The Public Servant

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Government Lawyers

2006 Articles

Attorney General issues opinions By Lynn Patton December 2006 Under section 4 of the Attorney General Act (15 ILCS 205/4 (West 2005 Supp.)), the Attorney General is authorized, upon request, to furnish written legal opinions to State officers and State’s Attorneys on matters relating to their official duties.
Attorney General issues opinions By Cynthia I. Ervin & Lynn Patton June 2006 Under section 4 of the Attorney General Act (15 ILCS 205/4 (West 2004)), the Attorney General is authorized, upon request, to furnish written legal opinions to State officers and State’s Attorneys on matters relating to their official duties.
Case Synopsis: Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Department of Public Health By Lisle A. Stalter April 2006 It is not very often that an opinion thoroughly discussing the application of the Freedom of Information Act is published.
Ethics corner: Recent censure of a public sector lawyer By Rosalyn B. Kaplan April 2006 On January 13, 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court censured Justin T. Fitzsimmons for professional misconduct committed during the course of his employment as an assistant state’s attorney in DuPage County.
Ethics corner: recent discipline of public sector lawyers and related ABA formal opinion By Rosalyn B. Kaplan September 2006 Recent disciplinary orders from the Illinois Supreme Court have included sanctions entered against two public sector attorneys.
Former Assistant Public Defender suspended By Rosalyn B. Kaplan December 2006 While she was employed as an assistant Kane County public defender, Cynthia Sutherin approached three of her colleagues at the Public Defender’s office, as well as another attorney employed by the Kane County State’s Attorney, telling them that she was going to open a law firm with two other assistant public defenders.
From the Chair By Nancy G. Easum September 2006 As the incoming Committee Chair, I want to tell you about the activities the Committee has planned for this year; outline our goals; and thank those that helped make last year so successful.
The impact of FOIA on an integrated justice information system By Wil Nagel & Kathleen deGrasse September 2006 The trend in criminal justice is to improve the sharing of information among law enforcement entities.
In-sites By Dion Davi December 2006 There are many Web sites available that provide information related to the criminal justice system. Some provide information about sex offenders and others assist in finding an inmate in a particular facility.
In-sites June 2006 The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, what we know as HIPAA, was enacted by Congress in 1996.
In-sites April 2006 Over the years, the Illinois Bar Journal has provided some great research tips for those searching for government agency regulations, policies, interpretive letters, opinions, digests, forms, and other information.
Job evaluations and personnel files under the Freedom of Information Act By Phillip B. Lenzini April 2006 All public employees should appreciate the decision in Copley.
Legislative update By Cynthia I. Ervin September 2006 The spring session of the 94th General Assembly ended on May 4, 2006. Approximately 353 bills passed both houses of the General Assembly.
MCLE Board Chairman addresses Government Bar Association; Director of MCLE Board chosen By Lee Beneze & Patrick J. Hughes June 2006 In February, Jack Brooks, Chairman of the Illinois MCLE Board, spoke to the Government Bar Association, an affiliate of the ISBA.
Someone you should know: Lori G. Levin By Andrea M. Witcher April 2006 Lori G. Levin is unquestionably someone you should know. Her tenacity and curiosity have led to a very successful career in government.
Someone you should know: Patti S. Gregory-Chang By Ronza M. Othman December 2006 Patti S. Gregory-Chang is undoubtedly someone you should know.
Want to discuss the new Minimum Continuing Legal Education requirements with other government agencies? Join the Illinois Government Consortium June 2006 The membership of the Illinois Government Consortium consists of professional development directors, administrators, and attorneys from several government agencies.