The Bar News

The Foundation of Justice: Access to Counsel

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:15:36 +0000

By Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr.

Sixty-five years ago, Congress made May 1 Law Day to honor the rule of law. Every year, the American Bar Association picks a theme. This year’s theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

The rule of law upholds the American Dream by ensuring access to legal assistance. But many people end up in court without a lawyer, not by choice but due to circumstances. This places them at a disadvantage, as lawyers bring the skills and structure needed to present facts, explain issues, and apply the law.

Our legal system relies on trained advocates. When only one side has a lawyer, or when neither side does, the system may not work as it should. The United States Supreme Court has recognized the central role of legal representation, “The right to counsel is the foundation for our adversary system.” This is often mentioned in criminal cases, but it extends with the same force to civil cases.

Indeed, appearing in court alone puts the American Dream at risk. As Justice Thurgood Marshall once said, “Mere access to the courthouse doors does not by itself assure a proper functioning of the adversary process.”

The Illinois Supreme Court is addressing this gap by, among many initiatives, designing strategies to expand the availability of lawyers in communities with too few lawyers, advancing remote access to court hearings, simplifying legal procedures, and revamping rules on mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes more efficiently.

Yet another effort involves Illinois Free Legal Answers, a virtual legal advice clinic where volunteer lawyers answer civil online legal questions for low-income Illinoisans. (For information about the online clinic, visit https://il.freelegalanswers.org/.)

And our Commission on Access to Justice has been leading efforts to remove barriers that prevent people from using the courts in a meaningful way.

In criminal cases, where the stakes are highest, Illinois has strengthened representation for people accused of crimes with consistent standards and support across the state under the Funded Advocacy and Independent Representation Act (FAIR Act), which established a statewide Office of the State Public Defender.

This effort requires coordination across all three branches of government. The legislature created the framework, the executive branch supports its operation, and the Illinois Supreme Court is helping guide its development. Work is underway to line up funding, structure, and operations for the Office of the State Public Defender’s launch on January 1, 2027.

When people have access to a lawyer, they can be heard and their case can be fully presented. That is how the rule of law endures. That is how the American Dream endures. Nothing else will do.

Law Day 2026

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:12:39 +0000

As we celebrate Law Day 2025 on May 1, 2026, we remind ourselves of the importance of the Rule of Law in Illinois, in the United States of America, and throughout the world. For the Illinois State Bar Association, the Standing Committee on Law Related Education for the Public coordinates civics education throughout Illinois through the ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational, the ISBA Lawyers in Classrooms program, and the ISBA Speakers Bureau. Every member of the ISBA is encouraged to do what can be done in the community to advance education on civics. Efforts do not need to be fancy, but do need to be made. Through our collective efforts, we will support and encourage forward the Rule of Law.

Thank you to all who have participated in these important ISBA programs. Every Member of the ISBA is invited to join the list for these programs, as there is no cost to join and participation remains voluntary. When opportunities present themselves, those on the list are invited to engage if able and desire to participate. For more information, please visit the ISBA's civics education page.

Happy Law Day 2026!

Seven New Cook County Associate Judges Named

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:36:25 +0000

The names of seven new associate judges, selected in a vote of Cook County Circuit Court judges, were announced by Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

Ballots listing the names of 14 finalists, chosen from 74 interviewed applicants, were distributed to 265 circuit judges. Ballots were due on April 27.

The Alliance of Bar Associations and the Chicago Bar Association evaluated the candidates. Each candidate was interviewed by an 11-member Nominating Committee comprised of Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II of the Circuit Court of Cook County and 10 members of his leadership team.

In accordance with the 1970 Illinois Constitution, the Administrative Office conducted the election pursuant to the provisions of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 39, which directs that twice as many candidates as vacancies be nominated.

The following are the newly selected Cook County associate judges. A brief biography of the seven associate judges named today is also included.

Matthew J. Canna
Tene McCoy Cummings
Juanishá N. Dotson
Alexander D. Marks
Ginger L. Odom
Nickolas G. Pappas
Linda Sackey

BIOGRAPHIES

Canna, Matthew J.: Resident: Western Springs. Age: 48. Admitted to the Bar: 11/6/2003. College: University of Notre Dame. Law School: Chicago-Kent College of Law. Current Affiliation: Costello, Ginex & Wideikis, PC.

McCoy Cummings, Tene: Resident: Flossmoor. Age: 53. Admitted to the Bar: 5/7/1998. College: Howard University. Law School: Howard University College Law. Current Affiliation: Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Dotson, Juanisha N.: Resident: Chicago. Age: 43. Admitted to the Bar: 11/4/2010. College: Xavier University of Louisiana. Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Current Affiliation: Cook County Public Defender’s Office.

