2025 in Review: A Year of Key Federal Law Anniversaries Benefitting Older AmericansBy Karen Alice KloppeLaw Related Education for the Public, November 2025Several legal developments, from the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and much more, are highlighted in this article. Learn more about the changes experiencing milestone anniversaries in 2025 that have shaped our legal system over the past 160 years.
Externships Provide Real-Law ExperienceBy Judge Michael J. ChmielLaw Related Education for the Public, November 2025The 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.
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannLaw Related Education for the Public, November 2025The Joint Midyear Meeting, hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association, is a can't-miss event, offering CLE programs on democracy preservation and the ethical use of AI; a Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo and prizes; the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast; the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon; and a Holiday Reception honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois. Register today!
We Lost a Great Man, Fortunately We Have His Memoir: A Review of Compassion in the CourtBy Hon. John J. O’GaraLaw Related Education for the Public, November 2025A book review of Compassion in the Court, a memoir by Hon. Frank Caprio, details Judge Caprio's life, his rise to the bench, and his journey to reimagine justice not only as a set of rules, but as a process shaped by understanding, fairness, and compassion.
2025 High School Mock Trial Invitational ResultsLaw Related Education for the Public, May 2025The 42nd Annual ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational took place on March 15-16, 2025, at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. Fifty high schools throughout Illinois participated.
Behind the BenchBy Adeyemi KasaliLaw Related Education for the Public, May 2025A member of the Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School Mock Trial Team shares her experience touring the Illinois Supreme Court while in Springfield for the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational.
Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Obsolete?By Madonna T. LechnerLaw Related Education for the Public, May 2025On January 31, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14173, banning race- and sex-based preferences in DEI programs across federal agencies and other major sectors. The Order claims DEI violates civil rights laws and undermines merit. Opponents—including universities, nonprofits, and the City of Baltimore—sued, arguing it restricts free speech and harms historically underserved groups. A district court initially blocked parts of the Order, but a federal appeals court later allowed enforcement while the case proceeds. The lawsuit questions whether DEI programs violate anti-discrimination laws.
Maine South High School Competes in the 2025 ISBA Mock Trial InvitationalBy Maine South High School Mock Trial TeamLaw Related Education for the Public, May 2025The Maine South High School Mock Trial Team reflects on its experience while touring the Illinois Supreme Court on Saturday, March 15.
So, You Think You Want to Go to Law School?By Zachary T. JonesLaw Related Education for the Public, December 2024For most students, the journey into the career field may be challenging, but not impossible. One of the biggest misconceptions about the legal career is how daunting the practitioners can be. If you have family, friends, or mentors who are in the legal profession, the first thing you should do is speak to them. When you have the idea that you want to pursue law, speak to someone who pursued that career.
Update on Artificial Intelligence in the Illinois CourtsBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielLaw Related Education for the Public, December 2024To 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.
Voting Rights for Individuals in Long-Term Care FacilitiesBy Karen Alice KloppeLaw Related Education for the Public, October 2024Individuals who are in long-term care facilities may face various barriers during election cycles. Making voting easier is important for civil engagement by this population given the policy decision focus on health aging in the nation.
What Is Sex Discrimination?By Madonna T. LechnerLaw Related Education for the Public, October 2024On May 14, 2024, the States of Kansas, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming filed a complaint against the U. S. Department of Education in Federal District Court alleging that the revised regulation implementing Title IX is contrary to law.
2024 ISBA High School Mock Trial InvitationalBy Sarah TaylorLaw Related Education for the Public, June 2024The 2024 ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational was held on March 16-17, 2024, at the University of Illinois – Springfield.
A Preferred Path to a Profession as a Legal PractitionerBy Daniel A. Silver, J.D.Law Related Education for the Public, November 2023A perspective on the preferred path from high school to the substantially wide array of career choices in the legal field.
Redlining in FloridaBy Madonna T. LechnerLaw Related Education for the Public, November 2023Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in or seeking to live in, communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of the residents in those communities.
Preferential Treatment at HarvardBy Madonna T. LechnerLaw Related Education for the Public, August 2023In July 2023, the Chica Project, African Community Economic Development of New England, and Greater Boston Latino Network filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education alleging that Harvard University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Why I Chose to Take a Gap Year Before Law SchoolBy Isabella ProvinzinoLaw Related Education for the Public, August 2023A look at the benefits of taking a gap year between college and law school.
Class Dismissed: University Professor Fired Over Claims of Harsh GradingBy Brittany J. ShawLaw Related Education for the Public, October 2022Recently, an 84-year-old college professor was fired after more than 80 of his 350 students signed a petition alleging that the number of withdrawals from the course was indicative of a failure by the university’s chemistry department to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed.
Boy Scout Merit Badges: What They Are, How to Get Them, and How to Give ThemBy Melissa OliveroLaw Related Education for the Public, April 2022Looking for a way to share your passion for the law and civics education with the leaders of tomorrow? You can volunteer as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America.
