Chicago Area

We've heard all the negatives, but now we want to hear the success stories and share them with ISBA members. For the premiere print issue of Illinois Lawyer Now Quarterly in September, we would like to feature how ISBA members are adapting their practices in light of the challenging economic climate.

• Have you succeeded in attracting new clients or growing your practice despite the downturn?
• Have you been able to cut your overhead while still maintaining the same level of service?
• Have you been successful in finding a new job despite the current economy?

If so, we want to hear how you did it! Please send your story (as long or as short as you feel necessary) to Alexa Giacomini, ISBA Director of Marketing & Membership at agiacomini@isba.org

Judge Alfred Gene Burton Jr., 56, died Sunday, Aug. 2 following complications related to multiple myeloma. Judge Burton was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 as an administrative law judge for the federal Social Security Administration in Chicago. He remained in the job until his death and distinguished himself with relentless devotion to fair, impartial judgments and a scholarly approach to the law, said Judge Paul Lillios, regional chief administrative law judge for the Chicago region of the Social Security Administration. "He felt compassion for those who came before him, but at the same time always acted with the highest professionalism and did the right thing," Lillios said. Click here to read the full Tribune story.

Chicago area

• 19-year-old to attend Northwestern Law School, ABA Journal
• Questioning of jurors begins in Brown's case, Daily Herald
• Jury selection starts for exonerated Death Row inmate's suit against cops, Daily Herald
• Lawyer for Buffalo cabbie: This has been "blown out of proportion", Chicago Tribune
• Sale of Rezko's foreclosed mansion delayed, Chicago Tribune
• Lawyers battle outside court in Oak Lawn, Daily Southtown

Southern Illinois

• Hearing today for Collinsville woman whose baby died in hot car, Belleville News Democrat

This post is updated with breaking news throughout the day.

The Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) is seeking nominations for its 2009 "Women with Vision" Awards. The awards will be presented at the WBAI Joint Professional Dinner, on Thursday, November 5, 2009. The "Women with Vision" Awards were first presented in 1997 by the WBAI to honor and recognize women who have demonstrated visionary approaches in their professional endeavors and who have made a contribution to the well-being and empowerment of women. Nominees may be chosen from various professions, including law, medicine, academics, public office, business/entrepreneur, trades/labor, journalism, community/religious service, etc. WBAI members are invited to apply for or nominate candidates for the "Women with Vision" Awards. Please submit a statement no more than four 81⁄2" by 11" pages, about a candidate's specific qualifications and resume to: Women with Vision Committee, WBAI, 321 S. Plymouth Ct., Suite 4S Chicago, IL 60604. Application statement, resume, which may include press clippings and copies of published articles, must be received by noon on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Any materials submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. All submitted material will remain the property of the WBAI.