The Bar News

Jerome Galang Named Director of Illinois Judicial College

Timothy A. Slating — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:17:34 +0000

The Illinois Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) are pleased to announce the selection of Jerome Galang as the new Director of the Illinois Judicial College (College).

Galang brings more than a decade of distinguished state and federal experience in judicial education, curriculum development, and court administration. As Director, Galang will lead the College’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality, accessible, and impactful professional education to judges and justice partners throughout Illinois. His first day will be August 10.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jerome back to the AOIC and to the Illinois Judicial College,” AOIC Director Marcia Meis said. “His proven leadership, deep understanding of adult education, and unwavering commitment to the College’s mission make him exceptionally well-suited to guide the next decade of innovation and service.”

Galang previously served eight years in the Judicial Education Division and Judicial College Division of the AOIC, rising to the positions of Assistant Director and Deputy Director. In these roles, he guided strategic planning, oversaw the development and delivery of statewide judicial education programs, supported the College Board of Trustees, and collaborated with committees and workgroups responsible for advancing the College’s mission.

“I am grateful and honored by the Illinois Supreme Court and Director Meis’ confidence in me to serve the Judicial Branch in this capacity,” Galang said. “As the College celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, I am excited to work closely with the College Board of Trustees, Standing Committees and Workgroups, AOIC staff, and our Judicial Branch partners in continuing a tradition of delivering transformative, multidisciplinary education. As the College looks towards the next 10 years and beyond, I look forward to seeking opportunities for innovation in programming and operations to enhance our work and advance the College’s charge of empowering the judiciary and justice partners with the professional competencies to effectively administer justice.”

Most recently, Galang served as Assistant Division Director at the Federal Judicial Center, overseeing education specialists responsible for developing and implementing competency-based learning for the federal probation and pretrial services system. His leadership included strategic planning, program oversight, and the integration of evidence-based practices and implementation-science principles to support lasting behavior change and organizational improvement across the federal courts.

Galang earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with Honors, from the University of Chicago.

The Illinois Judicial College, established in 2016, serves as the primary vehicle for the planning, development, and provision of all educational programs and training on behalf of the Supreme Court.

Illinois State Bar Association Elects Board Treasurer, Secretary for 2026-27 Fiscal Year

Celeste Antoinette Niemann — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:34:32 +0000

Ted M. Niemann, of Quincy, and Michael G. Bergmann, of Chicago, have been elected treasurer and secretary, respectively, of the Illinois State Bar Association. Their terms will last for one year until the Annual Meeting of 2027.

Niemann is a partner at Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell LLP, where he concentrates on real estate, business and commercial transactions, banking and corporate matters, estate planning and administration, and agricultural law. He is currently serving his first term on the ISBA Board of Governors (Area VI).

Bergmann is the Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), where he provides strategic oversight and direction to guide PILI’s mission of engaging, inspiring, and empowering those advancing equal access to justice. He is currently serving his second term on the ISBA Board of Governors (Cook County).

Niemann (’83) and Bergmann (’02) both earned their Juris Doctor degrees from DePaul University College of Law.

Edward John “Ed” Schoenbaum (1943-2026)

Timothy A. Slating — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:00:45 +0000

Edward John Schoenbaum, 83 was called home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2026.

A proud Cleveland native and Browns season ticket holder, Ed called Springfield home for over 50 years. He would enthusiastically encourage and facilitate attendance to any and all Lincoln sites. He was a regular at the old YMCA and may have exercised his jaw as much or more than his body. Ed was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, an 8 am balcony regular, then Saturday night service, and more recently watched churches online.

While his educational pursuits and career path took many different directions, the measure of his life was not found in titles and achievements. His family will remember him most for his loving nature, kind spirit, and genuine care he showed for others.

