In much of Illinois outside of Cook County, there is only one legal service agency serving low-income people with civil (non-criminal) legal needs. Due to ethics rules, these organizations sometimes have to turn a potential client away due to a conflict of interest. Hundreds of potential clients are denied services in Illinois every year for this reason.
There are a number of scenarios in which a conflict of interest may arise that would prevent the local legal aid office from providing assistance. One example would be where that office is already providing representation to another party in the same legal matter.
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February 14, 2018 |
Practice News
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February 14, 2018 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC Q. I am the firm administrator with a ten attorney firm in Long Beach, California. I really enjoyed reading your blog post Law Firm Compensation – Bonuses for Staff, which discussed how to measure performance for bonuses. I really like the approach of establishing goals at the beginning of each year — two for the firm, and two that are personal — and tying bonuses to measurable outcomes. Have you used other approaches other than percentage of salary? Can you give additional examples of specific goals that would be appropriate for a bookkeeper, office manager, or firm administrator?
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February 14, 2018
It's likely you have attended a "webinar" recently for a remote CLE seminar or training program. While webinars have introduced us to attending a seminar from the comfort of our own office (or couch, for that matter), you can use the same technology for meetings with clients, co-workers, and colleagues. A web meeting is displayed on a computer screen (maybe with a shared PowerPoint or other presentation). The audio portion is either transmitted simultaneously over the telephone or by using the computer's microphone and speakers.
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February 13, 2018 |
CLE
While social media provides new ways for attorneys to communicate and collaborate, it also presents ethical challenges that may result in an attorney or judge being LinkedIn with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission or the Judicial Inquiry Board.
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February 12, 2018 | Events
The ISBA Young Lawyers Division hosted a wine tasting event on Friday, Feb. 9, at the ISBA Mutual office in Chicago. Young lawyers, newly-admitted lawyers, and law students came together to sample and learn about five different wines, socialize, and network. Thank you to everyone who attended and our event sponsors! -
February 12, 2018 | Events
Professional Achievement Reception honoring Jeanne Heaton, ISBA director of CLE, and Robert Craghead, ISBA executive director, on Feb. 7, 2018. Photos by Angela Garbot Photography -
February 12, 2018 |
Practice News
The Board of Education of the City of Chicago, also known as Chicago Public Schools (CPS), has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child, in every community, have access to a high quality education that prepares him or her for success in college and career. CPS is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to represent CPS and its agents in state court and various administrative forums. Matters include personal injury cases ranging from slip and falls to sexual assaults and death cases, mechanic’s liens, property tax appeals, construction cases, whistleblower claims, limited employment matters and breach of contract claims. The Assistant General Counsel will have the following responsibilities:
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February 9, 2018 |
Member Services
The decision to switch to Fastcase, our free legal research service sponsored by ISBA Mutual, is an easy one. You can put the money you save to better use, like vacation or student loans; you'll find it intuitive and easy to use; and you can sync your account with the Fastcase app for on-the-go access.
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February 9, 2018 |
Practice News
By Sandy L. Morris Tired of answering “zero” hours of voluntary pro bono service on your annual attorney registration form? It’s time to think about why and how you can help the increasing numbers of self-represented litigants.
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February 9, 2018 |
Practice News
The Circuit Court of Cook County is closed today, Friday, Feb. 9, due to severe winter weather, according to a statement released by the court. With the exception of Central Bond Court at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago and juvenile detention hearings at the Juvenile Center in Chicago, there will be no court in session in any Cook County courthouse and the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court will be closed.