Practice Ready Basics

Lincoln the Lawyer - Insights Into Professionalism

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 and the Illinois Academy of Criminology
Co-Sponsored by the University of Illinois College of Law


1.25 hours MCLE credit including 1.25 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: 1.25 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, June 3, 2021
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­October 21, 2025 - October 20, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this online seminar that explores the professional excellence of one of Illinois’ greatest attorneys, Abraham Lincoln. The presentation offers engaging vignettes about Lincoln’s legal career that gives you an idea of what Lincoln’s law practice consisted of, as well as, how other attorneys viewed him (including a few pre-presidency opinions for a better idea of what his contemporaries thought of Lincoln). The program also explores Lincoln’s personal viewpoints about the legal profession.

Program Coordinator:
Edward Mogul, Illinois Academy of Criminology, Chicago

Welcome and Introductions
Hon. Anne M. Burke, Chief Justice, Illinois Supreme Court, Chicago

Program Speaker:
John Lupton, Executive Director, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, 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 $44 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $88
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free


Illinois Electronic Wills Act - Part 3

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 Trusts & Estates Section


1.75 hours MCLE credit, including 1.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics credit or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: October 21, 2025 - October 20, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for Part 3 of this three-part series in which we explore the nuts and bolts of the newly enacted Electronic Wills and Remote Witnesses Act. Trust and estate attorneys, family law lawyers, general practitioners, and elder law counsel with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will better understand:
  • The ethics of electronic wills and remote signings, including competence and confidentiality issues;
  • How to use technology during the signing;
  • Storing and maintaining documents after the signing;
  • Determining a testator’s capacity;
  • Electronic notarization and witnessing;
  • Much more!

Program Coordinator:
Oana L. Militaru, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge

Program Moderators:
Oana L. Militaru, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge
Raymond W. Prather, Prather Ebner LLP, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Dale Hardy, Notarize, Massachusetts
Andrew Macdougall, Notarize, Massachusetts
Patrick D. Owens, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge
Karin C. Prangley, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 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 $62 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $123
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students - Free

Illinois Electronic Wills Act - 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 Trusts & Estates Section


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


Original Program Date: Friday, September 24, 2021
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­October 21, 2025 - October 20, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for Part 2 of this three-part series in which we explore the nuts and bolts of the newly enacted Electronic Wills and Remote Witnesses Act. Trust and estate attorneys, family law lawyers, general practitioners, and elder law counsel with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will better understand:
  • Obtaining access to the decedent’s cloud storage;
  • How to probate copies of electronic wills;
  • How to admit electronic wills to probate;
  • The jurisdictional issues that can arise, including Illinois electronic wills by non-resident decedents and out-of-state electronic wills;
  • How to handle undue influence and lack of capacity claims; and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinator:
Oana L. Militaru, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge

Program Moderator:
Raymond W. Prather, Prather Ebner LLP, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Daniel S. Ebner, Prather Ebner LLP, Chicago
Sarah M. LeRose, Leonard J. LeRose, Jr., Ltd., Chicago
Hon. James G. Riley (ret.), FMS Law Group, 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

Illinois Electronic Wills Act - 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 Trusts & Estates Section


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


Original Program Date: Friday, September 17, 2021
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: October 21, 2025 - October 20, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Join us for Part 1 of this three-part series in which we explore the nuts and bolts of the newly enacted Electronic Wills and Remote Witnesses Act. Trust and estate attorneys, family law lawyers, general practitioners, and elder law counsel with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will better understand:
  • The execution and admission of wills prior to amendments;
  • Electronic wills in other jurisdictions;
  • Remote signings and how to create certified paper copies;
  • Changes introduced by the Electronic Wills and Remote Witnesses Act;
  • Self-proving attestation clauses;
  • Using the Electronic Wills and Remote Witnesses Act for Powers of Attorney and other documents;
  • Remote notarizations; and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinator:
Oana L. Militaru, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge

Program Moderator:
Oana L. Militaru, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge
Raymond W. Prather, Prather Ebner LLP, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Neil T. Goltermann, Momkus LLC, Lisle
Oana L. Militaru, DiMonte & Lizak LLC, Park Ridge
Kerry R. Peck, Peck Ritchey LLC, Chicago
Raymond W. Prather, Prather Ebner LLP, 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 $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