Always effusive with love and appreciation, Ed was grateful husband to Sarah for 58 years, dear dad to Carrie (David) Wilcox; Anne (Matt) Wilcox; generous and proud papa to Caroline and Katherine Wilcox. Loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin. He was a supportive father-in-law and loved to share that his daughters married brothers. His family feels privileged to walk beside him and rejoices that he now rests in the arms of the Savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty.

Ed’s wishes were honored by his final gift to Brain and Alzheimer’s research. Services will be private with burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment, SIU Foundation, 409 West Calhoun Ave, PO Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794 or Trinity Lutheran Church Music Designated Fund, 220 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62701

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424

Justice Elizabeth Rochford Seeks Comment on Applicants for Sixteenth Circuit Vacancy

Timothy A. Slating — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:36:52 +0000

Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois seeks public comment on the seven applicants for a Resident Circuit Judge vacancy in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Fourth Subcircuit.

The vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Susan Clancy Boles on July 31, 2026. Under the Illinois Constitution, the vacancy will be filled by Supreme Court appointment.

Applicants being considered for appointment to the judgeship are:

• Marina Lark Cowart – Associate Judge – 16th Judicial Circuit

• Robert Dore – Chief Criminal Division – Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

• Shelly A. Johnson – Shelly A. Johnson & Associates, P.C.

• David Kliment – Associate Judge - 16th Judicial Circuit

• Christopher Solfa – Partner – Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine, PC

• Andrew Whitfield – Assistant Attorney General

• Andrea Zenker – Attorney/Partner – Higgins, Zenker & Coyle, PC

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments concerning the applicants to Stacie Ryan at sryan@illinoiscourts.gov. Comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. All comments will be held in the strictest confidence.

Annual Meeting 2026 Highlights

Celeste Antoinette Niemann — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:55:50 +0000

On June 11–12, 2026, ISBA members and their guests gathered at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis for the Annual Meeting, where Perry J. Browder was honored as the Association’s 150th President. The event featured timely and engaging educational programming, memorable receptions, exceptional dining experiences, and productive business meetings. ISBA extends its sincere appreciation to all attendees and sponsors whose support helped make the Annual Meeting a success!

PC: ISBA

Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Suyash Agrawal ARDC Commissioner

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:10:35 +0000

The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Suyash Agrawal to serve as a Commissioner of the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) for a term expiring on December 31, 2028. The ARDC is the Supreme Court agency that preserves and advances the integrity of the legal profession in Illinois through attorney registration and education, public outreach, restorative services, and, when necessary, attorney discipline.

Mr. Agrawal is an equity partner in the Chicago office of Massey & Gail LLP, which also has an office in Washington, D.C. His legal practice includes handling complex trial and appellate litigation in jurisdictions throughout the United States. Prior to joining Massey & Gail, Mr. Agrawal founded and managed the Agrawal Evans firm in Chicago and was an equity partner at the Susman Godfrey firm.

Mr. Agrawal has served on several professional commissions and community boards, and regularly provides pro bono legal services, including serving as a volunteer attorney with the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.

Mr. Agrawal received his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Bucknell University and his juris doctorate with honors from the University of Chicago Law School. Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Agrawal clerked for the Honorable Jacques L. Wiener, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans.

Mr. Agrawal succeeds former ARDC Commissioner John H. Simpson, whose term expired on December 31, 2025. The ARDC has seven Commissioners, three of whom are non lawyers. The Commissioners, who receive no compensation for their services, act as a board of directors for the agency, creating ARDC policies, overseeing their implementation, establishing an operating budget, appointing members of the ARDC’s Inquiry and Hearing Boards, and managing the Client Protection Program. Commissioners have no role in deciding cases before the ARDC.

More than 80 employees and over 100 volunteers (both lawyers and non-lawyers) work for the ARDC. All funds expended by the agency are from annual registration fees paid by Illinois attorneys; there are no tax dollars used to support the disciplinary system. There are two ARDC offices: 130 East Randolph Drive, Suite 1500, in Chicago and 3161 West White Oaks Drive, Suite 301, in Springfield.

