The Bar News

ISBA Member Prof. Cindy Buys Receives SIU’s 2026 Sturgis Award

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:14:06 +0000

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Cindy Buys’ empathy and passion for community service and helping others comes from the deep sense of faith she developed while growing up.

That foundation blossomed into a desire to serve her community.

“I think sometimes when we are young, we think we are going to change the world,” said Buys, SIU Simmons Law School professor and the 2026 Lindell W. Sturgis Award recipient. “But what I’ve learned is what is important to me is to make my corner of the world a better place.”

Buys received the Sturgis Award during today’s (April 16) SIU Board of Trustees meeting. Presented since 1980, the award honoring the late Lindell Sturgis, a Metropolis native who served more than 30 years on the board, recognizes SIU Carbondale employees for public service unrelated to their jobs.

Buys came to SIU in 2001 and is a recognized legal expert in constitutional, immigration and international law. She has served as interim dean, acting associate dean for academic affairs, and founder and director of the law school’s pro bono immigration projects, which also provides externship opportunities for students.

Buys’ volunteer work includes being one of the founders of Carbondale Area Interfaith Refugee Support (CAIRS) which assists with refugee resettlement in Southern Illinois; working with various organizations, including the Southern Illinois Immigrant Rights Project to help safeguard the legal rights of immigrants who come to the United States; the United Nations Association Southern Illinois Chapter,; the Rotary Club of Carbondale, and serving on the First Presbyterian Church’s mission ministry and other church outreach efforts. She also mentors female law students and attorneys in helping them find their own voices and confidence in a historically predominately male profession.

Work doesn’t stop at theory

Hannah Brenner Johnson, dean of the SIU Simmons Law School, wrote that Buys’ work extends locally, nationally and internationally and is “a model for public service to her community.”

“Her contributions are truly endless. She lives by example and models what it means to engage in community service to one’s community,” Brenner Johnson wrote.

Angela Upchurch, law school professor and associate dean for academic affairs, wrote that Buys’ work “reflects not only professional excellence, but also deep moral conviction and personal generosity.”

“What distinguishes Cindy Buys most is that her work does not stop at theory,” Upchurch said. “Her impact is visible in the real lives of immigrants in our state and local community — families who have found stability, dignity, and opportunity because of her tireless advocacy.”

One example is supporting an Afghan family that fled the Taliban and relocated to Carbondale, Upchurch wrote. Buys not only provided legal assistance to the family, but “opened her heart to them,” including bringing the children to the law school’s Halloween festivities to experience a community event and “begin building friendships in a welcoming environment.”

“Moments like that, which are small on the surface but deeply meaningful, helped ensure they felt not like outsiders, but like neighbors,” Upchurch wrote. “That combination of professional skill and personal hospitality is rare and extraordinary.”

From practitioner to professor

Buys spent 10 years in public and private practice in Washington, D.C. after graduating from Syracuse University School of Law in 1991. She got hooked on asylum law while working as a summer associate with a firm that encouraged pro bono work. She took on a case involving two men from the Soviet Union we were persecuted for being gay. Because of that case, Buys rearranged her class schedule to include immigration law during her third year of law school.

“With asylum law, in particular, you are truly saving someone’s life,” Buys said, noting people fleeing persecution must show “they have a “well-founded fear of persecution if they are returned to their country.”

“Many of the clients that I have worked with have been beaten, shot at, imprisoned,” she said. “Many terrible things have happened to them because they expressed opposition to the government or they have a personal characteristic that the government didn’t like.”

Buys said when she graduated law school she always thought she would like to be a law professor but wanted first to practice law because that experience would help later in the classroom. Buys said she and her husband, Gerry, had always talked about a university community “being a great place to raise a family.”

The couple has two adult children. Buys said Gerry “is an amazingly supportive spouse and I couldn’t do what I do without him.”

Immigration changes

Buys emphasized it’s important to remember immigrants don’t flee their home because conditions are good in their country. Most people who immigrate, seek asylum, or who are undocumented and seeking work in the United States do so “because things are failing at home” and are “primarily seeking a better life for their children, their families and themselves.”

Studies show immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than the general population, and the legal system should appropriately deal with those who do commit crimes. But Buys said those individuals still deserve compassion and are entitled to human rights.

Buys added that the nation’s immigration system has been broken “for a long time” and new policies are needed.