Marks, Alexander D.: Resident: Northbrook. Age: 47. Admitted to the Bar: 10/1/2004. College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Law School: University of Illinois Chicago College of Law. Current Affiliation: Burke, Warren, Mackay & Serritella, P.C.

Odom, Ginger L.: Resident: Chicago. Age: 56. Admitted to the Bar: 11/6/2003. College: Adelphi University. Law School: IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law. Current Affiliation: Cicuit Court of Cook County.

Pappas, Nickolas G.: Resident: Chicago. Age 58. Admitted to the Bar: 11/9/1995. College: Loyola University Chicago. Law School: Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Current Affiliation: Pappas Law Offices PC.

Sackey, Linda: Resident: Chicago. Age: 44. Admitted to the Bar: 11/9/2006. College: Princeton University. Law School: University of Chicago College of Law. Current Affiliation: Circuit Court of Cook County.

Cybersecurity for Healthcare Law Firms: Risk, Compliance, and Client Trust

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:59:05 +0000

Cybersecurity for Healthcare Law Firms: Risk, Compliance, and Client Trust

Live Webcast

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

2:00 – 3:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

In today’s threat-filled digital landscape, health care law firms face unique cybersecurity challenges—and the stakes have never been higher. Don’t miss this online seminar that delivers a practical exploration of the tools, strategies, and legal obligations every attorney needs to protect their firm, safeguard client data, and stay ahead of evolving risks. Health care lawyers, privacy and information security practitioners, and mental health attorneys who attend this program will gain a realistic view of today’s risk environment. Topics include: understanding what cybersecurity insurance policies actually cover; how to evaluate whether or not your cybersecurity coverage is adequate; what to expect during the procurement process; the emerging trends in cybersecurity claims and the types of losses organizations are experiencing right now; and much more. Beyond insurance, the seminar walks you through the essential steps for handling a data breach – from immediate response to long-term mitigation – while breaking down the regulatory requirements imposed by HIPAA. Learn how to navigate compliance obligations with confidence and build trust with clients who expect rigorous protection of their sensitive information. Register here.

Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:28:57 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges' Association hosted Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession on April 23, 2026, at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.

The program empowered 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. 2025-26 ISBA President Hon. Bridget C. Duignan gave opening remarks and introduced plenary speaker Amy Howe of SCOTUSBlog, and later concluded the program by moderating a panel featuring five Female Illinois Supreme Court Justices.

The program was followed by a reception, compliments of the Illinois Judges' Association.

Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges' Association.

PC: ISBA

Open Roles for Attorney at DCFS

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:49:18 +0000

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

Senior Regional Counsel — Peoria, IL

Title: Public Service Administrator – Senior Regional Counsel

Work Location: 5415 N University St, Peoria, Illinois, 61614

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,167 - $10,500/month

Closing Date/Time: 05/19/2026

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

Turning on the Game

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:35:22 +0000

The Chicago Cubs are winning; the Cardinals are “meh”; and, well, White Sox fans, we feel for you. Whichever team is your favorite, watching them play often requires searching for which television station, streaming channel, website, radio station, or app has the game on that day. How did finding a way to watch your favorite team get so complicated? Read Maria M. Pimentel Diaz’s article, “Turning on the Game,” in the April Illinois Bar Journal. Diaz explores the intricacies of Major League Baseball’s broadcasting contracts and the historical developments that led to today’s ultra-competitive broadcasting landscape.

Read, "Turning on the Game," in the April Illinois Bar Journal.

24th Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:16:10 +0000

24th Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference

Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Friday, May 22, 2026

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams Street, Chicago

Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Complimentary networking reception to follow)

Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Complimentary Continental Breakfast served before)

10.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50* hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit

Don’t miss ISBA’s 24th Annual Environmental and Natural Resources Law Conference! Join us for this annual conference that features updates on agency activities and priorities in Illinois and the Region presented by top representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Attendees will also learn about the latest hot topic issues in environmental law from leading practitioners, including:

The energy, environmental and community considerations associated with the rapid expansion of data centers in Illinois;
Using AI in the environmental law practice;
The nuts and bolts of challenging federal action;
Conservation easements and land preservation;
What you need to know about microplastics and other emerging contaminants;
How the Illinois Rewilding Law (HB2726) will help restore land, reintroduce native species, and protect wetlands; and
The federal/state cases and regulations, rulemakings, and legislation that you need to know.

