The Bar News

ISBA’s Solo & Small Firm Conference 2026: From Log Cabin to Legacy: Growing and Sustaining a Solo or Small Firm in Illinois

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:59:17 +0000

Join us for ISBA’s 2026 Solo & Small Firm Conference, “From Log Cabin to Legacy,” a two‑day, in‑person event designed to bring Illinois solo and small firm attorneys together. Hosted at the Pere Marquette in the historic city of Peoria, this program delivers actionable CLE, real‑world insights, and the tools you need to help you build, grow, and sustain a lasting legal practice. Whether you’re launching your first law firm or focused on strengthening an established law business, you’ll gain the best practice tips and strategies for every stage of your professional journey.

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette | 501 Main Street, Peoria, IL
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026
9:45 a.m. Thursday – 3:15 p.m. Friday

Attend live onsite and earn up to 13.0 hours MCLE credit, including up to 7.0* hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit.

Can’t attend onsite?
Pre-order the 15-Hour On-Demand SSFC Bundle at a special reduced price and get access to the complete conference via our On-Demand Catalog no more than four weeks after the conference to earn 13 hours MCLE credit, including Professional Responsibility MCLE credit.

Chicago Sky vs. the New York Liberty WNBA Game

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:36:49 +0000

The Sports and Entertainment Law Section invites you to join them for an evening of fun, food, and women’s basketball as the Chicago Sky take on the New York Liberty! Tickets include a pre-game party with pizza, salad, beer, wine, and soft drinks at Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta and admission to the game.

August 18, 2026
Wintrust Arena – Chicago (map and directions)
6:00 PM - Pre-Game Party – Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta (adjacent to Wintrust Arena)
8:00 PM – Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty Basketball Game

Chicago Sky Ticket & Pre-Game Party - $85 per person; open to members and their guests.

Please Note: Chicago Sky ticket purchases may be transferred to another individual. Spaces are limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

Your digital ticket(s) will be sent to you via email prior to game day. This email will include instructions for accepting the ticket(s) to your Ticketmaster account. If you do not already have a Chicago Sky or Ticketmaster account, one will automatically be created for you based on the email address ISBA has on file for you. Please Note: This email will not contain a scannable ticket and will not allow entry to the game. You must follow the instructions in the email to accept the tickets to your account and have the digital ticket(s) ready to scan into the arena. Only digital tickets on a smartphone will be accepted for admission to the arena. Paper printouts or screenshots will NOT be accepted at Wintrust Arena.

Purchase tickets

For more information, please email Leah Nicolini.

Thank you to Whitney Siehl of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP and Derrick Thompson of Taft Law for their generous support of this event.

Chief Justice P. Scott Neville to Receive Prestigious Hastie Award at Thurgood Marshall Awards Luncheon

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:34:42 +0000

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., will be honored today, July 29, as the recipient of the William H. Hastie Award by the National Bar Association (NBA) at the 2026 Thurgood Marshall Awards Luncheon in Nashville, Tennessee. Presented by the NBA’s Judicial Council, the award recognizes excellence in legal and judicial scholarship and a demonstrated commitment to justice and the rule of law.

The William H. Hastie Award honors the legacy of Judge William H. Hastie, a trailblazing jurist whose distinguished career included service as a United States District Judge, Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, and Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He also served as Dean of Howard University School of Law and mentored future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The Hastie Award is the Judicial Council’s highest award.

Chief Justice Neville has served as Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court since October 26, 2025. He is the Court’s 123rd Chief Justice and the second Black Chief Justice in Illinois history.

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

Understand Your Kane County Court System: New Video Series Makes It Easier

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:52:32 +0000

Understand Your Kane County Court System: New Video Series Makes It Easier

St. Charles, IL - July 28, 2028 – The 16th Judicial Circuit, in partnership with local marketing firm It's Me, Marketing, is excited to announce Bridging Kane County Courts to the Community, a new 14-part video series designed to help Kane County residents understand how their local court system works in plain language, on their own time.

