Looking back at your collegiate and law school experiences, you're bound to remember the nuances of your many professors - like fingerprints, no two were exactly the same! Although judges are equally as diverse, there are a few things they all seem to agree on, so don't miss this program. Topics include: mistakes to avoid, civility, brief-writing tips, persuasive arguments,
and more!

Someone once said that mistakes can be as good a teacher as success - which is only true if you turn your mistakes into a learning experience (or learn from the mistakes of others!). This program examines some of the common mistakes made by new attorneys and explores some of the best ways to deal with them once they've occurred. Using the framework of the new Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, our panelists discuss common issues you may encounter with clients, supervisory attorneys, and opposing counsel. The importance of being prepared and conducting your practice with honesty and integrity (as well as the potential consequences when
you don't) are also examined.

Now that you're an official Illinois lawyer, how will you develop your professional skills? Join us for some insider tips on how to pursue various legal careers and improve your professional skills as an attorney along the way. Panelists from a variety of legal positions share how they made their professional choices and show how sometimes what appears to be a mistake may lead to new opportunities. Program topics include: challenges for new attorneys (such as recognizing common ethical pitfalls and conflicts of interest); where to turn for guidance; handling the stress of a legal career; settling on an area of practice (or transitioning from one you hate); and much more!

Get the information you need on the best legal research resources available to new attorneys! Learn how to find forms, conduct searches, get free information, and much more. Particular emphasis is given to using multiple formats for cost and time-effectiveness. The current state of web-based information is also discussed, as well as what the practitioner needs to know about online government information.

Satisfying your clients is the key to keeping the clients you have and obtaining new ones along the way. This presentation explores the top 20 ways to make your clients happy - from returning phone calls and dealing with conflicts, to maintaining accurate records and training your staff.

Technology provides great benefits for attorneys, including highly efficient workflow,
unprecedented access to information and rapid, cost-effective communications. Most lawyers, however, do not consider the great risks that technology creates for the practicing attorney. This session identifies those risks and shows you how to address them before launching into the latest and greatest in technology.

Bashing lawyers is quickly becoming America's favorite pastime. But, why? Is it because the typical layperson is jealous of our intellect, incomes and good looks? Master Series presenter, Sean Carter, America’s Humorist at Law, suggests that while this may be true in his case, there may be other factors at work, as well. In this presentation, Mr. Carter uses the topic of lawyer jokes and whether they have any basis in fact to explore why and how lawyers adhere to the rules of professional conduct.

Learn some basic tips on using popular social media networks to your benefit in the practice of law.