Employee Benefits

Business Divorce Series: Resolving Issues and Dividing Assets - Intellectual Property

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 Corporate Law Departments
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Intellectual Property Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 7, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Do your clients need help resolving issues and dividing assets due to their business “divorce”? Then don’t miss this online program that explores the intellectual property issues that can arise during the dissolution of a professional relationship between business partners. Corporate law attorneys, business and securities counsel, intellectual property lawyers, and general practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • The issues to be aware of, including ownership of the company’s intellectual property;
  • How to develop a new name and marks for one or both companies;
  • How to handle licensing and customer contracts; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Chris Darby, DLA Piper LLP, Chicago
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Chat Moderator:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Speakers:
Jennifer L Gordon, Practice Leader – Intellectual Property, Lorium Law, Chicago
David C. Brezina, Ladas & Parry LLP, 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 $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

Business Divorce Series: Resolving Issues and Dividing Assets - An Introduction

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 Corporate Law Departments


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 7, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


ISBA’s Business Divorce Series kicks off with an introduction to the issues you or your client may face while dividing assets among business partners seeking to dissolve their professional relationship. Business advice attorneys, corporate law counsel, real estate lawyers, and employment law practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • How to prepare for the separation of a company;
  • Whether one or both companies can remain viable;
  • The valuation process for dividing assets;
  • When (and what) to report to regulators;
  • The real estate issues that may arise during the process;
  • How to handle the continuation of insurance policies (including errors and omissions insurance); and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinators:
Chris Darby, DLA Piper LLP, Chicago
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Chat Moderator:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Speaker:
John C. Sciaccotta, Aronberg Goldgehn, 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

What to Know When Starting a Food or Agricultural Tech Business

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 Food Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Starting and running a food or ag-tech company comes with a myriad of issues that your client must know about and consider – from what information is required on product labeling and which type of insurance offers the best protection for their investment, to the BIPA warnings they need be aware of and the preferred entity types to consider. Business advice lawyers, food law practitioners, and agricultural law attorneys with intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will also learn:
  • What to consider when helping your client choose a business entity option;
  • Which business entity types will better promote growth and compliance for your client;
  • How to advise your clients on protecting their most important intellectual property, including recipes, product formulations, logos, brand names, and trademarks;
  • Best practices for safeguarding ownership of your client’s company; and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinators/Speakers:
Robert B. Anderson, Bahr Anderson Law Group LLC, Naperville
Deirdre Fox, Attorney at Law, Chicago
Elaine S. Vorberg, McCarthy Duffy LLP, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Elaine S. Vorberg, McCarthy Duffy LLP, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
Robert B. Anderson, Bahr Anderson Law Group LLC, Naperville


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

Gifford v. Operating Engineers 139 Health Benefit Fund

Federal 7th Circuit Court
Gifford v. Operating Engineers 139 Health Benefit Fund
Civil Court
Health Insurance Coverage
Citation
Case Number: 
No. 23-3356
Decision Date: 
January 13, 2025
Federal District: 
E.D. Wis.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Judge: 
KOLAR

Plaintiff, the special administrator of her deceased husband’s estate, filed a lawsuit challenging the defendant’s denial for reimbursement of out-of-network medical expenses. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant and plaintiff appealed. The Seventh Circuit affirmed, explaining that it was compelled to do so because of the deferential standard of review applied to the denial of benefits. (EASTERBROOK and JACKSON-AKIWUMI, concurring)

6th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers - Democracy, The Constitution, and Lincoln the Lawyer/President - 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


2.75 hours MCLE credit, including 2.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


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


Don’t miss ISBA’s 6th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we study Lincoln’s actions as a lawyer and President in facing threats to democracy in America and the United States Constitution. The program takes place in Springfield, which was the center of Lincoln’s law practice and three partnerships, and where Lincoln developed his understanding of the democratic process and his interpretation of the Constitution. It was the venue for many of Lincoln’s significant trials, including the “Peachy” Quinn Harrison murder trial. Join us for this in-depth look at how Lincoln’s view of the Constitution changed over time and evolved into the use of his Presidential War Powers to advance the case of Union and emancipation. Additional topics include:
  • How the 1909 Centennial Celebration of Lincoln’s birth resulted in no minorities attending the festivities and how, at the same time in New York City, concerned citizens formed the NAACP to discuss and address racism and white supremacy in the U.S.;
  • The current ethical issues facing attorneys, including lawyer-client privilege, confidentiality concerns, and limits on lawyers and litigants’ speech during trials;
  • How future lawyers can research Lincoln’s legal career and cases;
  • What current and future lawyers can learn from Lincoln’s legal legacy; and
  • Much more.