Courts Made Accessible

Launched officially in May 2026, the series features real judges and court staff from the 16th Judicial Circuit explaining court processes and services clearly and authentically, without legal jargon. Topics include what to expect before going to court, how to find your court date, contesting traffic citations, serving as a juror, accessing the Kane County Law Library's free legal services, and getting married at a Kane County courthouse.

The series opens with "The Role of the Kane County Court System," presented by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford and 16th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Robert K. Villa, who discuss what it truly means to serve the public.

"We wanted to meet people where they are," said Chief Judge Villa. "Instead of expecting residents to search our website or sort through confusing search engine results, we're bringing trusted court information directly to the digital platforms they already use."

Building Community Trust Through Partnership

Developed in response to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford's statewide Bridging the Courthouse and Community initiative with the Illinois Judges' Association, this project demonstrates how courts can earn trust through transparency and authentic storytelling. The partnership between the 16th Judicial Circuit and local award-winning media company, It's Me, Marketing, combines judicial expertise with creative communication to make court information genuinely relatable while maintaining judicial authority.

Available Now—Everywhere You Are

The 14-video playlist is available on YouTube and distributed through partnerships with Kane County libraries, city government sites, and community partnerships making it easy to find court information whenever you need it.

Every video includes professional closed captions and is optimized for mobile viewing, ensuring accessibility for all residents.

Since its official launch on May 26, 2026, the series has reached thousands of viewers, proof that residents are actively seeking this information and that community partnerships work.

Learn More

Find a link to the 14-video YouTube playlist on the 16th Circuit Court’s website.

Watch the videos on the 16th Circuit Court IL YouTube Channel @16thCircuitCourtIL.

Justice Sanjay T. Tailor Announces Formation of Judicial Screening Committee

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:05:16 +0000

Justice Sanjay T. Tailor of the Supreme Court of Illinois has announced the formation of a standing Judicial Screening Committee (Committee). The Committee has been formed for the purpose of assessing the qualifications of those who apply for appointment to vacancies in the Supreme Court’s First District - Cook County.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies on the Circuit and Appellate Courts are filled on an interim basis by Supreme Court appointment. Appointed individuals then must run in the next election to maintain the seat.

The Committee consists of former judges as well as attorneys who reside in Cook County. The members of the Committee are the Hon. Ketki Shroff Steffen (ret.), the Hon. Patricia Holmes (ret.), the Hon. Rita Novak (ret.), Paul Castiglione of the Khowaja Law Firm, LLC, Monica Khetarpal of Jackson Lewis PC, Juan Morado, Jr., of Benesch Law, Jesse Ruiz of The Vistria Group, Joan Akalaonu of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Linda Coberly of Winston Taylor LLP, John C. Sciaccotta of Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa, Jeffrey M. Mathis of King & Jones, Eirene N. Salvi of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., Daniel Kotin of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, Adam Zebelian of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Joel Bruckman of Smith, Gambrell, & Russell, LLP, Jeanette Sublett of Neal & Leroy, LLC, and Donna Haddad of the Northwestern University Energy Innovation Lab.

The Hon. Ketki Shroff Steffen (ret.) and Paul Castiglione will serve as co-chairs of the Committee.

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

Cloak and Scalpel

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:57:32 +0000

In his July Illinois Bar Journal article, "Cloak and Scalpel," past ISBA President Russell Hartigan recounts when a client in the medical field asked him how the law distinguishes a hospital physician from a doctor who works at the hospital as an independent contractor. The question led Hartigan on a search for the answer, which he found was more nuanced than people might assume and led to the writing of this article, which includes a checklist that may be helpful to any party in hospital cases involving independent contractors.

Read, "Cloak and Scalpel," in the July Illinois Bar Journal.

