HomeThe Lookout October 2026

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THE LOOKOUT
October 2026

Investing in Yourself: The Power of Continuous Learning

As paralegals, we are lifelong learners by necessity, but the most successful professionals make learning a personal commitment rather than an occasional requirement. Laws evolve, technology advances, and client expectations continue to change. The knowledge and skills that served us well yesterday may not be enough to meet the opportunities of tomorrow. By taking ownership of our professional growth, we position ourselves to adapt, contribute, and thrive throughout our careers.

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Join the IPA on November 5 at Roosevelt University in Chicago for an afternoon of learning and networking at our Fall Education Conference. Choose from nine sessions covering AI, electronic evidence, family law, corporate filings, and more! Build your knowledge, gain practical insights you can bring back to work, and connect with fellow paralegals while earning 3.0 hours of NALA-approved CLE, including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE*.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your skills or explore a new area of practice, there’s something for everyone. Take an afternoon to invest in yourself and your professional growth!

[Download the full brochure]
[Register for the conference]

*Behind the Petition: Workflows & Ethics in Bankrutptcy & Tax Law has been approved for 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE by NALA

Raise a Glass to Illinois Paralegals!

November 5 is Paralegal Day in Illinois, as proclaimed by Governor Pritzker—and it’s time to celebrate YOU! Join the Illinois Paralegal Association at 90th Meridian for an evening of delicious food, drinks, and great company.

The celebration begins at 5:15 p.m. Unwind with fellow paralegals, reconnect with friends, and make new connections as we toast the dedication and contributions of our profession.

Your registration includes:

Dinner: Roasted Chicken, Penne Pasta, Blackened Salmon, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Chilled Couscous Salad, and Assorted Desserts.
Two-hour beer and wine open bar. Cocktails are available for purchase.

Registration	IPA Members	Nonmembers
Early Bird — through October 30	$25	$35
Late Registration — beginning October 31	$30	$40

Space is limited—reserve your spot early to secure the Early Bird rate! Bring your appetite, your stories, and your paralegal pride. We look forward to celebrating with you!

[Register for the Celebration]
[Download the Governor's Proclamation]

November 2 Board of Directors Meeting

New IPA Website Feature: Searchable Service Provider Directory

Our new searchable directory of Sustaining Members/Legal Service Providers and Educational Institutions makes it easier than ever to find the resources you need. Looking for a court reporter, an e-discovery provider, or another legal service? You can now search by service category to find IPA members who provide exactly what you're looking for. Click here for a quick tutorial on how to use this new feature and start exploring the directory today!

Sustaining Member Spotlight

As a paralegal, you are on the front lines of managing modern evidence, tight deadlines, and complex case strategies—and Lineal is built to make your day-to-day work easier, faster, and more predictable. We act as an extension of your team, pairing global eDiscovery and forensics expertise with our proprietary Amplify™ tools to automate repetitive tasks, ring-fence privilege, and cut review populations by over 95%. By replacing traditional "black box" eDiscovery with real-time case visibility, clear pricing, and 24/7/365 support across all modern data types, Lineal gives you the control and defensible data intelligence you need to deliver outstanding results without the burnout.

Oakton College Advisory Committee

Oakton College is recruiting new members for the Paralegal Studies Department Advisory Committee. The Committee meets 2-3 times a year via zoom. We are looking for paralegals and attorneys. Our next meeting will be November 10, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Interested persons can apply by completing the interest form.

The Professional Edge

One of IPA's purposes is to advance the paralegal profession. In so doing, we will be featuring articles to aid you in career development in this section of The Lookout.

"AI FAQs: A Guide to Understanding AI in the Legal Industry" by Avalon
"What Comes After the Billable Hour? Ken Callander Says Firms Should Charge for Value, Not Time" by Petra Pasternak
"How an AmLaw 50 Firm Mastered Chat-Heavy eDiscovery" by Venio
"How to Select the Best AI Model for Privilege Review and Keep Costs Low" by Ravi Tandon
"Law Firms Don’t Have an AI Problem. They Have a Deployment Problem." by Matt Bares

Do you have any articles that you would like to share with everyone? Send an email to IPA@ipaonline.org and we will add to our next issue of The Lookout.

Non-IPA CLE Opportunities

CLE opportunities listed are provided for informational purposes only. Contact the provider to determine if the seminar is suited to your skill level and for its applicability.

NALA CLE Opportunities
- Do Not Slack on Preservation: A Playbook for Modern Ediscovery, October 20
Zoom link for "Bridging the Gap From Education to Employment", offered FREE by Roosevelt University, October 15

Sustaining and Educational Institution members of IPA can list their upcoming CLE opportunities in The Lookout by emailing the information to IPA@ipaonline.org.

Are You Looking For A New Paralegal Position?

Are you aware that the IPA's website lists Employment Opportunities? Employers throughout the state post job listings on our website. New listings are added almost daily. If you are looking for a job, this is the first place you should look!

Is Your Firm Looking To Hire A Paralegal?

If your employer is seeking to hire a paralegal, please remind your HR department that listings can be placed on the IPA's website. There is no fee to place a listing.