Defense Practice Series - Practice Development

6/11/2026

Event Details

Join IDC for a dynamic and practical presentation focused on courtroom etiquette, professionalism, and navigating courtroom procedure in Cook County and the collar county courts. Drawing from firsthand litigation experience, the presenters will share candid, real-world guidance on what attorneys should - and should not - do when appearing before judges, interacting with courtroom staff, and advocating for clients. This presentation offers more than textbook procedure. It provides the unwritten rules, strategic insights, and practical habits that can significantly impact credibility and effectiveness in court. Attendees will gain valuable perspective on courtroom decorum, motion practice, scheduling procedures, virtual and in-person appearances, and professional communication with judges, clerks, and opposing counsel. The presenters will also discuss common procedural mistakes they regularly observe and offer practical strategies to avoid them. Topics include: Professional courtroom conduct and appearance Effective communication with judges and court staff Motion call expectations and courtroom logistics Virtual hearing etiquette and professionalism Managing difficult courtroom situations Common mistakes attorneys make in Cook County courtrooms Practical advocacy tips from experienced defense practitioners Whether you are a newer attorney looking to build confidence or a seasoned litigator seeking practical insight from defense counsel, this presentation offers valuable tools that can immediately improve courtroom presence, professionalism, and advocacy. Complimentary registration is available for Claims Professionals, Corporate or Association Counsel, and all IDC members attending in person. Schedule 2:45 p.m. Registration  3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Courtroom Etiquette and Procedure 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. From a Judge's Perspective Featured Speaker: Hon. Brendan O'Brien , Circuit Court of Cook County 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. From an Attorney's Perspective Panelists: Eleni Gyparakis , HeplerBroom, LLC , Leah Nolan , Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen , and Sara Trevino , Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour All event attendees, IDC members, and summer associates, are invited to join us for the Happy Hour at Copper Club. Featured Speakers Eleni Gyparakis  is a dedicated litigator who defends medical, dental, and other healthcare providers against claims of medical negligence. She is particularly interested in claims involving neuroanatomy and neuralgia. She has a wide range of experience defending personal injury claims, employment liability matters, and general appellate practice. Her clients trust her ability to analyze complex medical issues and distill information for the benefit of jurors. They also value her dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude. She has successfully defended cases through verdict in Cook County and the Chicagoland area. Leah Nolan is a Senior Associate Attorney at Heyl, Royster, Voelker and Allen . Loving the challenge of complex litigation, she focuses her practice on medical & legal malpractice, casualty/tort litigation, construction, product liability, and toxic torts. She is admitted to practice in the State of Illinois, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, and U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois. She is an active member of the Illinois Defense Counsel and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Practice Development Committee. Ms. Nolan attended law school at Northern Illinois College of Law where she graduated summa cum laude . The Hon. Brendan O’Brien is a Circuit Judge for the Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County . He was elected to the bench in 2016. Judge O’Brien earned a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He spent the next several years working as an appropriations and research analyst for Michael Madigan, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. He completed his J.D. at the University of Illinois at Chicago, John Marshall law school, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1996. After graduation from law school, Judge O’Brien worked as an attorney at Connelly Schroeder from 1996 and 1999, then moved to Hinshaw & Culbertson where he worked as a Partner until his election. His practice was focused on insurance defense and medical malpractice cases. Sara Trevino is an associate attorney at Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen where she practices in various defense litigation areas including toxic torts, premises liability, casualty/tort litigation, construction litigation, workers' compensation, and medical malpractice. Continuing Legal Education Credit This program has been approved for 1.5 hours of CLE Credit by the Illinois MCLE Board. Event Location & Registration This hybrid seminar will be presented in person at the offices of HeplerBroom LLC , 70 W Madison, Ste 2600, Chicago and live via Zoom. Registration for this event is as follows:   In-Person Attendance Remote Attendance Claims Professionals & Corporate or Association Counsel Complimentary Complimentary Private Practice Attorneys, Public Sector Attorneys, Educators, and Students Complimentary (Non-Members $50)  $50 (Non-Members $75) While many IDC events are open to the public, we reserve the right to restrict event registration to members, individuals eligible for membership , and invited guests. The Construction Law Seminar is restricted to members, individuals eligible for membership and invited guests. Sponsors Our sincere thanks to the following event sponsors: