Child Law

In re H.S.

In re H.S.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Evidence
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 250254
Decision Date: 
Friday, November 21, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
5th Div./Cook Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
ODEN JOHNSON

Respondent appealed from the circuit court’s adjudicatory findings in which the court found that respondent’s minor children were abused and neglected and argued that the circuit court erred when it admitted and relied on hearsay evidence in reaching its conclusion. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the testimony at issue was not hearsay because it was not presented for the truth of the matter asserted because it was offered to show the agency’s course of conduct in taking protective custody of the children. The appellate court further found that the circuit court’s order was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. (MITCHELL and MIKVA, concurring)

LIVE WEB - Preventing Tragedy: The Intersection of Karina's Law and Family Law

January 27, 2026
Presented by the ISBA Family Law Section
Co-presented by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division

Live Webcast
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
2:00 – 5:20 p.m.

3.0 hours MCLE credit

In June 2023, Karina Gonzalez reported to police that her estranged husband had threatened to kill her, which led to her being granted an Order of Protection that automatically revoked her husband’s FOID card. But that alone did not remove the guns from her husband’s possession and on July 3, Jose Alvarez shot and killed his wife and 15-year-old daughter. The legislation that followed – and was subsequently referred to as Karina’s Law – requires the confiscation of guns from people who have had their FOID cards revoked due to an Order of Protection against them. Karina’s Law was signed by Governor Pritzker on February 10, 2025 and became effective in May 2025. Don’t miss this in-depth look at how Karina’s Law is designed to prevent unnecessary tragedy, how the new law intersects with the family law practice, and how it strengthens existing laws by clarifying who is responsible for removing firearms once an Order of Protection is granted. Family law attorneys, criminal justice lawyers, and general practitioners with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • How Karina’s Law grants law enforcement the authority to execute search warrants to seize firearms from alleged abusers;
  • How this new law supports the existing protections offered by a traditional Order of Protection;
  • How to correctly implement Karina’s Law to ensure that the individuals they represent are protected from potential tragedy; and
  • The case law and pleading options to be aware of.

Program Coordinator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago

Program Moderators:
Olivia K. Basu, Hammer Serna and Quinn LLC, Chicago
Hon. Tamika R. Walker, 17th Judicial Circuit Court

Program Chat Moderators:
Sally Kolb, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Champaign
Genevieve E. Miller, Beattie | Onorato Family Law, Chicago


2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Orders of Protection: An Overview
Join us for this comprehensive look at the pleadings, orders, and evidence that is needed to ensure that your client is protected from domestic violence. Topics include rights, restrictions, available remedies, civil and criminal processes, rehabilitation, and punishment, as well as the special considerations necessary when the perpetrator is a law enforcement professional or service member, and the additional remedies that may apply.
Heather Hurst, Davis Friedman, Chicago
Sally Kolb, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Champaign

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Incorporating Gun Violence Protection into Your Family Law Practice
Gain a better understanding of why family law practitioners need to focus on gun violence prevention from initial intake through settlement or trial. Learn the alternative remedies to ensure that your client and their children are protected, including language for settlement agreements, options for firearm restraining orders in addition to (or in lieu of) a traditional Order of Protection, and the application of Karina’s Law. Gun violence trends and why family law practitioners should be aware are also discussed.
Stuart A. Reid, The Law Offices of Stuart A. Reid, P.C., Deerfield

4:00 – 4:15 p.m. Break

4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Karina’s Law: Mandates and Implementation
The time when victims seek and win an Order of Protection is statistically one of the most dangerous moments for them, and Karina’s Law ensures that guns are removed from abusers during these emergencies to safeguard victims from tragedy. This panel presentation discusses the differences between an Order of Protection issued under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and those issued under the Illinois Criminal Statutes, as well as the mandates officers are to follow when serving/enforcing an Order of Protection, how to implement Karina’s Law, and the additional liability the officer now faces since this falls under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. A look at how to word an order and what must be pled to secure the best possible outcome for the victim is also included.
Hon. Jennifer Clifford, 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Rockford
Nancy Donahoe, DuPage County Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Wheaton
Hon. Megan Goldish, Domestic Violence Courthouse, Chicago
Hon. Ramona M. Sullivan, Champaign County Circuit Court, Urbana

For best practices, before attending the program using ISBA's Zoom platform, please visit our Technical Support page.

