Publications

Illinois Bar Journal
Articles on Attorneys

Retired, inactive, in-house lawyers can now represent clients pro bono By Helen W. Gunnarsson July 2008 Lawpulse, Page 334 Effective July 1, new supreme court rules let retired, inactive, and in-house lawyers working through legal-aid providers or other approved groups represent clients pro bono.
Cover Me: Documentation Is More Than CYA By Karen Erger June 2008 Column, Page 316 Thoughtful domumentation promotes good communication and good decisions.
Law-Firm Compensation Systems Explained By Helen W. Gunnarsson June 2008 Article, Page 288 Wondering whether your firm's compensation scheme needs an overhaul? Here's a look at what others are doing.
The "Lawyer" Who Shot Liberty Valance By Joseph G. Bisceglia May 2008 Column, Page 228 A lesson on the rule of law from the old West.
Are Civility and Zealous Advocacy Compatible? By Hon. Ron Spears May 2008 Column, Page 260 Reason can change minds when rudeness won't.
Rescuing Colleagues in Crisis By G. M. Filisko May 2008 Article, Page 240 Learn the warning signs of addiction and what you can do to help a colleague - or yourself.
Correspondence from Our Readers April 2008 Column, Page 170 The Kotecki gap; the perils of forms; the conscience of a lawyer. 
Five Secrets Not to Keep from Your Insurer By Karen Erger April 2008 Column, Page 216 Don't risk losing valuable coverage by being less than forthcoming with your insurer.
Professionalism and Civility in an Adversary System By Joseph G. Bisceglia April 2008 Column, Page 172  Incivility tarnishes our image and makes practice less rewarding.
Ethics and the Attorney / Title Agent By Michael J. Rooney March 2008 Article, Page 132 This author argues that attorneys can serve as title agents, provided they make necessary disclosures and get corresponding consents.
A Proposed Makeover for the Rules of Professional Conduct By Helen W. Gunnarsson March 2008 Article, Page 128 A joint ISBA-CBA proposal seeks to bring the RPC up to date and align them more closely with the ABA Model Rules.
Remedy for the unauthorized practice of law amended. PA 95-0410 March 2008 Illinois Law Update, Page 124 Section 1 of the Attorney Act has been amended. 705 ILCS 205/1. 
A solo's advice on going solo By Helen W. Gunnarsson March 2008 Lawpulse, Page 118  A young sole practitioner's take on the perils and pleasures of hanging out your shingle.
Are e-mail disclaimers really necessary? By Helen W. Gunnarsson February 2008 Lawpulse, Page 66 They really are, some lawyers say. In fact, you should put them at the beginning, not the end, of your messages, other lawyers say.
Get it One Piece at a Time By Karen Erger February 2008 Column, Page 100 If you take away one small skill from the workplace every day, you can build a useful, satisfying career.
Helping Clients Who Face Foreclosure By Helen W. Gunnarsson February 2008 Article, Page 76 Notice of foreclosure creates a personal crisis for your home-borrower clients. Here's how to counsel them.
The perils for employers of hiring private investigators By Helen W. Gunnarsson February 2008 Lawpulse, Page 66 Employers who retain companies to investigate employee malingering or misconduct need to hire carefully and monitor appropriately.
ADR and the Image of Lawyers By Joseph G. Bisceglia January 2008 Column, Page 8 “Lawyer-peacemaker” is the right image for our profession.
Law Firm Marketing 101 By G. M. Filisko January 2008 Article, Page 20 You didn’t go to law school to be a salesperson, but you still have to sell yourself to prospective clients. Here’s how.
Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More By Karen Erger December 2007 Column, Page 660 Ten time wasters that can cause your time “inventory” to shrink.
From Here to Retainer Fees By Helen W. Gunnarsson December 2007 Article, Page 636 Learn 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.
It's A (Wonderful) Lawyer's Life By Joseph G. Bisceglia December 2007 Column, Page 620 Your community would be a poorer place without you. 
New Consumer Remedies for UPL By Melinda J. Bentley December 2007 Column, Page 631 A new law allows clients to sue for UPL damages under the Illinois Attorney Act.
Disciplining Attorneys and Other FLSA-Exempt Employees for Attendance Problems By Jon D. McLaughlin November 2007 Article, Page 600 Suppose your associate or paralegal shows up late for work. Can you dock her pay without transforming her fram an exempt to a nonexempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act?
No conflict of interest in representing codefendant November 2007 Illinois Law Update, Page 576 On September 12, 2007, the Illinois Appellate Court, Third District, affirmed the theft conviction of Janet Turner in the Circuit Court of Knox County. 
CSI, Judge Judy and Civic Education By Joseph G. Bisceglia October 2007 Column, Page 508 Public fascination with the justice system gives lawyers an opening to teach lay people about the law.
Time to update the Rules of Professional Conduct? By Helen W. Gunnarsson October 2007 Lawpulse, Page 510 The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee is considering a proposal to do just that.
Asked and Answered September 2007 Column, Page 496 What do you do with uncooperative opposing counsel?
Are You a Client-Savvy Counselor? By Karen Erger August 2007 Column, Page 440 Sometimes the best client is the one you turn away.
Initial consultations - satisfaction or your money back? By Helen W. Gunnarsson August 2007 Lawpulse, Page 398 Should 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.
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