Elder Law

Online Evidence: Evidentiary Best Practices

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 Intellectual Property Section


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, April 30, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­June 4, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Learn how to better secure, memorialize, and archive evidence from the internet with this informative online program! Intellectual property lawyers, federal civil practice attorneys, family law practitioners, and any other attorney with intermediate practice experience tasked with finding online evidence who attends this seminar will better understand how to ensure that secured evidence is evidentiarily competent and how to avoid the pitfalls associated with ad hoc screenshotting by clients, attorneys, and staff. Additional topics include:
  • Where is the evidence? The internet is a treasure trove of evidence for all sorts of cases. Personal injury? The injured party has a Facebook photo doing a cannonball. Trademark infringement? The infringing good is being sold on Amazon. But now you must go get it and make sure you can use it. And maybe avoid relying on a digital archive from the world wide web (also known as the Wayback Machine).
  • Applicable rules and case law. You found the evidence … but can you use it? This portion of the presentation discusses the applicable rules of evidence and caselaw that may impact your client and your case.
  • Best practices for gathering and using online evidence. You’re staring at the smoking gun … now what? Take a screenshot? Have a paralegal do it? Hope the Wayback Machine archives it? Use an investigator? Get the best practice tips you need for gathering and preserving online evidence so you can use it in dispositive motions and at trial.

Program Coordinator/Chat Moderator:
Jonathan LA Phillips, Phillips & Bathke P.C., Peoria Heights

Program Speakers:
Alex Sappington, Page Vault Inc., Chicago
Jonathan M. Francis
, Phillips & Bathke P.C., 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

An Introduction to Pooled Special Needs Trusts

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
Co-presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Law Section and ISBA Rural Practice Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­June 9, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this introductory look at pooled special needs trusts, including its different types and why we need them. Elder law attorneys, disability law practitioners, health care council, and trusts and estates lawyers with basic practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand: what you need to know about special needs planning; the benefits in special needs planning to use a pooled trust; the disadvantages of using a pooled trust; how to administer a special needs trust; and much more.

Program Coordinators:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign
Dolores Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

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

Program Chat Moderator:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign

Program Speaker:
Scott Nixon
, Life’s Plan Inc., Lisle


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

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

Planning with Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts

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
Co-presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Law Section and ISBA Rural Practice Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 29, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Do you know what Medicaid asset protection trusts (MAPTs) are and in what circumstances they should be considered for use? Do you know how they should be administered after they are established? Get answers to these questions and more with this informative online seminar. Elder law attorneys, trusts and estate lawyers, health care counsel, and general practitioners with basic practice experience who attend this program will learn how to help clients plan for Medicaid and Medicaid asset protection trusts, how MAPTs should be structured to achieve their purpose, which provisions should be included (and excluded), and more!


Program Coordinators:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign
Dolores Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

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

Program Chat Moderator:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign

Program Speaker:
Gina Salamone
, Huck Bouma P.C., Wheaton


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

Avoiding Games and Frustration with Probate Claims and Citations

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 Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 20, 2027(You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Many attorneys who practice in probate court want nothing to do with a case that involves hotly contested litigation, such as disputed claims and citations to discover or recover assets. Join us online for this program that’s designed to demystify probate claims and citations proceedings! Civil practice attorneys, elder law lawyers, and trusts and estates practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • What constitutes a claim in Illinois;
  • How to provide proper notice of probate to potential creditors;
  • How to handle payments for litigation claims;
  • How to address insolvent estates;
  • How to protect an estate from a claim that is improperly submitted or barred;
  • How to file, prosecute, and defend citations; and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Kerry R. Peck, Peck Ritchey, LLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
David Feldman, Aronberg Goldgehn, Wheaton
David M. Gower
, Lillig & Thorsness, Ltd., Oak Brook


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

Navigating Artificial Intelligence with an Ethical Compass

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
Co-presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Artificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, ISBA Trusts & Estates Section, and ISBA Rural Practice Section


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: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: May 13, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Learn how the ethical challenges of using artificial intelligence play out in the elder law arena with this informative seminar! Elder law attorneys, trusts and estate lawyers, disability law practitioners, health care counsel, and general practitioners with basic practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • How to identify which artificial intelligence technologies and tools can be incorporated ethically into an elder law practice;
  • How using artificial intelligence can streamline your case management workflow and improve access to legal services for older adults; and
  • How to address (or avoid) the ethical challenges that may arise when using artificial intelligence technologies.
  • Hypothetical scenarios will be presented and discussed throughout the program to show when artificial intelligence can be ethically utilized in your elder law practice.

