Agricultural Law

4th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legacy: Overcoming Prejudice and Racial Discrimination in the Legal Profession - Part 2

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association
Co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Association


3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 3.0 hours Professionalism Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category:
  • 1.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit
  • 2.0 hours Diversity and Inclusion credit


Original Program Date: September 9, 2022
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: November 21, 2024 - November 20, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss ISBA’s 4th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we take an in-depth look at how to overcome prejudice and racial discrimination in the legal profession. The program offers an informative, historical look at how far we’ve come as a society – and how far we have yet to go. Topics include:
  • The remnants of prejudice and discrimination in the legal profession today and why diversity in the Bench and Bar matters;
  • The ethical issues created by judicial bias or prejudice;
  • What we can learn from Lincoln’s ability to overcome prejudice and defend civil rights equality; and
  • Much more.


Program Coordinators:
J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office, P.C., Urbana
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (Ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville

Current Issues involving Bias, Prejudice, and the Need for Diversity
Explore the current issues involving bias, prejudice, and the need for diversity in the legal profession (and how we can make our profession better) with this informative panel discussion.
Moderator: J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office, P.C., Urbana
Eve M. Blackwell, Attorney at Law, Springfield
Melodi D. Green, Chief Diversity and Inclusion officer, City of Peoria, Peoria
Gregory K. Harris, U.S. Attorney, Central District of Illinois, Springfield
Sierra Senor-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District of Illinois, Springfield
Ruth A. Waller, Attorney at Law, Decatur

Contemporary Ethical Issues
Don’t miss this in-depth look at the ethical issues facing lawyers and judges today – from prejudice and incivility to inherent biases against those different from ourselves.
Hon. Raymond J. McKoski (ret.), University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, Lake Villa

Lincoln’s Evolution from Anti-Slavery to Equality of Civil Rights
Learn how lawyers can overcome prejudice by examining Abraham Lincoln’s move from anti-slavery beliefs to his stance on civil rights equality throughout his lifetime.
Moderator: Hon. Ronald D. Spears (Ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville
J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office, P.C., Urbana
Prof. Roger Billings, Northern Kentucky School of Law (Ret.), Kentucky
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington



Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within he first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

4th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legacy: Overcoming Prejudice and Racial Discrimination in the Legal Profession - Part 1

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association
Co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Association


3.0 hours MCLE credit, including 3.0 hours Professionalism Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: September 9, 2022
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­November 21, 2024 - November 20, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss ISBA’s 4th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we take an in-depth look at how to overcome prejudice and racial discrimination in the legal profession. The program offers an informative, historical look at how far we’ve come as a society – and how far we have yet to go. Topics include:
  • The evolution of Lincoln’s view on racial equality – from his view of the Declaration of Independence up to his “final speech”;
  • The arguments on race that took place between Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas during the 1847 Debate;
  • How to represent unpopular clients or cases (and how Lincoln handled this very situation); and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office, P.C., Urbana
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (Ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville


Lincoln’s Legal Cases involving Slavery
This segment examines Lincoln’s legal cases involving slavery, including Matson v. Ashmore in which Lincoln defended the slave-owner in Coles County, Illinois in 1847.
John A. Lupton, Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, Springfield

Lincoln and Douglas: The 1847 Debate
This presentation discusses the debates and arguments on race that took place in Charleston, Illinois between Abraham Lincoln (who as the Republic Party candidate for the U.S. Senate) and Senator Stephen Douglas (the Democrat incumbent).
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (Ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville

Lawyer Representation of Unpopular People and Causes
Join us for this informative panel presentation that discusses the representation of unpopular clients or cases, as well as the attacks in later political campaigns and judicial confirmation proceedings.
Moderator: Hon. Ronald D. Spears(Ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville
J. Steven Beckett, Beckett Law Office, P.C., Urbana
Prof. Roger Billings, Northern Kentucky School of Law (Ret.), Kentucky
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington



Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

6th Annual Bock Food Law and Policy Conference

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Food Law Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 4, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Back by popular demand! Don’t miss the 6th Annual Bock Food Law and Policy Conference as we explore the hot topics and emerging legal issues in the food and agricultural law industries. Attorneys with intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn about:
  • Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Food Service Sector: this discussion explores the historical perspectives and new regulations for the prevention of sexual harassment in the services industry, as well as how those laws might apply to your clients who are restaurant, bar, or other food service entities;
  • The Illinois Grocery Initiative Act: this section offers a comprehensive overview of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Act, including a look at the legislation that has passed, the grants available for grocers, and how your clients can apply for those grants;
  • Out of State Food Laws and Their Impact on Manufacturers and Agritourism: these presentations explore the food laws of various states through the U.S. that can affect manufacturers and agritourism business entities, and how you can assist your Illinois clients as they navigate those laws;
  • Maine’s Right to Food Constitutional Amendment: this in-depth discussion explores the new right to food amendment to Maine’s constitution, as well as its provisions and its purpose.

