CLE is provided to Members and to paid guest who have provided all requested information at the time of registration. A missing ARDC number or name mis-match with an attorney's MCLE profile may result in delayed or no credit. If credit is requested after the initial reporting period, a late fee will apply and must be paid in advance.

Events

  • The Intersection of Real Estate and Probate: Handling Real Estate in Decedent's Estates

    • Wed, November 05, 2025
    • 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
    • Webinar
    • 368 registrants
    Register

    An IRELA CLE Webinar

    The Intersection of Real Estate and Probate: Handling Real Estate in Decedent's Estates

    Colleen L. Sahlas

    MCLE approved for 1-hour General CLE credit

    Registration is Free for IRELA Members
    Non-Members ~ $50*

    Probate and real estate laws intersect when owners of real estate pass away. Real estate attorneys unfamiliar with probate and probate alternatives may be confronted with the many real estate pitfalls that arise at the owner's death.

    Unlike investments/securities owned by a decedent at death, real estate can be more of a liability. Real estate may have liens or encumbrances and incur damage if left vacant. Real estate is not readily liquidable, and is not moveable. If located outside of Illinois, real estate having a situs in another state may require probate for more than one state.

    Real estate expenses and maintenance costs continue on after death. What if funds can't be accessed until probate is opened? In Cook County, it may take one to two months to open probate. Who can manage the real estate and expenses in the meantime? What if the estate is insolvent but for real estate which must be sold to pay creditors? What are the advantages of a fiduciary in probate selling real estate? What instrument of conveyance or other document should be recorded if the property is not sold during probate?  Is a bond in lieu of probate a better option than probate? Can a bond in lieu be used in conjunction with a small estate affidavit?

    Learn about the newly amended small estate affidavit which took effect on August 15, 2025. Join Colleen Sahlas on Nov 5th as she unravels real estate in the probate maze!

    Colleen L. Sahlas is the managing partner of the Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, in Oak Brook, Illinois. The firm was founded by her father, David E. Hoy, in 1985. For 25 years, she has focused her practice in estates/probate and trust administration, estate planning, business and real estate. Mrs. Sahlas is the winner of the 2025 IICLE Outstanding Achievement in Estate Planning Award.

    She is the General Editor and primary author of  "Practical Probate 2025," an Essential Guide for Illinois Decedents’ Estates in Independent Administration published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. This brand new IICLE manual features 14 prominent co-authors and a Foreword by Cook County Presiding Probate Judge Daniel B. Malone.

    From 2024-25, Mrs. Sahlas served as the Chair of the Trusts and Estates Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association, and as the newsletter editor from 2017-2022. As former Chair of the council, she was the proponent of the amendment to the Small Estate Affidavit. She helped draft the bill, negotiate with the Illinois Secretary of State, and was influential in its passage into law. Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 104-0346 into law on August 15, 2025. 

    Mrs. Sahlas has presented webinars with IICLE and ISBA, and authored real estate materials including Attorney Fee Service Agreements with IICLE's Formulaw Library. She has been published in the American Bar Association’s Probate & Property Magazine, and had numerous articles published in ISBA's Trusts and Estates Newsletter and Real Property Newsletter. In 2022, she served alongside Michael J. Rooney and John O'Brien on a 6-member Legislative Committee with IRELA which successfully amended the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act.

    *Join IRELA

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  • Build Your Competitive Edge: Online Visibility + Personal Branding for Real Estate Attorneys

    • Wed, November 12, 2025
    • 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
    • Webinar
    • 158 registrants
    Register

    An IRELA CLE Webinar

    Build Your Competitive Edge: Online Visibility + Personal Branding for Real Estate Attorneys

    Sabrina Bier

    MCLE tentative for 1-hour Professionalism CLE credit

    Registration is Free for IRELA Members
    Non-Members ~ $50*

    Most attorneys’ #1 referral source is Realtors®. In 60 minutes, see exactly how to structure your online presence so you’re found, chosen, and remembered by the agents who refer you to their clients. Yes—Realtors (and their clients) are Googling you to confirm you’re legit. Sabrina will show real examples of what works (and what quietly costs you referrals), how to craft quick Q&As that Google and ChatGPT tend to surface (SEO/AEO) for Chicago- and suburb-specific questions, and how to package a memorable “competitive edge” that agents actually value. 

