The Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) is pleased to announce the creation of a task force to address the ongoing challenges with resuming court operations through the next phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) is charged with analyzing and making recommendations regarding the continuing challenges for the administration of justice resultant from the pandemic.  

Attorneys with a June 30, 2020 MCLE compliance deadline are allowed to choose a three-month extension at no cost if they select that option by July 31, 2020.

To do so, Illinois attorneys must report “Not Yet Complied” on the MCLE Board’s website by July 31, 2020.

The ISBA will stop business services on Friday, July 3 in recognition of Independence Day. Services will resume on Monday, July 6.

During this time, members can expect the following:

• E-Clips will not be delivered Friday, July 3.

The following is a statement from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission:

The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission has a unique and significant responsibility for assuring that the legal system achieves its goal of equal justice for all citizens. Given the ARDC’s role and responsibility in the legal system, it is important for us to reinforce our commitment to addressing injustice by actively combatting the evils of racism and social inequity. These times of racial and civil unrest have caused us to think deeply and differently about how we may more effectively meet our obligation to combat racism and support justice for all, which we publicly share with hope and commitment.  

In October 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant certiorari to a case out of the Ninth Circuit, where the appellate court ruled that the Americans With Disabilities Act’s definition of “places of public accommodation” includes websites. In the Pointers From Practice HQ column in June’s Illinois Bar Journal, Affinity Consulting Group’s Jeff Schoenberger provides practical, easy-to-adopt tips for making your website more ADA compliant, even though federal guidance on the matter is far from clear.

The following is a statement from the Illinois Judges Association:

Recent unrest and protests across the nation resulting from the mistreatment of African Americans serve as stark reminders that racial injustice, inequity and discrimination endure throughout our society.

The Illinois Judges Association stands firmly against racism, oppression and hate. The court system not only plays a vital role in ensuring justice and upholding the law, but it is essential in guaranteeing the civil and constitutional rights of all people, regardless of color. 

Dennis J. Orsey, a general practice attorney in Granite City who concentrates his practice in representing downstate police and fire pension funds, was installed on June 19 as president of the Illinois State Bar Association at the Illinois Supreme Court building in Springfield.

Technology advances quickly and it's not easy to keep up with it while also trying to practice law. This seminar, held from noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, defines and explains the technologies that can help any lawyer solve problems, improve client service, and make life easier. Learn about the essential software and hardware tools that can help you protect client confidentiality, organize case information, manage your practice more efficiently, and improve profitability.

The ISBA Assembly on June 19 approved a resolution directed at the inhumane practice of harvesting shark fins.

The resolution expresses support for an American Bar Association resolution urging government agencies to prohibit the possession, sale, and trade of shark fins and penalize those who are involved in those activities.