Community Justice Workers: A New Model for Access to Justice in Illinois

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:44:08 +0000

Community Justice Workers: A New Model for Access to Justice in Illinois

Live Webcast

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

12:00 – 1:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit (subject to approval)

Get the information you need on the emerging community justice worker model, including its significance for Illinois’ legal landscape and how it helps individuals gain access to the support they need. Learn how community justice workers operate, the design principles that guide their work, and the lessons we’ve learned from established programs in other states. Additional topics include: understanding the scope of Illinois’ unmet civil legal needs, the recent initiatives of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Executive Committee on the Practice of Law, and what attorneys should expect as the Illinois Community Justice Worker Program takes shape. Register here.

Open Roles for Attorney at DCFS

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:03:45 +0000

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for one open attorney position.

Senior Regional Counsel (Springfield, IL)

Title: lic Service Administrator – Senior Regional Counsel

Work Location: 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,488 - $10,900/month

Closing Date/Time: 08/12/2026

Essential Functions

Serves as Senior Regional Counsel
Interviews Department witnesses
Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication
Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region
Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of experience in the practice of law

Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Associate Judge Mark Gilles as Circuit Judge in Tenth Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:15:42 +0000

Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Mark E. Gilles as a Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Peoria County.

Judge Gilles is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the impending retirement of Judge Stephen A. Kouri on July 31, 2026. The appointment is effective October 1, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028.

“Judge Gilles is a highly respected jurist who will bring his strong work ethic and legal talent to this new position,” Justice Holder White said.

Judge Gilles has served as an Associate Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit since 2009. During his 17 years on the bench Judge Gilles has heard cases in courts in both Peoria and Tazewell counties with his most recent assignment being Peoria County Family Court. Prior to joining the bench Judge Gilles worked as an attorney in general practice for 18 years in Peoria County and was a Partner at Cordis & Gilles.

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected by Justice Holder White and her fellow Illinois Supreme Court Justices to serve as a Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit,” Judge Gilles said. “I am very happy to continue serving as a Tenth Circuit judge in this new capacity.”

Judge Gilles earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law at Urbana Champaign and earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He was a member of the Illinois Judicial Education Conference Weighted Case Load Task Force from 2021 to 2023 and has served as a Judicial Performance Evaluation facilitator since 2016.

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

40 Hour Family and Divorce Mediation Training – Fall 2026

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:53:57 +0000

40 Hour Family and Divorce Mediation Training – Fall 2026

Live Webcast

Each Monday from September 14, 2026 – December 14, 2026

4:00 - 7:15 p.m. each session

40.0 hours MCLE credit, including 40.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval)

Transform the way you approach family conflict with this Master Series program in Family & Divorce Mediation. Mediation demands a mindset entirely different from traditional litigation – one that is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and durable resolution. This immersive 13‑week online program is designed for practitioners who want to confidently guide families through some of life’s most challenging transitions using a non‑adversarial, solution‑focused approach. Designed specifically for family and divorce cases, this training equips you with the full range of skills required to serve as a qualified family mediator in Illinois†. You’ll gain practical tools, legal insight, and psychological understanding to help parents, children, and families move forward with clarity and dignity. Register here.

Risk Management for Estate Planners

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:44:42 +0000

Every seasoned estate litigator has a mental checklist of “if only the estate planner had …” moments, writes Samantha E. Weissbluth in her July Illinois Bar Journal article, "Risk Management for Estate Planners." Estate planning attorneys, she notes, continue to face an increasingly litigious environment, including allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity, or procedural missteps in even modest estate plans. Weissbluth walks through a few strategies estate planners can adopt to reduce risk of litigation and prevent problems before they arise.

Read, "Risk Management for Estate Planners," in the July Illinois Bar Journal.

John S. Rendleman III (1958-2026)

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:46:59 +0000

John S. Rendleman III, 67, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away at his home on June 30, 2026. He was born on December 15, 1958, in Carbondale to John S. Rendleman II and Lenora (Norris) Rendleman.

