$109 IL MCLE - 30 Credits

And Then There is FRAUD

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

This course is an examination of FRAUD and an analysis of legal trends and legislative solutions intended to bring attention to today's legal practitioners, through real-world examples, of the dangers of swatting, deep fakes, crypto-currency, and other fraud on the internet and other routine transactions, to better protect their clients and improve quality of life.

Faculty:

• Greg Woods, J.D.

Attorney Civility and Professionalism

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Why is this important? The adversarial process can be taken to extremes, to where it may become an internal aspect of a firm's culture. This obstructs the kind of cooperation that can ease and expedite workloads. It's also been shown to create a level of stress that is extremely unhealthy; including life-threatening issues. Furthermore, we've all heard the expression ?you catch more flies with honey,? and yet the singular adversarial approach works against this. We need to recognize that this approach is only one tool in the toolbox, and you have access to many more. In addition, adding these tools will positively impact your success, health, and income.

Faculty:

• Russell Jackman, Esq.
• Ian Blei

Client Confidentiality and Ethical Electronic Data Discovery

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: Professional Responsibility

IL MCLE Course Details:

This course, "Client Confidentiality and Ethical Electronic Data Discovery," provides a comprehensive exploration of ABA Model Rule 1.6 and its implications for legal professionals handling electronically stored information (ESI). It emphasizes the duty of attorneys to protect client confidences, highlighting key ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies, data discovery, and e-discovery processes. Participants are introduced to strategies for safeguarding sensitive information, such as metadata management, secure cloud storage, encryption, and the use of ethical screening software. The course also addresses practical measures for managing confidentiality in situations involving litigation holds, third-party vendors, social media data, and privilege logs, offering actionable solutions for reducing risks. By underscoring the importance of technological competence, the curriculum equips attorneys to navigate complex legal landscapes while upholding their ethical obligations. From proactive planning to disaster recovery, this course fosters a thorough understanding of how to balance transparency with confidentiality and prevent inadvertent disclosures. Through this knowledge, attorneys can enhance their professional integrity, client trust, and compliance with ABA ethical standards in an increasingly digital legal environment.

Faculty:

• Berry Crawford

Coming to America and Staying: Immigration Law Basics

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

At the forefront of the news and a subject that is intensely controversial for both foreigners and citizens is the topic of Immigration laws in the United States. However, many people do not know the inner workings of the system or what the immigration laws of the United States really means for people trying to come in legally to the USA. This lecture will cover those basics and give the attendee the status of where we are today when it comes to the topic of Immigration.

Faculty:

• Russell Jackman, Esq.

COVID-19 Legal Implications and Considerations for Businesses

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

When a crisis hits, getting a head start matters and those who have prepared will fare better than those who have not. This engaging presentation on protecting assets from plaintiffs, lenders, creditors and the government will cover lessons learned from the financial crisis of 2008 that we can apply to the current landscape, what businesses can do now to transition into the recession, and how companies and individuals can protect their assets from litigation and creditor threats. The instructor will share real-life stories and anecdotes, and will present a very practical approach to protecting assets. The discussion will also cover asset protection planning in a troubled economy, focusing on protecting assets from lenders and landlords and how to plan after a lawsuit, a default or an accident.

Faculty:

• Jacob Stein, Esq

Cyber Security Concerns and Solutions for the Law Office

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

The increases computer usage since the onset of the Pandemic plus new challenges created by new technologies has created significant threats towards attorneys and their clients. This program helps attorneys meet their ethical ABA model rule 1.1 requirements while getting vital information to help them safeguard their practice and their clients.

Faculty:

• Russell Jackman, Esq.

Economic Analysis in Employment Matters

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Dr. Jouganatos discusses the appropriate benefits to include in loss calculations, the discount rate, wage growth rate, earnings basis, present value calculations, mitigation issues including inferior employment, and hearsay problems as well as adverse tax consequences of a lump-sum award or settlement. Methods of computing loss of benefits and pensions, are discussed, among other issues. He also discusses his approach when undertaking cases. Through this course, attorneys will have a greater understanding of the elements of economic analysis in employment matters.

