Catherine Brukalo and Sharon L. Eiseman have received Presidential Commendations from the Illinois State Bar Association.
ISBA Immediate Past President Hon. Russell W. Hartigan (ret.) presented the awards July 24 in Chicago.
A third recipient, Jessica M. Fangman, will receive her Presidential Commendation at a later date.
The Cook County Circuit Court on June 20 issued an order finding that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) cannot prosecute Illinois property tax attorneys on charges they offered appraisal services without a proper state license when they argue valuations before tax assessment appeal tribunals.
The deadline for the state to file an appeal was July 20. No appeal was filed.
Don’t miss these upcoming Fastcase seminars!
August 2 - Introduction to Legal Research on Fastcase
Noon – 1 p.m.
0.75 hours MCLE | PMCLE credit
Don’t miss this opportunity to familiarize yourself with Fastcase (including the all new Fastcase 7) through this introductory legal research training seminar.
The Illinois Supreme Court interprets its supervisory authority broadly and holds that it is “unlimited in extent and hampered by no specific rules or means for its exercise.” Yet, historically, the court has used its supervisory powers only regarding issues brought to the court’s attention in petitions for leave to appeal (“PLAs”) where the court can order relief without full briefing, oral argument, or issuance of an opinion.
But recently, the court has been willing to exercise its supervisory power outside of the traditional context of PLAs. Examples include removing a judge for alleged judicial bias and misconduct, reinstating a summary judgment order vacated by the trial court on an improper basis, and ordering the appellate court to vacate an injunction.
The ISBA Board of Governors met on Friday, July 20. At the meeting, the Board filled the Area IV (Circuits 10, 14, and 15) and Under 37 in Cook County seats on the Board of Governors. The results of the elections to fill these leadership positions are below.
Board of Governors
The U.S. Attorney's Office Northern District of Illinois is accepting applications for assistant United States attorney openings in its Civil Division in Rockford.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least two years post-J.D. legal experience. U.S. citizenship is required.
Preferred qualifications include excellent academics, significant litigation experience, civil law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.
A recently-amended Illinois Supreme Court Rule requires the following language to be added to all civil summons:
“E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/gethelp.asp or talk with your local circuit clerk's office.”
The language, "or talk with your local circuit clerk's office" was added to the Rule on July 19. The amended Rule takes effect immediately.
Asked and Answered
By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Q. I started my firm as a solo practitioner nine years ago in New Orleans. My practice focuses on maritime defense litigation. Over the years I have added associates and currently I have six associates working for me. I am overwhelmed with work – from the legal work that I am doing in addition to business development and firm administration. My thought is that I should consider restructuring the firm by making some of my associates partners so I can offload and share some of the administrative responsibilities. I would like your thoughts. What are other firms in my situation doing?
The Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) has announced the recipients of its “Access to Justice” grants, which will be distributed to nonprofit legal aid organizations statewide.
The 2018 Illinois Bar Foundation grant recipients are as follows:
