Child Law

2025 Professionalism Bundle

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


6.0 hours MCLE credit, including 6.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:
  • 4.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit
  • 1.0 hour Diversity and Inclusion credit
  • 1.0 hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse credit
This bundle satisfies the 6 hour Professional Responsibility Requirement for a two-year reporting period under Supreme Court Rule 794(d).
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 28, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Satisfy all six hours of your Professional Responsibility requirement with this on-demand program that explores:
  • How to manage a positive work-life balance and practice mindful stress management;
  • How to work with witnesses, jurors, and experts who may differ from ourselves;
  • How artificial intelligence is being used in the legal practice, as well as the ethical issues to be aware of when using this technology;
  • How to identify problems that artificial intelligence can solve;
  • The best practice tips you need to build and maintain successful client management;
  • What you need to know about professional liability and cyber insurance; and
  • Much more!


Mental Health 101: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Originally presented by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division
(1.0 hour Mental Health or Substance Abuse MCLE/PMCLE 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 Moderator: Courtney A. Berlin, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago
Erin Clifford, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago


Pronouns on Trial
Originally presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
(1.0 hours Diversity and Inclusion MCLE/PMCLE credit)
Transgender and non-binary individuals need the same respect and attentive representation as our other clients, but discomfort and implicit bias oftentimes get in our way. Join us online for this comprehensive discussion on how to work with witnesses, jurors, and experts who may differ from ourselves. Topics include: strategies for discovering honorifics and pronouns; how to address objections (both principled and vituperative); possible form changes (appearance/jury questionnaire); and the proposed changes to Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4 (Misconduct).
Program Coordinator/Moderator: John W. Moore, John W. Moore, P.C., Chicago
Hon. Mary Cay Marubio, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago
John W. Moore, John W. Moore, P.C., Chicago
Joanie Rae Wimmer, Law Offices of Joanie Rae Wimmer, Oak Park


The Dawning of the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Promise or Threat to the Practice of Law?
Originally presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Artificial Intelligence & The Practice of Law
  • Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Promise or Peril?
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
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.
Program 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
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
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


Best Practices for Successful Client Management
Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s Solo & Small Firm Conference 2024
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
This segment offers the best practice tips you need to build and maintain successful client management. Topics include: intake, termination, and communication.
Program Moderator: Genevieve E. Miller, Singewald Law Firm, Chicago
Melissa Smart, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago


Safeguarding Your Practice: Navigating Insurance Coverage for Law Firms and Attorneys
Originally presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Join us for an in-depth look at how the right insurance coverage can safeguard you and your law practice, as well as the underwriting basics you need to know and the misconceptions regarding losses vs types of coverage. Solo and small firm attorneys, general practitioners, new lawyers, and insurance law attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand: What you need to know about professional liability and cyber insurance; the various types of insurance available to your practice; the importance of transparency in applying for coverage; the most common required underwriting information; business interruption coverage; commercial general liability and other coverage commonly required by landlords; key-person coverage and individual disability income coverage; and business overhead expenses.
Program Coordinator/Moderator: Jennifer Danish, Bryant Legal Group P.C. Chicago
Daniel Cotter, Dickinson Wright, Chicago
Adam Czerwinski, Sidebar Insurance Solutions, Orland Park
Jennifer Danish, Bryant Legal Group P.C. Chicago
Scott Dutton, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Chicago



Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar. Your certificate will be available after all segments have been completed and the Bundle evaluation completed.
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $159 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $375
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students - Free

In re D.S.

In re D.S.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Juvenile Court Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 241635
Decision Date: 
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
2d Div./Cook Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed in part and dismissed in part.
Justice: 
McBRIDE

In a consolidated appeal, respondents appealed from the trial court’s findings of neglect, arguing that they were against the manifest weight of the evidence, that multiple errors occurred during the adjudication hearing, and that the trial court’s best interest finding was against the manifest weight of the evidence. The appellate court dismissed the challenge to the trial court’s dispositional order as being barred under the mootness doctrine and affirmed all other orders entered by the circuit court, finding that the evidence supported the trial court’s finding of neglect and that the trial court did not make any errors in its admission or consideration of evidence. (VAN TINE and ELLIS, concurring)

Criminal Justice Update - Spring 2025 - 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 Criminal Justice Section


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


Original Program Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 16th, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the updates you need on new and existing issues in criminal law with this informative onsite program, including: the ethical obligations of criminal defense attorneys; what you need to know when representing juveniles in a criminal law case; and much more!


