ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. In this episode he covers Township government (Public Act 98-653), Workers’ Compensation Act (Public Act 98-633), UM/UIM insurance (House Bill 5575), Independent examination in mental health proceedings (Senate Bill 3532), Local Records Act (House Bill 5623) and Condominiums and common-interest communities (House Bill 5322). More information on each bill is available below the video.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071 proposes revisions of Circuit Rules 3, 10, 11, 22, 26.1, 28, 34, 45 and 46. Written comments on the proposed rule changes should be sent by August 1, 2014, to:

• Advisory Committee
• c/o Clerk of Court
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• 219 South Dearborn Street
• Chicago, Il 60604

Comments can also be made via e-mail at: USCA7_Clerk@ca7.uscourts.gov

Sergeant Joel Marquez, of the Downers Grove Police Department, received a 2014 Law Enforcement Award from the ISBA on Wednesday, June 18  during a ceremony at the DuPage County Administration Building Auditorium in Wheaton.

Sergeant Marquez was nominated by Robert J. Anderson, a circuit judge in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. ISBA Second Vice President Vincent Cornelius presented the award.

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 is given to recognize those who truly excel in the field of law enforcement. In addition to Sergeant Marquez, four other law enforcement officers from judicial districts throughout Illinois are being honored.

Sergeant Marquez was recognized for his exceptional work to educate his fellow law enforcement officers on the long-term impact that the crime of domestic violence has on families in DuPage County.

Asked and Answered

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

Q. Another attorney and I are planning on starting a law practice together. He has a larger book of business and 10 years more experience. Initially he will have a 60 percent ownership interest and I will have 40 percent. Compensation will be determined based upon these ownership percentages. How do you suggest we structure our decision-making and governance?

The Illinois Supreme Court announced on Monday an increase in the annual registration fee for attorneys practicing in Illinois. The increased funds will be directed to the regulatory body that disciplines attorneys and the Supreme Court Commission established to increase civility among lawyers.

Under amended Supreme Court Rule 756, the annual registration fee will increase from $342 to $382. That amounts to an increase of 11 cents per day for attorneys who are in active status for more than three years. The $40 increase will be remitted to the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), which will receive $30; and the Commission on Professionalism, which will receive $10.

Richard D. Felice, a lawyer in private practice in Wheaton, was installed as president of the Illinois State Bar Association at the organization’s 138^th Annual Meeting on Friday, June 20 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wis. View photo galleries from the Annual Reception and the Annual Installation Dinner.

During his year as president, Felice will place special emphasis on three projects. The first is the formation of a Task Force on the Impact of Law School Debt on the Future of the Profession to address the tremendous challenges facing new lawyers, including staggering law school debt and a stifling job market. The task force “will study in depth the concept of practice-ready new lawyers and consider constructive changes to law school curricula,” he said.  Second district appellate Justice Ann Jorgensen will chair the committee.

The second initiative is the formation of a Solo and Small Firm Practice Institute Series, offering educational programs to solo and small firm practitioners in five settings throughout the state. Working with other stakeholders in the practice of law, the institute will provide a variety of programming to help lawyers enhance their practices.

Is substitute service of process valid if it's on the defendant's father, in the defendant's driveway? You can make a good argument that the answer is "yes." Find out more in the June Illinois Bar Journal.