For additional information, contact: Scott Renfroe, Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago. 312-565-2600 or 1-800-826-8625

Family Law Update: Music City Conference 2026

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:52:23 +0000

Family Law Update: Music City Conference 2026

Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, Tennessee

Friday, October 2, 2026 – Saturday, October 3, 2026

12.25 hours MCLE credit, including 3.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval)

Family law is evolving at a pace no practitioner can afford to ignore—and this two‑day seminar gives you the insight, tools, and strategies you need to stay ahead of the curve. Get up‑to‑the‑minute updates on case law and statutory changes, learn how to draft enforceable orders that withstand scrutiny, and master the appellate pitfalls that can reverse a loss—or protect a win. Additional topics include: techniques for maintenance termination and review; how the misuse of intoxicants can be proven through reliable testing and monitoring; the common misconceptions surrounding court‑ordered therapy; the risks and rewards of ever-evolving legal technology; how bankruptcy law and family law intersect; the dangers of double‑counting property as both income and asset; strategies for crafting parenting plans that address the hardest issues with clarity and enforceability; and much more. Register here.

Rural Practice Fellowship Program Update

Timothy A. Slating — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:13:16 +0000

Access to justice in rural communities continues to be a challenge facing the legal profession. The ISBA Rural Practice Fellowship Program was created to help meet that need by connecting law students and attorneys with law firms in rural and small-town Illinois.

Through this program, summer law clerks receive a $5,000 stipend, and associate attorneys receive $10,000, distributed in two installments to support their transition into rural practice. These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of the ISBA, the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, and dedicated individual donors who believe in strengthening legal services across the state.

The program was launched during the 2020-2021 bar year under the leadership of Past President Dennis Orsey as part of a broader rural practice initiative. Since that time, it has grown into a meaningful pipeline connecting law students and attorneys with rural practice opportunities, awarding grants to 34 summer law clerks and 43 associate attorneys.

To be eligible, applicants must first secure a position with a participating rural law firm. While not every matched candidate receives funding, interest in the program continues to grow. Over the past six years alone, 84 summer clerk matches and 50 associate attorney matches have applied for fellowship grants, which demonstrates both the demand for and impact of the program.

As the program has evolved, so has its approach. Fellows are now required to provide pro-bono services, reinforcing the program’s commitment to expanding access to justice. In addition, recruitment efforts have broadened. While early outreach focused primarily on law students, the program now actively engages attorneys in urban areas encouraging those at transitional points in their careers to consider the professional and personal rewards of rural practice. Law students remain an important part of the pipeline, but the program increasingly seeks to attract licensed attorneys ready for a change of pace.

For participating law firms, the program offers a valuable recruitment tool. Firms gain access to a pool of candidates who are specifically interested in rural practice thus eliminating the need for costly and often ineffective independent job postings. By leveraging the ISBA’s statewide reach, firms can connect with a broader and more targeted audience of potential hires.

Beyond recruitment, the program has helped shine a light on the unique opportunities and critical needs present in rural Illinois. Its continued growth reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that communities across the state have access to quality legal services.

The ISBA has since expanded the original initiative into the Rural Practice Section and its governing council, which continues to administer the fellowship program while developing additional efforts to support attorneys in rural and small-town communities. ISBA members may join the section at no cost. To learn more, please visit the Rural Practice Section webpage.

Those interested in becoming more involved with the Rural Practice Fellowship Program are encouraged to contact the Rural Practice Fellowship Program Committee at rpfellows@isba.org. For those in a position to give, financial contributions remain essential to sustaining and expanding the program’s reach. To make a donation, please visit the Illinois Bar Foundation website.

Donor levels and corresponding recognition opportunities are available, and additional information can be found at isba.org/ruralpractice/support. We invite you to consider supporting the program at a level that is meaningful to you and helps ensure continued success.

