City Limits

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

 The Illinois Bar Journal’s November cover story asks the question, “Can you beat City Hall?” The answer is, “Yes, but it’s complicated.” You must be well-schooled to do it successfully, according to a panel of Illinois municipal attorneys who provided insights into litigating against municipalities during a recent ISBA continuing legal education (CLE) program. The IBJ distilled the panel’s guidance and also interviewed attorneys experienced in fighting and representing municipalities and the State of Illinois.

State and Local Tax Legislation: What Goes on Behind the Scenes

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 State and Local Taxation Section


2.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 21, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Many practices are primarily statutory-based practice; for example, State and Local Taxation begins, at its core, with Chapter 35 of the ILCS. And any time a case changes or impacts any part of that section of the statues, you can be sure that it will likely be codified into statute (or overridden) soon after. So too with most statute-based practices. Because of this, familiarity with the proposed changes to the statutes are one of the best ways to keep track of current tax trends, while gaining the roadmap you need to advise your clients on potential future issues. Likewise, being able to critically argue the proposed legislation advances the debate of public policy and allows practitioners to present arguments that might benefit both the public and their clients. Either way, knowing the statutes and their proposed changes benefits you in advancing and/or protecting the position of your clients. But how do you know the laws being proposed, or their surrounding arguments? Don’t miss this panel presentation that shows you where to find ongoing proposed tax bills and gives you the step-by-step instructions you need for providing your own input into Illinois’ tax legislation. Listen as our speakers offer an in-depth look at their own experiences in trying to influence legislation and what you can learn from their successes and failures. Additional topics include:
  • The legislative research process – from how to find the bill number and where to review the bill status, to how to use the dates to find a transcript of each bill’s discussion;
  • How to use “My Legislation” on the General Assembly website, including how to create an account and how to add/edit/delete bills in your My Legislation account;
  • How to present new items you’d like to propose; and
  • A discussion of coalition building

Program Coordinators:
Gary H. Smith, Law Offices of Gary H. Smith, P.C., a division of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit, Chicago
David J. Kupiec, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
Gary H. Smith, Law Offices of Gary H. Smith, P.C., a division of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Whitney T. Carlisle, O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC, Chicago
David Eldridge, ISBA Legislative Counsel, Springfield
Daniel J. Heywood, Maher, Brannigan & Heywood, P.C., Orland Park
Timothy E. Moran, Schmidt Salzman & Moran, Ltd., 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 $140 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Illinois Supreme Court to Swear-In New Attorneys at Bar Admission Ceremonies Across the State

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

The bar admission ceremonies for the 1,604 new attorneys who passed the July 2024 Bar Exam will be held on Wednesday, November 6, in all five judicial districts of Illinois. 

The First Judicial District ceremony sessions will be held in Chicago at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. and Justice Joy V. Cunningham swearing-in candidates. 

The Second Judicial District ceremony will be held in Elgin at 10 a.m. with Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford swearing-in candidates. 

6th Annual Bock Food Law and Policy Conference

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 Food Law Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 4, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Back by popular demand! Don’t miss the 6th Annual Bock Food Law and Policy Conference as we explore the hot topics and emerging legal issues in the food and agricultural law industries. Attorneys with intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn about:
  • Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Food Service Sector: this discussion explores the historical perspectives and new regulations for the prevention of sexual harassment in the services industry, as well as how those laws might apply to your clients who are restaurant, bar, or other food service entities;
  • The Illinois Grocery Initiative Act: this section offers a comprehensive overview of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Act, including a look at the legislation that has passed, the grants available for grocers, and how your clients can apply for those grants;
  • Out of State Food Laws and Their Impact on Manufacturers and Agritourism: these presentations explore the food laws of various states through the U.S. that can affect manufacturers and agritourism business entities, and how you can assist your Illinois clients as they navigate those laws;
  • Maine’s Right to Food Constitutional Amendment: this in-depth discussion explores the new right to food amendment to Maine’s constitution, as well as its provisions and its purpose.

