How many times have you heard “this is a standard settlement term”? Don’t miss this online seminar on November 3, 2016 that helps you determine which non-monetary provisions you need in settlement and severance agreements … and which you can accept from opposing counsel without much fear. Practitioners with intermediate to advanced practice skills working in the litigation environment – whether as an attorney or in-house counsel – who attend this seminar will better understand: what most attorneys define as the “standard” settlement term; which provisions are a necessary component in settlement agreements; how to ensure that you’ve included all of the provisions you need; and how to avoid missing something in the settlement agreement.

Illinois Department of Conservation Officer Hank Frazier, of Utica, received a 2016 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) on October 18 during a LaSalle County Bar Association meeting at JJ’s Pub in Ottawa.

The ISBA’s Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. It recognizes those who excel in law enforcement. ISBA 2nd Vice President James F. McCluskey presented the award.

Asked and Answered

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

Q. Our firm is a fourteen attorney firm in Orlando, Florida. We have Two equity members, five non-equity members, and seven associates. We are currently managed by the managing member. In order to be more inclusive we are thinking about eliminating the managing member position and moving to a three member executive committee with one of the three members being a non-equity member. I would appreciate your thoughts?

The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a multistate bar examination prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which has been adopted in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Administered over two days, the UBE consists of: (a) the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) - a 200- question multiple-choice test; (b) the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) - six essay questions on general principles of law; and (c) the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) - two hypothetical legal assignments requiring examinees to complete the tasks in writing. Persons who take the UBE receive a portable score, which, if high enough, will be accepted by any UBE jurisdiction as a passing score on its bar exam for a specific time period.

The ISBA Springfield office is closed Monday, October 17, while workers repair water damage from a weekend storm.  Website, phone and email services were interrupted Monday morning but should now be back to normal. However, Springfield staff members are away from the office today to make way for repair crews. The Chicago office remains open.  

Although modern technology has evolved by leaps and bounds, the use of technology in the legal community has moved a bit more slowly because attorneys are hesitant to take risks on the unknown. This full-day seminar in Chicago or via live webcast on Friday, October 28, 2016 shows you how technology can boost efficiency and professionalism in your practice and gives you the confidence you need to use it. As an attendee, you will learn: how to use Office 365 in your practice; new ways to energize yourself and handle the stresses of technology and the demands of your practice; how technology can help you manage deadlines and get compensated for your time; which technology tips you can and should begin incorporating into your practice; new techniques for establishing great communication with clients, jurors, and judges; how to monitor and protect your online reputation; the ethical issues that can arise when using technology in your practice; how to share documents electronically; and much more!

Early in 2016 the Illinois Supreme Court entered order M.R. 18368, which set the timeline for mandatory e-filing statewide. By July 1, 2017, e-filing of civil cases will be mandatory for the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts. Beginning January 1, 2018, e-filing of civil cases will be mandatory in all Illinois circuit courts.

In anticipation of these deadlines, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) hired Texas-based Tyler Technologies to roll out a centralized, statewide e-filing system. Tyler's Odyssey File & Serve platform is currently used in 19 states.

According to AOIC Director Michael Tardy, the unified e-filing system will increase efficiency and streamline the litigation process for lawyers and pro se litigants. Tardy says the decision to use Tyler was based in part on the company's success providing statewide e-filing for Indiana (a state half the size of Illinois) and Texas (a state twice the size).

He also says that SB 3162, signed into law on August 19, 2016 and now PA 99-0859, imposes court automation fees which will be used to get e-filing "up and running." Given that the court has set a hard deadline for compliance with its order, Tardy says that the court system will continue to find ways to make statewide e-filing a reality.

Find out more about mandatory e-filing, including why clerks of the Illinois Appellate Court are worried about the looming deadline, in the October Illinois Bar Journal.

Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am the firm administrator for a small personal injury five attorney practice in Des Moines, Iowa. The firm's owner is approaching retirement and is planning on approaching other law firms regarding sale of the practice or merger. He has asked me for reports in order that we can value the practice. QuickBooks is the only software that we use. What reports should I use to establish a value for the practice?

Lead in Water, Who's Problem is It?

Tuesday, October 25, 2016,
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
ISBA Chicago Office (map and directions)
20 S. Clark, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
312-726-8775

The ISBA Environmental Law Section Council is pleased to invite you to join us to hear Justin DeWitt and Kathryn Pamenter speak at our October 25, 2016, Professional Development Luncheon on the challenges we face regarding lead in water. This panel presentation will include an in-depth look at Senate Bill 550, which requires schools to test for lead in drinking and cooking water sources.