by Mary F. Petruchius Mary: Within the last couple of years, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. has made some dramatic changes to its overall pro bono program and structure. Kim Thielbar, Prairie State’s Director of Pro Bono Services, heads up its new Pro Bono Unit. In this article, we’ll get to know Kim and what this new unit is all about, how it came into existence, and what Prairie State hopes to achieve with this innovative approach to pro bono client services.

In their February Illinois Bar Journal article, “Restorative Justice Privilege,” Hon. Stuart Katz (ret.) and Patrick Keenan-Devlin examine Public Act 102-100, which provides that any statement made during a restorative justice practice is privileged, meaning that it is inadmissible in any court or administrative proceeding. Additionally, the authors note that since restorative justice practices often involve pre- and postconference meetings, anything said in preparation for, or as a follow-up to, a practice is also privileged. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain new insight as our accomplished speakers draw upon their unique experiences to answer important questions that will motivate your career and guide your professional growth. Learn how each of them approached familiar problems, what they learned from their mentors, how they have avoided common mistakes, how the legal practice has changed since they were sworn in, their tips for maintaining civility (even in the face of adversarial counsel), what shaped their success, and much more!

The Illinois Supreme Court issued one opinion on Thursday, February 3.