Roosevelt University - Paralegal Studies Program

Continuing Legal Education Seminars for Attorneys
Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies

Spring 2008 Seminar Schedule

Wed., April 30 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
1. Introduction to Exempt Organization Law

This course will provide an introduction to exempt organization law for attorneys who occasionally represent charitable or other exempt organizations. Topics covered will include the major categories of exempt organizations, the requirements for tax exemption, applying for exemption, special rules applicable to private foundations and donor-directed funds, the unrelated business income tax, and deduction of charitable contributions.

Leslie J. Miller, Esq., Tax Counsel, corporate Law Division, American Medical Association, 1978-2004; Study Group Leader Roosevelt University Institute for Continued Learning

Thurs., May 8 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
2. Bankruptcy Basics – Under the New Act

The proliferation of bankruptcy filings in the past year has been a result of many factors, including the economy and the real estate business. This seminar will give an overview, from the debtor's perspective, of the differences between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy under the new act, an explanation of the "means" test which determines what Chapter a debtor is eligible to file. Other areas of exploration and discussion will include general concerns a practitioner faces when advising a prospective bankruptcy debtor; the impact of the real estate market on the creditors, debtors, and bankruptcy trustees; what creditor remedies are available and what creditors seem willing to pursue in the current financial climate.

Jim Fine, Full-time faculty member Roosevelt University Paralegal Studies Program; Illinois General Practice Attorney

Tues., May 13 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
3. Pre-Trial Litigation Involving Mechanics Liens

The course is designed for the novice attorney who on occasion may have to handle a mechanics lien case. Practical discussion of some of the more frequent sections of the statute that arise and a reinforcement of some of the basic rules and time frames contained in this 150+ year old law.

Hon. Lewis Nixon, Roosevelt University Adjunct Instructor; Circuit Court of Cook County Judge, Chancery Division: Mortgage foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section

Wed. May 21 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
4. An Introduction to Special Education Law Part I

This fast paced continuing education course will provide attendees with an overview of Special Education Law from its early historical development, the passage and use of IDEA and Section 504, enforcement, evaluation and the beginning of the IEP process. Current and relevant state and federal rules, regulations, and cases will also be discussed. An excellent course for those interested in learning the framework of this growing area of law.

Sande Shamash, Esq., Executive director of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois, Inc. (TSA-IL)

Thurs. May 29 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
5. Title Insurance Commitments and Policies

Participants will learn about title insurance, why it is required and the differences between standard coverage and extended coverage policies. Several different title insurance commitments and policies will be examined and the difference between exceptions and exclusions from coverage will be discussed. Participants will learn how to determine whether or not exceptions from coverage violate the Real Estate Sales Contract and how to handle the situation when they do.

Carol Carlson, Esq. practices in the areas of residential real estate, corporate law, employment law, zoning, and civil litigation (specializing in breach of contract actions)

Tues. June 3 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
6. Legal Descriptions and Surveys

This course will cover the different types of legal descriptions. Participants will learn how to order surveys that comply with the Real Estate Sales Contract for residential and commercial properties and what to check for when the survey arrives at the office. They will examine a number of different types of surveys. Participants will learn how to handle encroachments with the title insurance company and learn about the Illinois Plat Act and look at a Plat of Subdivision.

Carol Carlson, Esq. practices in the areas of residential real estate, corporate law, employment law, zoning, and civil litigation (specializing in breach of contract actions)

Wed., June 4 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
7. An Introduction to Special Education Law Part II

This fast paced course begins with the identification, assessment and evaluation process under IEP and 504 plans. Special rules for determining eligibility under IDEA 2004 will be discussed as well as the specific make-up of the IEP team and content of the IEP and 504 plans. The course will examine disciplining students with disabilities and addressing problem behavior. The course will also look at No Child Left Behind and its impact on special education law.

Sande Shamash, Esq., Executive director of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois, Inc. (TSA-IL)

Mon., June 9 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
8. It's Time: Learn the Basics of Electronic Legal Research

For those attorneys who are still stuck in age of paper legal research, this will be a review of electronic research tools available for lawyers. A brief review of Westlaw, Lexis and free internet legal research sites shall be included. It is time to enter the 21st Century and learn how to research electronically.

Todd Heller: Roosevelt University Adjunct Instructor; Attorney, Law Offices of Todd A Heller & Associates

Wed., June 11 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
9. Real Estate Closing Documents

A description and study of all closing documents, what they must include legally, and the purpose of each document. Participants will examine the closing documents in greater depth before learning how to complete them. In seminar Number 12 offered on Thursday, June 19, participants will complete the closing documents that will be discussed in this seminar.

Carol Carlson, Esq. practices in the areas of residential real estate, corporate law, employment law, zoning, and civil litigation (specializing in breach of contract actions)

Sat. June 14 (9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS:4 4 professional responsibility hours
10. Ethical Considerations in the Utilization of Law Office Staff and Developing and Maintaining a Diverse Team

When used properly, paralegals, legal assistants, law clerks and other members of your staff can make your office run more efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, many lawyers and law offices either fail to use their staff effectively, or run the risk of violating Illinois Rules of Professional conduct by using staff inappropriately. The first part of this seminar covers the effective and ethical use of nonlawyer assistants in a law office. The second part of the seminar focuses on developing and maintaining a diverse team.

Michael S. Burns, Roosevelt University Adjunct Instructor; Associate Dean for Enrollment Management & Director of Law Admission, DePaul University College of Law

Tues., June 17 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
11. Summation

Summation is a litigation management program that is used to simplify the litigation process, especially discovery and document management. Summation also has a transcript management capacity that allows for reading and marking transcripts that will forever do away with Post-It Notes and colored high-lighters. The course will be a basic training on uses of Summation and will be taught in a computer lab with "hands-on" exercises.

Jim Fine, Full-time faculty member Roosevelt University Paralegal Studies Program; Illinois General Practice Attorney

Thurs. June 19 (6:00 - 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
12. The Basics of Completing Conveyancing Documents in a Residential Real Estate Transaction

We will go through a check list of documents required by the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 4.0. We will complete many of the required documents including, but not limited to, the deed, the bill of sale, the affidavit of title, the real estate transfer declaration, and the closing statement. Although it is not required that participants have attended Seminar Number 9 on June 11, that seminar will be extremely helpful in developing an understanding of the closing documents that will be completed in this seminar.

Carol Carlson, Esq. practices in the areas of residential real estate, corporate law, employment law, zoning, and civil litigation

Sat. June 21 (10:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
13. Maximizing Legal Research Strategies

Do you want to speed up your legal research? Learn how to maximize available technology? Then this course is for you. This class meets in a computer lab. Participants will do a "hands-on" class using Lexis as the platform.

Mary Boland: Roosevelt University Adjunct Instructor; Assistant State's Attorney

Mon. June 23 (6:00 0 9:15 p.m.)		IL MCLE HOURS: 3
14. Do you really want to go to Battle? Methods to Resolve Cases before Proceeding to Trial.

This seminar will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of resolving all different types of civil controversies without trial, including, but not limited to: settlements and alternative dispute resolution.

Todd Heller: Roosevelt University Adjunct Instructor; Attorney, Law Offices of Todd A Heller & Associates