The conference closes with an interactive ethics session that offers hypothetical scenarios and possible solutions to each ethical dilemma.

2025-2026 ISBA Award Winners Announced

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:07:46 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association would like to congratulate the award recipients and others honored for their work during the 2025-2026 bar year.

For more information about each award, many of which are presented by ISBA section councils, visit our ISBA Awards page. Also, stay tuned for a more detailed listing of award recipients, with summaries of their accomplishments, in the June edition of the Illinois Bar Journal.

The awards include:

Austin Fleming Newsletter Editor Award:
- Jessica Marshall—Women and the Law
Newsletter Editors Service Award:
5 Years of Service:
- David P. Dorner—State & Local Taxation
- Mia O. Hernandez—Trusts & Estates
- Megan Liston Mahalik—State & Local Taxation
- Lisa Velez—Animal Law
10 Years of Service:
- Sandra M. Blake—Diversity Leadership
- Khara A. Coleman—Racial & Ethnic; Minorities & the Law
- John H. Maville—Senior Lawyers
- Bernard G. Peter—Corporate Law Departments
15 Years of Service:
- Craig R. Hedin—Mineral Law
Carole K. Bellows Women of Influence Award:
- Gail Eisenberg
Civics Education Award:
- Joseph Lehman
- Justice Jesse Reyes
- Justice Elizabeth Rochford
Community Leadership Award:
- Caleb Anderson
- Kylie Peters
CLE Achievement Award:
- Genevieve Miller
Diversity Leadership Award:
- Athena Taite
Elmer Gertz Human Rights Award:
- Judge Jennifer S. Nolen
John E. Thies Excellence in Legal Education Award:
- Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Law
- International Human Rights Clinic at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award:
- Yolanda Riley – Individual Award (under 10 years of experience)
- Stacey McCullough – Individual Award (over 10 years of experience)
- Drendel & Jansons Law Group – Law Firm or Corporate Law Department, Less Than 25 Attorneys
- State Farm – Law Firm or Corporate Law Department, Less Than 25 Attorneys
- Illinois Judges Association (IJA) – Bar Association
Joseph R. Bartylak Memorial Legal Services Award:
- Kate Scott - Individual Award, Less Than 10 Years of Experience
- Diane Goffinet – Individual Award, More Than 10 Years of Experience
Law Enforcement Award:
- Megan Brooks
Law Student Division Public Service Award:
- Akanksha Balekai, University of Illinois College of Law
Matthew Maloney Tradition of Excellence Award:
- Jennifer Irmen
Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award:
- Dina Ninfo
Roz Kaplan Government Service Award:
- Dr. Mary Milano
Young Lawyer of the Year:
- Taylor Tyler – Cook County
- Jason Blumenthal – Outside Cook County

Pre-Trial Fairness Act: A Judicial Perspective

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:45:28 +0000

Pre-Trial Fairness Act: A Judicial Perspective

Live Webcast

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

The key provisions of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act are that it abolishes money bail, offers individualized assessments, limits pretrial detention, requires law enforcement to issue notices to appear for low-level offenses, and ensures due process. Although the Act was passed by the Illinois legislature in January 2021, it didn’t go into effect until September 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen as two Illinois trial judges offer their perspectives on the Pre-Trial Fairness Act and how it’s been going since its enactment two years ago. Register here.

Aronberg Goldgehn Welcomes Member Jake Kacynski

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:22:13 +0000

Aronberg Goldgehn is pleased to welcome Jake Kacynski as a Member.

Kacynski advises clients across numerous industries, including manufacturing, construction, hospitality, utilities, retail, health care, telecommunications, alternative energy, emerging technologies, financial institutions, investment funds and private equity. He counsels publicly traded and closely held corporate and flow-through clients on complex tax matters, with a focus on applying strategic tax planning objectives to optimize client-specific opportunities.

In addition to his transactional work, Kacynski advises clients on tax controversy and audit defense representation, state bad debt refund claims, preparation and filing of federal tax credits, reverse tax audits, and resolving reporting and filing noncompliance across international, federal, state and local tax regimes.

“Jake’s practical experience helping clients navigate the complexities of taxation will be a valuable asset to our clients and our team,” said Paul Gilman, co-chair of the firm’s Business Law and Transactions practice group. “We are excited to welcome him to the firm and look forward to the depth of insight he brings to our business and tax practices.”

Kacynski earned his B.A. from Indiana University Bloomington, his J.D. from Mercer University and his LL.M. in taxation from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

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.