Born in Carbondale and raised in Edwardsville, John was proudly a life-long resident of Southern Illinois. He graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1977. After his father’s untimely passing, John would not leave his family and the area. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where his father had served as that campus’s first president. Like his grandfather and father, John was called to the law, earning a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale in 1987. After graduation, John joined Carbondale’s Feirich Mager Green Ryan law firm, where he later became partner and practiced for many years. Five years ago, he opened Rendleman Law on West Main St, where he continued to serve clients with integrity, wisdom and compassion.

Having an unshakeable belief that government can be a force for good, John pursued public service. He ran as the Democratic Party’s nominee for Illinois State Representative in 1996. Not deterred from public service by a narrow loss, John pursued local politics, serving on the Jackson County Board for 18 years, and led the board as chairman from 2012-2018.

John had an extraordinary ability to solve problems, whether repairing a tractor or a jet ski, helping build a last-minute school diorama, explaining algebra, or editing an essay. He was the person family and friends turned to whenever something needed fixing—or understanding. For more than 30 years, he faithfully organized the Rendleman family reunion, bringing generations together. He had a gift for language and was often called upon to speak for the family at important occasions, including delivering the eulogy at his mother's funeral. He enjoyed talking with people wherever he went and could find common ground sharing a joke with almost anyone, whether a taxi driver, a tour guide, or a young child.

An avid outdoorsman, John found great joy in fishing, camping, hiking, and spending time in nature with family and friends. He loved the study of history, cheered enthusiastically for his favorite sports teams, and could often be found listening to classic rock and roll.

Above all else, John was a proud and loving father to his four daughters: Margaret, Eleanore, Alison, and Jane. He treasured his family, valued lifelong friendships, and cared deeply about his community. His humor, generosity, and steadfast presence touched countless lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John is survived by Andrea Rendleman; his daughters, Margaret, Eleanore, Alison, and Jane; his siblings, Matthew Rendleman (Claudia), Jean Rendleman Miner (George), Mary Rendleman Lindner (John), and D. Scott Rendleman (Kirsten Lynch); his Aunt Cecelia Norris and Aunt Mary Carolyn Hudgens, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and his dog, Ozzy.

John's life was defined by service, generosity, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community. His example and the countless lives he touched will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life honoring John S. Rendleman III will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Student Center on the campus of Southern Illinois University.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a pre-service reception from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Cocker Lounge. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Ballroom, followed by dinner at 4:30 p.m.

The Rendleman family warmly welcomes all who knew and loved John to join them in celebrating his life and the many memories he shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brehm Preparatory School or Illinois Native Plant Society.

Ministry of Comfort lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.

Participate in the ISBA Group Health Insurance Survey

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:55:25 +0000

To augment the Solo & Individual Health Insurance program that was recently launched, the ISBA is now beginning to explore the creation of a group health insurance program for members’ firms. As we work together to navigate the growing complexity of providing you, your employees, and associates with quality health care coverage, one of our most important responsibilities is ensuring we offer programs and solutions that help our members of the ISBA save money and stay well.

To this end, please take a few minutes to complete the brief survey designed to guide this work. Your feedback will help us identify—and potentially develop—a range of health insurance coverage options that better support your organization and your employees.

We appreciate your time and insight. If you have additional information or context you believe would be helpful beyond the survey, please feel free to share that with us as well at memberservices@isba.org.

Take the Survey

Participate in the ISBA Group Health Insurance Survey

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:54:51 +0000

Take the Survey

Illinois Supreme Court Launches Statewide Circuit Court User Survey

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:53:14 +0000

The Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) announced today the launch of a statewide circuit court user survey, the first statewide circuit court user survey in Illinois since 2015. Survey results will be used to inform future policy decisions and improve the court user experience.

The anonymous survey will be conducted July 13-31, 2026. It will be available in paper and electronic formats at circuit court courthouses across the state and will ask circuit court users about their most recent experience with the Illinois circuit courts. The survey is designed to be completed by all in-person and remote circuit court users, including parties, lawyers, jurors, witnesses, and observers. Judges and court staff should not complete the survey.

