Volunteer for the 2021 High School Mock Trial Invitational

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Volunteers are needed for the 2021 ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational, which will be held virtually March 12-14 via Zoom.

 

This program provides an opportunity for students to learn what it is like to prepare and present a legal case before the Illinois courts. Participating students gain a better understanding of the justice system and improve their knowledge, skills, and ability to articulate in a reasoned, thoughtful manner.

 

January 22, 2021

Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Candidates Rated in Judiciary Advisory Poll

Candidates for an associate judge vacancy in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit have been rated in an advisory poll of lawyers conducted by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). Results of this poll are now available.

Secretary of State Legal Position Open

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

The Secretary of State’s office is looking for an attorney to serve as assistant general counsel in the Springfield office advising the vehicle services department. The duties of this position include drafting legislation and administrative rules, advising the department regarding compliance with existing laws and regulations, answering questions regarding the licensing of vehicle dealerships, and participating in formulating policies for the operations of the department. The attorney will also assist the personnel department in collective bargaining agreements and litigation concerning personnel actions, and represents the Office of the Secretary of State at arbitration proceedings.

Justice James D. Heiple 1933-2021

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Justice James D. Heiple, the author of the controversial 1994 “Baby Richard” adoption case ruling, passed away on January 18 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria from complications following a brain hemorrhage. He was 87. During his time on the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Heiple authored 175 majority opinions, 98 dissents, 27 special concurrences and 18 partial concurrences/partial dissents.

CLE: 2021 Immigration Law Update

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

Join us from noon until 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 4 from the comfort of your home or office as we offer a comprehensive update on the executive actions, legislative changes, and caselaw developments that will impact U.S. immigration law in 2020/2021. Immigration law attorneys, general practitioners, and new lawyers with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will better understand: the immigration law changes that took place throughout 2020; how the presidential election will impact immigration law; the changes to be aware of in immigration enforcement standards, including the new executive orders on interior security and border enforcement; the issues relating to the Public Charge Rule and designation; and changes effecting refugees, asylum and special immigrant juveniles.

Old Wine in New Cases

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Rhys Saunders

In Smart Oil LLC v. DW Mazel, LLC, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit confirmed that lawyers are essential in real estate transactions. The Seventh Circuit recognized its role in interpreting contracts and giving effect “to the intention of the parties as expressed in the agreed terms.” Lawyers are the client’s advocate, charged with articulating the client’s precise intentions in the agreement, and then guiding the transaction with careful attention to detail through closing. According to William J. Anaya in his January 2021 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Old Wine in New Cases,” Smart Oil offers insights to environmental and real estate lawyers and a cautionary tale for those who seek to cleverly avoid or circumvent settled law in modern real estate transactions. Anaya advises lawyers who represent sellers and buyers in transactions and litigation are well served in reading this Seventh Circuit’s primer on settled law in Illinois.