“There’s plenty of blame to go around on both sides,” she said. “But I really do wish that we could come together as a country and create a policy that worked better both for people wanting to come to the United States and our society. I think it’s possible, but we have to have the political will to do it.”

Active in mentoring

Buys also actively encourages female law students and attorneys to seek out and become involved in available opportunities, whether working with a law review journal or a bar association. She said studies show females who are in the legal profession “don’t tend to put ourselves forward quite as much — we wait for someone to suggest it or ask us to do something before we step up to the plate.

“One of the messages I’ve tried to get to my women attorneys is it okay to put yourself out there, and I’ve tried to be the one who nudges them to do things and to challenge themselves to step up into those positions,” Buys said. She participates in a program through the American Society of International Law that works with early career attorneys in a structured mentoring program.

Law school supports community involvement

Buys is the fifth Sturgis Award recipient from the law school since 2005, which Buys said is a good reflection on the law school community.

“It’s part of the ethos of the legal profession and the community spirit of this law school, in particular, that people do give a lot to the community,” she said. “It’s important that I’m part of this larger community that encourages and supports engaging with our community and doing service work.”

Homeowner Associations: Representing Developers, Drafting Documents, and More

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:04:05 +0000

Homeowner Associations: Representing Developers, Drafting Documents, and More

Live Webcast

Thursday, May 14, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 1:05 p.m.

3.50 hours MCLE credit

This half-day seminar offers a comprehensive guide for attorneys representing both developers and homeowners' associations, as well as an in-depth understanding of the development and platting process, including the issues that can arise with municipal approvals and zoning. Real estate attorneys, civil practice lawyers, construction law practitioners, and local government counsel who attend this online program will learn:

How to identify the legal and technical requirements for representing developers in mixed-use subdivisions, including managing municipal ordinances, annexation, and coordination with engineers and surveyors;
How to draft comprehensive Declarations of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that clearly define declarant rights, maintenance duties, and governance procedures;
How to implement effective protocols for securing lien rights, navigating pre-suit requirements, and pursuing foreclosure remedies while overcoming common owner defenses;
The distinction between service and assistance animals to properly advise clients on documentation requests and accommodation obligations without compromising community standards; and
The best practices for avoiding common drafting pitfalls and enforcement conflicts.

Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:06:42 +0000

Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Greg C. Sticka as an associate judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Sticka received his undergraduate degree in 1994 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin, and his Juris Doctor in 1997 from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Sticka is currently affiliated with the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office in Ottawa, Illinois.

Announcing ISBA Solo & Individual Health Insurance

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:34:48 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is now offering a health insurance plan exclusively for individual & solo practitioner members of the ISBA. Coverage is also available for office support staff of solo firms. (Note: The ISBA is also working to develop a group health insurance offering for law firms.)

The health plan network is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and features four coverage options designed to meet your specific needs—no medical underwriting or health questions required. Enrollment opens on the 1st of each month and is available year-round, with coverage beginning on the 1st of the following month after premium payment.

Explore Coverage Plans & Access a Bonus Discount RX Card!

The ISBA, in collaboration with Key Risk Underwriters, is working with 1099 Workers to offer access to a comprehensive suite of benefits typically offered by traditional employers, supporting your professional and personal goals while preserving autonomy.

Offers are available to ISBA members only.

Have questions? Please call (888) 970-0017.

Illinois Supreme Court Amends Rules To Address Legal Deserts

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:52:05 +0000

Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. and the Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to several Supreme Court Rules to address unmet legal needs in the state.

“Legal deserts”, a term commonly used to describe areas where there are a limited number of practicing attorneys, have cropped up across the country in largely rural areas. This has led to a lack of access to legal help that is effective, affordable, and responsive to the needs of people in these areas, including parts of Illinois. Of the 8,327 Illinois resident attorneys admitted to practice between 2020 and 2024, 7,625 (91.6%) are practicing in Cook County or the nearby counties of Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee. As a result, many legal offices have trouble recruiting and retaining attorneys. The amended rules are intended to help address both civil and criminal legal needs.

“Our legal system relies on trained advocates and we continue to see a growing number of litigants coming to court without attorneys,” Chief Justice Neville said. “The Illinois Supreme Court is well aware of this issue and will continue to take steps to address it.”

