The ISBA Assembly took action on a host of items during the Joint Midyear Meeting on Dec. 12 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The 203-member Assembly is the supreme policy making body of the Association.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita Garman gave a report on the Court to start the meeting. ISBA Mutual President Jon DeMoss followed and reported that a 10 percent dividend has been approved for policy holders.

Judge Michael Chmiel presented the report of the Special Committee on Rule 711. This included a recommendation to the Supreme Court of Illinois to make a change to Rule 711 to allow law students with a 711 license to practice with private attorneys – not just not-for-profit or governmental agencies. The Assembly approved the recommendation.

Justice Ann Jorgensen and Board member Dennis Orsey, co-chairs of the Special Committee on Law School Curriculum, presented the committee's final report and recommendations and they were approved.

Curtis B. Ross, Chair of the Assembly Finance Committee, presented a dues restructuring proposal to drastically reduce the number of dues categories that includes a slight increase after 10 years of no dues increases. The proposal was unanimously approved.

Assembly member Lori G. Levin presented a request for the Assembly to support the Equal Rights Amendment and the measure was approved.

Board Member David Sosin presented on the ABA Resolution regarding Model Regulatory Objectives. It was recommended that the Assembly oppose the measure -- which it did.

Board Member Stephen Komie made a report on the celebration of the Magna Carta and presented ISBA President Umberto Davi with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.

Assembly member Jeffrey G. Liss presented a resolution on Syrian refugees. It was approved and is available here.

The Assembly Agenda is available at www.isba.org/leadership/assembly/minutes

The next Assembly meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2016, at the Westin O'Hare Rosemont.