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Lawyer Referral Service Makes More than 800 Referrals in May

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of May 2019 there were more than 800 referrals given.

Here are the results for May 2019:

Quick Take on Illinois Supreme Court Opinion Issued Thursday, June 6

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois Supreme Court handed down one opinion on Thursday, June 6. In People v. Clark, the court affirmed that a defendant’s bail bond violation constituted escape.  

People v. Clark

By Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate Defender

Elizabeth Clark had a history of substance abuse. In October 2012, Clark pled guilty to burglary and unlawful use of a credit card and, pending sentencing, she was released for treatment. Ultimately, Clark was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 30 months of probation. Clark subsequently violated that probation twice. She was taken into custody and then released on a temporary recognizance bond to be transported directly to an inpatient treatment facility. Clark successfully completed inpatient treatment, and the bond was modified to allow her to enter a halfway house providing extended residential care following substance abuse treatment. The bond modification provided that if Clark was released or discharged from the halfway house for any reason, she was to immediately return to the custody of the Will County Jail using the most direct route of travel and without delay.

Illinois Supreme Court Amends Rule Regarding Matters Assignable to Associate Judges

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois Supreme Court today amended Rule 295, which pertains to matters assignable to associate judges.

The amended Rule, which goes into effect July 1, provides:

“The chief judge of each circuit or any circuit judge designated by him or her may assign an associate judge to hear and determine any matters deemed suitable by the chief judge or designated circuit judge, including the trial of criminal cases in which the defendant is charged with an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.”

Director of AOIC Announces Results of Associate Judges Reappointments

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

Marcia M. Meis, director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that 386 out of 391 Illinois associate judges who filed requests for reappointment to their office for a new four-year term have been retained.

Having certified the results of more than 480 total ballots cast in Illinois' 24 circuit courts, Meis informed that each successful candidate received votes that tallied three-fifths or greater in favor of their reappointment. Five associate judges did not receive the requisite number of votes for reappointment. The new term of office for each reappointed associate judge will begin on July 1, 2019 and terminate on June 30, 2023.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Karmeier Thanks General Assembly, Governor for Increase in Judicial Branch Funding

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier issued the following statement today on the increased funding for the judicial branch following the signing of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

ISBA Statehouse Review for June 5, 2019

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers legal transcription, driver’s licenses and child support, the Cannabis Regulation Tax Act, disposition of remains, the Illinois Trust Code, forensic interviews on children, medical cannabis, and toxic torts.

CLE: Small Claims Mediation

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

Join us online June 21 to discover why using mediation in small claims cases can be the better choice for the expeditious resolution of cases, which often involve self-represented parties and provide better access to justice.

ISBA Awards to be Presented at July Ceremony in Chicago

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

The Illinois State Bar Association will present several awards recognizing individuals for their commitment and service to the profession and their communities during a ceremony held July 11 at Maggiano's Little Italy Chicago:

    Quick Takes for Your Practice: How to Prepare Workers’ Compensation Settlement Contracts

    Posted on June 4, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

    Attorney Howard Ankin discusses how to prepare workers’ compensation settlement contracts.

    CLE: Live—7th Annual Minority Bar CLE Conference

    Posted on June 3, 2019 by Rhys Saunders

    Back by popular demand! Don’t miss the 7th Annual Minority Bar CLE Conference that offers you guidance and information in a number of practice areas. Enhance your knowledge on an array of key issues, including: diversity in the judiciary; thriving as a solo practitioner; advancement of minority female litigators; voting rights and recent legal developments; technology and the law; the challenges of protecting intellectual property in China; and immigration law hot topics.

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