Workers’ Compensation Law

5th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers: Science and Technology's Rapidly Evolving Impact on the Law - 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!
5th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today’s Lawyers –
Science and Technology’s Rapidly Evolving Impact on the Law – Part 1
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, or Legal Ethics credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 8, 2023
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 two part series from ISBA’s 5th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar, as we take an in-depth look at how inventions and advancements in science and technology create opportunities for lawyers to represent innovators, as well as those clients who are disrupted by the innovation (including the legal profession). The program takes place at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum located on the historic island that supported part of the railroad bridge subject to Lincoln’s famous case of Hurd et al v. Rock Island Bridge Company (often called the Effie Afton trial.) Ft. Armstrong has been on Rock Island since 1816. Army Dr. Emerson was stationed at Ft. Armstrong from 1834 to 1836 and took Dred Scott with him as a slave. Slavery was prohibited in Illinois and that later served as Scott’s claim for freedom in the Dred Scott case. The first rail bridge over the Mississippi used the Island to connect Illinois to Iowa and was finished in 1856 (and struck by the steamboat Effie Afton the same year!). President Lincoln signed the legislation creating the Arsenal in 1862, which became a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Join us for this informative, historical look at how Lincoln addressed the science and technology issues of his time, and how lawyers of every generation face similar challenges. Topics include:
  • How Lincoln’s curiosity and self-study of other disciplines (including science and technology) enhanced his ability to represent clients from a broad range of industries;
  • Lincoln’s representation in the famous Effie Afton trial where the interests of steamboats clashed with the development of railroad expansion;
  • Lincoln’s role as legislator, lawyer, President, and inventor in other areas of science and technology innovations;
  • 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 Interest and Commitment to Science and Technology
The program’s opening segment examines Lincoln’s evolving interest in and involvement with science and technology issues – and how it impacted his role as lawyer, legislator, and President.
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville

Lincoln and the Effie Afton Case
Don’t miss this in-depth look at how the westward expansion of railroads required a bridge over the Mississippi and how that collided, figuratively and literally, with the steamboat industry.
Guy C. Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington

Lincoln’s Cases involving Railroads and Other Patents and Inventions
This segment explores some of the many cases Lincoln participated in as new inventions, methods of transportation, commerce, and industry came to Illinois.
Hon. Ronald D. Spears (ret.), Spears Dispute Resolution LLC, Taylorville



*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s 5th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy Conference. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.



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 $96.25 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

Kordas v. Bob’s All Bright Electric, Inc.

Kordas v. Bob’s All Bright Electric, Inc.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Indiana Workers' Compensation Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (3d) 240482
Decision Date: 
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
District: 
3d Dist.
Division/County: 
DuPage Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
HETTEL

Plaintiff filed a complaint against his employer alleging intentional misconduct and negligence after a co-worker injured the plaintiff while the co-worker was having a psychotic episode. Plaintiff alleged that the defendant knew or should have known about the co-worker’s mental health issues and negligently hired and supervised him. The circuit court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment in which the defendant argued that plaintiff’s claims were barred by the exclusive remedy provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act. The appellate court affirmed, explaining that plaintiff had failed to sufficiently prove that the defendant intended to cause harm, which was required to circumvent the exclusive remedy provision of the Act. (BERTANI, concurring and ANDERSON, dissenting)

Ramirez v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

Ramirez v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Evidence
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 242467WC
Decision Date: 
Friday, October 3, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
Cook Co.
Holding: 
Confirmed in part and set aside in part, cause remanded with directions.
Justice: 
MARTIN

Petitioner appealed from a Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission decision reversing an arbitrator’s determination of the amount of temporary total disability benefits owed to petitioner due to an ankle injury sustained by the petitioner while at work. On appeal, petitioner argued that the commission’s decision as well as the imposition of penalties and fees was erroneous and relied on the improper admission of evidence. The appellate court largely agreed and set aside the portion of the commission’s decision that improperly admitted payroll records and remanded for the average weekly wage to be calculated without the improper evidence. The appellate court also reversed the arbitrator’s award of penalties and fees. (HOLDRIDGE, MULLEN, CAVANAGH, and BARBERIS, concurring)

7th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers: Lincoln and Medicine - 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-Presented by the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission


2.75 hours MCLE credit, including 1.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:
  • 0.75 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment credit
  • 1.0 hours Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 4, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Part 2 of ISBA’s 7th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar examines how present-day medical malpractice differs from 170 years ago, the ethical issues you need to be aware of when handling your next medicine-related case; and how Lincoln’s personal and professional growth was impacted by his relationship with David Davis.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
John A. Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation, Springfield

