The Bar News

Asked and AnsweredBy John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC  Q.  As the administrator of our 14 attorney firm I have been asked to present a plan to the partners for reducing employee benefits. We have had a difficult time during this recession. So far we have not had to reduce our employee headcount - but this could change in the future. It is our hope that if we can reduce the cost of benefits we won't have to layoff or terminate any employees. What is the best way to handle/manage this difficult discussion and process?A.  As an "at-will" employer you have the right to change benefits whenever you please. However, you must be careful as employees will perceive a reduction in benefits as a reduction to their overall compensation package.If you do decide to cut benefits it is advisable to plan carefully and communicate as much in advance of the changes so that people know what is coming in time for them to allow for changes in their lives. It is also a good idea to be prepared to clearly and concisely share comprehendible reasons for making these changes. If implementing this type of change will save jobs, present it this way. If you believe that you may again provide benefits that have been cut once the economic environment is better, that knowledge will make it more palatable to employees.A key point here -- do an overall examination of your benefits and cut once and be done with it -- don't keep reducing benefits every month or so.

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the appointment of Ben L. Beyers II as an associate judge of the Third Judicial Circuit.Mr. Beyers received his undergraduate degree in 1996 from the University of Illinois in Urbana and his Juris Doctor in 1999 from the University of Illinois.He is currently affiliated with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office in Edwardsville.

You asked for more programming on how to start and run a law office and we’re giving it to you! Attend all 11 “Hanging Out Your Shingle” programs or mix and match them with the other programs available to choose from at the ISBA's Solo and Small Firm Conference Oct. 27-29 at the Springfield Hilton. You choose the topics that best fit your needs. “Hanging Out Your Shingle” sessions include:The Secure Firm: Best Practices, Policies and StrategiesIt’s Your Law License – How to Protect It in Your OfficeNew Office Technology Shopping List: What Do I Really Need to Get Started?How to Get Orders of Protection to StickBackup and Disaster Recovery: Oh No, My Hard Drive Crashed and It Can’t Get UpHow to Create a Website in 60 Minutes – Ethical and Practical TipsThe Biggest Mistakes Lawyers Make and How to Avoid ThemDUI and Traffic Fundamentals for the New SoloSocial Media: Ethical IssuesFighting City Hall: Administrative Actions at the Local LevelUsing Technology to Avoid MalpracticeFor more information about the 11 “Hanging Out Your Shingle” sessions and the other 26 sessions held throughout the Conference – including program descriptions and speaker listings -- visit our Conference Schedule.Register at www.isba.org/soloconference

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington discusses bills in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers new laws that make a number of changes to the Home Repair and Remodeling Act (PA 97-235) and PA 97-236, which covers lessees and criminal activity.