The Ethical and Practical Realities of Maintaining Authorized Contacts for ClientsBy Matthew BensonRural Practice, February 2026A law firm policy regarding communications with a client's designated contact may raise ethical obligations. Creating a form and a policy by which to deal with this issue is a simple endeavor; dealing with the consequences of an ethical violation is not. Proceed accordingly.
My Experience Comparing Lexis and ChatGPT Deep ResearchBy Carolyn ElefantRural Practice, February 2026As artificial intelligence develops, classic legal tools, like Westlaw and Lexis, may become less useful. In comparison to Lexis, ChatGPT Deep Research has valuable tools that could improve efficiency in your legal practice.
My Rural Ag Law Practice: So What’s in My Tech Stack?By Cari Brett RinckerRural Practice, February 2026An in-depth review of different technology that can make your law practice run smoother, from office management to AI, and everything in between.
Phone Calls Ignored, Emails Unanswered: Fixing the First Impression Problem for Law FirmsBy Mark C. PalmerRural Practice, February 2026The legal technology company Clio played “secret shopper” for its 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report. Clio reported dismal results on how law firms are doing on first impressions. The purpose was to test how easy it is for prospective clients to get in touch with law firms through phone or email, and how effectively law firms answered their questions. See how Clio's research can help you and your firm make a positive first impression on prospective clients.
Turn On Your Video!By Judge James A. Shapiro & Thomas DeMouyRural Practice, January 2026Few things are more annoying to a judge than when we can't see the litigant or lawyer we are addressing (or who is addressing us). During the height of the pandemic, there were judges who were not turning on their video as well. Without naming names, my former presiding judge once had to remind everyone in the division to turn on their videos. For judges, attorneys, and litigants, the lesson is clear: Zoom court requires the same decorum as a physical courtroom.
The Benefits of the Rural Practice Program for a Small FirmBy Kaylan HuberRural Practice, December 2025The Rural Practice Fellowship Program not only offers invaluable experience to associates and clerks who are placed with law firms throughout the State of Illinois, but rural firms can also greatly benefit from receiving a fellow placement.
ISBA Live and On-Demand CLE ProgramsBy Ean R. AlbersRural Practice, November 2025Take advantage of the free CLE credits that are included in your ISBA membership! From on-demand programs to live programs, ISBA has numerous CLE options to fit your schedule and practice needs.
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannRural Practice, 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!
A Letter From the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekRural Practice, November 2025A note from the chair of the Rural Practice Section Council regarding the fellowship program.
Rural Law Practice in the NewsBy Regan McGuill Booth, Sam Ellis, & Cari Brett RinckerAgricultural Law, November 2025Learn more about recent events that may be impacting the rural practice of law, including increasing legal deserts, incentives to bring attorneys to rural practice, and community-centered legal models.
Ten Ways To Use #GenAI To Start Your Law FirmBy Carolyn ElefantRural Practice, November 2025GenAI can be a valuable tool for attorneys starting their own firm. Learn 10 tips to incorporate AI into your new law firm.
Experiences in the Rural Practice ProgramBy Matthew WellsRural Practice, October 2025A reflection on the Rural Practice Fellowship Program as a non-traditional law student.
A Letter From the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekRural Practice, October 2025A letter from the Chair of the Rural Practice Section Council.
Rural Law Practice in the NewsBy Regan McGuill Booth, Sam Ellis, & Cari Brett RinckerRural Practice, October 2025Learn more about recent events that may be impacting the rural practice of law, including increasing legal deserts, incentives to bring attorneys to rural practice, and community-centered legal models.
Upcoming CLEsBy Billie J. ConstantRural Practice, October 2025Don't forget to regularly check the CLE calendar for programs that may impact your practice!
What Is the Remote Practice of Law?By Stephen B. CohenRural Practice, October 2025In this article, the author emphasizes and describes how a major event affecting all aspects of society has changed many traditional aspects of the practice of law.
Child Support in Illinois—Multiple Answers to a Single QuestionBy Nancy Chausow ShaferRural Practice, April 2025This article discusses allocation of the dependent tax exemption and designation of the majority-time parent—two tax-related choices often misunderstood and used incorrectly.
Thirteen Red Flags for Spotting Problem ClientsBy Matthew BensonRural Practice, April 2025The purpose of this article is to provide a list of “red flags:” the phrases that problematic or regrettable clients say or make reference to in initial consultations, so that they can be spotted early and encouraged to find counsel more suited to their disposition. If a client exhibits any of the following, it might be wise to question the wisdom of allowing them to hire you.
An Update from the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekRural Practice, April 2025A message from the chair regarding recent section council activity.
