Join us in Lombard on May 13, 2016 for a comprehensive look at how to handle complicated lien priority and construction escrow matters involving new construction with this informative full-day seminar that uses a fact pattern scenario (based on an actual case) as the backdrop for each presentation! Real estate attorneys, construction law practitioners, and lawyers working in the commercial banking/collections/bankruptcy areas who attend this seminar will better understand: the issues and concerns that can arise with the original development contracts and general real estate purchase contracts; the requirements involved in financing a construction project; the red flags to look for in construction, escrow procedures and disbursements, and related title insurance matters; how mechanics’ liens affect the developer, builder, lender, real estate purchaser, and subcontractor; how mechanics’ lien foreclosure and builder’s bankruptcy impacts a construction project; and changes in the law that substantially affect construction-related issues. The seminar is presented by the ISBA Real Estate Law Section and co-sponsored by the ISBA Construction Law Section and ISBA Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy Section. It qualifies for 6.25 hours MCLE credit.
Chicago Area
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April 18, 2016 |
CLE
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April 18, 2016 |
People
Illinois Appellate Court Justice Laura Cha-Yu Liu died Friday after a long battle with breast cancer at age 49.
The first Chinese-American woman to be elected judge in Illinois and the first Asian-American to serve on the Illinois Appellate Court; Liu was known for her work for equal access to the courts for non-English speakers, as well as her volunteer work and awards she garnered in the legal community, her family said in a statement.
She was born July 19, 1966, in downstate Carbondale, where her parents were foreign exchange students. She graduated from Youngstown State University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Liu moved to Chicago after graduation to live with relatives, and worked for 19 years as a civil litigation attorney focused on health care and employment law.
Even after being diagnosed with cancer, she continued with her career and won the election to the Circuit Court of Cook County, becoming the first Chinese-American female judge in state history. She primarily worked in the Chancery division. The Illinois Supreme Court later appointed her to the Illinois Appellate Court, where she became the first Asian-American to serve on that court.
Liu is survived by her daughter Sophie, husband Michael Kasper, parents Yih-Wu and Becky Liu, sister Jessica, brother Eric, and her in-laws Dennis and Nancy Kasper.
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April 14, 2016 |
Practice News
For the first time, the Circuit Court of Cook County will create a Restorative Justice Community Court that empowers victims and residents to play an active role in the rehabilitation of adult offenders who commit certain nonviolent crimes, under a pilot program Chief Cook County Circuit Judge Timothy C. Evans announced today.
The “restorative justice” concept emphasizes the ways that crime harms relationships in the community and brings together the people most impacted by the crime to resolve it. Under the model, defendants take accountability for their actions and then work to repair the harm – for example, through restitution, community service, letters of apology, and peace circles.
1 comment (Most recent April 15, 2016) -
April 14, 2016 |
People
In December, the Illinois Association of School Boards announced the retirement of General Counsel, Melinda Selbee, after 26 years of service with the Association. It was also announced at that time that IASB’s Assistant General Counsel, Kimberly Small, would take the reins in the general counsel position.
Now, after a several-month search, IASB has announced that Maryam Brotine has accepted the position of assistant general counsel.
Brotine is currently working as a senior associate with the law firm Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd., Bolingbrook, where she practices school law. Brotine will start her duties at IASB on April 11.
“It’s a perfect fit,” said Small. “Maryam has a wealth of experience in school law and is very aware of the Association’s work with providing policy to school districts.” -
April 13, 2016 |
CLE
Every litigator needs to be aware of the basic rules and procedures for appeals in Illinois Appellate Courts. Don’t miss this full-day seminar in Chicago on Friday, April 29, 2016 that offers an overview of all major aspects of the civil appeals process in the Illinois reviewing courts. Attorneys with basic practice experience in all substantive areas who have never participated (or only rarely participate) in appeals will benefit from this seminar and gain a better understanding of: the general requirements for creating a record for appellate review; the problems that can arise while making a record; when post-trial motions are required to preserve issues on appeal; how to respond to post-trial motions; how to decide if an appeal is the right choice; the ways that the appellate court clerk can help with the clarifying and procedural requirements of an appeal; the special considerations for interlocutory review; important points to consider regarding appellate motion practice; why the standard of review is important to your appeal; how to draft an effective and persuasive brief; how to present a successful oral argument; and much more
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April 11, 2016 |
Practice News
Visitors to the Leighton Criminal Court Building will once again be able to store their cellphones in lockers starting on Monday.
