On Thursday, March 10, 2016, the Association hosted its annual roundtable luncheon featuring the justices of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District. Held at the Union League Club in Chicago, the luncheon offered ALA members and guests the opportunity to interact with reviewing court jurists and to gain practice pointers from the court's perspective, all while enjoying lunch in a cordial atmosphere.

ALA Vice President Joanne Driscoll welcomed the attendees, which included many justices from the First District. Thereafter, Justice Robert Gordon offered insight on current court initiatives. Specifically, Justice Gordon remarked that the court is implementing mandatory e-filing pursuant to the Illinois Supreme Court's directive and also discussed implications of pro se filings and the Illinois Access to Justice commission. Of note, Justice Gordon discussed the court's effort to expand its mediation program, stating that the program currently gets "very little business." Justice Gordon encouraged the audience to explore appellate court mediation with their clients and offered the reminder that the service is free to parties, most cases settle, and no justice involved in the mediation will be on the panel if the case does not settle.

The ALA thanks the justices of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, for another engaging and insightful luncheon.