Lunchtime FOIA Series: Freedom of Information Act Case Law and Public Access Counselor Opinions Update

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 ISBA’s Standing Committee on Government Lawyers
Co-presented by the ISBA Local Government Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss Part 2 of this lunchtime series that offers you an in-depth overview of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act case law and Public Access Counselor Opinions update. Administrative law attorneys, civil practice lawyers, general practitioners, and local government counsel with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will better understand the 2025 Binding Public Access Counselor Decisions and 2025 Case Law Interpreting FOIA.

Program Coordinators:
Bianca B. Brown, Pretzel & Stouffer, Chicago
Michele K. Niermann, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd., Chicago

Program Moderator:
Bianca B. Brown, Pretzel & Stouffer, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
Michele K. Niermann, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd., Chicago

Program Speaker:
Marissa Spencer, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo Ltd., Naperville



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.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal - The First 12 Years

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: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for a comprehensive overview of the ongoing benefits of the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal, as well as a review of its first 12 years. Federal tax attorneys, general practitioners, state and local tax lawyers, and government counsel with intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • When and how to represent a taxpayer before the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal;
  • How the Tax Tribunal helps resolve disputes between the taxpayer and the Illinois Department of Revenue; and
  • The pitfalls to avoid (and best practice to use) when representing a taxpayer before the Tax Tribunal.

Program Coordinators:
David J. Kupiec, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago
Gary H. Smith, Law Offices of Gary H. Smith, Chicago

Program Moderator:
David J. Kupiec, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
Natalie M. Martin, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Hon. James M. Conway, Chief Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal, Chicago
Hon. Brian F. Barov, Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal, Chicago
Brian Fiflet, Deputy General Counsel, Illinois Department of Revenue, Chicago
David J. Kupiec, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago
Natalie M. Martin, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, 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 $70 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $140
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Protect Your Profits: Build a Tariff Roadmap

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 ISBA’s International & Immigration Law Section
Co-presented by the ISBA Food Law Section, ISBA Federal Civil Practice Section, ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, and ISBA Diversity Leadership Council


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Higher input costs and slowing demand have many concerned about the economic impact of tariffs. Added volatility over actual tariff rates make it difficult to strategize … but what’s your next best move? Turns out there’s a lot that can be done right now that doesn’t involve pondering price increases. Join us for a step-by-step look at how to quickly assess your tariff exposure, the over 20 techniques that can help you tackle it, and the roadmap of actionable steps you can take to protect your business in three distinct areas:
  • Low Hanging Fruit. Learn why being familiar with your expenses is so important to the financial health of your business and how to confirm that you aren’t paying a nickel more than you have to (regardless of tariff rates) by: scrubbing invoices for accuracy, reviewing taxes for additional deductions, understanding and utilizing accounting treatments, and cash flow/currency considerations.
  • Reduce Exposure / Current Footprint. Learn to identify short term investments for margin preservation, while understanding the importance of capacity-driven pricing, cash flow analysis, cross-border warehousing, and tariff engineering. Additional topics include inventory techniques to use to your advantage, free/foreign trade zones, and how to build a model with dynamic inputs and dynamic pricing outputs.
  • Reduce Exposure / Reimagined Footprint. Shift from defense to offense while taking control of your economic destiny by better understanding the value of long-term profitability and how to create a board-level long-term strategic plan.

Program Coordinator/Chat Moderator:
Angela Peters, Buffalo Grove Law Offices, Arlington Heights

Program Speakers:
Matthew A. Bock, Bock Trade Law, Massachusetts
Jennifer Clement, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Wisconsin



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 $35 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

Agricultural Real Estate Issues: The Basics and Beyond

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 Agricultural Law Section


1.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this practical guide on issues related to agricultural real estate in estate administration, as well as the legal considerations and best practices you need to know. Topics include:
  • The initial considerations for agricultural real estate;
  • How to handle real estate within probate estates, including the necessary legal documentation;
  • The importance of identifying title issues and obtaining appraisals for real estate;
  • The issues to consider when selling agricultural real estate;
  • How to advise your client on the tax implications related to real estate in estate administration;
  • The issues that may arise with distressed or problematic real estate in an estate;
  • Representing a mortgagee in estate matters;
  • What you need to know to advise your client on selling farmland, including appraisal issues, solar leasing, surveys, tenancy agreements, and tax implications;
  • The basics of vacant land sales; and
  • The emerging technologies and changing regulations are shaping the future of farmland transactions.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Andrew G. White, Bellatti, Barton, Cochran & White, LLC, Springfield

