Recovering Attorney Fees for Defending Frivolous ClaimsBy Monte L. Mann and John Haarlow Jr.September 2012Article, Page 474There are two routes to attorney fees for defending frivolous claims - a motion for Rule 137 sanctions and, rarely, a malicious prosecution claim. Here's a look at both.
Appellate court upholds order debarring rejection of arbitration award and assessing attorney feesMarch 2012Illinois Law Update, Page 132The unexplained absence of a party to an arbitration made the award voidable but not void and accrued attorney fees because his attorneys had a professional obligation to be diligent in keeping track of dates and important information in relation to client matters.
Beyond the Billable HourBy Helen W. GunnarssonFebruary 2012Article, Page 80More clients - and lawyers for that matter - are looking for value-based alternatives to the billable hour. The good news? They can be a win-win for attorney and client.
Court affirms award of attorney's fees in dissolution of marriage caseOctober 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 496The court found that, despite Petitioner Kristina Baniak's claims, the lower court had subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case regarding attorney's fees and that Baniak had waived all other issues raised in her appeal.
The Five Biggest Business Mistakes Lawyers MakeBy Helen W. GunnarssonSeptember 2011Article, Page 444Too many lawyers - especially new ones - undervalue their services. It's a short-sighted approach that can lead to big trouble, this lawyer argues.
Executor and estate attorney ordered to repay excessive feesAugust 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 388Fees requested by an executor and attorney for administering an estate were not reasonable under the Probate Act, according to an Illinois Appellate Court.
Errors and OmissionsDecember 2010Column, Page 606In re Marriage of Zells and not-yet-paid contingency fees; Foreclosure and divorce; and Who was that legal assistant?
Getting fees from the other side in divorceBy Helen W. GunnarssonSeptember 2010Lawpulse, Page 446The IMDMA lets one party get attorney fees from the other in some cases. But don't overplay your hand.
"[M]ortal combat": Carr v TilleryBy Helen W. GunnarssonMarch 2010Lawpulse, Page 122A legendary Metro-East trial lawyer and his former partners go head to head.
Federal courts have jurisdiction over legal malpractice claims in patent infringement casesJanuary 2010Illinois Law Update, Page 16On November 10, 2009, the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, affirmed the decision of the Circuit Court of Cook County finding, in a legal malpractice suit, that the contingent fee arrangement between the parties was not void, and that jurisdiction over the malpractice claim rested exclusively with the federal courts.
New statute clarifies family law attorney-fee provisionsBy Helen W. GunnarssonOctober 2009Lawpulse, Page 490A new law drafted by ISBA’s Family Law Section Council should bring some order to Illinois’s confusing, inconsistent scheme for awarding attorney fees in family law cases.
Coming January 1: New Rules of Professional ConductBy Helen W. GunnarssonAugust 2009Lawpulse, Page 386Among other things, the new rules clarify that flat fees do not constitute frowned-upon "advance payment retainers," which is good news for most lawyers.
1099s for deadbeat clients?By Helen W. GunnarssonJanuary 2009Lawpulse, Page 10 A law-office management expert puts forth the option of sending a nonpaying client a 1099 for the value of your services. Is it really OK to do so?
Don't Be Afraid To Be PaidBy Helen W. GunnarssonNovember 2008Article, Page 558Learn how to create a bill-paying culture among your clientele.
Two-Tiered Billing in Illinois Divorce Cases - a CritiqueBy James H. FeldmanSeptember 2008Article, Page 452Illinois divorce lawyers typically charge a higher hourly rate for court than for office time. It's time that changed, the author argues
Engagement Letters, Fees and the Dowling CaseBy David A. Berek and Fred R. McMorrisMay 2008Column, Page 262Consult Dowling for guidance on fee arrangements and how to describe them in engagement letters.
From Here to Retainer FeesBy Helen W. GunnarssonDecember 2007Article, Page 636Learn how to craft retainer agreements to define and clarify the scope of your engagement, why it’s important to collect fees up front, and more.
Initial consultations - satisfaction or your money back?By Helen W. GunnarssonAugust 2007Lawpulse, Page 398Should lawyers provide free consultations to prospective clients? Discounts to new clients? Refunds of a consult fee to clients who ask for one? ISBA lawyers offer their opinions.
Validity of advance payment retainers for attorneys upheldJuly 2007Illinois Law Update, Page 348On May 3, 2007, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, affirming the Circuit Court of Cook County's judgment ordering DLA Piper to turn over funds from an advance payment retainer paid by defendant Michael Davis.
The Illinois Supreme Court OKs advance payment retainersBy Helen W. GunnarssonJune 2007Lawpulse, Page 286The court last month approved lawyers' use of the advance payment retainer, cautioning that more familiar retainer agreements will be the preferred option in most cases.