Every contribution, whether through funding, mentorship, or service, plays a role in strengthening rural practice in Illinois. Thank you to all who have supported this program and helped it continue to grow.

Sarah Taylor

Chair, ISBA Rural Practice Section

ISBA Offices Closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth

Timothy A. Slating — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:01:34 +0000

The ISBA offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in alignment with the Illinois State Courts Holiday Schedule, for the observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, June 22.

Strictly Comply or Else!

Timothy A. Slating — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:53:04 +0000

The Illinois Bar Journal “Notable AI Experience” Contest ends June 14. Enter today!

In his June Illinois Bar Journal article, “Strictly Comply or Else!” attorney Derrick Loving discusses Illinois Supreme Court Rule 191(b), which allows parties to first conduct discovery that they believe necessary to respond to motions for involuntary dismissal under section 2-619, summary judgment motions under section 2-1005, and motions contesting personal jurisdiction under section 2-301 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. The problem, Loving writes, is that the Rule is routinely broken, to the dismay of those attempting to delay rulings that could adversely affect—if not end—their case without trial. Loving goes on to provide detailed guidance on the Rule and explains why so many misapply it when seeking relief.

Read, "Strictly Comply or Else!," in the June Illinois Bar Journal.

Notice of Board of Governors Vacancy: Cook County

Celeste Antoinette Niemann — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:29:57 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association is seeking candidates for a vacant seat on the Board of Governors created by the election of Emily Masalski to ISBA Third Vice President.

The Board will fill this Cook County position. Members seeking to fill the vacancy must have their designated ISBA address in Cook County. The member elected to fill this vacancy will serve for a one year term during the 2026 – 2027 bar year and the term will begin immediately.

ISBA members who would like to be considered as candidates should email a letter of interest and a current biographical statement to kweaver@isba.org by June 30, 2026.

If you have questions, please contact Kim Weaver, Assistant to the Executive Director, at kweaver@isba.org.

Installation of ISBA President Perry J. Browder

Celeste Antoinette Niemann — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:31:01 +0000

Perry J. Browder of Alton, a senior partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy, was installed as the 150th president of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) during a ceremony held June 4, 2026, at the Illinois Supreme Court Building, 200 E. Capitol Avenue, in Springfield.

Photo credit: Kari Bedford Photography

Landlord – Tenant Issues: Inspections, Discrimination, Housing Court, and More

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:06:20 +0000

Landlord – Tenant Issues: Inspections, Discrimination, Housing Court, and More

Live Webcast

Friday, June 26, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 11:50 p.m.

2.50 hours MCLE credit

Landlord-tenant disputes are rarely straightforward breaches of contract. A single case can quickly balloon into a web of housing code violations, cross-complaints, and eviction issues. Layered onto this already intricate landscape is the widespread use of LLCs in property ownership, which can obscure responsibility and complicate efforts to identify proper parties or enforce remedies. Whether you represent commercial owners, residential property managers, or individual tenants, this program provides actionable discovery strategies, venue-selection insights, and litigation checklists to help you better advise your clients. Register here.

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres Promotes Erin McAdams Franzblau to Co-Chair of Employment & Labor Group

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:02:12 +0000

CHICAGO, June 9, 2026 – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres (CFDB), one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, announced that Erin McAdams Franzblau has been promoted to Co-Chair of the Firm's Employment & Labor Group alongside Tracey Wolfe, further strengthening the leadership of one of the Firm's core practice areas.

In her expanded role, Franzblau will work in partnership with Wolfe to guide the strategic direction of the Employment & Labor Group, oversee practice development and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality counsel to the Firm's clients across the full spectrum of employment and labor matters.

"Erin is an exceptional attorney whose dedication to her clients and her colleagues has made a lasting impact on our Firm," said Jessica Fairchild, Co-founder and Co-founder of Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres. "Her promotion to Co-chair recognizes not only her outstanding legal ability but also the leadership she brings to the team every day. We are confident that Erin and Tracey together will drive continued growth and excellence in our Employment & Labor Group."

