Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 16, 2026(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of the role family dynamics play in the estate planning process, and how drafting and counseling can help avoid family disharmony for your clients. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this full-day seminar will learn:

  • How to decipher the trust documents of complicated family dynamics;
  • The trust and estate administration factors that can disrupt the harmony in a family;
  • What you need to know about dispositive provisions for trust distributions;
  • The challenges facing lawyers when collaborating with financial planners, tax advisors, family therapists, and other professionals; and
  • How to adhere to professional ethical standards to ensure that your client’s estate plan reflects the family’s values, while minimizing potential conflicts.

Program Coordinator:
Daniel P. Felix, The Professional Trustee, Deerfield

Program Moderator:
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, Chicago

How to Build a Bridge Between Generations: Applying Family Dynamics to Help the Family Work with Wealth
Have your successful clients overcome certain circumstances that led to their success and now they need help creating a path to connect with the next generation within their family? Are you unsure how to apply family dynamics to help these clients work with (and not against) their wealth? Then don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Dr. James Weiner as he draws upon his vast experience in deciphering trust documents in often complicated family dynamics, while sharing stories and lessons drawn from his latest book, The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Find Their Unique Place in the World .
Kim Schneider Malek, Quest for Legitimacy, Denver

Drafting to Avoid Family Disharmony*
This segment explores the major estate and trust administration factors that can enhance the risk of family disharmony and the negative economic consequences it engenders. Learn which drafting techniques can help minimize these risks (including suggested provisions and clauses) and what to include in wills and revocable trust agreements.
Timothy P. O’Sullivan, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC, Kansas
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler, LLP, 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 $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis Announces Subcircuit Vacancy in Cook County

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Cook County judicial vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit.

The 11th Subcircuit vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Mary Colleen Roberts. The appointed individual will serve a term through December 7, 2026.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to the final Court approval. Applicants will undergo an evaluation and screening process.

Seventh Circuit: Notice of Recission of Circuit Rule 35 and Modification of Circuit Rule 26.1

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

On October 15, 2024, this court issued notice that it proposed the rescission of Circuit Rule 35 and modification of Circuit Rule 26.1 in anticipation of the elimination of Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 35.

The court hereby provides notice of adoption of the aforementioned changes, effective December 1, 2024.