The survey can be accessed online at: ilcourts.info/2026survey

The survey is being coordinated by the IJC Court User Experience Task Force in furtherance of the 2026-2028 Judicial Branch Strategic Agenda. First District Appellate Court Justice Celia Gamrath serves as chair of the Task Force, and Union County Circuit Court Clerk Keri Clark serves as vice chair.

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

Open Roles for Attorney at DCFS

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:41:05 +0000

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for one open attorney position.

Supervisory Regional Counsel (Marion, IL)

Title: Public Service Administrator – Supervisory Regional Counsel

Work Location: 2309 W Main St, Marion, Illinois 62959

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,488 - $10,900/month

Closing Date/Time: 08/07/2026

Essential Functions

Serves as Supervisory Regional Counsel
Provides technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting all levels of administrative “fair hearings”
Serves as full line supervisor
Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
Serves as agency liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney offices, and various court personnel in each county in the region
Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of administrative experience in the practice of law

Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Andrea Zenker as Circuit Judge in Sixteenth Judicial Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:27:17 +0000

Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Andrea Zenker as a Circuit Judge in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Fourth Judicial Subcircuit, in Kane County.

Ms. Zenker is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the impending retirement of Judge Susan Clancy Boles on July 31, 2026. The appointment is effective August 7, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028.

“Andrea Zenker demonstrates all the requisite professional and personal skills to serve as an effective and respected jurist,” Justice Rochford said. “She will be a wonderful addition to the 16th Judicial Circuit bench and I look forward to welcoming her in August.”

Ms. Zenker has over 20 years of legal experience as a civil litigator. She began her career at Higgins & Burke, P.C., as a law clerk from 2003 to 2005 before spending 16 years as an attorney at the firm. In 2021 she became a Partner at Higgins, Zenker & Coyle, P.C.

Ms. Zenker earned her Juris Doctor from the Northern Illinois University College of Law and earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Her professional affiliations include the Illinois State Bar Association and Kane County Bar Association, where she previously served as a director on the Board of Managers and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer. She previously served as a chair and co-chair of the Kane County Bar Association Civil Practice Committee. Ms. Zenker currently serves as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Committee on Character and Fitness in the Second District.

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

Making Time Standards Work for You

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:48:21 +0000

Time Standards are among the most common complaints from practitioners in the Cook County Circuit Court's Law Division, writes retired Judge Patrick J. Sherlock in his July Illinois Bar Journal article, "Making Time Standards Work for You." Noting that as of July 1, 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court imposed Time Standards for case closures for lawsuits filed on or after Jan. 1, 2022, Judge Sherlock suspects most lawyers do not realize that the Time Standards were created based upon historic benchmarks consistently experienced by attorneys. He then outlines how attorneys throughout Illinois can implement strategies at each stage of the litigation process to comply with the Time Standards and bring their cases to a successful resolution.

Read, "Making Time Standards Work for You," in the July Illinois Bar Journal.

ISBA Releases Judicial Advisory Poll Results for the 2026 Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Vacancy

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:04:22 +0000

Candidates for an associate judge vacancy in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit have been rated in an advisory poll of lawyers conducted by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) along with the Boone and Winnebago County Bars. Ballots were sent to all ISBA/Boone/Winnebago members who practice or reside in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Licensed Illinois attorneys who are not members of the ISBA or are outside the circuit could request a ballot. The results of this poll are being released to the public at the request of Chief Judge Brendan A. Maher.

Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys.

View the 17th Circuit Judicial Advisory Poll results.

Illinois Lawyer Finder Makes Over 1,200 Referrals in June

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:22:05 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of June, 2026, the ISBA helped 1,231 people in need of legal services find lawyers.

This number does not include additional referrals made through the online Illinois Lawyer Finder service.

Want to be part of the ISBA Lawyer Finder Service? Call (800) 252-8908 and ask for the Legal Department, or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com

Potential clients should call (800) 922-8757.