Supreme Court Rule 711 presently allows law students who have completed at least half of the required law school credits as well as law graduates who register for, take, and pass the first Illinois bar exam offered after graduation to obtain a temporary license to practice law under the supervision of an Illinois-licensed attorney at a legal aid organization, clinic, or government office.

“Too many Illinoisans do not have access to lawyers to help them with every day legal needs such as housing, debt relief or family issues,” said Attorney J. Timothy Eaton, who serves as Chair of the Executive Committee on the Practice of Law (Executive Committee). “These rule changes made by our Illinois Supreme Court provide for both additional and creative ways to make available legal assistance in “legal deserts” where affordable and immediate legal help is now unavailable to many.”

The amendments to Rule 711 will extend the length of time a law graduate may qualify for a 711 license following graduation from law school by allowing a law graduate who does not pass the first bar examination administered following graduation to retain their 711 license through the next administered bar examination. Allowing these law graduates to retain their 711 licenses through the second bar exam will help legal aid and public defender offices to meet the needs of their clients and support the professional development of these law graduates. The amendments will also allow a law graduate to sit for either the Illinois bar examination or the Uniform Bar Examination in another jurisdiction, making it easier for law graduates to qualify for a 711 license.

On a pilot basis, 711 licenses will additionally be expanded to law graduates affiliated with a private firm and practicing in the First, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or Twenty-third Judicial Circuits. This expansion is intended to encourage recent graduates to pursue employment in legal deserts and get hired sooner.

The amendments to Rule 711 are effective January 1, 2027.

Additional amendments intended to address the issue of legal deserts have been made to Rules 705, 717, 793, and 795.

Supreme Court Rule 717 allows out-of-state attorneys to obtain a limited license to work for a legal aid or public defender program. The amendment to Rule 717 will remove the current 18- month time limit for practice under the Rule, and allow practice under the Rule to count toward the practice requirements for admission on motion under Rule 705 (which is amended as a result of the change to Rule 717).

The amendments to Rules 717 and 705 are effective July 15, 2026.

Supreme Court Rule 793(c)(1) requires that newly admitted attorneys complete an accredited Basic Skills Course of no less than six hours. The six-hour Basic Skills Course requirement can also be satisfied through participation in a mentoring program approved by the Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism pursuant to Rule 795(d)(11).

The amendments to Rules 793 and 795 will now require that attorneys admitted on or after January 1, 2028 complete a Basic Skills Course or an approved mentoring program that includes at least 0.5 hours of instruction on topics related to unmet legal needs, pro bono, limited scope representation, or other access to justice topics. This new requirement is designed to educate new attorneys about the extent of unmet legal needs across Illinois and understand steps they can take to help address these needs.

The amendments to Rules 793 and 795 are effective October 1, 2026.

The amended Illinois Supreme Court Rules can be found here.

The amended rules were proposed by the Executive Committee and the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) as part of the IJC’s initiative to increase access to legal services in legal deserts. The Executive Committee was formed in 2023 to make recommendations on issues impacting the practice of law and unmet legal needs in Illinois. The IJC is a 29-member body charged with strategic planning for the Illinois Judicial Branch. The Chief Justice serves as chair. The 2026-2028 Judicial Branch Strategic Agenda is available here.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

Key Changes in Illinois Employment Law

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:33:53 +0000

In his April Illinois Bar Journal article, “Key Changes in Illinois Employment Law,” Bamdad Shams details a wave of new laws that have fundamentally transformed compensation transparency, personnel record access, payroll documentation, and the use of artificial intelligence in employment for Illinois employers. While many of these laws became effective in 2025, Shams shows how 2026 amendments to the Workplace Transparency Act, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act create further obligations for severance negotiations, device access procedures, and civil penalty exposure. With stringent new requirements and courts interpreting expanded statutory protections, attorneys must stay ahead of this rapidly evolving compliance landscape to counsel their clients effectively.

Read, "Key Changes in Illinois Employment Law," in the April Illinois Bar Journal.

Local Animal Ordinances: State Statutes and Creative Approaches

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:13:08 +0000

Local Animal Ordinances: State Statutes and Creative Approaches

Live Webcast

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

1:00 – 2:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

Today’s pets and community cats are more than just animals – they are valued members of our families and neighborhoods. While the Illinois Animal Control Act was recently amended to reflect these evolving values through expert-led legislative changes, many local laws haven't kept pace with these species-specific provisions. These inconsistencies often create unnecessary tension in our communities. Join us as we review outdated local ordinances and discover the innovative ways some cities and municipalities are resolving common urban animal issues and nuisance complaints associated with cats. Register here.

Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:11:40 +0000

Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced that the Eleventh Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Michael P. Regnier as associate judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Regnier received his undergraduate degree in 2009 from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin and his Juris Doctor in 2012 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Mr. Regnier is currently affiliated with the Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office in Pontiac, Illinois.

More Intelligent, Less Artificial: Using AI To Make Pro Bono More Human

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:13:16 +0000

More Intelligent, Less Artificial: Using AI To Make Pro Bono More Human

Live Webcast

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

12:00 – 1:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour approved Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit

Join us for an in-depth look at what you can do to give your pro bono work a human touch and the ethical issues to consider when using artificial intelligence throughout your pro bono practice. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will gain a better understanding of the following topics:

Navigating the Tension Between Innovation and Integrity – Learn how to maintain your technological competence and use emerging tools responsibly as we discuss your ethical duty under Rule 1.1 (Competence).
Redefining the Attorney’s Role: Humans, Not Machines – Explore the contrast of mechanical productivity against the deeper ethical value of human presence in lawyering, particularly in a pro bono and public service context.
Strategies for Human-Centered Pro Bono Practice – Get practical strategies for integrating AI into your pro bono practice that will enhance (not erode) the human connection.
Lawyer Well-Being and Reflective Practice – Discover how AI integration ties into your personal and professional wellness.

2025-26 ISBA President Hon. Bridget C. Duignan Featured on Leading the Bar Podcast

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:22:23 +0000

2025-26 ISBA President Hon. Bridget C. Duignan joined Ann Keele and Leading the Bar host Amanda Arriaga for the latest episode, "Equal Standing: Judges and Lawyers as Partners in the Bar," released April 6, 2026.

Episode Description

Strengthening relationships between the bench and the bar is essential to the health of our legal system and the effectiveness of professional collaboration, but achieving that alignment is not always straightforward. Building on their plenary session at the NCBP Midyear Meeting, Judges Bridget Duignan and Ann Keele join us to go into greater depth on strategies for fostering stronger cooperation within bar associations among both lawyers and judges. They emphasize the importance of engaging in bar service as equals, elevating peers into leadership roles, and remaining grounded in the mission and purpose of the association.

Later, drawing on their experiences as women in leadership, Bridget and Ann share their perspectives on the evolving role of women in the legal profession. They reflect on shifting attitudes, and offer practical ways to support and empower women in law. They also provide a thoughtful vision of effective leadership—one rooted in inclusivity, intentional space-making, principled neutrality, and a steadfast commitment to the oath and ideals of the profession.

Listen to the episode.

Justice on the Road

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:48:49 +0000

The Illinois Bar Journal’s April cover story looks at the Land of Lincoln Legal Aids new Mobile Justice Clinic. With its five regional and four satellite offices, and a legal advice and referral hotline, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves residents in the 65 counties of central and southern Illinois. A pair of mobile justice vans—new as of late February—will extend Land of Lincoln’s ability to provide access to justice in the farthest reaches of the state’s rural areas. The idea for the mobile vans—dubbed the Mobile Justice Clinic—came partly from pop-up efforts by other legal aid organizations to help victims of natural disasters prepare their insurance claims, garner disaster relief benefits, and recreate lost documents like birth certificates and wills. Each van has space for two offices equipped with a laptop, telephone, and internet access. Other amenities include a refrigerator and a microwave. The vans are designed to handle the same kinds of intake performed at Land of Lincoln’s legal advice and referral center.

Read, "Justice on the Road," in the April Illinois Bar Journal.

Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:31:22 +0000

Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Roosevelt University, Wells Lounge, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Lunch Served: 12:00 – 12:30

CLE Program: 12:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Complimentary Reception: 5:45 – 7:00 p.m.

