ISBA Past President Timothy Bertschy has been appointed as a member of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Stuart R. Lefstein for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2015, and until a successor is appointed. Bertschy is the managing partner of Heyl Royster in Peoria.
Practice News
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March 18, 2015 |
People | Practice News
1 comment (Most recent March 19, 2015)
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March 18, 2015 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Q. We are a 17-attorney firm in Dayton, Ohio. Several of our founding partners are retiring and we have been contemplating a merger with another law firm but are not sure where to start. I would appreciate your ideas.
A. Start by determining your merger objectives. Why do you want to merge? What do you hope to achieve? Is merger compatible with your strategic plan? What size of firm are you considering?
Once you are sure that merger exploration - in general - makes sense - you should insure that your house is in order. In other words - can anything be done to enhance the value and/or marketability of your firm? For example:
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March 17, 2015 |
Practice News
The Supreme Court of Illinois announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on March 12, 2015, during the March Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
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March 16, 2015 |
Practice News
Chief Circuit Judge Kathryn E. Creswell is pleased to announce that following a tabulation of ballots, the Circuit Judges of the 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, have appointed Joseph T. Bugos to the position of Associate Judge.
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March 13, 2015 |
Practice News
Chief Justice Rita B. Garman and the Illinois Supreme Court have scheduled a special evening session of oral argument on Tuesday, March 17, and have invited Gov. Bruce Rauner and the entire Illinois legislature to observe the Court in session. It is uncertain when an evening session was last held in the Illinois Supreme Court Building, but it is believed to have been more than a century ago.
The Court will hear oral arguments in a case involving an amendment passed by the legislature to the Illinois Juvenile Court Act. A portion of the amendment was ruled unconstitutional by a Circuit Court and the case is on direct appeal to the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Garman explained that the special evening session is an opportunity for members of the General Assembly to observe first-hand the interaction of the functions of the three branches of government and the operation of the checks and balances essential to our system.
"The case involves an amendment that was debated and passed by the legislature, signed by the Governor, applied by the State in an individual case, challenged by a defendant, and declared unconstitutional by the Circuit Court," said Chief Justice Garman. "It affords a window into how our constitutional system operates and the balance among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches."
1 comment (Most recent March 16, 2015) -
March 13, 2015 |
Practice News
Circuit Clerk Keith S. Brin today announced the launch of his office’s 2015 Summer Internship Program. The application process opens on Monday, March 16th. Ten paid full-time summer internships will be available.
The internship program, dubbed the New Initiatives Internship, provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain experience and exposure to public service and government. Interns will work extensively on outreach and program development.
“Interns in our office will be doing meaningful work,” explained Circuit Clerk Brin. The internship experience is designed to be a hands-on experience. Students working as interns in the Circuit Clerks office will learn how the different pieces of government and law are inter-connected and fit together to make the big picture work.
“Not only does the internship provide a chance for college students to earn money over the summer, but it also provides them with exposure to people, places, contacts and a professional work environment that will, ultimately, give them a truly competitive edge in the job market, “ said continued Brin.
The application process, expected to be highly competitive, opens March 16th. Applications will be available on the Circuit Clerks website.
Interns must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university, demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and possess the ability to work in a fast past environment. -
March 12, 2015 |
Practice News
ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers Wills deposited with county recorders (Senate Bill 1596), Insured’s Independent Counsel Act (Senate Bill 1296), Guilty pleas (House Bill 2569), Administrative Review Law (Senate Bill 1447), Wrongful Death Act (House Bill 2713) and Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (House Bill 2691). More information on each bill is available below the video
Wills deposited with county recorders. Senate Bill 1596 (Kotowski, D-Park Ridge) amends the Counties Code to allow a county recorder to implement a county will depository. If the recorder does create a depository, it must also provide a form affidavit for a depositor of a will to file with the deposited will. States the requirements of the form affidavit. Provides for the duties of the county recorders for acceptance of wills, storage of wills, release of wills, and destruction of wills. Provides for different fees the county recorder may charge. Scheduled for hearing next Tuesday in Senate Judiciary Committee.
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March 12, 2015 |
Practice News
Q. I’m about to participate in a trial that may receive some publicity. Do any rules govern what I can and cannot say to the press?
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March 11, 2015 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Q. I am the managing partner of a 17-attorney firm in San Francisco. We have a firm administrator that we hired four years ago and he manages our financial and HR matters. I haven't a clue as to what goes on financially and this is becoming more of a concern for me and my other partners. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
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March 9, 2015 |
Practice News
The 21st Judicial Circuit, Iroquois and Kankakee Counties, Illinois, is seeking individuals interested in becoming approved mediators for non-divorce civil cases. The qualifications necessary in order to be approved as a mediator may be found at www.co.kankakee.il.us/21stJudicial/pdf/Rules.pdf
For further information and/or to request an application, interested parties may call: Adrianne Haley 815/937-2915 or e-mail ahaley@k3county.net or send completed applications to:
- Chief Judge’s Office/ Attn: Adrianne
- Room 203 B
- 450 E. Court St.
- Kankakee, IL 60901-3917
Applications can also be found at the above internet link and sent to the same addresses listed above.