Program Information

  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member - $90
      • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
    • Non-Member - $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Student Members - Free
    • Special pricing is available for Legal Service Attorneys.
  • If you cannot attend the live web event, a full refund is available, if you cancel your registration up to the start of the live web event on the program page in your “My CLE Account”. 
  • Please Note: MCLE credit is available to registrants only on the day of this live event – and you must attend the entire program to earn MCLE credit. All registrants will receive access to a recording of the event a few days after the program, but credit is NOT available for the recording.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Course

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 Labor and Employment Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: November 18, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 19, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


This course satisfies the state-mandated training requirement!
Improve the culture of your office and satisfy your annually mandated sexual harassment prevention training requirement by attending this program. Consistent with the requirements established in Section 2-109(B) of the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (Public Act 101-0220) this program will help you gain an understanding of what sexual harassment is, what remedies are available to victims of sexual harassment, and what responsibilities employers have in the prevention, investigation, and provision of corrective measures to address sexual harassment in the workplace. Topics include: reporting allegations; conditions of employment; settlement or termination agreements; and more. This program is open to both Illinois lawyers and their staff members.

Program Virtual Moderator:
Laura E. Schrick, Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., Belleville

Program Speakers:
Michael R. Lied, Attorney at Law, Dunlap
Thalia Pacheco, Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C., Chicago

Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • 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

In re A.H.

In re A.H.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (4th) 250026
Decision Date: 
Thursday, November 6, 2025
District: 
4th Dist.
Division/County: 
Logan Co.
Holding: 
Reversed and remanded; affirmed.
Justice: 
DOHERTY

In a consolidated appeal, respondent challenged the trial court’s judgment terminating her parental rights over her two minor children, arguing that the court erred in finding her unfit on any of the grounds alleged. The appellate court agreed that the court erred by granting the State’s petition to terminate respondent’s parental rights as to one of her minor children and reversed that judgment, but found that the court’s finding of unfitness was supported by clear and convincing evidence as to the other minor and that termination of respondent’s parental rights was in the second child’s best interests. (DeARMOND and CAVANAGH, concurring)

8 Movie-Lawyers Who Would Be Disciplined in Real Life

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, October 15, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 6, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Movies often depict lawyers behaving badly, acting unprofessionally, or blatantly violating rules of professional conduct – all for the sake of entertainment. But in real life, attorneys need to avoid these gaffes at all costs, learn from their mistake when they do occur, and understand the consequences that may arise in the aftermath. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Stuart Teicher as he examines both the obvious and subtle ethics violations being committed by lawyers in the movies and on television. Topics include:
  • Ex parte conversations with a judge (Rule 3.5);
  • How fictional lawyers are constantly disrupting a tribunal (Rule 3.4(d)); and
  • Your responsibility to report a colleague’s misconduct (Rule 8.3 (a)).

About the Speaker:
Stuart I. Teicher , Esq. is a professional legal educator who focuses on ethics law and writing instruction. A practicing lawyer for 30 years, Stuart’s career is now dedicated to helping fellow lawyers survive the practice of law and thrive in the profession. He teaches seminars, provides in-house training to law firms and legal departments, provides CLE instruction at law firm client events, and also gives keynote speeches at conventions and association meetings. Stuart helps lawyers get better at what they do (and enjoy the process) through his entertaining and educational CLE “performances.” He speaks, teaches, and writes. His most recent book is titled, How to Stop Hating the Law: A Path to Hope for Miserable Lawyers. Mr. Teicher is a Supreme Court appointee to the New Jersey District Ethics Committee where he investigates and prosecutes grievances filed against attorneys. He is an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown Law where he teaches Professional Responsibility, and served for 15 years as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he taught undergraduate writing courses. He also taught both Professional Responsibility and Legal Writing at St. John’s University School of Law in New York City.


