During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Illinois courts have been conducting hearings and small-claims trials via video conferencing. While public health concerns continue, this technological approach to court business has had its silver linings. Witnesses, for example, have been able to testify remotely, saving travel expense and time. Perhaps such remote court technology also will complement the increasing use of foundational affidavits for business records, since the other party will have ample opportunity to challenge foundational sources during discovery and trial. As Christopher DiPlacido writes in his October Illinois Bar Journal article, “For the Record,” the basic modern approach starts from the premise that all evidence is competent until the reverse is shown. Generally, DiPlacido shows, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 236 liberalizes the rules of evidence pertaining to regular business records by eliminating the need for the preparer’s testimony or proof of authorship.

The Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks to fill one or more attorney positions in our Chicago office. Interested members of the ISBA are encouraged to apply. The anticipated salary ranges are at Grades 11 through 14 (salary range from approximately $70,987 - $119,559 annually), depending on experience and other qualifications.

The ISBA will be sharing videos from members of the ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services in honor of National Pro Bono Week. National Pro Bono Week is recognized on October 25-31 this year.

Join us from 8:55 until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, October 23 for part one of this two-part program that examines a number of key real estate issues, recent caselaw updates and legislative changes that affect your client. Listen to experienced real estate attorneys as they discuss foreclosures, forbearances and real estate-related bankruptcy issues. Learn about condominium issues in the COVID (and post-COVID) pandemic. Understand reassessment of property valuations, as well as incentives given to developers for rebuilding. Engage with a panel of distinguished attorneys as they discuss the hot topics in real estate, including the impact of COVID-19 on the practice of law involving real estate.