Abraham Lincoln’s Medical Malpractice Cases*
(0.75 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment credit)
This presentation explores one of Lincoln’s more famous cases – the chicken bone case – and how today’s medical malpractice field differs from Lincoln’s time period.
John A. Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation, Springfield

Legal Ethics and Medicine*
(1.0 hour Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit)
This session examines the juxtaposition of medical issues in the legal community and legal ethics, and what you need to know when representing your clients.
Melissa A. Smart, Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Springfield

David Davis and Abraham Lincoln
The program closes with a look at the personal and professional relationship between David Davis – who was an Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit Judge, Lincoln’s campaign manager, and an U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice – and Abraham Lincoln.
Hon. Raymond J. McKoski (ret.), University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, 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 $96 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $193
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

7th Annual Abraham Lincoln's Legal Legacy: Lessons for Today's Lawyers: Lincoln and Medicine - 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-Presented by the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission


1.75 hours MCLE credit, including 1.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:
  • 0.75 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment credit
  • 1.0 hours Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit


Original Program Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­November 4, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss Part 1 of ISBA’s 7th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar as we discuss the medically-based cases Lincoln handled involving expert witnesses, personal injury, and insanity, as well as his own personal struggles with depression and how it impacted his career.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
John A. Lupton, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation, Springfield

Abraham Lincoln’s Medical-Related Cases*
(0.75 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment credit)
This segment opens with a brief introduction to the Court House Square’s Lincoln sites, followed by an in-depth look at the cases Lincoln handled that dealt with the medical profession, including expert witnesses, personal injury, and insanity.
Guy Fraker, Attorney and Author, Bloomington

Abraham Lincoln’s Melancholy*
(1.0 hour Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit)
This segment focuses on Lincoln’s own personal struggles with depression and how it impacted his legal and political careers.
Samuel Wheeler, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation, 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 $62 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $124
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and How Attorneys Can Combat Bias

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 hourProfessional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Diversity & Inclusion credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­September 15, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


In 1920s Oklahoma, Native Americans were treated as second class citizens. In the book and movie, Killers of the Flower Moon, we learn the true story about how members of the Osage Tribe were cheated out of their wealth and murdered for their oil rights. Don’t miss this interactive presentation in which our speaker, Philip Bogdanoff, uses film clips from the movie to discuss the various laws that discriminated against the Osage Tribe and how William Hale schemed to murder members of the tribe and steal their wealth. Learn how attorneys today can help prevent bias and discrimination in the legal profession by examining what the attorneys in the 1920s did to fight the racial persecution of the Osage Tribe and aided in the conviction of Mr. Hale for murder.

About the Speaker: Philip Bogdanoff is a nationally recognized continuing legal education speaker. Previously, he served as an assistant prosecutor in Akron, Ohio for nearly thirty years. He worked closely with the police and often made charging decisions on long term investigations. Mr. Bogdanoff also argued cases before the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court before retiring as a senior assistant prosecutor. He still works as a special prosecutor and in 2022 argued three criminal cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. He has done over fifty presentations for prosecutor groups including the National District Attorneys Association. Attendees describe his presentations as informative, engaging, entertaining and dynamic. More information about Mr. Bogdanoff is available on his website at http://www.philipbogdanoff.com/.



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 $35is 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

Reimagining Lawyer Wellness: How Self-Care Sustains Us

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: Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit


Original Program Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­June 16, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Being a lawyer is one of the most stressful professions in the United States. Lawyers often have limited time for their own self-care, which greatly impacts their physical health, mental well-being, and work performance. This often leads to lawyers developing mental health concerns, chronic diseases, and burnout. Join us for an in-depth look at the strategies you can use to integrate self-care practices into your busy lives by creating daily routines that support your unique self-care needs. Learn how to set flexible boundaries that improve work life balance and develop avenues to integrate positive lifestyle habits into your demanding schedules in the areas of exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and stress management.

Program Speaker:
Erin Clifford, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago
About the Speaker:
In addition to her development work at Clifford Law Offices and legal background, Erin Clifford is a Corporate Wellness Consultant and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and a National Certified Counselor. She works with professionals to help them create and maintain healthy lifestyles. She has a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Northwestern University. As an authority figure in the wellness industry, Erin gives speaking engagements in all areas of wellness – from nutrition, to exercise, to healthy lifestyle management. Her expertise in wellness has earned her media attention from publications such as Shape Magazine, US News and World Report, Prevention Magazine, and more.

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

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