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

Guardian ad Litem Training - 2025

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 Child Law Section
Co-presented by the ISBA Bench & Bar Section and ISBA Family Law Section


10.50 hours MCLE credit, including 4.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:
  • 2.0 hours Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit
  • 1.0 hour Diversity & Inclusion credit
  • 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 6, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


This three-part program is designed to help those attorneys who represent children. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 906(c), an attorney should receive ten hours of education every two years in child developments; roles of guardians ad litem and child representatives; ethics in child custody cases; relevant substantive state, federal, and case law in custody and visitation matters; and family dynamics, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health issues. Topics for this seminar include:
  • How to become a guardian ad litem and what the work entails;
  • What is expected from the guardian ad litem;
  • How to handle your client’s issues;
  • How implicit bias impacts the way legal matters are handled;
  • The recent case law updates that may impact your next case;
  • Guardian ad litem appointments;
  • How substance abuse can impact parenting time;
  • The special needs and school-related issues you need to be aware of;
  • How to recognize domestic violence in your case;
  • Understanding child development and how to ask age-appropriate questions during the interview process;
  • What judges are looking for in guardians ad litem; and
  • Much more.
The training may qualify the attendee to be placed on their local Circuit’s guardian ad litem list and/or qualify as continuing guardian ad litem education required by the attendee’s local rules, but attendees should verify with their Circuit to ensure this training will meet the Circuit’s rules.


Program Coordinator:
Deanna Hoyt, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC, Libertyville

Program Moderators:
Deanna Hoyt, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC, Libertyville
Kelly Thames Bennett, Greenberg and Sinkovits, Chicago
Hon. Robert Anderson (Ret.), Wheaton


Part 1

Original Program Date: October 9, 2025
Program Chat Moderators:
  • Hallie M. Bezner, Bezner Law, Oak Park
  • Umberto S. Davi, Umberto S. Davi, P.C., Western Springs

Starting as a Guardian ad Litem: Appointed, Now What?
This three-part series opens with an in-depth look at the multiple things you need to know when embarking on your role as a GAL – from who to interview (and in what order), how to get protected records, the statute provisions to be aware of, the importance of taking notes, preparing to testify if called as a witness, and much more.
Christopher B. Smith, Weller Law, LLC, Belleville
Megan Gilbreth, Cooper, Gilbreth & Doyle Law Offices, Red Bud/Waterloo
Paul Ray, Ray Law LLC, Redbud
Catherine Evans, Catherine E Evans Attorney at Law P.C., Redbud

Writing a Report
This segment discusses what you need to include when writing your report, what to leave out, how long the report should be, and the best format for writing your report. Additional topics include: assessing statutory factors, writing recommendations, and understanding what the statute requires.
Christopher B. Smith, Weller Law, LLC, Belleville
Megan Gilbreth, Cooper, Gilbreth & Doyle Law Offices, Red Bud/Waterloo

Case Law
Don’t miss this presentation that examines relevant case law for GALs, as well as a look at the instances when court discretion and parenting rules have been overturned. A discussion on whether case law can help you throughout your investigation, testimony, and report writing is also included.
David Gotzh, Appellate Solutions, LLC, Chicago


Part 2

Original Program Date: October 16, 2025
Program Chat Moderators:
  • Kelly Thames Bennett, Greenberg and Sinkovits, Chicago
  • Josette Allen, Smart Law LLC, Rosemont

Substance Abuse*
This presentation discusses how to determine if there are substance abuse issues, what evaluations are available (and what those evaluations tell a GAL or court), and what happens after the evaluation has taken place and recommendations have been presented. A look at how substance abuse issues impact parenting time is also examined.
Elizabeth Miner-McIntyre, MSW, LCSW, LPHA, Rosecrance Health Network, Rockford
Alysia Fenton-Stackpole, MS, Rosecrance Health Network, Rockford

School Laws/Special Needs
Get the information you need on a multitude of special needs and school related issues with this informative segment. Topics include: how physical disabilities and medical needs can impact learning, when you should contact school professionals and the questions you should be asking, how the information in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help with making GAL recommendations, and how the IEP differs from a 504 Plan.
Thomas Dennis, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Peoria

We Need To Talk: Navigating Challenging Conversations about Diversity*
Learn how to investigate different cultural backgrounds and economic situations without imposing your own personal values throughout the process, as well as how to identify biases and the strategies we can use to combat them. The do’s and don’ts of difficult conversations are
also discussed.
Julia Roundtree Livingston, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Chicago


