The Illinois State Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division hosted its 3rd Professional Development Luncheon titled "Graduating to the Bench" on Jan. 15 at the Chicago Regional Office. Heather Pfeffer of Cassiday Schade served as moderator while Hon. Nancy J. Katz, Hon. Thomas L. Hogan, Albert E. Durkin and Hon. William E. Holdridge served as panelists.
Practice News
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January 22, 2013 |
Practice News | ISBA News
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January 18, 2013 |
Practice News
The Supreme Court of Illinois has announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders entered during the January Term of Court. The court disbarred two lawyers, suspended 16, reprimanded three and censured three. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
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January 17, 2013 |
Practice News
ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews bills in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. In this episode he covers Medical malpractice and tobacco litigation (House Bill 5151), Small Estate Affidavit (House Bill 25), Uniform Collaborative Law Act (Senate Bill 31), Victims’ Rights (HJRCA 1) and Local governments and debt collection (Senate Bill 36). More information on the bill is available below the video.
1 comment (Most recent January 28, 2013) -
January 16, 2013 |
Practice News
Michael J. Tardy, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced Wednesday that the Tenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Timothy J. Cusack as an associate judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Cusack received his undergraduate degree in 1984 from Marquette University in Milwaukee, and his Juris Doctor in 1989 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Mr. Cusack is currently affiliated with the Peoria County Public Defender's Office in Peoria.
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January 16, 2013 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Q. I am the sole owner of a law firm in Tucson, Arizona. I have seven associates working for the firm. I have one very senior level associate that I want to consider for partnership. I want to do this to keep him interested (he has been approached by other firms) and I envision him being a cornerstone of my succession plan - 10 years out. How should I start the process with him?
A. It sounds like you have found the person - or whom you believe is the right person for partnership. However, just because he has been a good associate does not mean that he will be a good partner - the relationship will be different. But at least he is somewhat of a known quantity since you know him and have worked with him for several years.
Here are a few ideas of where you might start:
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January 15, 2013 |
Practice News
CARPLS Legal Hotline in Chicago is looking for volunteer attorneys to give advice to low-income clients in the areas of landlord/tenant, consumer debt, and family law. Hotline shifts are M-F 9-1 or 1-5. We seek a minimum commitment of 1 shift per week over a 10-week session. Training (with CLE credit) and malpractice insurance provided.
Our next two training cycles begin Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 4-8 and Thursday, April 4 from 4-8. For more information contact Leslie Wallin at 312/421-4427 or lwallin@carpls.org or go to http://www.carpls.org/getinvolved/hotlinevolunteer/.
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January 14, 2013 |
Practice News
Statement from Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans Circuit Court of Cook County
“A new court order enforcing the ban of electronic communication and Internet devices inside the Circuit Court of Cook County goes into effect Monday, January 14, 2013. The attached General Administrative Order No. 2013-01 prohibits electronic communication and Internet devices inside courthouse facilities except for a new specified list of persons outlined in the order. The order is being enacted to provide safety within the courts, prevent pictures being taken with electronic devices and help to protect innocent individuals and those testifying in court.
“According to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, more than 8,000 cases are on call for next week. That is an example of the magnitude of our court system and how important it is to enact stringent safety measures.
“The order will be introduced during a three-month grace period ending on Monday, April 15, 2013. During the grace period, the Circuit Court of Cook County will work with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department to remind people entering a courthouse, communication devices are prohibited. It will be strongly suggested devices remain in the car.
“In an effort to aid those taking public transportation to various courthouses, the Circuit Court of Cook County is assigning a person to work with Cook County’s real estate and facilities department heads to quickly find a solution for storage of said devices – a claim check system or providing locker facilities as examples.
1 comment (Most recent January 17, 2013) -
January 10, 2013 |
Practice News
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman will administer the judicial oath of office to Circuit Judge Lisa Holder White, this time as an Appellate Court justice, during her swearing-in ceremony starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 14 in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Supreme Court Building.
"Just over four years ago, I had the privilege of swearing in Lisa Holder White as a circuit judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit," Justice Garman said. "Since that time, she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues on the bench and of the attorneys who appear before her. More importantly, she has earned the respect of the community she serves.
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January 10, 2013 |
Practice News
Claims involving special defendants, such as municipalities, mass transit companies, school and port districts, are subject to a special one year limitations period. Certain claimants, including policemen, firemen, and guardsmen, must make claims for death benefits within a year of death. In some cases, a special notice requirement is also imposed, as early as six months from the triggering event. This article reviews the main instances of these special limitations periods.
By Joseph R. Marconi1
One of the cardinal rules of malpractice avoidance is to always be cognizant of any statute of limitations that applies to your clients’ potential actions and to timely file their claims.
1 comment (Most recent January 10, 2013) -
January 9, 2013 |
Practice News
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Q. Our firm is a 9 attorney firm in Joplin, Missouri. We have our first partner meeting for the year this weekend and we are looking for ideas that we can implement this year to improve our practice and profitability. We would appreciate any ideas that you may have.