August 2006 Illinois Bar Journal | Illinois State Bar Association

The Magazine of Illinois Lawyers

August 2006 • Volume 94 • Number 8 • Pages 389-448

August 2006 Illinois Bar Journal Cover Image

Practice News

398

Lawpulse | By Helen W. Gunnarsson

404

Illinois Law Update

Lack of professional license not a bar to rendering expert opinion; negative inference applicable only to "tip the scales"; "Let Them Rest in Peace" Act; and more.

See cases, legislation, and administrative agencies.

Articles

408

Real Estate Law | By

Helen W. Gunnarsson

Beyond "Deed and Green": the Strange Truth About Lawyers' Roles in Illinois Real Estate Sales

When it comes to residential real estate deals, why are lawyers welcome in some parts of the state and not others?

414

Defamation | By

Michael M. Conway

Mona G. Thakkar

, and

Katherine Licup

The Illinois Supreme Court and the "Fair Report" Privilege: A Free-Press Victory

Reporters who accurately report accusations made as part of a government proceeding are protected from defamation suits.

420

Taxation / Not-For-Profits | By

Neville M. Bilimoria

Winning Tax Exemption for Illinois Nonprofit Nursing Facilities: No Easy Task

A little-known Illinois Supreme Court case makes it much harder for nonprofit nursing homes to get a property tax exemption.

426

Evidence / Medical Malpractice | By

Terrence J. Lavin

and

Michelle L. Wolf

Expanding the Use of Medical Treatises in Illinois Trials

The authors argue that following the federal approach would produce a better-informed jury.

432

Civil Practice / Bankruptcy | By

Anna-Katrina S. Christakis

and

Jeffrey D. Pilgrim

Suing Defendants Who Later Declare Bankruptcy: Vacating a Dismissal for Want of Prosecution

When a plaintiff's action is dismissed for want of prosecution while the defendant's bankruptcy is pending and the automatic stay is in place, the plaintiff can seek to have the dismissal vacated.