Part 3

Original Program Date: October 23, 2025
Program Chat Moderators:
  • Deanna Hoyt, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC, Libertyville
  • Lindsay Roalfs, Roalfs Law & Mediation LLC, Waukegan

Domestic Violence in GAL Matters
Gain a better understanding of how to identify domestic violence in your GAL cases, how to check for previous and current Orders of Protection, and the resources available for the families you’ve been assigned to represent.
Kendall Hodges, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc., Ottawa

Child Development*
Get the tips you need for interviewing children, how to ask age-appropriate questions, and how to how to ask open-ended questions that avoid leading the child. Additional topics include: observation vs. interview, understanding brain development, and how parent separation may be impacting the child you are interviewing.
Carolyn Hubler, St. Clair Child Advocacy Center, Belleville

Mental Health*
This presentation explores the various mental health issues you may encounter as a GAL – from parents having mental health issues to personality disorders in children (and how that may impact parenting), to adverse childhood experiences and the trauma you may feel vicariously through you clients.
Dr. Sarah Dyer, Amethyst Neuropsychology PLLC, Swansea

Judicial Panel
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our panel of judges as they discuss what judges are looking for from GALs, how GALs are chosen for cases, and how GALs will be notified of their appointments. A look at how to get on the county’s GAL list and whether appointments are for family law cases only or if they are for probate, juvenile, and other matters is included.
Moderator: Hon. Robert J. Anderson (Ret.), Loyola University, Chicago
Hon. Chad S. Beckett, 6th Judicial Circuit, Champaign
Hon. Amanda Byassee Gott, 1st Judicial Circuit, Marion
Hon. Leah D. Setzen, 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage
Hon. Kenton J. Skarin, 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage


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 $200 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $400
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

LIVE - Artificial Intelligence and the Ethical Lawyer

December 12, 2025
Advanced registration is now closed for this program. Walk-in registrations will be accepted, space permitting.
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Judges Association, and
ISBA’s Steering Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law
Co-presented by the ISBA Corporate Law Departments

Friday, December 12, 2025
JW Marriott, 151 W Adams St, Chicago
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
(during the ISBA/IJA Midyear Meeting)

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


Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the ARDC’s recently released
“Illinois Attorney’s Guide to Implementing AI.”

Get the information you need regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence with this informative panel presentation. Attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • What artificial intelligence really means and the differences between “old” AI and today’s LLM/Generative AI (GenAI).
  • How the ARDC’s new guidance will help you to maintain compliance with ethical standards, including:
    • The ethics of (not) using AI and billing by the hour (Illinois Rule 1.5, Comment 9);
    • Preventing the unauthorized practice of law committed by relying upon GenAI answers; and
    • Other competency obligations, including duty to supervise, avoiding bias, candor to courts, and advertising implications.
  • How to use, store, and protect client data within a GenAI/LLM system (and how to judge a system is sufficiently secure/appropriate for lawyers) to comply with Rule 1.6.
An in-house attorney also provides client viewpoints such as securing data when using a GenAI system and whether you should adjust your billable rates to reflect the use of GenAI.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC

Program Speakers:
Neil Ballentine, Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Aaron Brooks, Brooks Law and Consulting, LLC, Chicago
Mathew Kerbis, Subscription Attorney LLC, Deerfield
Sari W. Montgomery, Robinson, Stewart, Montgomery & Doppke LLC, Chicago


*Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval

Program Information

  • Fees:
  • Please Note: MCLE credit is available to registrants only on the day of this live event – and you must attend the entire program to earn MCLE credit. All registrants will receive access to a recording of the event a few days after the program, but credit is NOT available for the recording.
  • From time to time at ISBA CLE events, the ISBA, it’s vendor partners, or others may take photographs or video of participants, attendees, and guests for use in their marketing or promotional materials or news publications. By registering for this event, you are consenting to the use of your, and your guests’, photograph, video-recorded likeness, and name without compensation. Any photographs or video taken will be the sole property of the ISBA or entity taking the photograph.

In re K.F.