Faculty:

• George Jouganatos

Electronic Discovery and the Cloud in the Practice of Law

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

This course about electronic discovery and the cloud in practice of law will explore ten topics that are relevant to attorneys. First, the course will explore legal implications of cloud storage in electronic discovery. Next, the course will investigate data privacy challenges in cloud-based electronic discovery. The course will then explore preservation obligations in cloud-stored electronic evidence. After this, the course will investigate accessing and securing cloud data in legal investigations. Next, the material will cover compliance with esi protocols in cloud environments. The course will then turns towards impact of gdpr on U.S. cloud discovery practices. Next, the course will investigate authenticity verification of cloud-stored legal documents. The course will then explore cloud service provider agreements in ESI management. The course will next investigate legal ethics in using cloud platforms for ediscovery. Lastly, the material will cover cost-effective cloud solutions for small law firms.

Faculty:

• Berry Crawford

Ethical Considerations when Marketing and Advertising Legal Services

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: Professional Responsibility

IL MCLE Course Details:

In this course we will look at the ethical considerations that should be followed when lawyers engage in marketing and advertising. First, we examine the history and context of marketing and advertising by attorneys. Next, we look at the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and determine which rules are most relevant to attorney marketing and advertising. Lastly, we explore real world scenarios of these principles in action by investigating specific cases where these issues arose.

Faculty:

• David Graulich, Esq.

Ethics and the Court of Public Opinion

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: Professional Responsibility

IL MCLE Course Details:

Calculated to increase awareness of significant issues impacting the integrity of the legal profession and public trust, the course examines high profile examples of wrongful behavior and traditional notions of moral character. From select sections of the Model Rules of Conduct and terms and concepts from the ethical tradition, it is an informed analysis of questionable decision making under difficult circumstances requiring practitioners to employ the highest standards of care, to preserve the rights and remedies of those they serve and promote the credibility of the justice system.

Faculty:

• Greg Woods, J.D.

Ethics of Bankruptcy in the Practice of Law

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: Professional Responsibility

IL MCLE Course Details:

This course about ethical issues of bankruptcy in the practice of law will explore ten topics that are relevant to attorneys. First, the course will explore conflicts of interest in bankruptcy client representation. Next, the course will investigate disclosure requirements for attorneys in bankruptcy cases. The course will then explore ethical dilemmas in advising clients about bankruptcy fraud. After this, the course will investigate transparency and honesty in bankruptcy petitions filed by lawyers. Next, the material will cover attorney fees and ethical concerns in bankruptcy proceedings. The course will then turn towards duty of competence in handling bankruptcy matters. Next, the course will investigate confidentiality issues in bankruptcy practice. The course will then explore attorney responsibility in reporting client misconduct in bankruptcy. The course will next investigate fraudulent transfers and lawyer ethical boundaries. Lastly, the material will cover misrepresentation of bankruptcy exemptions by legal practitioners.

Faculty:

• Victor Perri, Esq

Implicit Bias and Bias Identification Strategies

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Attorney Steven Nielsen focuses on bias-reduction strategies to address how unintended biases regarding race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics undermine confidence in the legal system. Among specific Implicit (or "Subconscious") Biases he addresses are "Heightism," and "Elitism." He discusses the impact these biases have on the legal profession and society writ large.

Faculty:

• Steven A Nielsen

Implicit Bias and Bias-Reduction Strategies

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: Diversity and Inclusion

IL MCLE Course Details:

Having presented MCLE programs in the areas of "Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession" and "Diversity, Inclusion and Equity" for over a decade, attorney Steven A. Nielsen has witnessed the importance of these issue grow, along with the statistical data and measurement of progress. In this presentation, Mr. Neilsen focuses on "Implicit Bias," and the promotion of bias-reducing strategies to address how unintended biases regarding race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics undermine confidence in the legal system. Among specific Implicit (or "Subconscious") Biases which he addresses are "Ageism," and "The Halo Effect." He discusses the impact these biases have on the legal profession and society writ large, on individual lawyers and their practices, and scenarios in which they can impact the courtroom and the law firm workplace.

Faculty:

• Steven A Nielsen

Neutral-Driven Dispute Resolution: NDR

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

In this engaging session, led by Rob Christopher, AV Preeminent rated litigation attorney, General Counsel, and entrepreneur, you will learn when and how you can use an innovative approach to address limited stakes legal disputes in a way that is cost-effective for clients.

The approach, Neutral-Driven (Nonadversarial) Dispute Resolution (NDR) provides attorneys and their clients with an alternative to litigation, arbitration, or mediation for resolving cases in which potential legal and related costs threaten to consume the amount at stake.

Based on his 40+ year career as a successful litigator, businessperson, and now General Counsel, Rob uses thoughtful analysis and real world examples to demonstrate both ethical reasons to consider NDR and long-term practical value to incorporating this approach into your practice.

The program covers what NDR is, how it works, where it comes from, how it differs from arbitration and mediation, and where it fits and doesn?t fit. In the process, Rob gives hands-on demonstrations of assessment tools you can use to determine if NDR makes sense in a particular case. The program concludes with clear takeaways on when and how you can use Neutral-Driven Dispute Resolution for real and lasting wins with your clients.

Rob's entertaining style and innovative and ethical approach to addressing limited stakes disputes make this a must-take session for all client-centric attorneys.

Faculty:

• Rob Christopher

NLRB Update

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Labor law is currently in the news. High profile campaigns and issues involving many businesses we frequent are in the public eye. Because labor law has a broader scope and greater impact than many practitioners may realize, this program will address recent developments at the National Labor Relations Board on a variety of issues. The focus will be on several areas, including case rulings, expanding remedies for unlawful conduct, hot topic issues, as well as potential change to come through legislation, policy, and regulations. Even if you do not regularly practice before the National Labor Relations Board, this program provides insight on issues on NLRB's agenda which touch upon areas practitioners may have considered to be exclusively regulated by state or federal employment law.

Faculty:

• Thomas A. Lenz

Reducing Substance Abuse with Mindfulness for Attorneys

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: Mental Health - Substance Abuse

IL MCLE Course Details: This course about Reducing Substance Abuse with Mindfulness for Attorneys will explore ten topics that are relevant to attorneys. First, the course will explore mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and substance abuse among U.S. attorneys. Next, the course will investigate incorporating mindfulness techniques in legal practice to combat substance dependency. The course will then explore mindful breathing exercises to alleviate substance cravings for lawyers. After this, the course will investigate ethics and responsibilities: attorneys practicing mindfulness to prevent substance abuse. Next, the material will cover mindfulness-based stress reduction for attorneys battling substance dependence. The course will then turn towards law firm culture: encouraging mindfulness to mitigate substance abuse risks. Next, the course will investigate mindfulness training for lawyers on sustainable recovery from substance abuse. The course will then explore jury trials: using mindfulness to manage anxiety and reduce substance dependency. The course will next investigate integrating mindfulness into continuing legal education for substance abuse prevention. Lastly, the material will cover attorney wellness programs: mindfulness as a tool to combat substance abuse.

Faculty:

• Berry Crawford

Reinvigorating the Lawsuit

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Thomas Moukawsher, an experienced federal litigator and retired Connecticut complex litigation judge, shares lessons from his 40 years of trying cases in courts across the country. The lessons are based on Judge Moukawsher's 2023 book, The Common Flaw, Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It. The course confronts litigation flaws with practical solutions, beginning with the filing of the complaint and running through appeals court strategies and briefing.

Faculty:

• Thomas G. Moukawsher

Storytelling in the Courtroom

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

As a trial lawyer, what do you really need in order to win your case? Attention ? the jury's attention. I don't mean that in the narcissistic "everyone look at me" sense. When I say every trial lawyer wants more attention, what I mean is that before you can build a rapport with the jury and earn their trust, you have to fight a war ? the war for the jury's attention. "Attention" and "connection" are the key elements needed to win the minds and hearts of the jury.

Faculty:

• Michael J. DeBlis III, Esq.

Storytelling in the Courtroom: Volume 1 - Part II

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Like it or not, we are in the midst of an attention war. We need to confront the reality that the jury's attention can no longer be taken for granted. We have to change our way of thinking to focus on gaining attention before we can leave lasting impressions. The jury's attention must be the currency that every trial lawyer trades in. In this presentation, I will talk about how storytelling can help lawyers to cut through all of the noise and distractions of everyday life in order to connect to the jury on a human level.

Faculty:

• Michael J. DeBlis III, Esq.

