Join us Oct. 16-17 for a two-day program that is designed to help attorneys who are appointed to represent children. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 906(c), an attorney should receive 10 hours of education every two years in: child developments; roles of guardians ad litem and child representatives; ethics in child custody cases; relevant substantive state, federal, and case law in custody and visitation matters; and family dynamics, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health issues. Topics for this seminar include: how to become a guardian ad litem and what the work entails; understanding the differences between a guardian ad litem, child representative, and attorney for the child; guardian ad litem appointments; child development and issues in family law matters; Illinois Supreme Court rules, Illinois caselaw, and statutory update; the ethical dilemmas facing guardian ad litems and child representatives; domestic violence issues; and how DCFS procedures relate to family law cases.

On September 9, 2019, Illinois lawyer Charlene Marsh was found guilty of indirect criminal contempt for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law by holding herself out as a lawyer and preparing pleadings in federal court on behalf of a pro se litigant. Ms. Marsh charged the client approximately $23,000 for 68 hours of legal research and document preparation. Ms. Marsh was ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution, $500 in court costs, sentenced to two years’ probation, and permanently enjoined from engaging in any further acts of the unauthorized practice of law. The case is ARDC v. Charlene Marsh, No. 17 MC1-600052 (September 9, 2019) 

Two articles in September’s Illinois Bar Journal explore the pros and cons of communicating with clients via texting, Facebook, and other digital and online tools. In the first article, ISBA members from a recent ISBA Central discussion thread debate best communication practices. In the second, Affinity Consulting’s Cyara Hotopp lists the do’s and don’ts of texting clients. The respective articles are available online: Communicating With Clients SMS SOS

Succession planning is a necessary consideration for attorneys, regardless of whether they’re actively planning to close or merge a firm. It’s important for lawyers to designate a representative who can take limited fiduciary action if the designating attorney loses the capacity to run his or her firm, abandons the practice, or dies. The ISBA’s “Succession Planning Checklist” provides guidance when considering the various scenarios that may necessitate an attorney handing over the reins.