ISBA's Civil Appeal Basics: The First 30 Days after Judgment

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!
Sponsored by Civil Practice and Procedure Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: May 16, 2023
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: May 6, 2025 - May 5, 2027(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


The first 30 days after the trial court enters an unfavorable judgment to your client are critical. During this period, you will have to walk your client through several important and complex decisions that could mean the difference between success and failure on appeal. Join us for this informative program that provides a step-by-step guide for using this timeframe to give your client a head start toward winning on appeal. Topics include:
  • What are the important deadlines?
  • Should you file a motion attacking the judgment and what should such a motion contain?
  • Should you appeal instead of filing a post-judgment motion or if the motion is denied?
  • Have the potential issues on appeal been properly preserved in the record?
  • How can you estimate the likelihood of success on appeal?
  • How much will an appeal cost?
  • Is an appeal cost effective?
  • Is it possible to stay the judgment during the appeal?
  • What must be done to obtain a stay pending appeal?
  • How can you ensure that the record on appeal is accurate and complete?
  • If you will refer the case to an appellate attorney, how can you assure a seamless transition?

Program Coordinator/Speaker:
Timothy J. Storm , Storm Appellate Law, Barrington


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

Obtaining Adult Guardianships: Everything You Need to Know

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 Elder Law Section, ISBA Trusts & Estates Section, and the ISBA Health Care Law Section
Co-Sponsored by the ISBA Senior Lawyers Section and ISBA Disability Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: November 3, 2022
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­October 21, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)
Join us online for an in-depth look at the guardianship of adults with disabilities. Elder law attorneys, trusts and estates lawyers, health care counsel, senior lawyer practitioners, and disability law attorneys with basic practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand: 
  • How to file a petition and the notices that are required;
  • How to prepare for your hearing;
  • The rights of the respondent;
  • The common issues facing both the attorney and the client; and
  • The guardian’s role and duties.

Program Coordinators:
Daniel P. Felix , The Professional Trustee, Deerfield
Dolores A. Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

Program Moderator:
Dolores A. Wigman , Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

Program Speaker:
Sharon R. Rudy,Sharon R Rudy P.C., Rockford


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

Family Law "How To" Series: 59. Issues Regarding Consideration of Executive Compensation and Perquisites

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!
Part of ISBA's Family Law "How To" Series
Presented by the ISBA Family Law Section


0.5 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2017
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­October 18, 2024 - October 17, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of how to handle the issues regarding consideration of executive compensation and perquisites. Topics include:
  • Restricted stock units
  • Stock grants, warrants and options (vested and unvested)
  • Contract accruing units
  • Non-salary compensation (bonuses, etc.)
  • Non-cash executive compensation
  • Non-qualified unfunded plans
  • Supplemental executive retirement plans
  • Common perks
  • Insurance packages
  • Deferred comp and deferred equity compensation
  • Allowances (meals, entertainment, vehicle, memberships, etc.)

“How To” Series Producer and Coordinator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar , Kuzniar & Simons, P.C., Chicago

Program Speakers:
Morris Lane Harvey , Harvey Behme & Associates, Mt. Vernon
Bethany M. Hearn , Clifton Larson Allen, LLP, Champaign
Curtis B. Ross , The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross LLC, Chicago
Rory T. Weiler , Weiler & Lengle P.C., St. Charles



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 $17.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $35
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $12.50
    • Law Students – Free

Family Law "How To" Series: 60. Issues Regarding Pensions and Other Retirement Asset Division: Qualified, Unqualified and Military

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!
Part of ISBA's Family Law "How To" Series
Presented by the ISBA Family Law Section


0.5 hours MCLE Credit


Original Program Date: Friday, January 26, 2018
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­October 18, 2024 - October 17, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Gain a better understanding of pension and retirement divisions, including:
  • The types of retirement accounts you may encounter;
  • ERISA and non-ERISA plans;
  • The rules for Qualified Domestic Relations Orders; and
  • The seven steps for dividing any retirement account.

“How To” Series Producer and Coordinator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar , Kuzniar & Simons, P.C., Chicago

Program Speakers:
Jami M. Buzinski, Kamerlink Stark McCormack & Powers LLC, Chicago
Kathleen Curtin, Curtin Law LLC, Libertyville
Timothy E. Weiler, Weiler & Lengle, St. Charles



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 $17.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $35
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $12.50
    • Law Students – Free