Gain a better understanding of Illinois Evidence-Based Sentencing principles with this informative full-day seminar! Whether your case ends with a plea by the defendant or goes to a full-fledged trial, it is likely that some form of sentencing will be involved. For this reason, it is imperative that attorneys stay up-to-date on the principles of evidence-based sentencing in Illinois. Attorneys attending this seminar will gain a better understanding of: the full-implementation of Illinois’ evidence-based sentencing pilot project; how Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) can effect sentencing; Hardcore Drunk Driving (HCDD) and Adult Substance Use and Driving Survey-Revised for Illinois (ASUDS-RI); how “The Containment Model” is used in the treatment of sex offenders; Illinois’ Mandatory Minimums and Determinate Sentencing; how to reduce recidivism; and the ethical issues that can arise in criminal justice cases.The program will be available in Normal on October 25th and again in Chicago on October 26th. It qualifies for 6.5 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval) and is presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Corrections and Sentencing, and co-sponsored by the ISBA Criminal Justice Section, the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, the Illinois Public Defender Association, and the Illinois State University Criminal Justice Sciences Department.

Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride and the Illinois Supreme Court announced Thursday formation of a long-range planning committee to serve as a "think tank" to better adapt Illinois courts to future trends in economic, technological, scientific and social changes.The Committee on Strategic Planning of the Illinois Judicial Conference is composed of judges, lawyers and will include other stakeholders in the justice system. It is charged with identifying emerging trends and issues that may impact the courts and the delivery of justice, and proposing specific strategies and tactics to address them."Instead of being reactive to change—sometimes years late—the judicial branch needs to be more proactive, more anticipatory," said Chief Justice Kilbride. "The committee will take a close look at larger issues before they require immediate attention. We need to develop strategies and prepare to adapt to Illinois' changing needs."I thank my colleagues on the Supreme Court for supporting this new structure within the Judicial Conference; I thank the members of the new committee for their energy and enthusiasm in embarking on this new endeavor; and I especially thank Judge Michael Hyman for his leadership in preparing and presenting the planning proposal."The 13-person committee will be made up partly of members of the Executive Committee of the Illinois Judicial Conference and six appointees of the Chief Justice. The Illinois Judicial Conference is a vehicle mandated by the Illinois Constitution to suggest improvements in the administration of justice. Hence, the committee formalizes a new structure for strategic planning within the model of the Judicial Conference.

The Illinois Supreme Court announced Thursday the appointment of John B. Simon to the Illinois Appellate Court. Mr. Simon is a well known attorney with the Chicago firm of Jenner & Block and has a long record of public service. He is a former U.S. Assistant Attorney, former member of the Illinois Racing Board and has broad corporate and litigation experience with Jenner & Block. He will serve as the co-chair of the Illinois Bar Foundation's Gala on Oct. 19.Mr. Simon will fill the vacancy created by the death of Appellate Justice Michael J. Murphy who passed away Oct. 1.Supreme Court Justice Charles E. Freeman recommended the appointment of Mr. Simon to the Supreme Court and will administer the judicial oath of office to Mr. Simon on November 1. The appointment will terminate December 1, 2014 when the position will be filled by the November 2014 General Election."It's an honor to have been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a justice of the Illinois Appellate Court to succeed the late Justice Michael J. Murphy," said Mr. Simon. "He was a respected jurist who is greatly admired by me and all who knew him."I thank the Supreme Court for the confidence they have placed in me and I am humbled by the honor."Mr. Simon is the son of the late Justice Seymour F. Simon, who served as a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court for eight years and as an Appellate Justice for six years.

Does your client (or potential client) have a company logo, a jingle, an industrial design, an invention, or a patent? Does their company have a trade secret that needs to be guarded? Do they draft architectural design, write novels, develop music, or create artwork? If so, then you won’t want to miss this opportunity to get the information you need to advise and protect your clients on important intellectual property issues!Join us in Chicago on October 17th for this basic overview of several intellectual property areas, including copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Topics include: common intellectual property issues; recent developments and political changes to the intellectual property law arena; the benefits of trademark registration; sending or receiving cease-and-desist letters; patent concerns in business transaction and patent litigation; managing confidential disclosures; eavesdropping and privacy laws; how the Internet has changed intellectual property; and the ethical considerations in intellectual property cases. The program is presented by the ISBA Intellectual Property Section and qualifies for 6.25 MCLE hours, including 0.50 Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).Can’t attend the live program in Chicago? Then join us via web! This program will broadcast live over the Internet so that attorneys can attend remotely.