Since 2013, ISBA members have received free on-demand CLE (sponsored by ISBA Mutual) that enables them to satisfy all MCLE requirements. Currently, ISBA provides over 600 hours of On-Demand CLE programming in a wide array of topics that are relevant to virtually every ISBA member. This benefit results from the tireless efforts of many dedicated ISBA volunteer CLE program coordinators working with the ISBA staff who plan and produce programs presented by our sections and committees. We proudly recognize those coordinators responsible for CLE programs presented throughout fall 2020. Please join us as we thank them for all they do to enhance the profession!

The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) has been chosen as one of 80 inaugural grant recipients for the Illinois’ Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Program. Through this grant of $29,805, PILI will bring more pro bono legal services to low-income people in Southern Illinois.

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of January 2021 there were more than 500 referrals given.

Here are the results for January 2021:

After more than four decades of practice in estate planning, estate administration, and real estate law, Gary Gehlbach (also, a member of the Illinois Bar Journal Editorial Board) shares a plethora of tips he has accrued over the years and that came to him during restless nights and in half-conscious streams, usually around 5 a.m. The 17 tips--all easily digestible and highly practical--include “address all contingencies,” “don’t use a legal life estate,” “avoid absolutes,” and “consider potential beneficiaries with special needs.” With nearly every tip, Gehlbach provides good reasons for it and an example or two from his practice.   

There are a number of reasons why you might be considering starting your own law firm—from a desire to have more freedom and independence to take the cases you want, to an unwanted downsizing with your current law firm. Regardless of the why behind your decision, it’s the how that’s most important. Join us for this two-part series that gives you all the information you need to ensure that your decision to branch out on your own will be successful.

The Illinois Supreme Court issued one opinion on Thursday, February 4. In Rehfield v. Diocese of Joliet, the Supreme Court held that a fired Catholic principal can't sue the school for her termination because the diocese’s actions are protected by constitutional religious freedom guarantees.

Under the leadership and supervision of the Senior Managing Attorney, this is a full-time position to be based in Chicago or Central Illinois. The Managing Attorney II will serve as a member of PILI’s Programs Team, with responsibility for managing PILI’s statewide efforts to expand and enhance pro bono. This is a dynamic position that requires both the ability to organize and coordinate at a high level, while also being actively engaged in administration and implementation. The ability to do regular and significant statewide travel, and limited national travel, is required.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois is seeking an assistant U.S. attorney in its criminal division.

Criminal AUSAs prosecute federal criminal cases in the District. Criminal AUSAs advise federal law enforcement agents on criminal investigations, present criminal cases to the grand jury, try criminal cases before the United States District Court, and may represent the United States in criminal appeals before the Circuit Court of Appeals. Candidates should be capable of handling a variety of significant and complex criminal prosecutions.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois is seeking an experienced attorney to serve in the Civil Division and handle defensive cases where they will defend government agencies and employees of the government sued in an individual capacity in a wide variety of challenging cases and to represent the government in affirmative litigation when public funds have been wrongfully obtained by fraud. The Civil Division defends the interest of the United States from suits alleging statutory torts, constitutional torts, employment discrimination, and a myriad of other claims. The Civil Division also prosecutes cases for fraud and other violations of federal laws and is responsible for collecting monies owed to the government as a result of criminal fines, defaulted student loans, mortgage foreclosures, bond forfeitures and civil judgments. The division's civil rights enforcement program investigates and litigates cases involving discrimination in the areas of housing, public employment, disability, voting and education.

The Candidate Report for the 2021 ISBA Election is below. All members of the association (except non-lawyer members) with their dues paid by March 1, 2021 are eligible to vote.

(N.B.: Where two or more people filed for the same position, ballot positions were determined by lot. Ballot positions are listed next to the candidate’s name.)