CBA Record September-October 2026

CLE in Edinburgh The CBA and President Trisha M. Rich are planning a CBA CLE Abroad to Edinburgh, Scotland, May 2-5, 2027. CLE programming with an international flair will be included. Special tours and social events will also be on the itinerary. An extension to London is planned from May 5-8. Watch your inbox or visit www. chicagobar.org for more information. Celebrate Civic Education For almost 40 years, the CBA Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program (LIC) has connected attor neys and students in grades 2-8 through engaging civic education experiences that strengthen democracy and bring the Constitution and legal system to life. Join us for the 2026 Annual Civic Education Celebration on November 12 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. to recognize spon sors and donors and highlight LIC’s active volunteers and partners. Find more information at https://givebutter. com/2026LICCivicEducation. The CBA’s Continuing Legal Educa tion Department is off to a robust start with a full calendar of new seminars this September. Visit learn.chicagobar.org to see what’s new and register for the pro grams of your choice. Now is also the perfect time to sign up for the Associa tion’s budget-friendly seminar plan. With the CLE Advantage Plan, CBA members can attend most continuing legal educa tion seminars for only $160 per plan year (to put that in perspective, a single 3-hour CLE is typically priced at $95 for a CBA member). Plan details can be found at learn.chicagobar.org or email cle@chica gobar.org. Free Malpractice Insurance Quote CBA Insurance Agency is pleased to offer CBA members a complimentary comparison quote for legal malpractice insurance. Visit www.cbainsurance.org to learn more and apply for a free quote. Save on CBA CLE with the CLE Advantage Plan

THE CBA PULSE

BY BETH McMEEN, CBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Justice John Paul Stevens Awards Join us on October 20 to celebrate Illinois attorneys who have demonstrated extraordi nary integrity and service to the community throughout their careers. The 2026 honor ees are: Margaret Benson, Executive Director, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services; U. S. Senator Dick Durbin; Bob Glaves, Executive Director, Chicago Bar Foundation; Mary Robinson, Of Counsel, Robinson Stewart Montgomery & Doppke LLC; Judge Mary M. Rowland, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; Timothy Tomasik, Tomasik Kotin Kasserman; and Andrea Zopp, Managing Partner, CAST US, Cleve land Avenue. The luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club. Make your reservation at www.chicagobar.org/stevens . 22nd Annual Pro Bono Week and Community Service Fair 2026 Pro Bono Week activities will be held October 26-30. The week, a pioneering CBA tradition, is chaired by Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Michael T. Mullen and Kristen Harrison from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. It features outstanding programs including a Pro Bono and Community Service Fair with 30-plus organiza tions that provide pro bono legal services to the public. The fair introduces lawyers to a wide array of pro bono opportunities available through these organizations. The week’s programming will focus on empowering people and communities to give back and will include free CLE sessions and a story slam based on this year’s theme, “A More Perfect Justice System.” Look for more information at chicagobarfoundation.org/probonoweek. The CBA Well-Being and Mindfulness Committee and the Animal Law Committee sponsored a new CLE, “The Power of Connection for Lawyer Well-Being.” Over 65 attorneys gathered to understand how therapy animals can improve well-being and reduce stress, along with the legal frameworks surrounding therapy animals. Attendees were able to interact with therapy dogs and miniature horses from the SOUL Harbour Ranch, a comprehensive nonprofit animal therapy program. Pictured from left: Tracy McGonigle, McKenna Storer; Jennifer Russo, Murphy Law Group; Lisa Velez, MedPro Group; and Karen Munoz, Roaring Grace Mindful Wellness.

18 September/October 2026