Storytelling in the Courtroom: Volume 1 - Part III

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Stories are told in two basic modes: (1) narrative summary and (2) scenes. Narrative summary is an overview. It?s an expository way of moving the audience along in the story. It?s very much ?telling.? Most Nineteenth Century novels begin with narrative summary. For example, ?It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.? It?s more conceptual than cinematic.

Faculty:

• Michael J. DeBlis III, Esq.

Storytelling in the Courtroom: Volume 1 - Part IV

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

Kristin Linklater, one of the great voice instructors, puts it like this:?There?s a desire to speak?an impulse. It runs down the spinal column and through the central nervous system galvanizing simultaneously the breathing mechanism and the laryngeal mechanism into an activity that creates a vibration which is immediately amplified by surrounding resonating surfaces into voice. At the same time the impulse activates movements of lips and tongue that deliver words."

Faculty:

• Michael J. DeBlis III, Esq.

Succession Planning and the Practice of Law

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

What are a lawyer?s ethical obligations to engage in succession planning? NOTE: While this program primarily uses California Rules and developments to illustrate the issues involved in this important area, the guidance and ethical examples provided are relevant to attorneys in every state, and comparable Opinions and Statutes are found in nearly every jurisdiction.

This discussion-format talk with Russell Jackman, Esq. and Don McCrae, Owner of Your Business Legacy, a specialist in helping attorneys close their practices, addresses the issues that are commonly dealt with by attorneys who may be considering closing their practices, retiring, or changing ownership to someone else. Don and Russ discuss strategies and ideas to deal with the challenges of closing up or migrating ownership of a law practice while still adhering to State Ethical Requirements.

Faculty:

• Russell Jackman, Esq.
• Don McCrea, PhD

The CA Privacy Act: What You Need to Know

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

The California Privacy act was put in place in 2018 but is being enforced now in 2020. Learn about how this law changes your practice and what you can do to prepare your law office and clients to deal with this (and soon to be in many other States) Privacy act, in both a technological & contractual way to avoid pitfalls and clarify with clients how their data will be protected.

Faculty:

• Russell Jackman, Esq.

Trust Account Basics

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

This session will cover the practical aspects of managing Client Trust Accounts in a law firm and what profitability measures lawyers should be reviewing.

• Client Trust Account Protection Program [CTAPP]
• What reports should you have for your trust account?
• How should your trust account be reconciled?
• Common mistakes

Faculty:

• Diane Camacho

Use NDR and Compare Alternatives to Earn Your Clients Informed Consent

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

In this engaging session, led by Rob Christopher, AV Preeminent rated litigation attorney, General Counsel and entrepreneur you will learn when and how you can use an innovative approach to address limited stakes cases.

The approach, Neutral Driven (Non-adversarial) Dispute Resolution provides attorneys with an alternative to litigation, arbitration or mediation for cases in which the amount at stake is less than the potential legal costs (attorney and court fees, time and stress) to resolve it.

Based on his 35+ year career as a successful litigator, Rob uses real world examples to demonstrate the ethical reasons to consider NDR as well as the long-term value of incorporating this approach into your practice.

The program includes background on NDR and how it differs from arbitration and media. Rob then describes NDR and give a hands-on demonstration an assessment you can use to determine value of using NDR for a particular case. It concludes with clear guidelines on when and how you can use Neutral Driven Dispute Resolution for long term wins with your clients.

Rob?s entertaining style, innovative and ethical approach to addressing limited stakes (often called "dog cases") make this a must take session for all client-centric attorneys.

Faculty:

• Rob Christopher

Water Law: Water Rights, Droughts, and a Flood of Legal Issues Part II

IL MCLE Requirements Credit Type: General

IL MCLE Course Details:

After recent years in which records have been set for both rain and lack of precipitation, Environmental and Water Law expert Wes Miliband discusses issues which arise when both drought and climate change create conditions over which populations have little control. To help attorneys proactively recognize and address these issues so as to prevent both legal disputes and damage to people and property in the future, Mr. Miliband raises awareness of how, and where, such disputes may arise. He addresses the basic system of water rights, tribal, military and Federal rights, key cases, how local, state and federal water agencies work and long term creative solutions for an uncertain future, such as ocean winds, desalination and other sustainable techniques.

Faculty:

• Wes Miliband