The Bar News

Bar News Sections

ISBA members, sign up to receive The Bar News' biweekly e-newsletter by emailing emailpreferences@isba.org

  • December 18, 2024 | Practice News
    Illinois Supreme Court Announces Policy on Artificial Intelligence
    The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the release of its policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the courts, following the approval of a report submitted by the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
    1 comment (Most recent December 19, 2024)
  • December 18, 2024 | Practice News
    Illinois Drug Courts Receive $45K Grant to Bolster Substance Use Programs in 5 Rural Communities
    The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) announced today that the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD) has recently awarded $45,000 to rural drug courts in Illinois. Five rural counties including Pike, Williamson, Clinton, Marion, and Richland will receive funds to enhance existing programs and establish new ones in areas without these critical resources.
  • December 18, 2024 | Practice News
    Holiday Message From the ISBA Officers
    On behalf of the Association and its staff, the officers of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) would like to wish all members a happy and safe holiday season. As we move into 2025, we’d also like to reaffirm the ISBA’s commitment to creating a welcoming and safe space for all members of the Illinois legal community. The ISBA continues to condemn hate crimes and any other form of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incitement to violence, or animus targeting a minority.
  • December 18, 2024 | ISBA News
    ISBA Offices Closing for Holidays
    The ISBA Springfield and Chicago offices will be closed for the holidays beginning Saturday, Dec. 21. They will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. During this time, members can expect the following: E-Clips will not be delivered for the duration of this period Illinois Lawyer Now will not be delivered on Thursday, Dec. 28 All business and e-newsletter distribution will resume as usual on Jan. 2, 2025. On behalf of everyone at the ISBA, we wish you a happy holiday season and best wishes in the new year. 
  • December 17, 2024 | CLE
    Collecting Judgments & Bankruptcy Issues Series: What You Need to Know about Cryptocurrency
    Join us for Part 2 of this three-part series as we discuss collections in bankruptcy and the issues that can arise with cryptocurrency. Listen as our cybercurrency and forensic accounting expert offers information and strategies for collecting judgments and handling bankruptcy claims against cybercurrency assets.
  • December 16, 2024 | Practice News
    Lonely Lawyers
     In her December Illinois Bar Journal article, “Lonely Lawyers,” Karen Munoz notes recent studies suggesting that lawyers are an especially lonely bunch. She asks what could be driving their loneliness and distress and why minority attorneys are especially vulnerable. As she looks for answers, she also raises additional questions, such as, “Are we a lonelier profession because we bear so much weight in silence? How do the nature of the work and the environment contribute to loneliness?
  • December 12, 2024 | CLE
    Family Law 101
    Do you want to help clients navigate emotionally complex situations while making a meaningful impact in their lives? Are you interested in being the voice for children in a divided family? If so, family law may be the ideal practice area for you, as it offers a unique opportunity to combine a compassionate approach while still being a zealous advocate for your client during what are often very challenging times. Don’t miss this comprehensive introduction regarding the fundamentals of the family law practice!
  • December 11, 2024 | Practice News
    Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Linda Sackey as At-Large Circuit Judge in Cook County
    Justice P. Scott Neville and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Linda Sackey as an At-Large Circuit Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County.  Ms. Sackey is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William H. Hooks on July 5, 2024. Ms. Sackey’s appointment is effective January 24, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026. 
  • December 10, 2024 | Practice News
    Public Notice for Appointment of United States Magistrate Judge – Springfield Division
    The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the Central District of Illinois at Springfield. The annual salary is $223,836. The eight-year term begins upon appointment. A court’s essential function is to dispense justice. A community’s belief that a court dispenses justice is heightened when the court reflects the community’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.
  • December 9, 2024 | Practice News
    Talos Regenerated
     Artificial intelligence (AI) looms large, echoing the ancient Greek metallic behemoth Talos, guardian of Crete. Talos’s tragic flaw was his inability to discern friend from foe, causing him to attack Jason and the Argonauts as they sought refuge on the island. Jason’s intimate knowledge of Talos’s inner workings ultimately spared their lives. AI, too, wields immense strength and power yet grapples with distinguishing between reality and fabrication, fact and opinion, writes Illinios Appellate Court Justice Michael B.