An entity’s financial statements convey a great deal of significant information regarding its financial position and the results of its operations. The ability to understand financial statements is a critical skill for corporate, family, trial, and other lawyers. It also is essential for lawyers reviewing financial statements to be able to "read between the lines.” This session focuses on understanding financial statements, intermediate level financial analysis and essential concepts underlying the presentation of financial information to assess their reliability. At the end of the program, lawyers will be able to ask better questions regarding the financial statements they need to review and analyze and/or to recognize when the level of complexity is such that they need to hire a forensic accountant to assist in that review and analysis.

The program will be taught by a forensic accountant with more than 45 years of experience who is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Public Accountant, and Certified in Financial Forensics. The program is built around a case study that incorporates the financial shenanigans seen in the investigative projects completed over several years. The case study includes a full set of financial statements, including footnote disclosures. (Participants attending the program will need to have a copy of the case study financial statements at the program to derive the maximum benefit from the program.)  

The program provides special emphasis on "financial shenanigans" - ways in which Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") might be manipulated to create misstated financial statements - as well as practical suggestions on how to find misstatements in financial statements of both public companies and medium sized, family owned businesses.

The program is ideal for corporate attorneys, trial lawyers, bankruptcy counsel, family law practitioners and general counsel. 

SPEAKER:
Michael D. Pakter, CPA, CFF, CGMA, CFE, CVA, MAFF, CA, CIRA, CDBV
Managing Member, Gould & Pakter Associates, LLC

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Topic: Preparing for CCPA Compliance: Privacy Risk Assessments and Cybersecurity Audits

Speakers: Jennifer Dickey, Data Privacy and AI Associate, Dykema; Matthew T. Hayes, Member, Dykema

This program will provide an overview of the CCPA’s privacy risk assessment and cybersecurity audit requirements. The presenters will discuss which businesses are subject to the requirements, the activities that may trigger a risk assessment, the scope of required cybersecurity audits, and practical steps organizations can take to prepare for compliance.

(IL MCLE credit for live webcast only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

This is a hybrid program with a webcast and in-person option at The Chicago Bar Association (321 S. Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60604). Please indicate if you will attend in-person when registering where indicated. 

Topic: A Discussion of Erin Clifford’s Wellness Reimagined: A Holistic Approach to Health, Happiness and Harmony
Speaker: Erin Clifford, JD, MA, LPC; Managing Director at Clifford Law Offices, Corporate Wellness Consultant, Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois, and National Certified Counselor

(IL Mental Health/Substance Abuse PR-MCLE credit for live program only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Topic: ADR in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Speakers: Judge (ret.) Jerome Abrams, ADR Neutral, JAMS; Retired Judge, First Judicial District Court, Minnesota

Ryan Abbott, MD, Esq., FCIArb, ADR Neutral, JAMS, Inc.

(IL MCLE credit for live meeting only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Topic: Cook County Adoption Judges Panel

Speakers:
Judge Maureen Ward Kirby, Presiding Judge, County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County
Judge Araceli R. De La Cruz, County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County
Judge Mary S. Trew, County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County
Judge Anna M. Loftus, County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County

Our annual judges' panel returns! Join our Cook County Adoption Judges for an interactive discussion on recent court procedures, practice updates, recurring issues, and practical insights to help you navigate adoption cases more effectively. Members are encouraged to submit questions in advance to DPatton@growyourfamily.net.

(IL MCLE credit for live webcast only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Topic: Elements of a Motion to Suppress

Speakers: Adam Sheppard, Sheppard Law Firm

(IL MCLE credit for live webcast only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

The Chicago Bar Association Public Affairs Committee will co-host a forum focused on the Illinois Accountability Commission’s report on the impact of Operation Midway Blitz. 

Governor JB Pritzker established the Commission to develop an independent public record grounded in evidence, testimony, and investigative review. The Governor named Judge Ruben Castillo, former chief judge of the Northern District of Illinois, as the Commission’s Chair. The Commission was tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into federal law enforcement conduct during Operation Midway Blitz and its impact on Illinois communities. The Final Report is the culmination of that work. In April 2026, the Commission issued its final report based on the independent investigation with findings that are substantial and corroborated by multiple sources. 

Please join us for the forum, which will feature the Commission’s Chair, Judge Ruben Castillo, who will present the report’s findings. This will be followed by a conversation with Professor Laura Beth Nielsen about the significance of the findings for civil rights, the questions that confront our understanding of democracy in a multiethnic, multiracial society, and audience questions. The program will be moderated by Professor Raff Donelson of I.I.T. Chicago-Kent College of Law.    

About the Speakers:

The Honorable Ruben Castillo was appointed by President Clinton as a federal judge for the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago) and served for twenty-five years, from 1994 to 2019, including six years (2013 to 2019) as Chief Judge. Judge Castillo was also appointed by President Clinton as Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission in 1999 and was reappointed by President George W. Bush to a second term as Vice Chair in 2004. Judge Castillo is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Law.

Professor Laura Beth Neilsen is the Board of Lady Managers of the Columbian Exposition Chair in Sociology at Northwestern University and the Executive Director Designate of The American Bar Foundation. In addition to her numerous publications, she is the author of the forthcoming book, The Democracy We Deserve. 

Professor Raff Donelson is an interdisciplinary scholar whose research grapples with questions in law and philosophy, as well as at their intersection. In philosophy, his research focuses on the foundations of ethics and on questions about the nature of law. His doctrinal legal work centers on constitutional protections for incarcerated people and the accused. He teaches courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, and legal theory. 

This program is co-sponsored by The State and Local Government Subcommittee of the Public Affairs Committee at the Union League Club of Chicago; ULCC’s Civics Education, Administration of Justice, and the Women of the Union League Club Subcommittees, Northwest Center, The Resurrection Project, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, and The Chicago Bar Association.

The CBA will administer IL MCLE Credit and the program will be hosted at Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd., Chicago IL 60604. Lunch will be provided. Register through the Union League Club at: 

https://midwayblitz.eventbrite.com

Cost:  $57.18 | Attire:  Smart Casual

Space is limited. RSVP required.

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Topic: From Invisible to Unstoppable: Build a Brand that’s Memorable and Referable

Speaker: Steve Fretzin, Be THAT Lawyer Community

In today’s competitive legal marketplace, your reputation often reaches potential clients before you do. This practical program will show attorneys how to build an authentic personal brand that attracts opportunities, strengthens referral relationships, and positions them as trusted experts. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to elevate their visibility, expand their network, and grow their book of business without feeling salesy.  

(IL MCLE credit for live webcast only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

This is a hybrid program with a webcast and in-person option at The Chicago Bar Association (321 S. Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60604). Please indicate if you will attend in-person when registering where indicated.

Topic: IP Prosecution Practice in the EU & UK

Speakers: David Yeomans, Trade Mark Attorney, Elkington + Fife, London; Jack P. Brown, Associate P.Q. Patent Attorney, Agile IP, London

(MCLE credit for live program only. No MCLE credit for on demand webcast.)

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Topic: Immigration Event, Candidate Forum Policy 

To confirm you are ready to participate in an on demand webcast, please take the browser test here: http://eventcenter.commpartner...

Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live.