The names of 15 new associate judges, selected in a vote of Cook County Circuit Court judges, were announced today by Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
 
Ballots listing the names of 30 finalists, chosen from 212 candidates, were distributed to 252 circuit judges. Ballots were due Dec. 3. The Alliance of Bar Associations and the Chicago Bar Association evaluated the candidates. Each candidate was interviewed by an 11-member nominating committee, comprised of Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans of the Cook County Circuit Court and 10 presiding judges. 

The Illinois Supreme Court handed down one opinion on Thursday, December 5. In People v. Eubanks, the court held 625 ILCS 5/11-501.2(c)(2) unconstitutional as applied to the defendant. Section 501.2(c)(2) permits the warrantless collection and testing of an individual’s blood, breath, or urine for alcohol or drugs if the police have probable cause to believe that the individual was driving under the influence and was involved in a motor vehicle accident causing death or personal injury to another.

Join ISBA President Elect Dennis Orsey and his wife, Cathy, to explore ancient civilizations and sunny coasts on this spectacular seven-night cruise through Italy and Greece aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina.

The cruise is scheduled to take place April 22-30, 2021. Save $100 per person when you book by Dec. 13, 2019.

The Supreme Court of Illinois and the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee of Justice and Mental Health Planning (Advisory Committee) today have announced updates to the Problem-Solving Courts (PSC) Standards and certification and application processes, which were adopted in 2015.

Revisions were drafted by the Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) and approved by the Supreme Court during its November term. They will become effective on Jan. 1, 2020, and are intended to further promote consistency and compliance across the entire criminal justice system with up-to-date evidence-based practices.

The 2019 Joint Midyear Meeting in Rosemont this year will feature a shuttle service to accommodate holiday shoppers who are interested in exploring the area.

The service will run from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, and will leave the Westin O’Hare every 30 minutes, allowing for plenty of opportunities to visit the nearby Fashion Outlets of Chicago, the newest must-shop destination when visiting the Chicago area.

Other nearby attractions include:

By Sarah J. Taylor

On November 12, 2019, Southern Illinois University School of Law hosted the area’s first event designed to recognize the pro bono work of local lawyers and mediators. The inaugural Celebrate Pro Bono reception was co-sponsored by SIU School of Law, Dispute Resolution Institute, Inc., Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), the Jackson and Williamson County Bar Associations, and local law firms Reed, Heller, and Reed, Attorneys at Law, of Murphysboro and Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes and Hoke, LLP, of Carbondale.

Join us from noon until 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, for an online seminar that examines the legislative changes that may affect your traffic law clients, including the recreational use of marijuana.

Traffic law attorneys, criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, general practitioners, and new attorneys with basic practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand: the recent caselaw and legislative changes to the traffic law arena, bail reform and changes to criminal and traffic assessments and costs, the latest DUI and summary suspension caselaw, and how these changes will affect your client and practice.

Mark your calendars! Every few years, the Illinois State Bar Association organizes an admission ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court. This year's ceremony will take place June 14-15, 2020, in Washington, D.C.

Only 50 spots will be available. A special group hotel room rate will be available at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel for admittees, their families, and guests.

To be eligible, you must be an active lawyer member of the ISBA, admitted to practice more than 3 years, and not have any adverse disciplinary action pronounced or in effect during that 3-year period.

The Illinois Trust Code becomes effective Jan. 1, 2020, representing a multiyear effort to modify and adapt the Uniform Trust Code. In his December Illinois Bar Journal article, “The New Illinois Trust Code: Practical Pointers,” Dan Felix provides a topic-oriented introduction that moves progressively through the Code. He notes several changes from the existing Illinois Trust and Trustees Act and raises questions for further resolution. Felix also includes a practical checklist for attorneys who will be working with the Code.

The ISBA Springfield and Chicago offices will be closed for Thanksgiving beginning 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, Dec. 2.

On behalf of everyone at the ISBA, we wish you a happy, fun, and safe long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!