ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews bills in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers: House bill 4077 (New crime), House Bill 4129 (Administrative support orders), House Bill 3943 (Eavesdropping) and House Bill 4098 (Judicial campaigns and disqualification). More information on each bill is available below the video.
Practice News
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January 26, 2012 |
Practice News
1 comment (Most recent January 27, 2012)
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January 26, 2012 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Over the last two weeks I responded to a question concerning starting a new law practice and I outlined the first to phases of start-up. Eventually, you must address and face Phase III.
Phase III – Partnership – Internal/Other Firm
Eventually the question of partnership arises – whether sooner based upon the need or desire to transition an associate into a partnership or to add a practice area by acquiring a lateral partner with his/her book of business. Maybe you are thinking about merging with another firm. Or maybe you have been solo or a sole owner for your entire career and are now contemplating retirement and are looking for a succession/exit strategy and now must either bring in a partner, merge with another firm, or sell your practice. Partnership with another attorney creates another set of interpersonal dynamics and another set of skills that will need to be developed at this stage of your practice.
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January 24, 2012 |
Practice News
Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced on Tuesday that the Supreme Court has approved a policy for a pilot project to allow news cameras and electronic news recording in Illinois trial courtrooms for the first time. Read the order for extended media coverage.
The policy is effective immediately and invites the Circuit Courts in the state to apply for approval from the Supreme Court to take part in the experimental program. Once a Circuit is approved by the Supreme Court, media may request to electronically cover eligible cases in that Circuit.
"This is another step to bring more transparency and more accountability to the Illinois court system," said Chief Justice Kilbride. "The provisions of this new policy keep discretion in the chief circuit judge and the trial judge to assure that a fair and impartial trial is not compromised, yet affords a closer look at the workings of our court system to the public through the eyes of the electronic news media and news photographers.
"I am thankful to all of my fellow justices on the Court for giving a willing ear, thoughtful consideration and unanimous approval to this experiment. It is new to Illinois, but has been standard practice in many other states. I am confident that through the diligence of our chief circuit judges and our trial judges, along with the professionalism of the news media, that it may become a standard practice in our state too."
1 comment (Most recent January 27, 2012) -
January 23, 2012 |
Practice News | ISBA News
“Guardianship of Children,” two half-hour programs presented by Illinois Law, will air on Chicago Access Network Television, Channel 21 in Chicago. Part 1 will air on Tuesdays, January 31 and February 14 at 10 p.m., and Part 2 will air on Tuesdays, February 7 and 21 at 10 p.m. Both programs are available for viewing below.
- January 23, 2012 | Practice News | ISBA News
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January 20, 2012 |
Practice News
Our panel of leading appellate attorneys review Friday's Illinois Supreme Court opinions in the civil cases Sandholm v. Kuecker and Powell v. Dean Foods Company and criminal cases People v. Adams, People v. Gutierrez, People v. Washington and People v. Rinehart.
CIVIL
Sandholm v. Kuecker
By Michael T. Reagan, The Law Offices of Michael T. Reagan
1 comment (Most recent January 20, 2012) -
January 19, 2012 |
Practice News
ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews bills in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers: Senate Bill 2534 (mortgage foreclosure); House Bill 3979 (association bylaws), House Bill 3981 (expert witness) and House Bill 3850 (local government). More information on each bill is available below the video.
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January 18, 2012 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Last week I responded to a question concerning starting a new law practice and I outlined the first phase of start-up. Eventually, you must address and face Phase II.
If you are successful in Phase I you will eventually need help whether it be administrative, paralegal, or another attorney. Now you must manage others as well as yourself. More office space will be required – especially if you are currently in a home or virtual office. A new set of skill sets (people skills) is now required.
Some Lawyers Never Develop the Skills Needed or Desire to Go to This Level and Firm Growth is Restricted as a Result
I refer to this phase as Sole Owner Phase. I have client law firms in this phase than consist of an attorney owner, a handful of employed associates, paralegals, and staff. These firms may have 3 to 4 people or ten or more. I have sole owner law firms with over 100 employed attorneys and staff.
Phase II – Taking the Practice to the Next Level – New Challenges – New Skills Required
1. Additional People
a. Know what to look for
b. Know how to compensate attorneys and staff
c. Decide whether you are looking for long term vs. short term hires and relationships2. Develop Skill Sets in the Following Areas – Managing Others – Finding, Managing, Motivating, Training and Retaining Talent
a. Hiring and Firing
b. HR Function
c. Devote time to managing others
d. Delegation of work
e. Supervision of work3. Use the Following HR Tools and Processes
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January 17, 2012 |
Practice News
Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride and the Illinois Supreme Court announced Tuesday the appointment of Michael J. Tardy as Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. His appointment is effective immediately.
Mr. Tardy, who has served with the Administrative Office for nearly 24 years, had been acting director since last September.
"He has been a longstanding, loyal and hardworking staff member for decades," said Chief Justice Kilbride. "Since he's taken over as the acting director, he has been masterful in working through the transition. "
The Administrative Director, as the office also is called, is authorized by Article VI of the Illinois Constitution to assist the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court in fulfilling their administrative duties. The director prepares and presents agenda issues to the Court for discussion and deliberation to assure that the business of the judicial branch is timely and thoroughly managed.
"I am both grateful and very humbled by the opportunity that the Supreme Court of Illinois has afforded me," Mr. Tardy said. "I am, of course, honored by the appointment and very thankful for the privilege to serve the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court.
"I am thrilled by the challenge and commit my every resource to the work of the Court," said Mr. Tardy. "And I am very fortunate to have available to me the capable and competent staff of the AOIC in doing our work for the Court."
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January 16, 2012 |
Practice News
The Illinois Supreme Court disbarred six lawyers, suspended three and censured two in its latest disciplinary filing. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics rules.