Program Coordinators:
Robert B. Anderson, Bahr Anderson Law Group, LLC, Naperville
Prof. A. Bryan Endres, Director, Bock Food and Agricultural Law Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Jane E. McBride, Attorney at Law, Springfield

Program Moderator:
Prof. A. Bryan Endres, Director, Bock Food and Agricultural Law Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana

Program Chat Moderator:
Robert B. Anderson, Bahr Anderson Law Group, LLC, Naperville

Program Speakers:
Prof. A. Bryan Endres, Director, Bock Food and Agricultural Law Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Prof. Sarah Everhart, Assistant Professor, Widener University Delaware Law School; Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, Delaware
Prof. Maria H. Kalaitzandonakes, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
John O’Conner, Policy & Program Development Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Springfield
Prof. William C. Ridley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Prof. Emily E. LB. Twarog, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana


Program 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

Top Trends in Ethical Cybersecurity

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!
ISBA’s Practice Toolbox Series
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association


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


Original Program Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 7, 2024 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Practicing anywhere, anytime is no longer just a dream for lawyers; it’s a reality. Under Model Rule 1.6, lawyers must take reasonable precautions to protect client info and data in their custody. This seminar discusses Rules 1.1, 1.6, 5.1, and 5.3 that bind attorneys and the ethical and malpractice pitfalls of mobile, cloud, and everyday computing. Learn how to work anywhere safely and what vulnerabilities to keep in mind.

Program Speaker:
Jeffrey Schoenberger, Affinity Consulting Group

About the Speaker: Jeff’s unique role at Affinity involves managing our Practice Management Advisory program. Prior to joining the Affinity family, Jeff practiced law with Legal Aid in Cincinnati, Ohio. He learned about Affinity and consulting as a career path through some of partners Paul Unger’s and Barron Henley’s CLE courses. Jeff’s describes his superpower as his ability to “get the podcast done.” His favorite part of his job is discovering new tech and techniques to help attorneys.


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 $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

ISBA's Family Law Toolkit - 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 Family Law Section


5.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: October 28, 2022
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: November 5, 2024 - November 4, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)

Be sure to check out Part 1 of the Family Law Toolkit seminar.


Get the information you need to conduct your next family law case from start to finish with this full-day seminar that is designed for attorneys new to the family law practice. The program builds upon the information found in the ISBA Family Law Toolkit – 2024 Edition – a reference guide that no family law practitioner should be without – and offers an interactive experience where attendees can network with the authors and ask follow-up questions.


Program Coordinator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago

Program Moderators:
Hon. Arnold F. Blockman (ret.), University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago

Equitable Distribution of Property and Debt
Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of the statutory factors considered in the determination of property division. Topics include: how to classify marital and non-marital property (and identifying property that is classified as both); when to value property; how to determine whether an opinion witness is necessary; how to assign non-marital property and debt; and the issues that impact division, including consideration of dissipation and contribution. Practice tips for presenting a persuasive argument for the equitable division of property and debt is included.
Hon. Arnold F. Blockman (ret.), University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign
Prof. Stephanie L. Tang, Baylor Law School, Texas

Determining and Undoing Parentage under the Illinois Parentage Act
This presentation explores the statutory provisions that establish parentage or presumption of parentage under the Adoption Act, Surrogacy Act, The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, and Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, as well as the burden of proof required to declare the nonexistence of a parent-child relationship. The necessary steps for adjudication and genetic testing is also discussed.
Staci L. Balbirer, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa, Chicago
Jessica Patchik, DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Wheaton

Discovery, Trial Preparation, and Organization*
This segment examines the Supreme Court rules that you need to be aware of for your next family law case, including rule 214 (production of documents), rule 213 (interrogatories), and rule 216 (Request to Admit and cautions regarding the response to a propounded). The ethical obligations regarding discovery and the use of the Supreme Court Rules to compel the appearance of parties and documents at hearing/trial are also discussed. Additional topics include: trial strategy and preparation, determination of witnesses, pretrial motions, the necessity for organization, and practice tips for using Trial Notebook
Prof. Stephanie L. Tang, Baylor Law School, Texas
Elizabeth F. Wakeman, Wakeman Law Group, P.C., Crystal Lake

