The February 2025 federal conviction of Michael Madigan, the longest-serving Speaker of the House in the Illinois General Assembly, for bribery and conspiracy, was seen as a watershed moment in the state’s colorful history. Can it lead to reforms? What might those reforms look like? What was the case really about? Enjoy a spirited conversation with the Chicago Sun-Times reporter who covered the trial and post-trial events, and related trials, as well as experts on Illinois’s ethics laws.

Please note: This session will be recorded. It will not be interactive.

Steve Berlin

Executive Director 

Chicago’s Board of Ethics

Steve is a Past President of COGEL. In December 2023, he received the COGEL Award, the organization’s highest honor. He was appointed as the Executive Director of the Board of Ethics by then-Mayor Rich Daley and confirmed by the City Council for this position in December 2008.  Before that appointment, he served as the Board’s Acting Executive Director, from October 2006, and began his City career in September 1993 as the Board’s Deputy Director.

Jon Seidel

Panelist Federal Courts Reporter 

Chicago Sun-Times

Jon Seidel writes about federal courts and legal affairs for the Chicago Sun-Times. He has covered the trials of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, ex-Chicago Ald. Edward M. Burke, R&B superstar R. Kelly, ex-Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke, onetime Bolingbrook Police Sgt. Drew Peterson and convicted killer Christopher Vaughn. He also covered the prosecutions of former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Heather Mack. He is the author of Second City Sinners.

Nate Rice

Executive Director

Illinois Executive Ethics Commission

 Nate was appointed as the Executive Director of the State of Illinois Executive Ethics Commission (EEC) in February 2024, bringing a strong record of leadership and legal expertise to the role. Prior to his appointment, Nate served as the Ethics Officer and Deputy General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Public Health, where he played a key role in advancing the Department’s integrity and compliance initiatives.