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.
The Use of a Police Report at Trial to Refresh the Recollection of an Investigating Officer and the Application of the Hearsay Rule and the Exceptions: Capsel v. BurwellBy Richard L. Turner, Jr.Rural Practice, April 2025In analysis of Capsel v. Burwell, 2024 IL App (3d) 230170. In this case, the truth and accuracy of the officer’s report could not be established in that he did not witness the collision and could not identify who provided the statements. The officer’s testimony lacked the necessary foundation and was inadmissible under the past recollection recorded exception, or any other exception, to the hearsay rule. The appellate court then found that the trial court’s act of admitting the statements in the report into evidence constituted reversible error meriting a new trial.
24 Legal Practice TipsBy Colleen L. SahlasRural Practice, January 2025Tips learned from 24 years in legal practice of interest to trusts & estates practitioners.
Statutory Amendments Affecting the Illinois Power of Attorney for Property – Boon or Bane for Estate Planning Attorneys?By Mia O. Hernandez & Jennifer Bunker SkerstonRural Practice, January 2025Recently, lively discussion ensued among estate planning practitioner members of the Trusts and Estates Section on the ISBA Central Community discussion board regarding Public Act 103-0994, effective January 1, 2025, which amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act to add and describe unreasonable and reasonable causes for a third party to refuse to honor powers of attorney for property. The impetus for the Act’s amendment was to redress the perceived problem that it is not uncommon for third parties to unreasonably reject powers of attorney for property.
The Corporate Transparency Act: A New Era of Business AccountabilityBy Nikhil A. MehtaRural Practice, October 2024The Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to enhance transparency among business entities by combating illicit financial activities and bolstering efforts by the federal government to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes, went into effect on January 1.
Guilty Pleas Following People v. WellsBy Hon. Randy RosenbaumRural Practice, October 2024The Illinois Supreme Court considered whether a defendant is entitled to additional jail credit after a negotiated plea in People v. Wells.
A Rural Practitioner’s Plea for ActionBy Lindy A. GieslerRural Practice, October 2024While rural Illinois was once the home to a greater number of legal practitioners and law firms, these firms have struggled in recent years to attract new attorneys that are willing to take positions in rural areas.
