250 litigators gathered on November 5th at the Westin Chicago River North Hotel for the Annual Symposium With The Judges. Hosted by Law Bulletin Seminars, a division of Law Bulletin Publishing Co., this MCLE event provided sitting judges from Cook County’s Law Division a forum to share their wisdom and advice with the lawyers who appear before them. As panelists, the judges fielded questions, offered candid comments, provided valuable advocacy tips, and discussed policies and procedures that are unique to their courtrooms.

The Symposium was kicked off by Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans. Four panel discussions featuring thirteen judges from Cook County’s Law Division followed. Top trial attorneys Kathleen McDonough, Bob Clifford, and Pat Salvi led three of the four panels, and Hon. Thomas Mulroy filled in for Manny Sanchez, who was called out of the country on a client matter. Several critical topics were covered throughout the afternoon, including mediation, pre-trial conferences, efficient case management, communicating with the court, procedural pitfalls, and the court’s handling of voir dire and juror questions.