Workers’ Compensation Law

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

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

Beckner v. Maxim Crane Works, LP

Federal 7th Circuit Court
Beckner v. Maxim Crane Works, LP
Civil Court
Indiana Workers' Compensation Act
Citation
Case Number: 
No. 23-2929
Decision Date: 
July 30, 2024
Federal District: 
S.D. Ind., Indianapolis Div.
Holding: 
Vacated and remanded.
Judge: 
PER CURIAM

Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant alleging negligence under a theory of vicarious liability. The complaint alleged that plaintiff was injured when plaintiff’s employer, a home construction company, rented a crane from the defendant and that the defendant provided the equipment and the operator. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant, finding that plaintiff’s exclusive remedy was under the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Act because the crane operator was employed by plaintiff’s employer. The Seventh Circuit vacated and remanded, finding that the question of employment was fact-based and genuinely disputed and, as a result, summary judgment on that issue was not proper.

The Dawning of the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Promise or Threat to the Practice of Law?

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 Standing Committee on Artificial Intelligence & The Practice of Law


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


Original Program Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­August 5, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Machines thinking like humans used to be the premise of Sci-Fi novels and movies, but machines are now doing what we never thought possible. Join us for an overview of how this technology is already impacting the practice of law, why you should use it, how to use it ethically and efficiently, and how to recognize (and address) the risks of using it. Topics include:
  • What is artificial intelligence and how does it work?
  • How will artificial intelligence change the practice?
  • What is the promise of AI and peril to the practice?
  • Will it be a boost to productivity, or will it replace lawyers?
  • How will we deal with the threat of disinformation?

Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Promise or Peril?
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.
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
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

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

Obtaining Victory: Pretrial Tips for Injury Cases

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 Tort Law Section


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


Original Program Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­July 29, 2026 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Learn how to ensure victory for your next client with this in-depth discussion on the key components of a personal injury case, as well as discovery best practices and the tips you need for your next deposition. Tort law attorneys, general practitioners who handle the occasional probate case, new lawyers, and attorneys who are dealing with these issues for the first time (or for the first time in a long time) who attend this online seminar will better understand:
  • The common probate issues in personal injury cases, including minor settlement, wrongful death/survival actions, and deceased defendants;
  • The pitfalls to avoid in injury cases and car accident claims;
  • The common mistakes that can arise with some regularity in injury claims, such as failing to identify all sources of recovery, naming property parties, and agency issues; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Judith Conway , Cooney & Conway, Chicago
Josh Rohrscheib , Onward Injury Law, Bloomington

Program Chat Moderators:
Judith Conway , Cooney & Conway, Chicago
Josh Rohrscheib , Onward Injury Law, Bloomington

Program Speakers:
Judith Conway , Cooney & Conway, Chicago
Hon. Jamie G. Dickler , Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago
Josh Rohrscheib , Onward Injury Law, 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 $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

Cronk v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Cronk v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Workers' Compensation Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2024 IL App (1st) 221878WC
Decision Date: 
Friday, July 19, 2024
District: 
1st Dist.
Holding: 
Reversed and remanded.
Justice: 
BARBERIS

Claimant filed an application for adjustment of claim under the Workers’ Compensation Act seeking survivor benefits on behalf of a decedent who suffered a heart attack and died while shoveling snow for his employer. The arbitrator denied benefits by finding that claimant failed to prove the decedent sustained an accident arising out of and in the course of his employment and that the claimant was not entitled to benefits because he was an adult child of the decedent. The Workers’ Compensation Commission affirmed and adopted the arbitrator’s decision and claimant appealed. The appellate court reversed and remanded, finding that the commission’s decision was against the manifest weight of the evidence based on testimony that shoveling snow was a contributing factor in the decedent’s condition and that under the broad eligibility criteria for surviving children benefits claimant was entitled to benefits. (HOLDRIDGE, HOFFMAN, MULLEN, and CAVANAGH, concurring)

The American Coal Co. v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

The American Coal Co. v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Workers Compensation Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2024 IL App (5th) 230815WC
Decision Date: 
Friday, May 31, 2024
District: 
5th Dist.
Division/County: 
Franklin Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
BARBERIS

Plaintiff employer appealed from an order of the circuit court confirming the decision of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission awarding the claimant benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act, arguing that the commission erred in awarding PPD benefits for non-scheduled body parts in addition to an award of statutory PTD benefits. The claimant argued that denying compensation beyond the two members compensable under section 8(e)(18) of the Act would leave him uncompensated for the additional non-scheduled losses that could impact his earning capacity. The appellate court agreed with claimant and affirmed. (HOLDRIDGE, HOFFMAN, MULLEN, and CAVANAGH, concurring)