24 Legal Practice TipsBy Colleen L. SahlasJanuary 2025Tips learned from 24 years in legal practice of interest to trusts & estates practitioners.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinDecember 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinJanuary 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
The Benefits of the Rural Practice Program for a Small FirmBy Kaylan HuberDecember 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.
Child Support in Illinois—Multiple Answers to a Single QuestionBy Nancy Chausow ShaferApril 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.
ISBA 2025 Solo and Small Firm Conference PhotosNovember 2025The Illinois State Bar Association hosted the 2025 Solo and Small Firm Conference: The Innovative Lawyer: Smart Strategies for Small Firms in the Age of AI on September 25–26 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville, IL.
ISBA Live and On-Demand CLE ProgramsBy Ean R. AlbersNovember 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. NiemannNovember 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!
LAWPAC Needs You!January 2025The Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee (LAWPAC) needs your help to fulfill its mission to support the legislative goals of the ISBA and Illinois’ legal community.
A Letter From the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekNovember 2025A note from the chair of the Rural Practice Section Council regarding the fellowship program.
A Letter From the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekOctober 2025A letter from the Chair of the Rural Practice Section Council.
Rural Law Practice in the NewsBy Regan McGuill Booth, Sam Ellis, & Cari Brett RinckerOctober 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.
Statutory Amendments Affecting the Illinois Power of Attorney for Property – Boon or Bane for Estate Planning Attorneys?By Mia O. Hernandez & Jennifer Bunker SkerstonJanuary 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.
Ten Ways To Use #GenAI To Start Your Law FirmBy Carolyn ElefantNovember 2025GenAI can be a valuable tool for attorneys starting their own firm. Learn 10 tips to incorporate AI into your new law firm.
Thirteen Red Flags for Spotting Problem ClientsBy Matthew BensonApril 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.
Upcoming CLEsBy Billie J. ConstantOctober 2025Don't forget to regularly check the CLE calendar for programs that may impact your practice!
An Update from the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekApril 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.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.
What Is the Remote Practice of Law?By Stephen B. CohenOctober 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.