Motion for Indirect Civil Contempt (Petition for Rule to Show Cause)
Learn the difference between indirect and civil contempt with this informative session, as well as how to identify the essential elements for a successful petition, how to defend against a petition for contempt, and what’s required for an order granting relief.
Materials prepared by Rebecca Melzer, Berlin Melzer Law, Chicago
Wesley A. Gozia, Gozia Law Firm LLC, Carlyle

Judicial Panel on Evidence
The seminar closes with an interactive discussion on the most common evidentiary issues faced by family law attorneys, including how evidence should be presented to advance your cause and persuade the court.
Hon. Arnold F. Blockman (ret.), University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign
Hon. Pamela E. Loza, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago
Hon. Timothy McJoynt, 18th Judicial Circuit Court, Wheaton
Hon. Maureen D. Schuette, 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, Edwardsville


*Originally presented as part of Family Law Toolkit. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand 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 $192.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $385
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

ISBA's Family Law Toolkit - 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 Family Law Section


3.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: October 28, 2022
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­November 5, 2024 - November 4, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)

Be sure to check out Part 2 of the Family Law Toolkit seminar.


Get the information you need to conduct your next family law case from start to finish with this full-day seminar that is designed for attorneys new to the family law practice. The program builds upon the information found in the ISBA Family Law Toolkit – 2024 Edition – a reference guide that no family law practitioner should be without – and offers an interactive experience where attendees can network with the authors and ask follow-up questions. Attorneys who attend this program will better understand:
  • The statutes and Illinois Supreme Court rules impacting parenting time and responsibilities;
  • How to determine a child’s home state and when to contest a jurisdiction in Illinois;
  • How to calculate child support maintenance;
  • How unemployment and underemployment can impact support;
  • The scope and limitations of 750 ILCS 5/513 regarding the education expenses of a non-minor child;

Program Coordinator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago

Program Moderators:
Hon. Arnold F. Blockman (ret.), University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago

Parenting Time and Responsibilities
Join us for this opening segment as we discuss the relevant family law statutes and Illinois Supreme Court rules regarding parenting time and responsibilities. Topics include: what to consider when allocating parental responsibilities; the requirements for restricting parental responsibilities; the essential elements of a parenting plan; the provisions governing the role and ethical obligations of attorneys appointed for children; the statutory obligations regarding billing and invoice presentment; how to modify allocation orders; the provisions and relevant factors when a parent wishes to relocate with the children; and more.
Lisa M. Nyuli, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C., South Elgin
Agnes Z. Olechno, Williams, Farmer & Olechno LLC, Chicago

The UCCJEA and other Jurisdiction Issues
This segment offers an in-depth review of initial jurisdiction in child-related cases under the UCCJEA, including: how to determine the child’s home state; exclusive continuingjurisdictionbytheStatethatenteredthedecreevs.modificationjurisdictionunder the UCCJEA; knowing when a fee award is permissible in a contested jurisdiction in Illinois; and the ethical issues to consider when advising your client on venue.
Anthony Joseph, Masters Law Group, LLC, Chicago (pre-recording)
David N. Schaffer, Schaffer Family Law Ltd., Naperville (pre-recording)

Spousal Maintenance, Child Support, and Calculations
This panel presentation explores the statutory authority for an initial spousal maintenance award and relevant statutory provisions for the modification of the maintenance, how to determine child support calculations, the initial guidelines for maintenance calculations (and what you need to support these calculations), how unemployment and underemployment can impact support; the factors that can warrant a deviation from these guidelines, and much more.
Jessica Patchik, DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Wheaton
Prof. Stephanie L. Tang, Baylor Law School, Texas

Educational Expenses for the Non-Minor Child
Gain a better understanding of the scope and limitations of 750 ILCS 5/513 with this informative segment. Topics include: the obligations of the child under the statute; petitions for college expenses; how settlement language can impact each party’s obligation; how to prepare or defend against a college contribution hearing; and the documents you need to support the merits of your petition.
Lisa M. Nyuli, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C., South Elgin
Wesley A. Gozia, Gozia Law Firm LLC, Carlyle


*Originally presented as part of Family Law Toolkit. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand 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) - $25
    • Law Students - Free