On July 9, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT, the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the 7th Circuit Bar Association Pro Bono Committee will host a free CLE event focusing on settlement advocacy techniques for pro se cases. Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois will deliver the opening remarks.
The event will cover such topics as:
SAP Matters: Overview and the Volunteer Experience: Presented by J. Cunyon (Settlement Assistance Program) and Rami Fakhouri (Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP)
Listening Differently: Client Communication Strategies: Presented by Elizabeth Shaver (Center for Conflict Resolution)
Strategies and Pitfalls: Lessons from the Bench: Moderated by Kathleen Hennessy (Hamilton & Hennessy LLC) and presented by a distinguished panel of federal magistrate judges:
- Hon. Gabriel A. Fuentes
- Hon. Jeffrey T. Gilbert
- Hon. Heather K. McShain
Attendees will receive 3 hours of general CLE credit (pending approval) and become eligible to participate in the Pro Se Litigants Settlement Assistance Program (SAP). The event will be held at the Dirksen Federal Building, 219 South Dearborn Street, 25th Floor, Courtroom 2525, Chicago, IL, 60604. Click here to register.