Articles From Michael J. Chmiel

The End Is Near By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, November 2025 An introduction to the current issue and a nod to the close of 2025. 
Externships Provide Real-Law Experience By Judge Michael J. Chmiel Law-Related Education for the Public, November 2025 The value of externships is immeasurable. Through externships, we can impart good practices and get help when resources are scant. In our digital age, technology allows students to Zoom into a courtroom from miles away, access court files, and engage prompt communications through telephone, email, and text.
Observations From a Judge on Collection Litigation, and Perhaps All Litigation By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, November 2025 An insightful behind the scenes look at thoughts from a 21-year-tenured judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court regarding time standards, technology, mentorship, and standing orders. 
1 comment (Most recent November 27, 2025)
Back To Work at Summer’s End By Judge Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, September 2025 A note from the Editor of the Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptscy Newletter regarding the closing of summer, the beginning of fall, and the current issue. 
Don’t Get Burnt in the Heat By Judge Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, July 2025 A note from Judge Michael J. Chmiel regarding the upcoming bar year. 
As We Close the Year By Judge Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, May 2025 An introduction to the issue from the editor.
Now Comes the Spring By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, March 2025 An introduction to the issue from the editor.
From the Bench: AI in the Courts By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Artificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, January 2025 A judicial perspective on the use of generative AI in legal work product before the bench accompanied by the 22nd Circuit Standing Order. 
Navigating the Future of Commercial Litigation: Top Five Trends to Watch in 2025 By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, December 2024 As we approach 2025, the landscape of commercial litigation continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks, and changing business practices. For attorneys practicing in the commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for effective representation and strategic planning. This article explores five of the hottest topics in commercial litigation that are likely to shape the field in the coming years.
Navigating the Future of Commercial Litigation: Top Five Trends to Watch in 2025 By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, December 2024 As we approach 2025, the landscape of commercial litigation continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks, and changing business practices. For attorneys practicing in the commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for effective representation and strategic planning. This article explores five of the hottest topics in commercial litigation that are likely to shape the field in the coming years.
Notebook LM: A Powerful and Useful Tool By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, December 2024 Notebook LM enables users to generate things like summaries and podcasts through downloads.
Notebook LM: A Powerful and Useful Tool By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, December 2024 Notebook LM enables users to generate things like summaries and podcasts through downloads.
Update on Artificial Intelligence in the Illinois Courts By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Law-Related Education for the Public, December 2024 To some extent, the fury involved with Artificial Intelligence has slowed, but be advised AI continues to evolve and impact the fray of legal practice in Illinois and beyond.
Winter 2024 Is Here By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, December 2024 A note from the editor.
Artificial Intelligence Impacts All Areas of the Law, Including Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy By Judge Michael J. Chmiel Construction Law, October 2024 A look at how artificial intelligence will impact the areas of commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy law.
Update on Artificial Intelligence in the Illinois Courts By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, October 2024 To some extent, the fury involved with Artificial Intelligence has slowed, but be advised AI continues to evolve and impact the fray of legal practice in Illinois and beyond.
Welcome to the Fall of 2024 By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, October 2024 A note from the editor. 
Virtual Courtrooms Since 2014 By Judge Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, May 2020 A look at how the judiciary can think outside the box in providing access to justice through virtual proceedings.
Civics education continues to advance through LRE By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Law-Related Education for the Public, January 2018 Learn about the accomplishments and initiatives of the ISBA's Standing Committee on Law Related Education for the Public, and share your questions, comments, and suggestions for future endeavors.
Civics education advances through LRE By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Law-Related Education for the Public, September 2015 Former LRE Committee Chair Mike Chmiel provides an update on the work of the Civics Education Subcommittee.
Chair’s gratitude By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Law-Related Education for the Public, June 2015 Hon. Mike Chmiel shares his thoughts and thanks for the Committee's work this past year.
Chair’s comments By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Law-Related Education for the Public, March 2015 A message from the Committee's Chair.
ISBA co-sponsors IJA program By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, January 2015 On October 24, 2014, for the first time, judges and lawyers were trained to present the Bringing the Courtroom to the Classroom program.
ISBA co-sponsors IJA program By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, December 2014 Learn more about this important program that was presented in October.
Professionalism on tap on April 18 By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, March 2013 On April 18, 2013, the Bench and Bar Section of the Illinois State Bar Association will provide members of the Illinois bar with a unique opportunity to obtain the six hours of professionalism credit they need through Civility and Professionalism in 2013.
Chair’s column By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, October 2011 An introduction from Section Chair Mike Chmiel.
Chair’s column By Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, August 2011 An introductory note from Bench & Bar Chair Mike Chmiel.
Twenty-second Judicial Circuit comes to life By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, June 2007 On December 4, 2006, the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois came to life.
Judicial Observation: Caution on the Relaxed Rules of Evidence By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Child Law, September 2006 The Juvenile Court Act of 1987, 705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq. [hereinafter Act], is unique among the acts of the Illinois General Assembly in ways other than just those pertaining to substance – the treatment of juveniles.
Administration of program for MCLE being put in place By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, May 2006 On September 29, 2005, the Supreme Court of Illinois (the “Supreme Court”) ordered Minimum Continuing Legal Education (“MCLE”) under Supreme Court Rules 790 through 798.

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