The Illinois State Bar Association honored members who have been admitted to practice for 50 years at a luncheon Dec. 13 at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Chicago. Moline attorney Martin Katz spoke on behalf of the Class of 1962 Class of Distinguished Counsellors.

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today announced beginning January 14, 2013, the public will not be permitted to bring cell phones and other electronic devices into any Circuit Court of Cook County courthouse facility except for the Richard J. Daley Center Courthouse.  The ban will affect only those courthouse facilities in which criminal matters are heard.*

Are you the competitive type? Do you like to win? The clock is ticking … only 4 days left for Early Bird Registration for ISBA's friendly competition to support the food banks of Illinois. Register online at www.lawyersfeedingil.org by Dec. 17 and your team will receive 100 extra points!   At the ISBA, we like to win too – and we've got a tough challenge to raise one millions meals.  Of course, the true winners will be the 1.9 million children, seniors, and families that are helped by your generosity and support.  Will you join us? We can't do it without your help. Register today! You just never know – the bonus points you receive by registering early may just put your team over the top.

It’s not too late to register!Mediation is designed to resolve differences both in and out of the courts. It requires a very different mindset than courtroom litigation. Join us in Chicago on Jan. 7th for this week-long mediation training and learn how to resolve conflicts in a non-adversarial, non-confrontational manner, allowing peaceful resolutions between parties.The program is taught by Richard Calkins and Fred Lane — two nationally recognized mediators, authors and educators. Until 20 years ago, both Mr. Calkins and Mr. Lane were well-known and highly regarded litigators. Since then, however, they have successfully mediated over 5,000 cases.The program qualifies for 40.0 hours MCLE credit, including 40.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).Click here for more information and to register.