Animal Law

Animal Law

6th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers - Democracy, The Constitution, and Lincoln the Lawyer/President - 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 2.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: January 6, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss ISBA’s 6th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we study Lincoln’s actions as a lawyer and President in facing threats to democracy in America and the United States Constitution. The program takes place in Springfield, which was the center of Lincoln’s law practice and three partnerships, and where Lincoln developed his understanding of the democratic process and his interpretation of the Constitution. It was the venue for many of Lincoln’s significant trials, including the “Peachy” Quinn Harrison murder trial. Join us for this in-depth look at how Lincoln’s view of the Constitution changed over time and evolved into the use of his Presidential War Powers to advance the case of Union and emancipation. Additional topics include:
  • Lincoln’s representation in the high-profile “Peachy” Quinn Harrison murder trial. (Robert Hitt, a court stenographer at the time, recorded the trial and produced a trial transcript, which is now preserved at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum);
  • The 1908 Springfield Race Riot and how its violence and aftermath showed the nation that Lincoln’s struggle for freedom and equality for all citizens was far from a reality;
  • Much more.

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

Lincoln’s Evolving Views on the Constitution as Lawyer and President*
The program’s opening segment examines Lincoln’s loyalty to the rule of law and commitment to democracy and the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, while at the same tine operating under a Constitution that protected slavery.
Prof. Brian Dirck, Anderson University, Indiana

Lincoln and the “Peachy” Quinn Harrison Murder Trial*
In 1859, a former law clerk of Lincoln’s was murdered, but Lincoln defended the accused, who happened to be the grandson of Reverend Peter Cartwright (who had run against Lincoln for office twice) and the son of a prominent political supporter. Don’t miss this in-depth look at one of Lincoln’s most high profile trials.
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington

1908 Springfield Race Riot
This segment examines the events leading up to racial violence in Lincoln’s Hometown in August 1908, as well as its aftermath.
Kathryn Harris Former Division Manager of Library Services of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Past-President of Abraham Lincoln Association


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

Mental Health 101: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving

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 Young Lawyers Division


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour  Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Mental Health and Substance Abuse


Original Program Date:
November 5, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­December 2, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


As attorneys, we work long hours, juggle multiple cases simultaneously, spend a large amount of time researching case law and preparing legal documents, and have strict deadlines that must be remembered (and met!) – all while staying up to date on the ever-changing laws and regulations that will impact our clients and practice. These mental demands can take its toll and leave us feeling deflated, burnt out, and running on fumes. Join us for this online seminar that teaches you how to create a better work-life balance, while still meeting your professional and personal goals. Topics include:
  • Positive strategies to enhance your self-care;
  • How to practice mindful stress management;
  • Tactics for building your resilience and mental fitness; and
  • How to find your perfect mental health space.

Program Coordinator:
Jason R. Blumenthal, Donahue & Rose P.C., Rosemont

Program Chat Moderator:
Courtney A. Berlin, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago

Program Speaker:
Erin Clifford
, Clifford Law Offices, 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 $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

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

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

Achieving Wellness, Work-Life Balance, and Long-Term Success in Your Law 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


1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 14, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Are you feeling overwhelmed by the unrelenting demands of your legal career? If so, then you are not alone. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen as our renowned speaker, Doug Brown, addresses the unique challenges attorneys face in our modern world. Together, we'll explore transformative strategies to reduce stress, find balance, and rekindle your passion for law. Attorneys who attend this seminar will learn how to:
  • Balance high standards with realistic goals;
  • Establish firm work-life boundaries (while continuing to achieve your goals);
  • Navigate firm culture securely and confidently; and
  • Prioritize your physical and mental health.

About the Speaker:
Doug Brown, J.D., is the Chief Learning Officer at Summit Success, LLC. As an executive coach, law practice consultant, and growth strategist he shares practical strategies to promote sustainable law firm growth and lawyer well-being. An authority implementing positive change, his experience includes private and in-house legal practice and business marketing, sales, human resources, finance, and information technology. He also served as chief executive of the Connecticut Bar Association and chief operating officer for a chain of fine jewelry stores. As Program Chair and Professor in the MBA Program for The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University, he designed and delivered MBA programs in leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, and innovation specifically for experienced executives.


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

Time Management Series: Get Organized! Fight the Paper - Organize Your Digital Matter File

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 or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 2, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


To efficiently process daily tasks & emails, you must be organized! In modern times, that means you must have a digital matter/case file that is complete and organized. In other words, to find answers to questions and to solve problems for clients, we must be able to efficiently find answers and information. Emails can’t be stuck in users’ inboxes. Some documents can’t be in one place, and other documents in another place. We also need effective and secure remote access when working from the road or home. In this seminar, learn how to centralize & securely maintain paperless files!

Program Speaker:
Paul Unger, Affinity Consulting, Ohio

About the Speaker:
Paul is a national speaker and author. He coaches lawyers how to be more efficient with time management by offering customized workshops. When he isn’t speaking or writing, he is usually performing technology assessments throughout the United States and Canada. Paul began his career working for the Governor of Ohio, and then went on to law school. He practiced law for six years, specializing in litigation and bankruptcy, before starting a legal technology consulting company with partner Barron Henley in 2000. Paul’s superpowers are cleaning up messes and turning digital chaos into well-organized machines. His favorite part of his job is helping people get organized and focused so they can find more enjoyment in their lives and jobs.


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.
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Time Management Series: Help! My Inbox is Exploding: Email Management

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 or Legal Ethics credit



Original Program Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 2, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Legal professionals today receive between 100-150+ emails or other electronic communication (via MS Teams channel, Slack, etc.) a day, much of which contains tasks that we must act upon. In this interactive session, you will learn how to efficiently process email and get your inbox under control. We will help you process those emails & tasks in a way that those items never get lost. We will get our hands dirty and learn how to use Microsoft Outlook and other tools that your organization uses to manage emails.

Program Speaker:
Paul Unger, Affinity Consulting, Ohio

About the Speaker:
Paul is a national speaker and author. He coaches lawyers how to be more efficient with time management by offering customized workshops. When he isn’t speaking or writing, he is usually performing technology assessments throughout the United States and Canada. Paul began his career working for the Governor of Ohio, and then went on to law school. He practiced law for six years, specializing in litigation and bankruptcy, before starting a legal technology consulting company with partner Barron Henley in 2000. Paul’s superpowers are cleaning up messes and turning digital chaos into well-organized machines. His favorite part of his job is helping people get organized and focused so they can find more enjoyment in their lives and jobs.


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.
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free