Dale A. Anderson 1937-2021

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

After nearly a century of thoughtfulness toward others, dedication to his craft, and an endless devotion to Chicago sports teams, revered attorney, loving husband and beloved father Dale A. Anderson, 83, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 from complications due to cancer.

He was an ISBA member for over 40 years, serving as ISBA president in 1980.

CLE: ISBA’s Law Ed Faculty Development Series—Engaging Presentations in the Virtual World

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Most presentations today are virtual, and ISBA wants to equip you with the techniques you need to reach your online audience.

Join us as our master series speaker, David Mann, returns from noon until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 with a fresh look at the how to effectively interact in the virtual world, including tips for clarity and how to maintain your online professionalism. Topics include: how to translate arcane legal language into plain English; how to create captivating openings with rhetorical impact; delivering your case story for engaging flow; illustrating complex legal concepts simply; how structure and language can inspire action; understanding which storytelling techniques build clarity, understanding, and trust; using the camera in a professional manner; knowing which Zoom (and other platform) features can enhance your delivery skills; how to use lighting and sound to your advantage; arranging the background to communicate stability and trustworthiness; and how to use polls and other virtual platform features effectively.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Seeks Administrative United States Penitentiary Attorney

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Federal Bureau of Prisons seeks an administrative united states penitentiary attorney in Thomson, Illinois.

The legal practice at the United States Penitentiary located in Thomson is part of the Consolidated Legal Center (CLC), Federal Medical Center, Rochester, Minnesota. This CLC covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes such matters as inmate's reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, access to information, and discipline.

8 Things Every Trial Lawyer Should Know

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Every client and trial are different. But successful trial lawyers know that winning a case requires deep preparation and attention to detail that begin long before jurors are seated and the trial starts. Recently, in an ISBA CLE titled The Eight Things Every Trial Lawyer Should Know, Illinois attorneys and judges shared characteristics all good trial attorneys have in common. The Illinois Bar Journal features their key takeaways in the April 2021issue.

Their tips and tricks cover eight aspects of trial law: presenting and arguing motions in limine, selecting a jury, making objections, establishing proofs through direct examination, controlling a witness on cross examination, handling the jury instructions conference, delivering a closing argument, and maintaining professionalism during an adversarial process.

Illinois Courts Awarded Second $100,000 Grant from Justice for All Project

Posted on March 26, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts announced today that it will receive a $100,000 grant from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) as part of the Justice for All (JFA) Project. This is the second $100,000 grant that the Illinois Courts have received from the NCSC, with the first awarded in October 2019.

CLE: Everything Condos

Posted on March 26, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Join us from 8:55 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, April 21 for this half-day seminar as we delve into all things condominium! Learn how to properly submit property to the Illinois Condominium Act, how to properly form a condominium (or other type of homeowner) association, the ins and outs of condo deconversion, and how to effectively represent owners of condominiums. The program closes with a look at condos from the judicial perspective.

Illinois Supreme Court Seeks Attorneys for Volunteer Pro Bono Program for Criminal Appeals

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois Supreme Court’s Volunteer Pro Bono Program for Criminal Appeals currently has cases available in all five appellate districts that have complete records available and are ready to be briefed.  

Attorneys who meet eligibility criteria can submit a volunteer application to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. 

CLE: Practicing Family Law in a Pandemic

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The pandemic has increased stress levels experienced by both lawyers and litigants, created conflicts and disputes among families, and fostered an environment where honing our technology skills are a must. Join us from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 15 for this in-depth look at how the family law practice has been impacted by the pandemic, including how it has affected the mental health of clients and practitioners, how to manage a zoom evidentiary hearing, and the litigation of support modification and emergency matters during COVID.