The mend-the-hold doctrine derives its name from “a nineteenth-century wrestling term, meaning to get a better grip (hold) on your opponent.” In a series of early decisions, the Illinois Supreme Court established the mend-the-hold doctrine, which provides that a party’s stated grounds for refusing to perform a contract bars grounds left unstated. The Illinois Appellate Court later narrowed the doctrine by limiting parties to grounds identified at the start of litigation and only when switching positions prejudices an opponent. In December’s Illinois Bar Journal, Stanley C. Nardoni, who practices in the Insurance Recovery Group of Reed Smith LLP’s Chicago office, assesses whether the appellate court’s narrowing of the doctrine contradicts precedent established by the supreme court.

Edelson PC hosted an educational seminar for south suburban Cook County high school students Dec. 7 in preparation of the Illinois State Bar Association’s High School Mock Trial Invitational. The mock trial invitational program, which is co-administered by the ISBA and the Illinois Trial Team of the University of Illinois, provides an opportunity for students to learn what it is like to prepare and present a legal case before the Illinois courts. Participating students gain a better understanding of the justice system and improve their knowledge, skills, and ability to articulate in a reasoned, thoughtful manner.

Asked and Answered  By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC Q.  I am a solo practitioner in central Illinois. I have been in practice for more than 30 years and I just turned 60. I have two staff members and no other attorneys in the firm other than myself. I plan on working another five years and then I would like to gradually exit from my practice and then retire. I want to have a home for my clients and employees, and I would prefer to be able to sell my interest to an associate attorney working for the firm. I think we have the work to justify hiring an associate and this is the route I would like to go. I have never had an associate, so I am not sure what I should look for. Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Joliet attorney Vincent F. Cornelius was sworn in today as circuit judge for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Will County.  The ceremony took place in the Joliet City Council Chamber, 150 W. Jefferson St., in Joliet.  Cornelius is the founder and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Vincent F. Cornelius in Joliet and Wheaton. He has tried hundreds of cases during his career as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and civil litigator.