4.75 hour MCLE credit, including 4.75 hours Diversity & Inclusion credit (subject to approval)

Don’t miss this program that empowers women to build a supportive professional network, while learning how to overcome career challenges more effectively through the collective support of their colleagues, communities, and families. Topics include: why including women in the Supreme Court is so important; how to reclaim your confidence and reduce internal pressure; methods for achieving a successful work-life balance; the pivotal role male leadership plays in creating substantial change for underrepresented groups; the steps leaders are taking to maximize inclusivity and foster belonging; the cultural and structural factors impacting women lawyers; and much more. Register here.

13th Annual Minority Bar CLE Conference

Celeste Antoinette Niemann — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:35:03 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association hosted the 13th Annual Minority Bar CLE Conference: Preparedness in the Current Legal Climate on March 26-27, 2026, at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office, 20 S. Clark St.

Part 1 concluded with the Diversity Reception. Part 2 was a live webcast format.

Presented by the ISBA Diversity Leadership Council, Asian American Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers’ Association, Chinese American Bar Association, Cook County Bar Association, Decalogue Society of Lawyers, Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, Korean American Bar Association, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Muslim Bar Association of Chicago, Puerto Rican Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

PC: ISBA

2026 Member Appreciation & Recognition Reception: Save the Date!

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:25:31 +0000

Join us on May 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for our annual Member Appreciation and Recognition Reception. Congratulate the 2025-26 ISBA Award recipients, connect with your ISBA friends and colleagues, and enjoy an evening of networking at the beautiful Morton Arboretum. The reception will feature hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine. We hope to see you there!

For questions, please reach out to Kim Weaver.

NAAC Committee Seeks Volunteers To Judge the 2025-2026 NAAC National Finals

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:09:53 +0000

The ABA Law Student Division National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) Committee is asking for volunteers to judge the 2025-2026 NAAC National Finals, April 9-10, 2026, at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

You be the judge, literally!

Spend a few hours as a Supreme Court Justice without the confirmation hearings! All rounds take place in a courtroom and robes are provided for all competition judges.

Give back and mentor law students

This opportunity will fulfill your need to impart wisdom onto the next generation of lawyers. We are looking for lawyers and judges to sit on the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments and provide feedback on the advocacy skills of each team.

CLE Information

Attorneys acting as judges in moot court competitions may self-report their participation to claim CLE credit. Rules, calculations, and limits vary by state.

Make a day of it. Sign up for one, two, or more rounds. Or invite your colleagues and register as a group!

The rounds, including an hour for judge orientation, are scheduled as follows:
Round 1 – Thursday, April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Round 2 – Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Octofinal Round – Friday, April 10 from 8:00 am to 10:30 a.m.
Quarterfinal Round - Friday, April 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Semifinal Round – Friday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The ABA will send an email confirming your judging assignment within 5 days followed by a separate message with the bench memorandum, the problem (record), and instructions on judging. Reviewing these materials is the only preparation required of competition judges.

Please contact erica.zepeda@americanbar.org if you have any questions.

Spotlight on Pro Bono: National Healthcare Decisions Day

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:56:51 +0000

By Karen Alice Kloppe, graduate of Illinois State University (B.A.) and the University of Illinois College of Law (J.D.).

National Healthcare Decisions Day

National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16, 2026. This event is part of a public awareness initiative designed to promote the use of advance directives to plan for and document medical wishes in the event of an emergency when an adult may not be able to act or make decisions.

One type of advance directive is a Power of Attorney. Illinois law provides for two statutory short forms: (1) a “Power of Attorney for Health Care” and (2) a "Power of Attorney for Property.” By completing these forms, an adult can name trusted individuals to serve as an agent and a successor agent, plus designate the powers being delegated to handle health care and property or financial matters. Both forms can be completed at Illinois Legal Aid Online by visiting the following links: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/power-attorney-health-care, https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/power-attorney-property, and Power of Planning portal.

Notwithstanding the ease of preparation and the important benefits associated with a Power of Attorney, research shows that many do not complete one until old age. See: https://www.caring.com/resources/2017-wills-survey, https://www.caring.com/resources/wills-survey, and https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/half-of-adults-do-not-have-wills/. Reasons vary, but common misconceptions shown in the infographic below persist that hamper adult advance planning due to fear, procrastination, and a false sense of security, leading to neglected legal, medical, and financial preparations.

