Worthwhile Speedbumps

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Although the COVID-19 pandemic forced nearly everyone into remote work of some kind, Illinois courts by then were gradually introducing various remote technologies and options into trial and case work. In his May Illinois Bar Journal article, “Worthwhile Speedbumps,” Christopher DiPlacido considers the fortuitous blend of remote hearings forced upon us due to the pandemic and the Illinois Supreme Court’s gradual refinement of remote policies and practices.

Access to Justice Commission to Accept Proposals for Grant Initiative

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission), and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) have launched the application process for a grant initiative and are extending invitations to join their network of court personnel who assist self-represented litigants (SRLs) and advance access to justice. The application process for the grant is open now through June 26, 2023.

May Is Member Appreciation Month

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

This May, we're celebrating you during Member Appreciation Month. We have a full calendar of prizes, discounts, and giveaways, so stay tuned to ISBA communications for detailed announcements with instructions for how you can get in on the fun. You can look forward to a bookstore sale, free live CLE webcasts, member renewal incentives, social media contests, and more. View our Member Appreciation Month page for additional details. 

Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Margaret Mullen to Second District Appellate Court

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the assignment of Judge Margaret J. Mullen, Ret. to the 2nd District Appellate Court. Judge Mullen is being assigned to fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Donald C. Hudson on April 11, 2023. The assignment is effective May 11, 2023, and will continue until June 1, 2027, or until further order of the Court. 

When Not To Bypass Passive Voice

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

First District Illinois Appellate Court Justice Michael B. Hyman says this about the passive voice in his Judging Your Writing column in the May Illinois Bar Journal: “An abundance of passive sentences tends to force the reader to work harder to understand what is being said. Think statutes, rules, and regulations. They usually read as if composed by a committee of theoretical physicists whose native tongue is German. Yet, while junior to active, passive has an indispensable role in writing that essentially goes unnoticed.”