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Sara Vig , Vig Law P.C., Springfield

Ethical Obligations of Criminal Defense Attorneys: Communication, Competence, and Conflicts, Oh My!*
Join us for a look at the ARDC disciplinary matters from the last annual report (which includes statistics on the types of practitioners being disciplined), followed by a discussion on the ethics rules guiding attorney competence, diligence, communication, and conflicts of interest.
Rachel C. Miller , Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago

The ABCs of Representing Juveniles
Learn how to better represent juveniles facing criminal charges with this informative segment.
Hallie M. Bezner , Bezner Law, Oak Park



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

Criminal Justice Update - Spring 2025 - 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 Criminal Justice Section


2.75 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 15, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the updates you need on new and existing issues in criminal law with this informative onsite program, including: what to look for when dogs are used by police officers; issues with canine sniffs; the outcome of the Bruen case; the decisions and statutory changes you need to be aware of; and much more!


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Sara Vig , Vig Law P.C., Springfield

Issues in Police Canine Tactics
This segment examines the common issues with police canine units and using experts when canine sniffs are involved. Case law updates are also discussed.
Elisabeth R. Pollock , Champaign County Chief Public Defender, Urbana

Bruen Issues
Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of NYSRPA v. Bruen, the case law resulting from this decision, and the issues to be aware of when advising your clients.
Thomas Drysdale , Office of the Federal Public Defender, Urbana

Case Law Update
This presentation gives you the updates you need on important decisions and statutory changes that may impact you or your clients.
Daniel L. Fultz , Brown, Hay & Stephens, Springfield



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 $96 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $192
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

ISBA's Guardian Ad Litem Training

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 Bench & Bar Section, ISBA Child Law Section, and ISBA Family Law Section


11.25 hours MCLE credit, including 4.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit  in the following categories:
  • 4.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit

Original Program Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­April 25, 2025 - April 24, 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;
  • The challenges facing the next generation of advocates;
  • How to handle your client’s issues;
  • How implicit bias impacts the way legal matters are handled;
  • How (and what) the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 protects children;
  • The recent case law updates that may impact your next case;
  • Guardian ad litem appointments;
  • Removing children from, to, and within Illinois;
  • Structuring parent and grandparent time;
  • The hot topic issues facing the judiciary, attorneys, and litigates;
  • How to prepare your child client for litigation;
  • Understanding the differences between a guardian ad litem, child representative, and attorney for the child;
  • The ethical dilemmas facing guardian ad litems and child representatives; 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:
Hon. Michael J. Chmiel, Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, Woodstock

Program Moderator:
Sandra M. Blake, Kane County Public Defender's Office, Oak Park


Child Advocacy
Discover what requirements exist for those representing children in litigation, which requirements are mandated, and why this training is so important.
Anna P. Krolikowska, Anna P. Krolikowska, P.C., Northbrook

The Important Role of an Attorney in the Life of a Child*
This segment discusses the Illinois Supreme Court’s expectations for those representing children in Illinois’ court system.
Hon. Anne M. Burke, Illinois Supreme Court, Chicago

Emerging Issues for Attorneys*
Gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the next generation of advocates, as well as what law schools are doing to help.
Prof. Camille M. Davidson, Southern Illinois University School of Law, Carbondale

The Expanding Challenges for Attorneys: Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Pandemic
Learn how to help a depressed colleague in need, the repercussions of substance abuse, and how to bridge the gap that the pandemic’s social distancing has created.
Dr. Alexandria A. Tsang, Director, Kane County Diagnostic Center, St. Charles

Implicit Bias*
This comprehensive overview explores the various forms of implicit bias and how it affects how we handle legal matters.
Trina Smith, Cook County Public Defender’s Office, Chicago

Juvenile Acts
The first session of this three-part program closes with an in-depth look at what the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 covers, how children are protected, how juveniles are prosecuted, and how attorneys can help.
Hon. Christopher M. Harmon, Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, Woodstock

Case Law Update
Don’t miss this case law update that explores what’s new in the family law and child law arena – and how these changes may affect your next case.
Prof. Jeff Atkinson, Illinois Judicial Conference, Wilmette

Guardian ad Litem Exposure
To what extent are guardians ad litem (and perhaps others appointed by the Court) immune from tort liability? This session discusses this issue by examining the recent decision of the Illinois Supreme Court in the case of Nichols v Fahrenkamp, 219 IL 123990 .
Hon. Donald D. Bernardi (ret.), Bloomington

The Removal of Children
Learn the ins-and-outs of child removal with this informative presentation, including who can be moved from, to, and within Illinois and what the requirements of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
Gunnar J. Gitlin, The Gitlin Law Firm, P.C., Woodstock

Structuring and Scheduling Parenting Time
This segment discusses who should have parenting time, what that parenting time consists of, and exactly how grandparents fit in to the structure.
L. Steven Rakowski, LSR Family Law Group, Northbrook

View from the Bench
This presentation discusses the hot topics and issues facing the judiciary, attorneys, and litigants in domestic relations courtrooms.
Hon. Robert J. Anderson (ret.), Wheaton
Hon. Anna M. Benjamin, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Urbana
Hon. Debra B. Walker, Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago

Interviewing Children of High Conflict Parents*
The final session of this three-part program begins with a look at how to prepare for interviewing children of high-conflict parents, what to watch for in parents and in children, and what to do in response.
Joseph Canevello, Connections Counseling & Consulting Services, Inc., Crystal Lake

The Compete Roles of the GAL, Child Representative, and Attorney
This segment explores the duty of the guardian ad litem or child representative to investigate what is in a child’s best interest. The discussion includes what should (and should not) be included in pleadings and court files, as well as what rights exist for the protection of mental health during custodial proceedings.
Sean N. McCumber, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, Napverville

Ethics in Child Custody and Allocations of Parental Responsibilities Cases*
This presentation examines the ethical issues you need to consider when representing children.
Umberto S. Davi, Davi & Associates P.C., Western Springs

Other Professionals: Non-Lawyers Who Deal with Children*
The program closes with a comprehensive look at the non-legal professionals who work with children. Topics include: who is available to do what; when they should be involved; and what evaluations can (or should) be conducted.
Dr. Robert B. Shapiro, Robert B. Shapiro & Associates, Bloomingdale


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 $375 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $750
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students - Free

In re M.S.

In re M.S.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Probate Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 241925
Decision Date: 
Monday, March 31, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
1st Div./Cook Co.
Holding: 
Vacated and remanded.
Justice: 
COBBS

Respondent appealed from multiple orders of the circuit court granting a DCFS petition to appoint a private guardian, granting DCFS’ motion to close the case, and denying respondent’s petition for reunification services, an integrated assessment, and a change in the permanency goal. On appeal, respondent argued that the circuit court improperly granted the petition to appoint a private guardian without first finding that respondent was unwilling and unable to care for his minor daughter and that the circuit court violated his right to procedural due process. The appellate court vacated the orders and remanded with instructions to hold a hearing in compliance with section 11-5(b) of the Probate Act on the petition for private guardianship. (LAVIN and PUCINSKI, concurring)

How To Advise Your Criminal Law Client Regarding Deportation Issues

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 Criminal Justice Section and ISBA International & Immigration Law Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the information and updates you need to effectively advise your clients on important immigration law issues, as well as how to answer questions regarding their immigration status and the threat of deportation. Criminal law practitioners, immigration lawyers, traffic law attorneys, and human rights counsel with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will better understand:
  • Your clients’ rights with respect to deportation;
  • The collateral consequences of criminal sanctions; and
  • How to advise your clients when they encounter ICE.

Program Coordinator/Chat Moderator:
Sara Vig, Vig Law P.C., Springfield

Program Speakers:
Juliet Boyd, Boyd Kummer, Chicago
A. Ross Cassingham, Scott Pollock & Associates, Chicago



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 $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

Judicial Panel Discussion on Specialty Courts

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 Criminal Justice Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Bench & Bar Section


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


Original Program Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 27, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this panel presentation that offers an in-depth discussion on the role of specialty courts throughout Illinois! Criminal justice lawyers, bench and bar attorneys, mental health practitioners, and traffic law attorneys with intermediate to advanced levels of practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand:
  • How different specialty courts operate in different parts of the state;
  • What is involved in a specialty court, including services offered, individuals accepted, and the resources that are utilized;
  • The pros and cons of specialty courts; and
  • What can be done to improve how specialty courts currently function.

Program Coordinator/Chat Moderator:
Sara Vig, Vig Law, P.C., Springfield

Program Speakers:
Hon. Jennifer M. Ascher, Seventh Judicial Circuit, Springfield
Hon. John M. Madonia, Seventh Judicial Circuit, Springfield
Hon. Daniel E. Maloney, Cook County Judicial Circuit, Chicago
Hon. Patricia S. Spratt, Cook County Judicial Circuit, Chicago


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 $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

In re L.G.

In re L.G.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 241464
Decision Date: 
Friday, February 28, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
6th Div./Cook Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
C.A. WALKER

In a child custody matter, respondent appealed from a circuit court order finding him an unfit parent and terminating his parental rights, arguing that the record did not support the State’s grounds for unfitness and that termination was not in his child’s best interests. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the trial court did not err where respondent failed to make reasonable progress toward reunification and that there was sufficient evidence in the record to support the trial court’s best interest finding. (TAILOR and GAMRATH, concurring)

In re M.T.

In re M.T.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Juvenile Court Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 232134
Decision Date: 
Friday, February 21, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
5th Div.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
MIKVA

Respondent appealed from a trial court order finding that the respondent's minor children were abused and neglected due to an injurious environment and substantial risk of physical injury and that adjudged the minors the wards of the court. On appeal, respondent argued that the trial court's findings of sexual abuse and neglect were improperly based on out-of-court statements of the victim that were not sufficiently corroborated and that the trial court erred in qualifying the victim's therapist as an expert witness. The appellate court affirmed, finding that there was sufficient corroboration and that the trial court properly allowed the victim's therapist to testify as an expert and to provide some of the corroboration for the out-of-court testimony. (MITCHELL and NAVARRO, concurring).