ISBA Mutual Insurance Company

10/16/2026

Law firm investors now face firm statutory limits on how far their influence can reach into Illinois legal practice. Public Act 104-0801, introduced as House Bill 5487, adds a new "Protection of clients" section to the Illinois Attorney Act. The Act took effect immediately upon becoming law in August 2026.

Its focus is the growing role of private equity and other outside investors, much of which is channeled through management services organizations (MSOs). The Act defines an MSO as an entity that provides management and administrative support services in exchange for ownership of a law firm's assets or payments. Some are compensated based on firm performance, which has raised concerns about financial interests shaping legal decisions.

It was backed by the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and the Illinois Defense Counsel. It was opposed by the Illinois Venture Capital Association and the International Legal Finance Association. For Illinois lawyers at small and mid-sized firms, the Act changes how outside capital can enter a practice.

Take a Liability Minute: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/law-firm-investors-il-attorney-act

Law firm investors now face firm statutory limits on how far their influence can reach into Illinois legal practice. Public Act 104-0801 adds a new "Protection of clients" section to the Illinois Attorney Act.

10/13/2026

Last call for AI in the Courtroom in Harrisburg 📍

Tomorrow, October 15th, the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet leads this program at Morello's Restaurant and Catering from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM. Earn 1.25 hours of Professional Responsibility MCLE credit.

Grab one of the last seats: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/ai-courtroom-10-15-26

Then one week from today on October 20th, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company hosts “Starting & Running an AI-Forward Firm Without Getting Sued,” a complimentary CLE program for Illinois solos and small firms.

William Love, Esq., founder of EsqLove, walks through how to vet any AI tool, protect client data, bill for AI-assisted work, and set a written AI policy for your team. You’ll leave with a one-page decision card and checklist.

Join us from 12PM-1PM at our Chicago office or by Zoom. 1.0 hour of CLE credit available. In-person seats are limited.

Register now: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/october-2026-cle

10/12/2026

Artificial intelligence is changing how Illinois lawyers research, draft, and serve clients. The ethical questions are moving just as fast.

Join us Thursday, October 15, for AI in the Courtroom: Exploring the Impact, Ethics & Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law.

The Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet, former Associate Judge for the First Judicial Circuit Court, leads a candid look at what AI means for your practice, where the ethical lines are, and where the technology is headed.

Judge Goffinet co-chaired the Illinois Supreme Court Task Force on artificial intelligence. Few people in the state know this subject better.

📅 Thursday, October 15 | 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

📍 Morello’s Restaurant & Catering, 217 E. Poplar Street, Harrisburg

⚖️ 1.25 hours of professional responsibility MCLE credit

This program is a joint project of the Southeastern Illinois Bar Association, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, and the Illinois State Bar Association Rural Practice Section Council.

Reserve your seat: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/ai-courtroom-10-15-26

10/09/2026

ISBA Mutual Insurance Company is proud to be a 75th-anniversary presenting sponsor of the 27th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala.

This year’s Gala honors Larry Rogers, Jr. of Power Rogers, LLP, with the Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Award for Excellence. His leadership in the Illinois legal and philanthropic communities, and his dedication to serving others through the practice of law, make him a deserving recipient.

The evening also marks 75 years of the Illinois Bar Foundation. For 75 years, the IBF has worked to keep justice within reach for Illinois residents with limited means and to support lawyers who have fallen on hard times.

We are honored to stand alongside fellow Presenting Sponsors Perry and Michelle Browder, Clifford Law Offices, and Simmons Hanly Conroy.

Online ticket sales end today: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/illinois-bar-foundation-2026-gala

Join us for our 27th Annual Gala! Online sales end on Friday, October 9th!

You are cordially invited to join us for the 27th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala honoring Larry R. Rogers, Jr. (Power Rogers, LLP). Mr. Rogers Jr.'s leadership in the Illinois legal and philanthropic communities coupled with his dedication to serving others through the practice of law have made him exceedingly worthy of the Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Award for Excellence.

