Chicago Council of Lawyers

11/11/2026

Attorneys representing people who say they were harmed during federal immigration enforcement operations discuss efforts to identify ICE and Border Patrol agents, pursue accountability, and challenge alleged violations of civil rights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QvpFBISBEQ

The conversation covers civil lawsuits, access to detained clients, habeas corpus cases, police investigations, and the legal barriers involved in holding federal officers accountable.

Don't forget to subscribe to the CCL YouTube Channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/

Attorneys representing people who say they were harmed during feder...

11/06/2026

When does prosecutorial discretion cross into political influence?

The Chicago Council of Lawyers brought together experienced attorneys and former federal prosecutors for Politically Motivated Prosecutions: Defending the Right to Dissent.

The panel explores federal charging decisions, grand juries, prosecutorial ethics, DOJ independence, attorney accountability, and the challenge of maintaining public trust in the justice system.

Watch the full discussion:https://chicagocouncil.org/politically-motivated-prosecutions-defending-the-right-to-dissent/

11/05/2026

The Chicago Council of Lawyers' Acting Executive Director, David Melton, was interviewed on Fox 32 Chicago to discuss the Cook County judicial election results.

Watch ‘Evaluating the Judicial Election Results in Cook County” to hear David’s perspective on the results and judicial evaluations.

All 60 Cook County circuit judges up for retention are on track to ...

11/05/2026

Congratulations to the 1,572 new attorneys admitted to the Illinois Bar!

The Chicago Council of Lawyers was proud to participate in the swearing-in ceremony and celebrate this important milestone.

To welcome Illinois’ newest attorneys to the legal community, CCL is offering a free one-year membership to eligible new attorneys.

Learn more and request your membership: https://chicagocouncil.org/congratulations-to-illinois-newly-admitted-attorneys/

11/03/2026

When CCL lawyers speak up, people can't help but listen. If you want to take part in coming up with real, practical solutions for the betterment of Cook County, then this is the place for you too.

Go to https://chicagocouncil.org/get-involved to JOIN or RENEW your membership and to help shape the law in IL.

11/03/2026

Volunteer judges and jurors are needed for the Empire Chicago High School Mock Trial Competition on November 14–15 at the Hilton Chicago!

Attorneys from all practice backgrounds and law students are welcome. Volunteers can help support the next generation of advocates while earning free Ethics MCLE, with complimentary parking and meals provided.

Learn more and sign up: https://empiremocktrial.org/judge-chicago

Visit ChicagoCouncil.org to get involved and learn more about other opportunities, events, and more!

425 STUDENTS. ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT CHICAGO!

As Empire Mock Trial celebrates its 20th season, we’re heading to Chicago for one final competition of the season and we need the legal community to help make it possible!

Whether you are a judge, attorney, law student, or former mocker there is a way for you to make a difference by volunteering and spreading the word. Here is what you need to know 👇

📍 November 14–15 | Hilton Chicago
👩‍⚖️ Volunteer as a Judge or Juror!
✨ Earn FREE ethics MCLEs
⚖️ Volunteer for just one trial (9:15 AM or 2:30 PM)
🤝 Network with sitting judges and Chicago’s legal community
🥗 Enjoy catered meals + our Appreciation Night social

The greatest reward? Helping the next generation of leaders build confidence, sharpen their advocacy skills, and find their voice.

20 seasons is a milestone worth celebrating and we hope you'll join us!

Please share with colleagues, law students, and mock trial alumni!

👉 Sign up today: empiremocktrial.org/judge-chicago

11/02/2026

Discover why Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has a long history of supporting the Chicago Council of Lawyers.

Go to https://chicagocouncil.org/get-involved to JOIN or RENEW your membership and to help shape the law in IL.

10/27/2026

The Department of Justice has transformed into a political institution that is currently directed by President Trump, according to Attorney Chris Gair.

Gair, a highly regarded trial lawyer, recently spoke on the topic last week (10/19) as part of THE CCL panel discussion "Politically Motivated Prosecutions: Defending the Right to Dissent."

Don't miss out on the next event from Chicago's public interest bar association! Go to https://chicagocouncil.org/get-involved/ to JOIN or RENEW your membership and to help shape the law in IL.

10/22/2026

The legal system must serve the public—not just the powerful. That mission is now more urgent than ever. CCL gives lawyers a collective voice to defend the rule of law and demand accountability.

JOIN or RENEW your membership at https://chicagocouncil.org/get-involved/ to help shape the law for the better in IL.

10/21/2026

How secure are our elections, and which risks deserve the greatest attention?

There’s still time to register and join us for Civil Disagreements: Election Security, a moderated conversation exploring election integrity, voting access, cybersecurity, misinformation, public trust, and the safeguards protecting our democratic process.

📅 Thursday, October 29
🕦 11:30 a.m.
📍 Union League Club of Chicago

Moderator:
Alisa Kaplan, Executive Director, Reform for Illinois: Moderator

Panelists:
Noah Praetz, President, Ready for Tuesday
June Brown, Board Secretary, Chicago Board of Elections
Anthony Bega, Lake County Clerk
Elizabeth Yang, President, WStrong LLC

Learn more and register: https://chicagocouncil.org/event/civil-disagreements-election-security/