"Erin's promotion reflects the depth of talent within our Firm and our commitment to developing leaders from within," said Drew Beres, Managing Partner at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres. "She has consistently demonstrated the judgment, skill and collaborative spirit that define CFDB, and we are thrilled to see her step into this well-deserved leadership role."

About Croke Fairchild and Point of Difference Strategies

A full-service law firm, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres ("CFDB") is home to a diverse team of trusted advisors valued for their legal skill, intellectual curiosity and commitment to pragmatic solutions. The Firm advises entrepreneurs, investors, growth-stage companies, family offices, family businesses and Fortune 500 companies, and is one of the largest and fastest-growing certified women-owned law firms in the nation. CFDB is a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).

CFDB's lobbying and government affairs partner is Point of Difference Strategies. Point of Difference Strategies is a lobbying firm in Illinois, with offices in Chicago and Springfield. Specializing in strategic advice, advocacy and relationship management, Point of Difference Strategies offers top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at federal, state and local levels. Point of Difference Strategies proudly serves a diverse client base, including local governments, trade organizations, Fortune 100 companies and non-profits. Point of Difference Strategies is the largest wholly Latina-owned lobbying firm in Illinois. For more information, visit www.podstrategies.com.

Notice of Vacancy for the Director of the Macoupin-Greene-Scott Probation District, 7th Judicial Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:45:50 +0000

The Chief Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit is posting notice for one vacancy which exists for the Director position of the Macoupin-Greene-Scott Probation District whose primary office is in Carlinville, IL. Resumes are now being accepted for this vacancy.

Any person filling this position must comply with hiring/promotion policies of the Illinois Probation Court Services.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Bridget Butler
Trial Court Administrator
Sangamon County Complex
200 S. 9th Street, Room 724
Springfield, IL 62701
Bridget.Butler@sangamonil.gov

Resumes must be received by the 4:00 p.m. deadline on June 30, 2026.

Pro Bono Spotlight: Reclaiming Access to Justice as a National Value

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:33:39 +0000

By: Andrew Sharp, Esq., Knowledge Strategy Manager, CARPLS; Executive Director, Legal Wellness Clinic

On June 19, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center opens its doors on Chicago’s South Side. The Center celebrates a presidency grounded in civic participation, dignity, and the idea that government can be a force for inclusion when it is designed to meet people where they are. As the legal profession reflects on that legacy, one part of it deserves renewed attention: the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice.

Access to justice has never been a partisan concept. The inability to resolve a housing dispute, challenge an illegal fee, obtain benefits, or navigate a court process without counsel affects Americans across the political spectrum—urban and rural, red and blue. These are everyday legal problems, and when they go unaddressed, they escalate into deeper crises for families and communities.

The Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) was one of the most concrete federal efforts to confront this reality since the creation of the Legal Services Corporation in 1974. Developed during the Obama administration and formally established in 2016, ATJ served as a coordinating hub within the Department of Justice and across the federal government. It staffed and led the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable (LAIR), which brought together nearly 30 federal agencies to align programs, funding streams, and policies around civil legal aid and access to justice efforts nationwide.[1] [2]

Through that work, ATJ helped elevate issues that practitioners have long understood. It advanced federal attention to fines and fees practices that trap people in cycles of debt and criminalization, producing research and guidance that highlighted constitutional and policy concerns with so‑called debtors’ prisons. It supported work on the civil right to counsel, language access, and court simplification—issues that determine whether people can meaningfully use legal systems at all.[3] [4]

ATJ also modeled what thoughtful federal leadership could look like in practice. As recently as 2025, the office was running a nationwide Access to Justice Prize Competition through Challenge.gov, awarding grants to innovative projects addressing the rural justice gap. Winners included courts, legal aid organizations, corrections agencies, and clinics piloting creative ways to deliver legal help where resources are scarce.[5] [6]

Today, that work appears to have stalled. Much of ATJ’s online presence has been moved to archived pages, and the office no longer appears to be operating as an active policy driver within DOJ. This is not the first erosion of the office; A2J's function has been diminished more than once over the past decade, despite bipartisan acknowledgment that the justice gap remains severe.