Speakers:
James F. Kane, Johnson, Bruce & Noble, P.C., Peoria
Alan E. Stumpf, Stumpf & Gutknecht P.C., Columbia



*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s 31st Annual Agricultural Law Seminar. 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 $35 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

The Admissibility of Evidence of Intoxication in Civil Proceedings

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 Sangamon County Bar Association
Co-sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association and Lincoln-Douglas Inn of Courts


0.75 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Evidence of intoxication in civil negligence claims is complex and most commonly arises in cases of motor vehicle accidents and premises liability cases where intoxicated plaintiffs are injured. This seminar offers a comprehensive overview of the admissibility of evidence of intoxication in civil proceedings, including the fact that intoxication evidence is highly prejudicial which impacts jury perceptions. Topics include:
  • IPI 12.01 intoxication;
  • What we can learn from past cases, including Wagner v. Zboncak (evidence of drinking without proof of intoxication is impermissible), Wade v. Chicago Heights (blood alcohol levels are admissible under business records rule), Sobczak v. G.M. Corp. (high BAC can indicate significant impairment affecting behavior), and Logan v. U.S. Bank (rules for narcotic impairment are similar to alcohol impairment);
  • Why voir dire should address jurors’ biases regarding alcohol;
  • Why motions in limine should be filed to exclude alcohol evidence;
  • How speculative testimony without supporting evidence can lead to mistrial; and
  • Much more.


Program Coordinator:
Shirley Wilgenbusch, Sangamon County Bar Association, Springfield

Program Speaker:
Nicholas Williams, Shay & Associates Law Firm, Springfield



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

2025 Legislative Update CLE

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 Sangamon County Bar Association
Co-sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association and Lincoln-Douglas Inn of Courts


0.75 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for this comprehensive update on the various legislation that has taken place throughout 2025, as well as an overview of the FY2026 budget, including Senate Bill 2510 (FY25 budget package), House Bill 2755 (revenue issues), and House Bill 3374 (the state’s General Obligation Bond limit). Additional topics include:
  • Highlights from the 2025 legislative session, including which notable bills were passed and which were held;
  • How to use My Legislation on the General Assembly’s website;
  • A summary of the legislation that has been sent to the Governor this year (as well as the “drop dates” by which he must take action); and
  • Much more.


Program Moderator:
Shirley Wilgenbusch, Sangamon County Bar Association, Springfield

Program Speakers:
Jessica A. Nardulli,Fulcrum Government Strategies, Springfield
David P. Eldridge, ISBA Legislative Counsel, Springfield



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

Law Day 2025: The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One

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 Sangamon County Bar Association
Co-presented by the Illinois State Bar Association, Appellate Lawyers Association, Lincoln Douglas Inn of Court,
Government Bar Association, and Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association


0.75 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 21, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this seminar that reminds Americans of the history behind our constitution and our civic duties as citizens of this country. The program also reminds attorneys and judges the importance of keeping the constitution (and the constitutional rights of all parties involved) in mind when preparing your case for trial. Topics include:
  • The importance of focusing on the jury;
  • How to protect the record;
  • Pretrial motions and issues;
  • How to use technology, exhibits, and witnesses to impact and inform the jury; and
  • Much more.


Program Coordinator:
Shirley Wilgenbusch, Sangamon County Bar Association CLE Chair, Springfield

Program Speaker:
Hon. Amy C. Lannerd, Illinois Appellate Court for the Fourth District, Springfield


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

Judge sets hearing for Border Patrol agent who shot woman in Brighton Park

Defense attorneys for the woman say evidence in the case may be spoiled after the agent drove his car back to Maine and a mechanic was ordered to fix the damage.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago sues Trump administration over alleged unlawful restrictions of federal emergency grants

The lawsuit alleges the administration imposed "unlawful conditions" relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, on grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

From: 
ABC 7