    You’ll leave with ready-to-use checklists, templates, and message prompts you can implement immediately—no tech team required.

    Why Attend (in plain English)

    • See what agents see. Understand how you appear in search and what makes them call—or move on.
    • Fix the easy stuff fast. Make sure your name, address, phone, hours, and links are correct everywhere (stop losing calls to bad info).
    • Remove hidden red flags. Identify common website issues that quietly turn off referrals.
    • Answer the questions agents ask every week. Use a simple Q&A format that helps you show up as the trusted local answer.
    • Stand out on purpose. Turn your real strengths into a one-sentence pitch agents remember.
    • Leave with a plan. Checklists, templates, and two done-for-you messages to start booking office talks.

    Perfect for: Chicago and Illinois real estate attorneys who rely on Realtor® referrals and want a sharper, more referable online presence—without adding hours to their week.

    IRELA Webinar presenter Sabrina Bier on Personal Branding and Online Visibility

    Sabrina Bier is a dynamic speaker, seasoned real estate professional, and marketing strategist with 20+ years as a licensed Realtor® in Chicago—the nation’s third-largest city. For the past nine years, she has served as Director of Digital Media & Education at Proper Title, one of Chicagoland’s fastest-growing and largest title agencies. In this role, Sabrina leads strategic marketing and education for attorneys, Realtors®, and lenders while growing a personal brand as a trusted micro-influencer—driving visibility and referral growth from the inside out.

    A math graduate and proud tech nerd, she approaches every challenge like a problem to solve—combining data, creativity, and AI tools to make marketing more efficient and effective. Her talks translate modern marketing into practical playbooks that help professionals sharpen their competitive edge, define a clear differentiator, and build sustainable systems for growth.

    Sabrina blends education, innovation, and authenticity with real-world experience, humor, and heart. She equips real estate attorneys to win and retain high-quality Realtor® referrals, communicate value clearly, and stand out with credibility and care—especially in demanding markets where attention is scarce and trust decides the deal.

    *Join IRELA

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  • From Contracts to Calm: Practical Tools for Work Life Harmony

    • Wed, December 10, 2025
    • 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
    • Webinar
    • 22 registrants
    Register

    An IRELA CLE Webinar

     From Contracts to Calm: Practical Tools for Work Life Harmony

    Erin Clifford

    MCLE tentative for 1-hour Mental Health & Substance Abuse CLE credit

    Registration is Free for IRELA Members
    Non-Members ~ $50*


    Erin Clifford

    Erin Clifford is a corporate wellness consultant who helps professionals build healthy, happy, and harmonious lifestyles. Through her coaching, seminars, and programs, she takes a holistic approach that integrates nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, mindfulness, relationships, career goals, and mental health. A Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and National Certified Counselor, Erin earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. As a Managing Director at Clifford Law Offices, she understands the unique challenges professionals face and creates tailored strategies to support them. In May 2025, Erin released her first book, Wellness Reimagined: A Holistic Approach to Health, Happiness, and Harmony, which hit the Top 10 of USA TODAY’s Best-Selling Booklist in its second week.  


    *Join IRELA

    Show details

  • January CLE Webinar & Annual Membership Meeting

    • Wed, January 14, 2026
    • 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
    • Webinar

    Save the Date

     

