Marcia M. Meis, director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that 386 out of 391 Illinois associate judges who filed requests for reappointment to their office for a new four-year term have been retained.

Having certified the results of more than 480 total ballots cast in Illinois' 24 circuit courts, Meis informed that each successful candidate received votes that tallied three-fifths or greater in favor of their reappointment. Five associate judges did not receive the requisite number of votes for reappointment. The new term of office for each reappointed associate judge will begin on July 1, 2019 and terminate on June 30, 2023.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier issued the following statement today on the increased funding for the judicial branch following the signing of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers legal transcription, driver’s licenses and child support, the Cannabis Regulation Tax Act, disposition of remains, the Illinois Trust Code, forensic interviews on children, medical cannabis, and toxic torts.

Join us online June 21 to discover why using mediation in small claims cases can be the better choice for the expeditious resolution of cases, which often involve self-represented parties and provide better access to justice.

The Illinois State Bar Association will present several awards recognizing individuals for their commitment and service to the profession and their communities during a ceremony held July 11 at Maggiano's Little Italy Chicago:

Attorney Howard Ankin discusses how to prepare workers’ compensation settlement contracts.

Back by popular demand! Don’t miss the 7th Annual Minority Bar CLE Conference that offers you guidance and information in a number of practice areas. Enhance your knowledge on an array of key issues, including: diversity in the judiciary; thriving as a solo practitioner; advancement of minority female litigators; voting rights and recent legal developments; technology and the law; the challenges of protecting intellectual property in China; and immigration law hot topics.

The 2017 Illinois Juvenile Court Act calls for extra diligence by attorneys who represent juvenile delinquents and attorneys who prosecute them or represent law enforcement agencies. These changes better protect minors' constitutional rights, but also place additional burdens on law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. In their June Illinois Bar Journal article, “What Did You Say?! The Changing Landscape of Juvenile Custodial Interrogations,” Emily Fitch and Brenda Mathis examine the standards that apply when attempting to interrogate juveniles charged with crimes and the nine exceptions that exist in the new Act.

The age-old idiom “hope for the best and prepare for the worst” can be applied to assessing risks to a law firm.

To plan for recovery, attorneys should understand what risks threaten their practice, and how to determine their potential impact in order to mitigate risks.

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Pretrial Practices is hosting a series of public hearings as it works toward its final report and recommendations.

The commission would like to gather input from Illinois stakeholders regarding pretrial reform. An additional hearing has been added for Monday, June 24, at the Freeport Public Library, 100. E. Douglas Street, in Freeport from 5 until 6:30 p.m.