Workers’ Compensation Law

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

Hate Crime Laws in Illinois: An Overview

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 Human and Civil Rights Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: April 10, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on the definition and prevalence of hate crimes, as well as recent changes to Illinois’ hate crimes statute. Criminal justice lawyers, general practitioners, human and civil rights attorneys, and bench and bar counsel with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will better understand:
  • What constitutes a hate crime;
  • The difference between hate speech and hate crimes;
  • How to identify the indicators, evidence, biases, and motivations of individuals to commit hate crimes;
  • The types of hate crimes people are experiencing on both a state and national level;
  • How hate crimes differ from other causes of action, including bias-motivated incidences, such as harassment or discrimination;
  • How to identify when a crime rises to the level of a hate crime because of bias motivation;
  • The legislative history behind Illinois’ current hate crimes statute;
  • The types of actions that can be brought against a perpetrator (both civilly and criminally) in Illinois; and
  • How to address the needs of hate crime victims (and those of the affected community), as well as the resources that are available to them.

Program Coordinators:
Hon. Junaid M. Afeef, Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Dept. of Public Health, Chicago
Prof. Cindy Buys, SIU Simmons Law School, Carbondale
Ronald Langacker, Langacker Law, Urbana
Jill D. Leka, Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont
Abra C. Siegel, Leland Grove law LLC, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Ronald Langacker, Langacker Law, Urbana

Program Chat Moderator:
Prof. Cindy Buys, SIU Simmons Law School, Carbondale

Program Speakers:
Prof. Jeannine Bell, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago
Marvet Sweis Drnovsek, Commissioner, Illinois Commission on Discrimination & Hate Crimes, Chicago
Michael I. Rothstein, Tabet DiVito & Rothstein, 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 $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

Business Divorce Series: Resolving Issues and Dividing Assets - Privacy & Cybersecurity

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


Original Program Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 31, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Help your clients maintain their privacy and security throughout their business divorce (and beyond) with this informative online program. Topics include: the privacy and cybersecurity issues your client needs to be aware of; how to prevent copycatting; the vulnerabilities and increased attacks your clients may face; what your clients can do to protect their online environment; and much more.

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

Program Chat Moderator:
Kevin J. Stine, First Co Bancorp, Inc. Collinsville

Program Speakers:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina
Aihong Yu, VP, Chief Privacy Counsel, CDK Global, 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

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

Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Practice, and The Ethical Issues to Consider

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 Workers’ Compensation Section


0.75 hours MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has gotten a lot of press. But what does it look like for today’s attorneys and where is it going in the future? Don’t miss this informative program that discusses what you need to know before using artificial intelligence in your practice, as well as how to balance innovation with your ethical responsibility as an Illinois attorney. Topics include:
  • Why technology and talent are predicted to be the biggest catalysts of change;
  • How AI is impacting legal research and document review functions for law firms;
  • What skills artificial intelligence can replace or augment;
  • How to draft good prompts when using generative AI;
  • The Illinois Supreme Court’s new policy on the use of artificial intelligence (effective1/1/25);
  • The key ethical considerations in using artificial intelligence, including:
  1. Competence – Rule 1.1
  2. Confidentiality – Rules 1.6 and 1.18
  3. Transparency – Rules 1.4 Communication and 1.5 Fees
  4. Candor to the Tribunal – Rules 3.1 and 3.3
  5. Supervision – Rules 5.1 and 5.3
  • The importance of establishing clear law firm policies for generative AI usage;
  • The recent ethics opinions and disciplinary cases to be aware of; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Deborah A. Benzing, Cozzi, Marek & Parker, South Elgin

Program Chat Moderator:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Practice, and The Ethical Issues to Consider*
Mary F. Andreoni, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Zach Warren, Thomson Reuters, Minnesota


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 $26.25 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $52.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $18.75
    • Law Students – Free

Workers' Compensation Update - Spring 2025 - Part 2

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


2.75 hours MCLE credit, including 0.75 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24th, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Part 2 of ISBA’s Workers’ Compensation Update Spring 2025 seminar explores the ethical considerations to be aware of when using artificial intelligence in your law practice, the case law updates that may impact your client’s case, and what you need to know about the Workers’ Compensation Commission.


Program Coordinators:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Deborah A. Benzing, Cozzi, Marek & Parker, South Elgin

Program Chat Moderator:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Practice, and The Ethical Issues to Consider*
Mary F. Andreoni, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago
Zach Warren, Thomson Reuters, Minnesota

Case Law Update
Markham Jeep, Jeep, Hauck & Associates P.C., Waukegan

A Roundtable Discussion with the Chairman and other Members of the Commission
Hon. Michael Brennan, Chairman, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago
Christopher Harris, Commissioner, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago
Stephen Mathis, Commissioner, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chicago
Raychel Wesley, Commissioner, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, 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 $96.25 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

Workers' Compensation Update - Spring 2025 - Part 1

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


2.50 hours MCLE credit


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


Don’t miss this edition of ISBA’s Workers’ Compensation Update! Part 1 includes a look at how to spot acute trauma vs. the aggravation of preexisting conditions in workers’ compensation claims, discusses how to present your case at trial, and examines the Medicare compliance and post-settlement considerations you need to know.


Program Coordinators:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Program Moderator:
Deborah A. Benzing, Cozzi, Marek & Parker, South Elgin

Program Chat Moderator:
Anita M. DeCarlo, DeCarlo, Ankin Law Office, Chicago

Rotator Cuff Tears, How to Avoid Permanent Restrictions, and Workers’ Compensation Causation
Dr. Joshua M. Alpert, Fox Valley Orthopedics, Elgin

How to Present a Trial from the Petitioner and Respondent Perspectives
Brent Eames, Eames Law Group, Chicago
Prof. Brandy Johnson, Southern Illinois University – Simmons Law School, Carbondale

Medicare Compliance and Post-Settlement Considerations
John Kane, Ametros, 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 $87.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $175
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Tazewell County v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Tazewell County v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Workers' Compensation Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (4th) 230754WC
Decision Date: 
Friday, January 31, 2025
District: 
4th Dist.
Division/County: 
Tazewell Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
HOFFMAN

Claimant sought benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The arbitrator denied the request for benefits finding that claimant failed to meet her burden of proving she sustained a compensable injury. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission reversed and awarded temporary total disability. The circuit court affirmed the commission and respondent appealed. The appellate court affirmed the circuit court, finding that the evidence submitted during the arbitration hearing, including claimant’s testimony and medical records, was sufficient to support a finding that she sustained repetitive physical trauma as a result of her work-related duties as a dental hygienist. (HOLDRIDGE, CAVANAGH, and BARBERIS, concurring and MULLEN, dissenting)