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
Chicago Area
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April 13, 2016 |
CLE
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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.
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March 28, 2016 |
People
The national law firm of Arnstein & Lehr LLP welcomes William A. Williams to its Chicago office as an associate in the Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights and Litigation Practice Groups.
“We are excited to welcome Bill to Arnstein & Lehr,” said Michael L. Gesas, Managing Partner of Arnstein’s Chicago office.
Mr. Williams chose to join Arnstein because, he says, “As a newly minted lawyer, I was looking for two things. First, I sought an environment in which I would be challenged to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as an attorney each and every day. Second, I wanted a chance to contribute real value to a team early in my career. In my opinion, Arnstein & Lehr strikes a fantastic balance, offering both highly sophisticated work and early opportunities for substantive experience.”
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March 25, 2016 |
CLE
Don’t miss this full-day seminar in Chicago on April 14, 2016 that offers you a basic understanding of the different types of bankruptcy, the steps to take when your debtor files bankruptcy, how to modify an automatic stay, and how to file a proof of claim. Commercial litigation lawyers, collection attorneys, bankruptcy practitioners, and attorneys working in the banking industry who attend this seminar will better understand: the practical and statutory issues to consider during the initial client interview; what happens during a Section 341 meeting; the process leading up to the confirmation hearing; the best practices for working with a Chapter 7 trustee; the trustee’s perspective of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy; how to handle pending collection and mechanics lien actions; the statutory deadlines and requirements under Section 523 and 727; how to best advocate your client’s position; and much more!
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March 25, 2016 |
People
Attorney Matt Shaw is proud to announce the opening of Shaw Family Law, P.C. in St. Charles, Illinois. The Kane County family law firm is located at 555 S. Randall Road, Suite 105, St. Charles, Illinois 60174.
St. Charles Divorce Lawyer Matthew G. Shaw is the founding partner of Shaw Family Law, P.C. He brings 30 years of legal experience to his family law practice, and he was formerly a founding partner at the law firm of Shaw, Jacobs, Goostree & Associates, P.C.
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March 22, 2016 |
People
The State of Illinois Supreme Court recently appointed personal injury attorney, Stephan D. Blandin, to another one year-commitment on the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) hearing board, effective March 1, 2016. Founding partner and principal at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, Mr. Blandin has served on the ARDC’s hearing board for five years. He is one of more than 75 hearing board members who will make recommendations in disciplinary matters of lawyers in Illinois throughout the next year.
“I am honored to be a part of the ARDC for the fifth year in a row,” said Mr. Blandin. "Preserving the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that the Illinois public can trust in our legal system is of the utmost importance.”
All hearing board activities are guaranteed confidentiality during all grievance investigations for Blandin, while disciplinary actions are adjudicated publicly. The ARDC board members are comprised of volunteer lawyers and non-lawyers who work under the direct supervision of the Chair of the Commission, James R. Mendillo. The ARDC operates under the authority of the Supreme Court, which regulates the admission and discipline of lawyers in Illinois.