The ISBA Young Lawyers Division hosted a Wine Tasting on Feb. 26 at the Chicago Office. Young lawyers enjoyed networking over hors d’oeuvres from Pastoral and wine from Vin Chicago.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has announced two judicial vacancies in the Cook County Circuit Court. At-Large Vacancy The At-Large vacancy is created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Michelle D. Jordan, who was elected a judge in November 2004. Judge Jordan's retirement took effect January 1, 2016. Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled on an interim basis by Supreme Court appointment. Justice Theis will make a recommendation to the Supreme Court after applicants for the position undergo a screening and evaluation process. That process will include an evaluation by the Alliance of Bar Associations, which is made up of 11 bar groups in the Cook County area, and the Chicago Bar Association. Further review will be conducted by a special judicial screening committee that Justice Theis established in 2013 and is co-chaired by retired U.S. District Court Judge Wayne R. Andersen and retired Illinois Appellate Court Judge Michael J. Gallagher. To be eligible for consideration for appointment, the applicant must be a lawyer in good standing licensed to practice law in Illinois and a resident of Cook County. The deadline for submission of applications is 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Notice of the vacancy and details of the application process are posted on the Illinois Supreme Court's website at www.illinoiscourts.gov. From there, follow the instructions on the "Latest News" scroller announcing the At-Large vacancy.

Please join us on Friday, April 8 for the Joseph R. Bartylak Dinner benefiting the Lawyers Assistance Program. The event will be held at the Sangamo Club at 227 E. Adams Street in Springfield.  The event will consist of a reception beginning at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cheif Justice Rita B. Garman will be the keynote speaker. Judge John Gorman will receive the Joseph R. Bartylak Award and Matthew Hutmacher will receive the President's Award.

Get the tips and advice you need to successfully conduct your next labor and employment trial with this full day seminar in Chicago or via live webcast on March 18, 2016! Attorneys with intermediate practice experience working in the areas of labor/employment, racial and ethnic minorities, disability law, women’s rights, civil practice, corporate law, administrative law, local government, and sexual orientation and gender identity who attend this seminar will leave with a better understanding of: how fine-tuning your voir dire skills can help you make an impression on jurors during your next trial; why you should strike or keep a juror during the voir dire process; why the opening statement is one of the most important steps throughout a trial; how to present your evidence during your direct examination – even when the subject matter is sensitive in nature; how to handle objections during cross-examination; what the judge is thinking and why they rule accordingly during arguments on objections; how to use the cross-examination process to your advantage during a trial; how to make an impression on the jury during your closing argument; why performance, showmanship, and the art of persuasion is so important during a trial; and much more! Each segment of the seminar is presented as a mock-trial demonstration followed by an explanation showing what was done right or wrong, as well as tips for how to enhance your trial skills.