In re K.F.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Indian Child Welfare Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (5th) 250410
Decision Date: 
Monday, October 20, 2025
District: 
5th Dist.
Division/County: 
Saline Co.
Holding: 
Vacated and remanded.
Justice: 
BOIE

The appellate court held that the trial court did not comply with the procedural requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act when it terminated the respondent’s parental rights to her minor children. The appellate court found that the trial court did not comply with the Act’s requirements regarding notice to the appropriate Indian tribes and vacated the trial court’s judgments and remanded with instructions for further proceedings. (MOORE and BARBERIS, concurring)

NextGen Symposium 2025: Illinois' New Bar Exam Focuses on Getting Students "Practice Ready"

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 Illinois Bar Foundation


6.25 hours MCLE credit, including 6.25 hours approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Friday, September 12, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 30, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


 Why is Illinois joining 42 other jurisdictions that have chosen to implement NextGen for their bar exam? What effect will this implementation have on the practice of law in this state? How are these changes likely to impact both law school study and the legal community as a whole? Get the answers to these questions and more with these two half-day seminars that explore the various ways Illinois law schools are preparing their students to practice law in the real world. Topics include:
  • An overview of the NextGen Bar Exam;
  • How law school leadership can help students succeed after law school;
  • The historical efforts of the Illinois State Bar Association in helping prepare law students to practice law;
  • Understanding what the NextGen Bar Exam means for the future of legal education and the practice of law; and
  • A look at the new topics on the NextGen Bar Exam.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Ted A. Donner , Donner & Company Law Offices, LLC, Glen Ellyn

Overview: Illinois Adopts the NextGen Bar Exam*
Moderator: Prof. Wendy H. Vaughn, Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb
Prof. Jon J. Lee , Distinguished Scholar in Residence, National Conference of Bar Examiners, Wisconsin
Susannah Pollvogt , Principal Consultant for Curriculum, Law School Admission Council, Pennsylvania
Suzanne J. Schmitz , President, Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar, Carbondale

Law School Leadership: What Do Students Need from Their Law Schools and Bar Associations?*
Moderator: Jason R. Blumenthal, Donahue & Rose, P.C., Rosemont
Moderator: Joseph A. Souligne, Webber & Thies, P.C., Urbana

Roundtable Discussion: What the NextGen Bar Exam Means for the Future of Legal Education*
Moderator: Daniel R. Thies , Webber & Thies, P.C., Urbana
Prof. Marsha Griggs , St. Louis University School of Law, Missouri
Megan Kreminski , Director of Academic Success, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago
Susannah Pollvogt , Principal Consultant for Curriculum, Law School Admission Council, Pennsylvania
Prof. Kate Waldinger, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago

Next Gen’s Emphasis on Foundational Lawyering Skills*
Moderator: H. Case Ellis, Resolute Systems, Chicago
Michael Bergmann , Executive Director, Public Interest Law Initiative, Chicago
Melissa A. Smart , Director of Education, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, 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 $150 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $310
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

LIVE WEB - Getting the Most Out of Mediation

December 18, 2025
Presented by the ISBA Tort Law Section
Co-presented by the ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Live Webcast
Thursday, December 18, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

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

Although mediation offers the path of least resistance to resolving differences between parties, it still requires thorough preparation from both you and your client. Don’t miss this in-depth look at how to help your client get the most out of mediation, including what to expect at the meeting, the best practices for preparing for the mediation (from both the plaintiff and defense perspectives), how to prepare a concise and compelling mediation package, and how to handle yourself throughout the mediation process.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Judith Conway, Cooney & Conway, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
Josh Rohrscheib, Onward Injury Law, Bloomington

Program Speakers:
Michael R. Hartigan, Hartigan & O’Connor, LLC, Chicago
Hon. Clare McWilliams (ret.), Resolute Systems, Chicago
Jeffrey A. Schulkin, Ankin Law, LLC, Chicago


For best practices, before attending the program using ISBA's Zoom platform, please visit our Technical Support page.

Program Information

  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member - $35
      • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
    • Non-Member - $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Student Members - Free
    • Special pricing is available for Legal Service Attorneys.
  • If you cannot attend the live web event, a full refund is available, if you cancel your registration up to the start of the live web event on the program page in your “My CLE Account”. 
  • Please Note: MCLE credit is available to registrants only on the day of this live event – and you must attend the entire program to earn MCLE credit. All registrants will receive access to a recording of the event a few days after the program, but credit is NOT available for the recording.