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

Contemporary Ethical Issues*
Join us for a discussion on the ethical issues facing lawyers today, including lawyer-client confidences, confidentiality requirements, restrictions on speech by lawyers and clients during trial, and more.
Melissa A. Smart, Director of Education, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago

Looking for Lawyer Lincoln? How Future Lawyers Can Access Lincoln’s Legal Cases, Papers, and Career*
John Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, Springfield

Lincoln’s Legacy as Lawyer/President*
This panel presentation discusses what current and future generations of lawyers can learn from Abraham Lincoln as a lawyer and a President.
Moderator: Hon. Ronald D. Spears(ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville
J. Steven Beckett, Steve Beckett Law Office LLC, Urbana
Prof. Brian Dirck, Anderson University, Indiana
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington
John Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, Springfield


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 $96.25 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $192.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

6th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers - Democracy, The Constitution, and Lincoln the Lawyer/President - Part 1

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association
Co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Association


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


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


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

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

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

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

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


Program Information:
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Mental Health 101: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division


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


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


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

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

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

Program Speaker:
Erin Clifford, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago


Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Bitner v. City of Pekin

Bitner v. City of Pekin
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Employee Benefits
Citation
Case Number: 
2024 IL App (4th) 230718
Decision Date: 
Monday, August 5, 2024
District: 
4th Dist.
Division/County: 
Tazewell Co.
Holding: 
Reversed and remanded.
Justice: 
DeARMOND

Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against their former employer seeking a declaratory judgment that defendant unlawfully withheld employment taxes and deducted sick and compensatory time from benefits they received under the Public Employee Disability Act. The parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment and the trial court entered summary judgment for the plaintiffs. On appeal, defendant argued that the circuit court order was incorrect for several reasons, including that the Act did not prohibit employers from withholding employment taxes from employee benefits, some of plaintiffs’ claims were barred by the statute of limitations, and that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the defendant made deductions from the plaintiff’s sick and compensatory time. The appellate court reversed and remanded, finding that summary judgment was not appropriate because there was a genuine issue of material fact. (HARRIS and ZENOFF, concurring)

What's New? Hot Topics and Big Changes in the World of Arbitration

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section


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


Original Program Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 29, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this hot topic discussion on several important changes taking place in the world of arbitration. Insurance lawyers, corporate law counsel, family law attorneys, general practitioners, and new attorneys who attend this online seminar will get the updates they need regarding:
  • Expedited arbitration: when does it apply and what are the benefits?
  • Behind the curtain: how the arbitrator selection really works;
  • Appeals in arbitration: how to appeal within the arbitration process;
  • Mass arbitrations: the good, the bad, and the rules of the road;
  • Why diversity matters in arbitration; and
  • What’s next: how artificial intelligence and alternative dispute resolution interact.

Program Coordinator:
Missy Greathouse , Dispute Resolution institute, Inc., Carbondale

Program Chat Moderator:
Kristen E. Hudson , Dickinson Wright, PLLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Svetlana Gitman , American Arbitration Association, Chicago
Nicholas A. Gowen , Burke Warren MacKay and Serritella, Chicago
Daniel R. Saeedi , Blank Rome, Chicago



Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $52.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $105
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Applying Artificial Intelligence Tools in Your Practice

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Master Series presented by the Illinois State Bar Association


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


Original Program Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 20, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our highly-popular speaker, Drew Vaughn , as he offers this one-hour primer on artificial intelligence, including the ethical considerations you need to be aware of and the practical examples of what it can actually do for you and your law practice.


Program Speaker:
Andrew G. Vaughn, Deviant Marketing, Chicago
About the Speaker: Drew Vaughn is a lawyer who understands marketing and, as an Artificial Intelligence Consultant for law firms, understands today’s technology. He is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Deviant Marketing, LLC , as well as the Founder of Tin Foil Hat Tech, which specializes in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and privacy issues. Additionally, Drew created NuVorce – the only law firm ever named a finalist for the prestigious Chicago Innovation Awards, and also created the second most effective Facebook ad in history (a Facebook ad with a 27,000% rate of return). In 2017, Drew created the ad that won the 2017 Legal Ad of the Year. Drew is also a Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.


Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free