Chief Cook County Circuit Judge Timothy C. Evans announced the news Friday after he requested a meeting and reached an afternoon agreement with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Cook County Department of Facilities Management, which reports to the County Board President.
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April 8, 2016 |
People
On Thursday, March 17, the Justinian Society of Lawyers held its 14th annual Children’s Endowment Fund (CEF) dinner at Quartino Ristorante in Chicago. Over 60 supporters were in attendance as the 2016 CEF recipients, Bear Necessities and Pro Bono Network, each received a noteworthy check for $4,000. Since the founding of the Justinian Society in 1921, it has become one of the largest ethnic bar associations in the U.S.
The mission of the CEF is to assist disabled or disadvantaged children in our community. Since starting the CEF in 2002 during his term as President, Romanucci & Blandin Principal and Partner, Antonio M. Romanucci and the Justinian members have raised critical funds for a wide range of recipients including: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Illinois Eye Institute, and Ronald McDonald House of Chicagoland.
“This year the Justinian Society was extremely proud to provide both Bear Necessities and the Pro Bono Network with sizeable grants that we know will go towards making an immediate impact in their networks,” said Romanucci & Blandin Partner and first vice president of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, Frank A. Sommario. “Bear Necessities funds cancer research and provides for the immediate needs of children and families battling cancer, while the Pro Bono Network provides an opportunity for Chicago based attorneys to provide legal services for those in need. Both are extremely worthy causes.”
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April 6, 2016 |
People
Attorney Christine Sparks, vice president – claims and audit for Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG®, http://www.atgf.com/), has been awarded the National Title Professional (NTP) designation by the American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry. Sparks is also the current president of the Illinois Land Title Association.
ATG President and CEO Peter Birnbaum said, “We are proud that Christine has achieved this prestigious honor, which acknowledges her professionalism, work ethic and extensive knowledge of the land title insurance industry.”
Through the NTP designation, ALTA recognizes land title professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, experience and dedication essential to the safe and efficient transfer of real property. The designation represents a measure of achievement and commitment to career development, and brings Sparks enhanced status in the industry and among industry colleagues. Sparks will also have the advantage of special NTP benefits and recognition at ALTA events and state Land Title Association meetings.
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March 30, 2016 |
CLE
It’s that time of year again! Don’t miss ISBA’s third annual elder law bootcamp that offers you the guidance and information you need to effectively represent your aging clients! Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this two-day seminar will gain a better understanding of: Illinois Medicaid eligibility rules; which long-term care planning options are still available; the forms and procedures for filing Medicaid appeals and hardship waivers; how to avoid violating the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct; how to handle a divorce among your elderly clients, including competency issues, spousal support, and dividing the cemetery plots; the retirement plans and distribution options for the client contemplating retirement; how to detect and prevent investment fraud against your aging client; what to do if your client experiences age discrimination or other employment issues; why mediation is a better alternative to litigation and how to get your client ready; your client’s rights and obligations as a landlord or tenant; how the ABLE Act can help your disabled client; how to handle elder abuse issues – and why self-neglect is on the rise; and much more!
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March 29, 2016 |
People
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP today announced that Chicago partner, Mark W. Bina, has been reappointed to the Illinois Supreme Court’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC).
Mark will serve another year on the commission which is the state agency overseeing the licensing and discipline of all Illinois-licensed attorneys. He also sits on the ARDC’s Hearing Board which serves as a fact-finder conducting evidentiary hearings for attorneys charged with misconduct, and also sits on the ARDC's Oversight Committee.