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/five-myths-about-advance-care-planning#:~:text=Myth:%20Once%20I%20put%20my,Last%20updated:%20June%205%2C%202025

However, by naming trusted and capable individuals who are willing to serve as an agent and successor agent under a Power of Attorney, adults will be better assured that their preferences for care will be communicated and action taken to handle financial matters as directed without undue delay or the need for court proceedings. A little advance planning will also minimize guesswork and potential family disagreements should an emergency arise. See: https://www.acpdecisions.org/19-evidence-based-benefits-of-advance-care-planning/.

Some legal aid organizations assist low-income individuals and seniors with advanced directives, frequently through the help of pro bono attorneys. Retired, inactive, and out-of-state attorneys can provide pro bono assistance through a sponsoring entity pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 756(k). A list of pro bono sponsoring entities is available here. You can find more information about current pro bono opportunities by contacting a sponsoring entity directly or through this Pro Bono Opportunity Portal.

Related Resources:

Author

Karen Alice Kloppe is a graduate of Illinois State University (B.A.) and the University of Illinois College of Law (J.D.). She is employed as the Legal Assistance Developer at the Illinois Department on Aging in Springfield, Illinois.

This message has been written by the author in her personal capacity for informational purposes only. It is not an official document of the Illinois Department on Aging or the State of Illinois.

Half-Life Your Message

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:44:30 +0000

Verbosity, prolixity, circumlocution … impressive words that are also the weaknesses of many a lawyer. In his March Illinois Bar Journal Feedback Loops column, “Half-Life Your Message,” Patrick Barry walks through an exercise developed by University of Michigan researchers designed to help you discover and prioritize the core message of whatever you are trying to communicate. “Most discover that they can express their main point in less time than they originally thought. Many also experience an ‘ah ha’ moment when they uncover an unexpected central message or discover that they need to start their argument from a different place,” say the researchers (quoted by Barry). Even better, artificial intelligence can help speed up the “half-life” process!

Read, "Half-Life Your Message," in the March Illinois Bar Journal.

Video Game Law: A Developer’s Perspective

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:42:27 +0000

Video Game Law: A Developer’s Perspective

Friday, April 17, 2026

ISBA Regional Office, 20 S. Clark Street, Suite 820, Chicago

CLE Program: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Video Game Showcase: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

Don’t miss this panel presentation with real-life video game developers as they discuss the legal needs in their industry, the issues they face, the need for legal education in their trade, and what the legal community can do to help. Stay after the CLE program for a video game showcase that lets you try your hand at both computer and console video games! This fun social gathering also gives you the opportunity to meet and mingle among the developers for a more informal conversation regarding video game law. Register here.

Illinois Supeme Court Appoints Chelsey Clark as Resident Circuit Judge for Richland County

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:30:25 +0000

Justice David K. Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Chelsey Elizabeth Clark as Resident Judge in the Second Judicial Circuit, Richland County.

Ms. Clark is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ray Vaughn. The appointment is effective April 17, 2026, and will conclude on December 7, 2026. She is running unopposed for the seat in the November general election.

“I would like to thank Justice Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court for this appointment,” Ms. Clark said. “It is an honor to serve the citizens of Richland County, and it is a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly.”

Ms. Clark has served as the Richland County State’s Attorney since 2024. She previously served as an assistant state’s attorney in Lawrence and Richland counties. She began her career with Clark Law Office in Olney with a focus on family law, estates, and probate.

Ms. Clark earned her Bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law.

The Second Judicial Circuit includes the counties of Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

Application for Adult Redeploy Illinois Grant Proposals Now Live

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:28:29 +0000

The application is now live for Adult Redeploy Illinois, administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA).

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants for implementation of Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) programs. Grants will be made with SFY27 funds. A total of $11,000,000 in funding is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

Program Requirements: The mission of Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) is to safely reduce prison use by building local systems that divert individuals from a prison sentence into more cost-effective programs that promote their reintegration into the community.

ARI provides funding and technical assistance to Illinois communities to establish a continuum of sanctions and treatment alternatives that effectively address social determinants of crime and incarceration, and that promote equity within the justice system.

Eligible Applicants: This solicitation is open to county units of government or judicial circuits. A county may submit on behalf of a group of counties or a judicial circuit. Other units of local government, private agencies or not-for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply; however, the applicant jurisdiction may include subawards or subcontracts for services with these entities as part of the program design and budget.

Application Close Date: April 14, 2026

For Questions please email: CJA.AdultRedeployNOFO@illinois.gov