This year’s Gala will also mark the Illinois Bar Foundation’s 75th anniversary, giving us an opportunity to celebrate the long history and impact of the IBF as we look ahead to the next 75 years.

Tickets and information can be found at https://illinoisbarfoundation.org/event/2026-gala/

For questions, please contact Jessie Reeves, Director of Events & Administration, at [email protected] or312-920-4681.

10/07/2026

The best networking at happened on four legs! 🐶

Jonas and Clementine from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs stole the show during the conference's PAWS for a Break.

Andrew Murray of ISBA Mutual and board member Sarah Toney were happy to take a few minutes to say hello. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your practice is take a break. 😊

Thank you to handlers Ann and Megan for bringing these sweet pups to Peoria!

10/02/2026

Four MCLE programs. Three months. Each one tackles a risk Illinois lawyers face right now.

ISBA Mutual's fourth-quarter lineup offers up to 4.25 hours of MCLE credit:

⚖️ October 15 | AI in the Courtroom: Former Associate Judge Jeffrey A. Goffinet on AI's impact, the ethics, and where the technology is headed. In person in Harrisburg, 1.25 hours of professional responsibility credit.

💻 October 20 | Starting & Running an AI-Forward Firm Without Getting Sued: William Love of EsqLove on the practice management and professional responsibility questions AI creates.

🤝 November 12 | Lawyer to Lawyer Relationships That Create Risk: Jeremy N. Boeder on referrals, co-counsel, office sharing, and supervisory roles.

📋 December 17 | Received an ARDC Complaint? What Illinois Lawyers Should Do Next: Samuel J. Manella walks through the disciplinary process, from grievance to the Illinois Supreme Court.

The October 20, November 12, and December 17 programs are hybrid. Join us at our Chicago office or on Zoom.

View all events and register: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/upcoming-events

09/30/2026

Great catching up with Rachel Hernandez at the Illinois State Bar Association's 2026 Solo & Small Firm Conference in Peoria! 🤝

Andrew Murray of ISBA Mutual Insurance Company talked shop with Rachel, founder of Legal Solutions Collaborative Family Law and a leader in ISBA's solo and small firm community.

Rachel built her own practice and now helps other Illinois lawyers do the same. That's the community we're proud to serve.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth!

Get to know ISBA Mutual ➡️ https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/isbamutual

09/28/2026

ISBA Mutual Insurance Company congratulates board member Sarah Toney on representing Illinois lawyers in Washington, D.C.

On September 15, Sarah introduced Chief Judge Virginia Kendall of the Northern District of Illinois during "A Conversation with Federal Chief Judges." The panel met at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and brought together chief judges and bar leaders from across the country.

Sarah serves as President-Elect of the Illinois State Bar Association and practices criminal defense at The Toney Law Firm, LLC. She also serves on the ISBA Mutual Board of Directors.

Every member of our board is a practicing Illinois lawyer. When leaders like Sarah engage with the federal bench and national bar leaders, they bring that perspective back to the lawyers we serve.

Thank you to the District of Columbia Bar for the invitation, and congratulations, Sarah, on such a monumental career milestone!

09/23/2026

ISBA Mutual Insurance Company was proud to be the Diamond sponsor of ISBA's 2026 Solo & Small Firm Conference in Peoria. 🤝

Andrew Murray, our Vice President of Business Development, met lawyers from across Illinois at our booth. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, and to the Illinois State Bar Association for a great two days.

Proudly serving Illinois lawyers since 1988.

09/21/2026

Need help with a practice management question or an ethics gray area?

Our policyholders reach out about conflicts, file retention, withdrawing from a matter, fee disagreements, and situations that have not gone wrong yet but might.

That last group is the one we most want to hear about. Early conversations are always easier than late ones.

Resources here: https://qrcode.isbamutual.com/risk-management