Enter the Illinois Bar Journal “Notable AI Experience” Contest

Posted on May 28, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

For our Member Appreciation Month contest, submit a 100-word summary of your most notable artificial intelligence (AI) experience.

Perhaps you’ve found a way to save a huge amount of time with AI or used AI to make a connection or establish a pattern you would not have discovered on your own. Conversely, maybe you have a cautionary tale of an AI prompt gone very wrong! Our favorite submissions will be published in the Illinois Bar Journal, and a $100 Visa gift card will be given to the top entry.

Illinois Supreme Court Amends Rule to Allow Newly-Admitted Attorneys to Participate in Pro Bono Pilot Program

Posted on May 28, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Supreme Court Rule 795(d)(14) which will permit newly-admitted attorneys to participate in a pro bono pilot program to earn Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit. With this amendment the Court hopes to address unmet legal needs in the state and help foster a career-long commitment for new attorneys to pro bono service.

Hemp businesses warn THC limits in Illinois bill could force them to close

There's a new push to regulate the cannabis and hemp industries in Illinois with mere days left in the spring legislative session, and small businesses are very concerned.

From: 
NBC 5 Chicago

With support from AI, more pro se cases hit court dockets

As people who need legal assistance who cannot afford it increasingly lean on artificial intelligence more frequently, federal judges and legal experts have said the already-overburdened court dockets are being flooded with pro se litigation.

From: 
ABA Journal

Illinois Supreme Court seeks applicants for Illinois State Public Defender Commission

The Commission plays a vital role in overseeing and supporting the Office of the State Public Defender, ensuring the delivery of quality legal representation to those in need throughout Illinois.

From: 
The Bar News

US Attorney for Northern Dist. of IL announces 'sweeping reforms to internal grand jury practices'

As fallout continues from a dismissed federal prosecution of six people protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions last year, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois announced "sweeping reforms to internal grand jury practices and disclosures" Wednesday.

From: 
ABC 7

Illinois lawmakers pass landmark AI accountability bill

Following in the footsteps of New York and California, Illinois state lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday that seeks to increase transparency and accountability among the largest and most capable artificial intelligence models.

From: 
WSIU

Illinois State Bar Association Among First to Launch Legal AI Member Benefit, Selects SimpleDocs

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

ISBA members will receive discounted access to an award-winning Legal AI platform for contract drafting, review, and negotiation.

Miami, Florida – May 28, 2026 — The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and SimpleDocs today announced a strategic initiative to help Illinois attorneys responsibly adopt practical Legal AI technology built specifically for transactional work.