Program Coordinators:
Mia O. Hernandez, Webber & Thies, P.C., Champaign
Dolores Wigman, Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock

Program Chat Moderator:
Megan Kinney, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, East St. Louis

Program Speakers:
Brian Lambert, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, East St. Louis
Susan M. Simone, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, East St. Louis



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

Probate Pitfalls

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 Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: April 10, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Probate “pitfalls” are inevitable, and no two cases are alike. Learn how to manage or avoid common pitfalls in Illinois probate proceedings for decedents’ estates with this informative online seminar. Estate administration practitioners, Civil practice attorneys, and elder law attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will also learn:
  • Practical problem-solving solutions when unavoidable probate pitfalls arise;
  • Filing requirements and procedures, and Cook County nuances;
  • How to handle:
    • When a named Executor Declines to Serve - Who can Serve Thereafter?
    • Failure to Send Timely Notice
    • Preservation of Assets
    • Insolvent Estates and Abatement of Claims
    • Distributing Unclaimed Property to the Illinois Treasurer
    • Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees
    • Post-deceased Estate Representative or Post-deceased Heirs/Legatees
    • Nonresident Representatives
    • When a Trust is a Legatee
    • Family Dynamics and Conflicts
    • Ademption
    • Recalcitrant Heirs/Legatees
    • The Caregiver Statute
    • When to use a Notice of Probate and Release of Estate’s Interest in Real Estate
    • When Beneficiaries want to Rearrange Who Inherits What
    • When you Opened Probate by Mistake – Now What?

Program Coordinator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Melissa Johnson, Generation Law, Elmhust

Program Speakers:
Sarah M. LeRose, Leonard J. LeRose, Jr., Ltd., Chicago
Colleen L. Sahlas
, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook



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 $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

Planning for & Calculating the Illinois Estate Tax

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


1.0 hour MCLE credit



Original Program Date: September 7, 2022
MCLE Accreditation Extension Period: ­­­­­­­March 28, 2025 - March 27, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the information you need on Illinois estate tax law so you can better assist your next trusts and estates client with this online program. Financial planning attorneys, elder law practitioners, and federal, state and local tax lawyers with intermediate practice experience will better understand:
  • How the Illinois estate tax is calculated;
  • How it is impacted by lifetime gifts;
  • When it applies to non-residents; and
  • How the calculation is adjusted for out-of-state property

Program Coordinator:
Daniel P. Felix, The Professional Trustee, Deerfield

Program Moderator:
Aaron D. Evans, Sorling Northrup, Springfield

Program Speaker:
Christine R.W. Quigley
, ArentFox Schiff, 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

Estate Planning Basics

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
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Elder Law Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Are you new to the trusts and estates practice? Want to learn more about how to help families manage their assets? Then don’t miss this seminar that offers you a basic understanding of what it means to “plan an estate.” Topics include:
  • The most common documents used in estate planning;
  • How to help your clients draft wills and power of attorneys;
  • The tax issues that you should consider when helping your clients plan their estates;
  • How to anticipate and prevent ethical pitfalls in estate planning; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Kerry R. Peck, Peck Ritchey, LLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Karen R. Mills, Aronberg Goldgehn, Wheaton
Sara E. Riechert
, Chamberlin Riechert Law Group, P.C., Oak Brook



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

Planning for Illinois Estates with Challenging Assets

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


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Challenging assets can be anything from tax deferred assets, to non-Illinois situs assets, to assets not easily divisible between spousal trusts, and more. Join us for this in-depth look at the strategies you can use to address taxable estates in Illinois that have challenging assets. Trusts and estates lawyers, elder law attorneys, general practitioners, and federal tax lawyers with intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • How to handle estates with less-than-ideal assets to maximize utilization of estate tax exemptions, including the use of disclaimers;
  • How to balance federal planning with Illinois estate tax planning (portability vs. equalization);
  • The options for dividing and/or equalizing assets between spouses or spousal trusts for assets that are not divisible or are tax deferred vehicles; and
  • The barriers and potential workarounds for taxable estates having mostly challenging assets, such as retirement accounts, profit sharing plans, closely held businesses, or illiquid assets.

Program Coordinator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, The Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Melissa Johnson, Generation Law, Elmhurst

Program Speakers:
Lauran L. Stevenson, Chapman and Cutler LLP, Chicago
Rebecca Wallenfelsz
, Chapman and Cutler LLP, 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