The ARDC, Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, and others are sounding the alarm about a harsh new IRS reg that takes effect at the turn of the year. Here's what the ARDC posted on its website.

"Lawyers who accept debit and credit card payments from clients need to be aware of a recent IRS regulation scheduled to take effect January 1, 2013, which has the potential to adversely impact client trust accounts if certain precautions are not taken before January 1, 2013.

Are you the competitive type? Do you like to win? The clock is ticking … only 4 days left for Early Bird Registration for ISBA's friendly competition to support the food banks of Illinois. Register online at www.lawyersfeedingil.org by Dec. 17 and your team will receive 100 extra points!  
 
At the ISBA, we like to win too – and we've got a tough challenge to raise one millions meals.  Of course, the true winners will be the 1.9 million children, seniors, and families that are helped by your generosity and support.  Will you join us? We can't do it without your help. Register today! You just never know – the bonus points you receive by registering early may just put your team over the top.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit tossed Illinois' ban on concealed weapons Tuesday and is giving the Legislature 180 days to draw up a concealed carry law. Illinois is currently the only state without a concealed carry law.

Read the 7th Circuit's decision at http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/tmp/NY0NTSHX.pdf

It’s not too late to register!

Mediation is designed to resolve differences both in and out of the courts. It requires a very different mindset than courtroom litigation. Join us in Chicago on Jan. 7^th for this week-long mediation training and learn how to resolve conflicts in a non-adversarial, non-confrontational manner, allowing peaceful resolutions between parties.

The program is taught by Richard Calkins and Fred Lane — two nationally recognized mediators, authors and educators. Until 20 years ago, both Mr. Calkins and Mr. Lane were well-known and highly regarded litigators. Since then, however, they have successfully mediated over 5,000 cases.

The program qualifies for 40.0 hours MCLE credit, including 40.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

Click here for more information and to register.

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 November 2012, ISBA helped people in need of legal services find lawyers in the following areas:

• Administrative Law – 5
• Animal Law - 1
• Bankruptcy - 16

The Illinois State Bar Association will be recognizing members who have been admitted to practice for 50 years at a luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 12. We are pleased to invite you to join President John E. Thies as the Association recognizes the 2012 Class of Distinguished Counsellors.

The luncheon to recognize the 2012 Class of Distinguished Counsellors will be held at Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. There will be a reception at 11:15 a.m. and lunch at noon. Tickets are available at $75 per person and advanced registration is required.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Weaver by e-mail at kweaver@isba.org or by telephone at (800) 252-8908.

Congratulations to the 1962 Class of Distinguished Counsellors:

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews bills in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. In this episode he covers Senate Bill 3626 (New therapy in family law cases), Senate Bill 957 (Temporary driver's licenses), House Bill 30 (Medical cannabis), Senate Bill 16 (Fast-track mortgage foreclosures) and House Bill 3636 (Mechanics' Lien Act). More information on the bill is available below the video.

The current term of office of the Honorable Byron G. Cudmore, incumbent United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of Illinois at Springfield, is due to expire August 31, 2013. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.