The cost of this absence is severe. During the COVID‑19 pandemic—when evictions surged, benefits systems broke down, and courts rapidly shifted procedures—there was no fully empowered federal A2J office positioned to coordinate legal aid response across agencies and jurisdictions. Reports produced through LAIR during that period documented the challenges, but coordination came late and unevenly.

Those challenges have not receded. Courts across the country continue to see growing numbers of self‑represented litigants. Increasingly, people are turning to generative AI tools to understand their legal problems, fill out forms, or decide what steps to take next.[7] At the same time, the federal government recently announced it is actively engaging in oversight of AI.[8] In this moment, the absence of a federal entity explicitly charged with centering access to justice—accuracy, equity, usability, and accountability for people without lawyers—is striking.

As we celebrate President Obama’s legacy with the opening of his Presidential Center, there is an opportunity to retrieve and renew this part of it. Revitalizing a federal Office for Access to Justice would not solve the justice gap on its own. But it would reestablish a national commitment to coordination, evidence‑based policy, and partnership with the legal aid and pro bono communities that do this work every day.

Access to justice is not an abstract ideal. It is the difference between rights that exist on paper and rights that can be exercised in real life. Reclaiming that commitment would be a fitting way to honor a legacy rooted in the simple, powerful idea that justice should belong to everyone.

Updates to Illinois Judges Foundation Harold Sullivan Scholarship Program

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:28:55 +0000

The Illinois Judges Foundation (IJF) is proud to support the next generation of legal leaders through its Harold Sullivan Scholarship Program—a collection of scholarships recognizing law students who demonstrate a commitment to service, integrity, and the pursuit of justice.

New this year, the IJF introduces the Justice Mary Jane Theis Scholarship, one of several awards offered under the Harold Sullivan Scholarship umbrella, honoring Justice Theis’s legacy of leadership and dedication to the judiciary.

Each year, the IJF awards multiple scholarships in varying amounts to students attending Illinois law schools. We are pleased to announce that the Foundation has increased its top scholarship award from $5,000 to $7,500, to be applied toward law school tuition and fees.

Historically, the IJF has awarded multiple scholarships annually, with no set limit on the total number of awards that may be granted in any given year. Scholarship funds are paid directly to recipients’ law schools and applied toward tuition and other qualified educational expenses. In some cases, law schools may also provide matching funds, thereby increasing the total financial support available to each student.

Law Student Scholarship Application Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Enrolled in an Illinois law school with at least one year remaining
Demonstrated financial need
Community service and/or pro bono experience
No close family member who is a judge

IJF Harold Sullivan Scholarship Application 2026 Submission Deadline & Instructions

The Illinois Judges Foundation is accepting applications until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026.

More information and the application form can be found at www.ijafoundation.org/scholarship

Applications and questions should be sent to Hon. Helaine Berger, (Ret.) and Hon. April G. Troemper, ijf@chicagobar.org.

Stronger Together

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:37:50 +0000

The Illinois Bar Journal “Notable AI Experience” Contest ends June 14. Enter today!

This spring, the Illinois State Bar Association hosted a forum featuring an all-star slate of speakers who reflected on what women attorneys bring to the table—and the ongoing fight for a seat there. Speakers included three current and two retired Illinois Supreme Court justices and SCOTUSblog cofounder Amy Howe, who has argued more than two dozen cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and has taught courses at Stanford and Harvard law schools. In "Stronger Together," the June Illinois Bar Journal's cover story, Illinois attorney Amelia Buragas, director of the Legal Studies program and Pre-Law Advisor within the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, provides a summary of highlights from that day.

