ISBA Statehouse Review for the week of January 21, 2015

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Chris Bonjean

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers The Attorney Act and citizenship (Senate Bill 23), Juror fees (Senate Bill 59), Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (Senate Bill 45), Open Meetings Act (House Bill 175), Respondents in discovery (House Bill 96) and Discovery and depositions (House Bill 95 ). More information on each bill is available below the video.

Chief Justice Garman announces applicants, screening committee for 7th Circuit vacancy

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Chris Bonjean

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman announced Wednesday the formation of a judicial screening committee for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Chief Justice Garman established the screening committee to assess the qualifications of those persons who have applied for appointment to the at-large Circuit Court vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Patrick J. Londrigan on December 8, 2014. Under the Illinois Constitution, the Supreme Court holds the authority to fill interim judicial vacancies until the next General Election.

Best Practice: Pros and cons of hiring children of law firm partners

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Chris Bonjean

Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am a partner in a four partner firm located in Houston. We have three associates in the firm. One of our partners has a son just finishing law school and he would like him to join the firm. We have never had children of partners work in the firm before and I am concerned about setting a precedent. We have a good relationship among all of the attorneys and I do not want to see our relationship tarnished. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Sign up now to be admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States!

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Chris Bonjean

Join ISBA members for a group admission to the Supreme Court of the United States on Monday, June 8, 2015 in Washington D.C.

Only 50 spots are available so sign up now for the ISBA's biennial trip to the U.S. Supreme Court! A special group hotel room rate is available at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel for the admittee, family and guests.

To be eligible, you must be an active lawyer member of the ISBA, admitted to practice more than 3 years, and not have any adverse disciplinary action pronounced or in effect during that 3-year period.

CLE: 2015 Federal Tax Conference

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Chris Bonjean

Discover the most recent developments in a broad range of federal tax topics with this full-day seminar! Don’t miss ISBA’s annual Federal Tax Conference in Chicago on February 6, 2015, which features a wealth of information and updates for tax lawyers, business law attorneys, and trusts and estates practitioners.

New admittees now get 1 year of Clio Practice Management free!

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Chris Bonjean

Clio is a cloud-based legal practice management platform that keeps your all-important matters, contacts and documents available anywhere. If you already use other popular cloud services, like Dropbox or Google Apps, Clio will make you smile by tying them together in a single, easy-to-use system. With dozens of more advanced features like terrific time-tracking, comprehensive calendaring, and beautiful billing, Clio will save you time, make you money, and help you look polished and professional to your clients. Free offer good for individual subscription only. ISBA members receive a 10% discount on Clio after their New Admittee year. Log in to sign up.