    Show details

Past events

Wed, October 08, 2025 Understanding and Drawing Legal Descriptions in One Hour
Thu, September 18, 2025 IRELA Cocktail Party
Wed, September 10, 2025 Case Law Update 2025
Wed, August 13, 2025 Zoning Topics for a Real Estate Transaction
Wed, July 09, 2025 Great! Now What!?!?!? - Creating Your Firm's Cyber Response Plan
Thu, June 19, 2025 IRELA Cocktail Party
Wed, June 11, 2025 Seller Impersonation Fraud & Land Trusts
Wed, May 14, 2025 We Need To Talk: Navigating Challenging Conversations about Diversity
Wed, April 09, 2025 Illinois Condominium Law Updates
Wed, April 02, 2025 8.0 Revisited - What We Are Seeing Now That We Are Using the New Contract
Wed, March 12, 2025 Concessions, Closing Costs & Compensation - Where Are We Now?
Thu, February 13, 2025 IRELA Cocktail Party
Wed, February 12, 2025 Sued for Wire Fraud
Wed, January 15, 2025 Multi-Board 8.0: What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Form
Wed, January 08, 2025 Board Election Results & Overview of Northwest Housing Preservation Ordinance
Wed, December 11, 2024 The Path to a Successful Law Career
Wed, December 04, 2024 Marketing Content Inspired by Dick Bales
Wed, November 13, 2024 Property Tax Enforcement In Flux: What does Tyler v. Hennepin County mean for Illinois Taxpayers?
Wed, October 30, 2024 Creative Financing / Deals & Underwriting - Part 2
Wed, October 09, 2024 Creative Financing / Deals & Underwriting
Wed, September 18, 2024 A Comprehensive Look at Illinois Land Trusts
Thu, September 12, 2024 IRELA Cocktail Party
Wed, August 14, 2024 A Walk on the Wild Side of Estates and Probate
Wed, August 07, 2024 Concessions, Closing Costs & Compensation: Understanding the Options
Wed, July 10, 2024 Civil Remedies for Real Estate Transactions Gone Bad
Wed, June 12, 2024 Beyond Bias: Strategies for Inclusive Legal Leadership
Wed, May 15, 2024 Demystifying Business Ownership Information & Navigating FIRPTA Withholding
Wed, May 08, 2024 Easy Marketing for Your Firm
Wed, April 10, 2024 Illinois Notary Statute Changes & Review
Thu, March 14, 2024 IRELA Cocktail Party
Wed, March 13, 2024 Intro to Reverse Mortgages
Wed, March 06, 2024 Social Media Power Hour - Introducing the Campaign
Wed, February 21, 2024 Leasing, Security Deposits and Evictions in Illinois
Wed, January 17, 2024 Special 2-Part Webinar: The ALTA 2021 Title Policies & Self Directed IRA
Wed, January 10, 2024 Annual Board Election & Health, Wellness, and Self Care in the Post-Pandemic
Wed, December 13, 2023 Unusual & Timely Real Estate Tax Issues for the Real Estate Attorney & Title Examiner
Wed, November 15, 2023 Effective Marketing within the Rules of Professional Conduct
Wed, October 11, 2023 Condominium Legal Update
Wed, September 13, 2023 We Need To Talk: Navigating Challenging Conversations about Diversity
Thu, August 10, 2023 IRELA Summer Cocktail Party
Thu, August 10, 2023 Can Insurance Protect You Against Wire Fraud?
Wed, July 12, 2023 Attorney Fees and Trust Funds: What You Need to Know About Amended Rules 1.5 and 1.15
Wed, July 05, 2023 New Notary Journal Requirements
Wed, June 14, 2023 Home Title Lock
Wed, May 17, 2023 Advanced Concepts of 1031 Exchanges - Pt. 2
Thu, May 11, 2023 Compassion Fatigue: Sustaining the Professional Self
Wed, April 26, 2023 The State of Wire Fraud in the Real Estate Industry
Tue, April 11, 2023 What to Post? Content Ideas to Drive Business
Wed, March 22, 2023 Advanced Concepts of 1031 Exchanges
Wed, March 08, 2023 Property Tax Prorations: Pitfalls, Best Practices, and Practice Tools
Wed, February 08, 2023 Dick Bales’ Complete Guide to Deeds
Wed, January 11, 2023 Earnest Money Disputes
Tue, December 06, 2022 IRELA Holiday Party
Thu, December 01, 2022 You can’t paddle your kayak down the Mazon River anymore: The fate of boating on nonnavigable waters after Holm v. Kodat.
Wed, November 16, 2022 What Is Heating Up in the Title World
Tue, November 08, 2022 Civility: Difficult People & Conversations in the Workplace
Thu, October 13, 2022 Illinois Tax Policy and Current Legislative Trends Affecting Your Clients' Properties
Wed, September 21, 2022 Build Your Brand: 30-Minutes, Twice a Week
Thu, September 08, 2022 Townhomes, Condos, and Co-ops
Wed, July 13, 2022 Cyber Security: People Are the Weakest Link
Mon, June 13, 2022 The New Real Property Disclosure Act
Wed, June 08, 2022 Advanced Survey Analysis
Wed, May 25, 2022 Easy & Effective Marketing Strategies for Your Firm
