The Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International - Chicago Alumni Chapter (CAC) is hosting it's annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at Petterino's Restaurant in Chicago. Attendees will enjoy Irish fare, a cash bar, and live music provided by Chicago Alumni Chapter Board Member Charlie McCarthy and Seanchie. 

Tables, which include 10 tickets and reserved seating, are $370. Tickets for CAC members and guests are $40 before March 9, or if received after or at the door, $50. Students can purchase tickets for a discounted price of $25 on or before March 5, or $30 at the door. The ticket order form includes additional details.

For further information, please contact Chicago Alumni Chapter Vice Justice Genevieve Niemann by e-mail or by phone at (217) 653-7098.

Receiving a letter from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission can be a nerve-wracking experience. Embarrassment, anger, and fear are all natural responses, but there is no need for panic.

Spring savings are blooming at Lenovo. Refresh your technology all month long with instant savings of up to $450 off great Lenovo devices. 

Deals are only valid while supplies last! Shop now:

• Up to $450 off select Lenovo Ideapad Laptops
• Up to $220 off select Lenovo IdeaCentre Desktops
• Up to 20% off select ThinkPad Laptops

William A. Price of GrowthLaw.com discusses how to help your client buy or sell a business.

Late last year, President Trump signed the GOP's tax bill into law. While it has been lauded in some circles as a welcome tax break for American workers and businesses, changes to the tax code will make getting divorced more expensive for maintenance payors by removing a deduction in place since 1942.

Beginning on January 1, 2019, former spouses that pay maintenance will not be able to deduct the payments from their taxes. This change only applies to orders or settlements signed after January 1, 2019.

Under the new tax law, not only will maintenance payors be unable to deduct the payments from their taxes, payees will not have to report the money as income. This will change the calculations under Illinois's new maintenance statute, which are based on the gross incomes of both spouses.

Orlando Theme Parks for March
March is a beautiful time of year to visit Orlando theme parks. It's also a great time to enjoy tons of savings through TicketsatWork.com. This month, check out Mardi Gras without leaving Central Florida with the annual Mardi Gras party at Universal Orlando's CityWalk and when you buy 2 days you'll get 2 days free! Meanwhile, check out all of the magic happening at Walt Disney World including the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this March with a 4-Day Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Ticket and you'll get 1 day free. For more ways to enjoy Orlando theme parks this March visit TicketsatWork.com.

Get the tips and advice you need to run your practice without fear of liability! The best way to avoid a malpractice claim is to know what issues to be aware of and how to avoid them, as well as the ethical rules that should be guiding you throughout your practice.

Each year, the Illinois State Bar Association sponsors Ask A Lawyer Day to recognize and celebrate Law Day, which celebrates the role of law in our society and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal profession. During Ask A Lawyer Day, volunteers respond to telephone calls from the public to answer general legal questions free of charge. The calls help members of the public resolve their legal issues or assist them in taking the next steps toward resolving those issues. This is a state-wide public relations effort that receives considerable attention from the public and the media.

This year's Ask A Lawyer Day will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Illinois Bar Center in Springfield and the Chicago Regional Office.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online form at www.isba.org/askalawyervolunteer. 

Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am the owner of a general practice firm in Chicago’s west suburbs. My firm has three associate attorneys and three staff members. I am 64 and contemplating my retirement and exit from the practice. I would like to start phasing back over the next three years and be out of the practice by December 31, 2021. There is one associate in the firm to whom I would like to sell the practice and he has expressed an interest as well. What are your thoughts as to how I approach this?

You are invited to represent ISBA alongside the Standing Committee on Marketing & Communications by marching in the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago on March 17. An annual tradition for ISBA, walking alongside our mobile billboard is a great opportunity to represent the association and our lawyers to the public.

The parade begins at noon at Balbo and Columbus, and proceeds north on Columbus. Members interested in participating can meet at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office, 20 S. Clark Street, Ste. 900 in the morning to walk to the parade as a group at 11:30 a.m. or meet at the parade site. Interested participants are encouraged to bring family and friends. The ISBA parade number will be released the week of the parade.

Contact Sara Anderson at sanderson@isba.org if you would like to participate or for further information.