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Don’t miss these upcoming Fastcase seminars!
August 2 - Introduction to Legal Research on Fastcase
Noon – 1 p.m.
0.75 hours MCLE | PMCLE credit
Don’t miss this opportunity to familiarize yourself with Fastcase (including the all new Fastcase 7) through this introductory legal research training seminar.
Improve your trial skills in this “learn-by-doing” program that covers all phases of trial work from both a plaintiff/prosecutor and defendant’s viewpoint in both civil and criminal cases. Through this course, you will learn and practice new trial techniques that are most effective and consistent with the Illinois Rules of Evidence and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Each session is audio-video taped so you can see and hear the improvements in your voice, manner, and trial technique. The course has been proven to be of value whether your practice includes trying jury and non-jury cases, administrative hearings, arbitrations, or even mediations. The course is taught and coordinated by Scott Lane and Fred Lane. Please note: As he did last semester, Scott Lane will continue in his role as the primary instructor during the fall semester.
The Illinois State Bar Association will launch a new online CLE platform the week of July 23.
The new platform will feature extended access to watch and re-watch all programs, including programs members have attended live, automated registration confirmation emails with program details and purchase verification, and continued access to member CLE accounts and to all CLE certificates.
Members will still have access to more than 400 hours of on-demand programming, including 15 hours of free CLE per bar year.
Use your free online CLE hours to help meet your MCLE requirement. Haven't met your 30 hours yet? Use your ISBA free online CLE benefit – up to 15 hours per bar year included with your membership at no extra cost – before the June 30 deadline! With more 400 hours of online CLE programming, there's something for everyone.
Fraud can happen to anyone, but who is responsible for catching it? On Feb. 14, 2013, Rita Crundwell, former comptroller for Dixon, Ill., was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison for stealing more than $53 million from the city during a 20-year period. Subsequent to her conviction, the city successfully sued its auditors, settling their claim against them for $40 million.
Join us in Fontana, Wis., on June 15 during ISBA’s Annual Meeting for an examination of the case and a discussion regarding what role attorneys and auditors should play in uncovering fraud. The program concludes with a lively discussion among our speakers: Devon Bruce, the lead attorney for the city of Dixon in the lawsuit against its auditors; Kelly Richmond Pope, documentary director, accountant, and white collar crime expert; and Brick Van Der Snick, an ISBA member whose secretary managed to steal more than $150,000 from his law firm.
Join us in Fontana, Wis., on June 15 during ISBA’s Annual Meeting as we examine information security, the ethics of technology, and how to communicate with clients about their private data. The Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct now recognize that part of the lawyer’s duty to maintain competence includes keeping abreast of the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology. This program explores this ethics requirement and provides an overview of what you need to do in order to comply. All attorneys – regardless of practice experience or practice area – who attend this program will better understand: the necessary processes and procedures to avoid a data breach; computer security, cloud technology, and other major risks associated with the use of technology in the practice of law; the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and ISBA’s Professional Conduct Advisory Opinions regarding electronic information and security; and how to interpret the standard of “reasonability” under these rules and opinions.
Do you represent clients seeking post-appellate relief? Do your clients complain about a lack of relief after conviction? Are you looking for alternative outcomes in correctional relief of sentences? Then don’t miss this continued intermediate online discussion on June 22, 2018, regarding post-conviction remedies for Illinois prisoners that covers direct appeals, motions for reduction of sentences, sentencing credits, parole (mandatory supervised release), and detainers, as well as federal action.
You negotiate every day. In fact, your ability to effectively negotiate may be the most critical skill you possess, yet most negotiate instinctively or intuitively. This Master Series seminar trains you to approach negotiations with a strategic mindset, allowing you to become a more effective lawyer. And make no mistake – no matter how much you’ve negotiated, you can still learn. Adding that one new tactic may be the difference between winning and walking away empty-handed. Topics include: the golden rules of negotiation; gaining leverage with alternatives; using objective criteria and timing to your advantage; techniques for gathering information; generating creative solutions; dealing with "negotiation games;" and ethical considerations.
Back by popular demand! Join us June 29 in O’Fallon for this unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of federal civil practice from seven federal judges and several experienced attorneys on topics ranging from important pleading requirements to trial preparation and settlement negotiations. Attorneys with all levels of experience practicing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois who attend this seminar will gain a better understanding of: recent developments in federal jurisdiction; pitfalls to avoid and procedures to follow; how to manage the costs and burdens of discovery while uncovering key evidence; the bench’s perspective on federal civil practice; jury instructions and pre-trial orders; settlement conferences and the procedures for a successful mediation; and much more.
Back by popular demand! Don’t miss the 6th Annual Minority Bar CLE Conference, held June 20-21 in Chicago. Enhance your knowledge about an array of key issues, including how unrepresented litigants are hindered in their access to justice and what is being done to rectify this issue; how in-house and outside counsel can partner to promote diversity; the immigration law issues every employment lawyer should be aware of; the current immigration climate and the efforts being made to recruit minority attorneys and foreign talent; how to handle the loss of capacity in a client, as well as the pitfalls you can avoid or mitigate; the intersection of real estate issues with other practice areas; the role of the bench and bar in serving diverse litigants and what can be done to ensure that justice is blind; and how to prepare for law firm partnership.