The Fellows of the Illinois Bar Foundation thank our latest new and upgraded Fellows for their commitment to supporting the mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation. Funds from the Fellows program make a direct impact on the lives of those in need, including our colleagues and their families during times of crisis and those who cannot otherwise afford legal representation. Fellows’ pledges are payable over 10 years and start at just $100 per year, or less than $9 per month. 

The Illinois Supreme Court on March 29 announced the amendment of Rule 274that pertains to multiple final orders and postjudgment motions.

The amended rule states: “A party may make only one postjudgment motion directed at a judgment order that is otherwise final and appealable. The motion must be filed either within 30 days of that judgment order or within the time allowed by any extensions.” (New language bolded.)

Applications are now being accepted for judicial vacancies in the Tenth and Eighth Subcircuits of Cook County, according to an announcement made by the Illinois Supreme Court.

The vacancy of the Tenth Subcircuit judicial position was created by the retirement of Judge Thomas Allen. The vacancy of the Eighth Subcircuit judicial position was created by the retirement of Judge John Fleming.

You’ve been there: You mention you’re an attorney to a new acquaintance and suddenly you’re peppered with child custody and visitation questions. Don’t miss this live webinar on April 18 that’s designed to give attorneys who don’t practice in the family law arena a primer on parental responsibilities, parenting time, and child support. Learn the basics of family law and get a toolbox of go-to resources for help. Discover how you can put your newfound knowledge to immediate use—and for the greater good of the public—with pro bono opportunities.

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Pretrial Practices released its preliminary report concerning pretrial reform in the Illinois criminal justice system today.

A final report with recommendations regarding the administration of pretrial justice in Illinois will be released in December. The commission also announced that public hearings regarding pretrial justice will be held throughout the state in the coming months.

Voting is now underway in the 2019 ISBA Election.

ISBA's election provider Election America emailed e-ballots to members with valid email addresses and mailed paper ballots to members without valid email addresses today, Wednesday, March 27. The deadline for voting is Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. 

Only attorney members who have paid their dues by March 1, 2019 are eligible to vote. 

Asked and Answered 

By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC

Q. I am an associate attorney in a nine-attorney firm in Orlando, Florida. There are five partners and four associates in the firm. I have been with the firm for four years and I am the senior associate. I am concerned about my future. Recently one of the partners announced that he was bringing his son, who recently graduated from law school, into the firm as an associate. Other partners have children in law school. I have hopes of becoming a partner in the firm in the next few years. I am afraid that with partners’ children in the firm, this may not happen. What are your thoughts on this matter?

Attorney Marie Sarantakis discusses five things lawyers can do to improve their social media presence. Tips include creating shareable content, posting early and often, asking for reviews, taking advantage of existing networks, and finding what works for you.