Wed, May 11, 2022 Decoding the Chicago Zoning Code for Real Estate Practitioners
Wed, April 20, 2022 Fannie Mae Requirements – Can I Still Sell My Condo?
Wed, April 13, 2022 WTF: What The Fraud?!
Wed, March 09, 2022 Practical TODI Advice and Advanced TODI Topics in 2022
Wed, February 16, 2022 Disclosure of Financial Interest: The New DS-1
Wed, February 09, 2022 Advanced Topics in Property Tax: Exemptions Explained, Reassessment Update, and Proration Disasters
Wed, January 12, 2022 The Cook County Tenant/Landlord Ordinance Revisited
Tue, December 07, 2021 Landlord Tenant Update
Wed, November 10, 2021 Stress in the Workplace: The Impact It Has on Our Thinking
Wed, October 13, 2021 Changes to the Transfer on Death Instrument Act
Wed, September 15, 2021 Remote Control – The Status of RIN and RON in Illinois
Wed, September 08, 2021 Letters of Engagement: How Recent Events Should Shape Your Practice
Wed, July 14, 2021 Forming a Condominium – What is in a Declaration and 22.1s
Wed, June 09, 2021 Private Rights and Remedies
Tue, May 04, 2021 Case Law Update
Wed, April 21, 2021 Resilience in the Age of Covid-19
Wed, April 14, 2021 The New Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance
Wed, March 10, 2021 Advanced Concepts in Section 1031 Exchanges
Wed, February 10, 2021 Real Property Disclosure Act
Wed, January 06, 2021 Timeshare Exit Strategy
Wed, December 02, 2020 Title Policy Endorsements for the Real Estate Lawyer
Wed, November 11, 2020 Mechanics of 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges
Wed, October 14, 2020 The Real Estate Lawyer's Guide to the Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)
Mon, October 05, 2020 The Basics of Property Tax Appeals in Cook County
Wed, September 09, 2020 IL Condominium Deconversion: Process and Pitfalls
Wed, August 26, 2020 Landlord Tenant Issues - Part 2
Wed, August 19, 2020 Local Closing Customs Disruptors
Wed, July 15, 2020 A Guide to Illinois Authority Documents
Wed, June 10, 2020 Representing Sellers and Buyers of Agricultural Properties
Tue, June 02, 2020 5 Free Marketing Tips for Real Estate Lawyers During the Pandemic
Tue, May 19, 2020 Landlord Tenant Issues in the Time of COVID-19
Sat, April 25, 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Capital and other Resources
Wed, April 15, 2020 Remote Notarization & Document Execution in a COVID World
Wed, April 08, 2020 The Senior Tsunami and the Wisdom of Creating a Succession Plan
Wed, April 01, 2020 Navigating the Pandemic: Real Estate Transactions in Unprecedented Times
Tue, March 24, 2020 Property Assessment Cycle and Appeals Process in IL
Wed, March 11, 2020 A Practical Guide to Mobile Home Transactions
Wed, January 08, 2020 The ABC's of International Real Estate & Wholesaling Real Estate: Attorney Beware
Tue, October 08, 2019 WEBINAR - Preventing Wire Fraud – Trends and Strategies
Wed, September 11, 2019 WEBINAR - Five Marketing and Branding Tips that are Guaranteed to Drive Results for Your Real Estate Practice
Wed, June 12, 2019 WEBINAR - The Future of Your Real Estate Practice: Challenges and Opportunities
Wed, May 08, 2019 WEBINAR - Asking & Answering: The Best Way to Handle Attorney Review & Inspection Requests Under the Multi-Board 7.0
Wed, April 10, 2019 WEBINAR - Illinois Title Insurance Act Amendments
Wed, March 13, 2019 WEBINAR - Recorder's Use of Blockchain and Orders Declaring Heirship | WEBINAR
Wed, February 13, 2019 WEBINAR - Possible Judgments - February Monthly Meeting | WEBINAR

Financial Hardship Policy: The Board of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association works provide high quality professional education at an affordable price for its members. The Board realizes that financial hardship may occur, affecting a member’s ability to renew their membership or attend meetings at full price.  In such instances, a member may contact the Board, in writing, with a request for reduced membership dues or meeting rates for a specific period of time. The letter should contain a brief explanation of the hardship. The Board or designated committee will act on the member’s request at its next regular meeting. "At the door" requests for financial hardship decisions will not be accepted.  Contact IRELA PO Box 4956 Oak Brook, IL 60522-4956; or via e-mail at info@irela.org. 

Updated January 17, 2022


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