Program Coordinators:
Robert B. Anderson, Bahr Anderson Law Group, LLC, Naperville
Prof. A. Bryan Endres, Director, Bock Food and Agricultural Law Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Jane E. McBride, Attorney at Law, Springfield

Program Moderator:
Prof. A. Bryan Endres, Director, Bock Food and Agricultural Law Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana

Program Chat Moderator:
Robert B. Anderson, Bahr Anderson Law Group, LLC, Naperville

Program Speakers:
Prof. A. Bryan Endres, Director, Bock Food and Agricultural Law Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Prof. Sarah Everhart, Assistant Professor, Widener University Delaware Law School; Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, Delaware
Prof. Maria H. Kalaitzandonakes, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
John O’Conner, Policy & Program Development Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Springfield
Prof. William C. Ridley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Prof. Emily E. LB. Twarog, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Navigating Restrictions and Transparency Requirements of Foreign Investments in U.S. Land - Part 2

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA International & Immigration Law Section
Co-Sponsored by the ISBA Agricultural Law Section and ISBA Real Estate Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 10, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)
Nearly 41 million acres of land is owned (in part or in full) by foreign entities …
with minimal federal regulation.


Join us for Part 2 as we continue our in-depth discussion on the federal and state rules regulating foreign ownership of U.S. land, including the reporting requirements of foreign investments in U.S. businesses and agriculture. Real estate lawyers, agricultural law attorneys, business advice and financial planning practitioners, and international/immigration counsel with intermediate practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand:
  • The federal and state legislative and litigation updates you need to be aware of;
  • Illinois’ reporting requirements;
  • The Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements for certain foreign entities;
  • How to navigate foreign ownership restrictions and title/escrow issues;
  • The pitfalls to avoid and practical takeaways to be aware of when conducting real estate transactions in Illinois and surrounding states;
  • The various hiccups that can arise, including types of restrictions, transaction hang ups, chain of title considerations, pre-approval requirements, and possible penalties; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator/Chat Moderator:
Angela Peters, Buffalo Grove Law Offices, Arlington Heights

Program Speaker:
Harrison Pittman , Director, National Agricultural Law Center (NALC), Arkansas
Jen Modjeska, Divisional Underwriting Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company, Washington


Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

30th Annual Agricultural Law Seminar - Part 2

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Agricultural Law Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Mineral Law Section and ISBA Energy, Utilities,
 Telecom & Transportation Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 17, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for Part 2 of this program to get all the information you need on a variety of hot topic issues, including the energy issues impacting Illinois landowners, and how to advise your clients on the trucking and transportation issues they may encounter. Agricultural law attorneys, real estate lawyers, trusts and estates lawyers, and general practitioners with intermediate levels of practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • The judicial and legislative updates you need to know;
  • Wind and solar contract issues;
  • The new Corporate Transparency Act,
  • And much more.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Andrew G. White, Bellatti, Barton, Cochran & White, LLC, Springfield

Energy Issues Impacting Illinois Landowners
Charles Y. Davis, Brown Hay & Stephens, Springfield
Laura Harmon, Illinois Farm Bureau, Bloomington
Jeffrey L. Terry, Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell LLP, Quincy

Trucking and Transportation Issues for Illinois Farmers: Regulation, Licensing, and Liability
Mitchell P. Hedrick, Chartwell Law, Peoria
Matthew S. Hefflefinger, Chartwell Law, Peoria

Corporate Law Update and the New Corporate Transparency Act
William J. Bradley, Law Group, Ltd., Vandalia


*Originally presented as part of the 30th Annual Agricultural Law Seminar. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.


Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

30th Annual Agricultural Law Seminar - Part 1

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Agricultural Law Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Mineral Law Section and ISBA Energy, Utilities,
Telecom & Transportation Section


2.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: October 17, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for Part 1 of this program to get all the information you need on a variety of hot topic issues. Agricultural law attorneys, real estate lawyers, trusts and estates lawyers, and general practitioners with intermediate levels of practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • Estate planning for the Illinois farmer
  • How to advise drainage districts to ensure compliance with statutory requirements; and
  • Much more.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Andrew G. White, Bellatti, Barton, Cochran & White, LLC, Springfield

Estate Tax Update: Planning for Illinois Farm Estates in 2024 and Beyond
Michael G. Barton, Bellatti, Barton, Cochran & White, LLC, Springfield

Representing Drainage Districts: Assessments to Rights-of-Way
H. Allen Yow, Rammelkamp Bradney, Jacksonville

Hot Topics in Agricultural Law
Garrett Thalgott, Illinois Farm Bureau, Bloomington


*Originally presented as part of the 30th Annual Agricultural Law Seminar. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.


Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $87.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $175
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

F.C. Bloxom Co. v. Tom Lange Company International, Inc.

Federal 7th Circuit Court
F.C. Bloxom Co. v. Tom Lange Company International, Inc.
Civil Court
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
Citation
Case Number: 
Nos. 22-3268 & 23-1022
Decision Date: 
July 25, 2024
Federal District: 
C.D. Ill.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Judge: 
SCUDDER

In a case involving a dispute under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, a statute that regulates the market for fresh fruits and vegetables, plaintiff appealed from a district court order entering summary judgment in favor of the defendant in agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture’s ruling in a administrative proceedings that were initiated by the defendant. The Seventh Circuit affirmed, finding the district court did not commit reversible error in entering summary judgment for the defendant and that entry of summary judgment was supported by the facts and evidence before the court. The Seventh Circuit also found that the district court did not err when it denied plaintiff’s motion to conduct additional discovery after the motion was filed. (EASTERBROOK and RIPPLE, concurring)

The Dawning of the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Promise or Threat to the Practice of Law?

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Artificial Intelligence & The Practice of Law


2.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention


Original Program Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­August 5, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Machines thinking like humans used to be the premise of Sci-Fi novels and movies, but machines are now doing what we never thought possible. Join us for an overview of how this technology is already impacting the practice of law, why you should use it, how to use it ethically and efficiently, and how to recognize (and address) the risks of using it. Topics include:
  • What is artificial intelligence and how does it work?
  • How will artificial intelligence change the practice?
  • What is the promise of AI and peril to the practice?
  • Will it be a boost to productivity, or will it replace lawyers?
  • How will we deal with the threat of disinformation?

Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Promise or Peril?
Don’t miss this in-depth look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the legal practice, as well as the ethical issues to be aware of when using this technology. Topics include: recent developments in AI, type of AI, the application of artificial intelligence in the practice of law; how artificial intelligence is being used in the courts; and how to recognize (and address) Deep Fakes.
Moderator: George (“Geo”) Bellas , Bellas & Wachowski, Park Ridge
Jonathan Nessler, Nessler & Associates Ltd., Springfield
Nelson Rosario, Rosario Tech Law, LLC, Chicago

Practical Demonstration of Artificial Intelligence in the Practice
Learn how to identify problems that artificial intelligence can solve (and which AI tools to use in solving that problem) with this informative presentation. Examples of how artificial intelligence can assist with office tasks and market your law practice are also included.
Drew G. Vaughn, Deviant Marketing LLC, Chicago

Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $70 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $140
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

What's New? Hot Topics and Big Changes in the World of Arbitration

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 29, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this hot topic discussion on several important changes taking place in the world of arbitration. Insurance lawyers, corporate law counsel, family law attorneys, general practitioners, and new attorneys who attend this online seminar will get the updates they need regarding:
  • Expedited arbitration: when does it apply and what are the benefits?
  • Behind the curtain: how the arbitrator selection really works;
  • Appeals in arbitration: how to appeal within the arbitration process;
  • Mass arbitrations: the good, the bad, and the rules of the road;
  • Why diversity matters in arbitration; and
  • What’s next: how artificial intelligence and alternative dispute resolution interact.

Program Coordinator:
Missy Greathouse , Dispute Resolution institute, Inc., Carbondale

Program Chat Moderator:
Kristen E. Hudson , Dickinson Wright, PLLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Svetlana Gitman , American Arbitration Association, Chicago
Nicholas A. Gowen , Burke Warren MacKay and Serritella, Chicago
Daniel R. Saeedi , Blank Rome, Chicago



Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $52.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $105
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Applying Artificial Intelligence Tools in Your Practice

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Master Series presented by the Illinois State Bar Association


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 20, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our highly-popular speaker, Drew Vaughn , as he offers this one-hour primer on artificial intelligence, including the ethical considerations you need to be aware of and the practical examples of what it can actually do for you and your law practice.


Program Speaker:
Andrew G. Vaughn, Deviant Marketing, Chicago
About the Speaker: Drew Vaughn is a lawyer who understands marketing and, as an Artificial Intelligence Consultant for law firms, understands today’s technology. He is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Deviant Marketing, LLC , as well as the Founder of Tin Foil Hat Tech, which specializes in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and privacy issues. Additionally, Drew created NuVorce – the only law firm ever named a finalist for the prestigious Chicago Innovation Awards, and also created the second most effective Facebook ad in history (a Facebook ad with a 27,000% rate of return). In 2017, Drew created the ad that won the 2017 Legal Ad of the Year. Drew is also a Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.


Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free