Read, "Stronger Together," in the June Illinois Bar Journal.

Simmons Hanly Conroy Reaches $12 Billion in Client Recoveries

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:13:07 +0000

ALTON, Ill. —

Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP is proud to announce it has secured more than $12 billion on behalf of clients nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s continued advocacy for individuals and families impacted by asbestos exposure, environmental contamination, dangerous pharmaceuticals, corporate negligence, and personal injury.

Over the past 25 years, Simmons Hanly Conroy has built a national reputation for handling high-stakes, complex litigation, serving in leadership roles across some of the most consequential multidistrict litigation in the country. The firm’s work has helped shape outcomes in cases involving prescription opioids, mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, toxic contamination, consumer fraud, and mass injury events affecting communities nationwide.

“Reaching this milestone reflects decades of relentless advocacy on behalf of our clients,” said Laurence V. Nassif, Managing Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. “Every recovery represents an individual or family that turned to our firm during an incredibly difficult time, and we remain committed to pursuing accountability from the corporations and institutions responsible for causing harm.”

Founded in Alton, Illinois, Simmons Hanly Conroy has grown into one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms, with offices across the country and attorneys appointed to leadership positions in numerous national litigations.

The firm is widely recognized for its pioneering asbestos and mesothelioma practice and its expanding leadership in environmental, pharmaceutical, and consumer protection litigation.

The firm’s $12 billion in recoveries spans a broad range of litigation areas, including:

Mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases
Prescription opioid litigation
Environmental and toxic exposure claims
Sexual abuse litigation
Pharmaceutical and medical device injuries
Consumer protection and complex personal injury matters

In addition to its litigation work, Simmons Hanly Conroy continues to support mesothelioma research, patient advocacy initiatives, and community organizations through philanthropic efforts and programs such as the annual Miles for Meso 5K race and fun run/walk.

As the firm marks this milestone, Simmons Hanly Conroy remains focused on advancing litigation that seeks justice for individuals, families, workers, and communities harmed by negligence and misconduct.

About Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP

Simmons Hanly Conroy is one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms, dedicated to helping victims of mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers. Other primary areas of litigation include prescription opioids, sexual abuse, pharmaceutical, consumer protection, environmental, and personal injury. The firm's attorneys have been appointed to leadership in numerous national multidistrict litigations, including prescription opioids, Vioxx, Yaz, Toyota unintended acceleration, BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, DePuy Pinnacle, Uber Rideshare sexual assault, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Norfolk Southern East Palestine train derailment, social media adolescent addiction, hair relaxer products injury, and the Volkswagen emission scandal. The firm also represents small and mid-size corporations, inventors and entrepreneurs in matters involving business litigation. Firm attorneys’ passion for improving the lives of asbestos victims and their families extends to the firm’s contributions to mesothelioma cancer research and ongoing support through initiatives including the firm’s annual Miles for Meso 5K race and fun run/walk. Firm offices are located in Alton, Illinois; Boston; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; San Francisco; and St. Louis. Read more at www.simmonsfirm.com.

Civil Appeal Basics: How to Preserve Issues in the Trial Court

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:06:52 +0000

Civil Appeal Basics: How to Preserve Issues in the Trial Court

Live Webcast

Thursday, June 18, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

Elevate your trial practice and safeguard your appeals with this online seminar that shows you how to protect the record for the next stage of your case. Listen as our speaker, Timothy J. Storm, covers practical, real‑world techniques for preserving issues effectively—including understanding what it means to “make a record,” crafting airtight evidentiary objections, using offers of proof to ensure appellate review of excluded evidence, and following the precise steps needed to preserve jury‑instruction challenges. You will learn how to use and respond to motions in limine and how rulings on those motions can shape trial and appellate strategies. The program also clarifies when post-trial motions are mandatory (and when they’re simply smart practice) and clarifies the role of plain‑error analysis on appeal. Register here.