Presented by the Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Judges’ AssociationComplimentary Program
Chicago
Thursday, May 15, 2025
20 S. Clark Street, Suite 820, Chicago
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50 hour approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Hon. Sam Amirante as he discusses his experiences (and the ethical dilemmas he faced) throughout his defense of John Wayne Gacy. Topics include: the psychological factors impacting Gacy’s crimes, the concept of an insanity defense (and the scrutiny it received), the specific legal criteria used in Gacy’s case (including the argument that Gacy suffered from a dissociative disorder), the role witness and expert testimony played throughout the case, how this case impacted changes in the practices and protocols of law enforcement, and the prosecutor’s perspective on the defense’s strategy. An overview of the judges’ retirement system, and Aetna insurance is also provided.
Program Coordinator:
Hon. Donald D. Bernardi (ret.), Normal
9:30 – 9:35 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
9:35 – 9:55 a.m. Judges’ Retirement System (No MCLE credit)
Angie Ackerson, Retirement and Pension Benefits Manager, Judges’ Retirement System of Illinois, Springfield
9:55 – 10:10 a.m. Aetna TRAIL Insurance (No MCLE credit)
Kaketta Payne, Aetna, a CVS Health Company
10:10 – 10:35 a.m. JRS Pension Updates (No MCLE credit)
Don’t miss this presentation that offers a brief recap of benefit levels, a look at Tier 1 to Tier 2 workforce transition, pension funding levels, and judges at Maximum Retirement Benefit (MRB).
Hon. Mark A. VandeWiele (ret.), Rock Island
10:35 – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 – 12:20 p.m. John Wayne Gacey: Defending a Monster
(1.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.50* hour Professionalism Responsibility MCLE credit)
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Hon. Sam Amirante as he discusses his experiences (and the ethical dilemmas he faced) throughout his defense of John Wayne Gacy. Topics include: the psychological factors impacting Gacy’s crimes, the concept of an insanity defense (and the scrutiny it received), the specific legal criteria used in Gacy’s case (including the argument that Gacy suffered from a dissociative disorder), the role witness and expert testimony played throughout the case, how this case impacted changes in the practices and protocols of law enforcement, and the prosecutor’s perspective on the defense’s strategy.
Moderator: Terrence J. Sheahan , Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, Chicago
Hon. Sam L. Amirante (ret.), Sam L. Amirante & Associates P.C., Oakbrook Terrace
Original source can be found here.