Chief Justice Rita B. Garman and the Illinois Supreme Court have given approval to a comprehensive analysis of the Cook County pretrial services program, statutorily established to provide guidance to judges setting bond for felony and misdemeanor defendants.

The report identifies systemic shortcomings in areas of echnology, automation, leadership, and management. It said the pretrial services operation also lacks the authenticity of verified reports on defendants. As a result, the program has fallen into disuse by judges, prosecutors, public defenders and the sheriff's office in setting bond or determining eligibility for electronic monitoring devices.

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced changes to Supreme Court Rules 361, 381, and 383 dealing with where attorneys or parties file motions with the Court.

If a case arises out of the Second, Third, Fourth, or Fifth Judicial Districts and is a motion to be heard by the full Court, an original and eight copies shall be filed with the Clerk's office in Springfield. If the mo-tion may be heard by a single Justice, an original and one copy shall be filed with the Clerk's office in Springfield, directed to the Justice from the Judicial District where the case originated. Responses to mo-tions shall be filed within the allowed time frames in the same manner along with the requisite copies.

In cases arising out of the First Judicial District (Cook County), motions for a single Justice will continue to be filed, along with one copy, in the Clerk's satellite office in Chicago. If the motion in a case from the First District is a matter for the full Court, the changes require an original and eight copies to be filed with the Clerk's Chicago office. Responses to motions shall be filed within the allowed timeframes in the same manner along with the requisite copies.

This applies whether motions and responses are filed electronically or not.

Our panel of leading appellate attorneys review Thursday's Illinois Supreme Court opinions in the criminal cases People v. Clark, People v. Melongo, People v. Fernandez, People v. Easley, People v. Davis and People v. Cummings. In People v. Clark and People v. Melongo the Court unanimously held that the current eavesdropping statute is unconstitutional.

People v. Clark and People v. Melongo

By Jay Wiegman, Office of the State Appellate Defender

What will the Medical Cannabis Act mean for patients? For employers, especially those with zero-tolerance drug policies? Others? Are you ready to advise clients about what some are calling the most restrictive medical marijuana law in the country? Learn more in the April Illinois Bar Journal.

Q. Can I hire a suspended or disbarred lawyer to do simple client intake forms in my office under my supervision?

A. In In re Discipio, 163 Ill.Dec. 515, 645 N.E.2d 906 (1994), an Illinois lawyer was found to have violated the ethical prohibition on aiding the unauthorized practice of law for hiring a disbarred lawyer to gather information from clients and complete forms on their behalf. The applicable RPC is 5.5(a), which provides that “a lawyer shall not practice law in a jurisdiction in violation of the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction, or assist another in doing so.”

ISBA members can browse past ISBA Ethics Opinions, access our Ethics Hotline, and other resources on the ISBA Ethics Page.

Disclaimer. These questions are representative of calls received on the ISBA’s ethics hotline. The information provided below is meant as an educational tool to highlight potentially applicable Illinois RPC or other ethics resources that might help the lawyer answer the question posed. The information provided isn’t legal advice. Because every situation is different, often complex, and the law is constantly evolving, you shouldn’t rely upon this general information without conducting your own research.

The City of Lincoln is seeking responses to the Request for Proposals for the position of Administrative Hearing Officer. The Administrative Hearing Officer is appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council, and provides adjudication in matters including, but not limited to towing/impounds, parking, and building regulations within the City of Lincoln.

Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am the partner in charge of marketing for our 12 attorney firm located in the Dallas suburbs. We are an estate planning/estate administration firm exclusively. We have a pretty good website with attorney bios and photos, articles, practice area descriptions, client testimonials and a blog that is updated weekly. We have been discussing the pros and cons of adding videos to the site. I would appreciate your thoughts.

A. I believe that videos can add to the quality of the site if done properly. A quality video can help you showcase your personality and bedside manner and help a potential client "get to know you." What you say may not be as important as how you say it. However, unless the video is a quality video and well done - it can do more harm than good. Here are a few thoughts:

1. Consider a video introduction by the managing partner introducing the firm linked off the home page.

2. Consider a video by each attorney linked off their bio pages.

3. Consider your audience - mom and pop individual clients as well as potential referral sources. Since your clients are individuals - dress and set your tone accordingly. Be a little less formal - speak to your client concerns. Think about their concerns.

4. Smile and be friendly.

5. Hire professionals to help you script and film professional quality videos. (Quality lighting and sound separates professional looking quality from homemade looking videos.)

6. Provide on-camera training and have your attorneys - Practice - Practice - Practice before live filming.

7. If you don't have anyone that looks good on camera - don't do it.

The ISBA Young Lawyers will host the annual Soiree on April 25 at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. The evening will include an Open Bar, Hors d'oeuvres, Dancing, Casino Games, and Raffle. Proceeds benefit the YLD Children's Assistance Fund.

When: Friday, April 25, 2014, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, 230 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago (map and directions)
What: Event will include Open Bar, Hors d'oeuvres, Dancing, Casino Games, and Raffle.
Cost: $85 per ticket.
Deadlines: All sponsorships and advertisements must be purchased by Monday, April 14, 2014. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Monday, April 21, 2014 at www.isba.org/sections/yld/soireereg

Cocktail/Semi-formal Attire Preferred.

The YLD Children's Assistance Fund is a special fund of the Illinois Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable entity.

Sponsorship opportunities:
$1,250 – Casino Table Sponsor (8 tickets)
$950 – Platinum Sponsor (6 tickets)
$650 – Gold Sponsor (4 tickets)
$350 – Silver Sponsor (2 tickets)

Ad Book:
$100 – Full Page
$50 – Half Page
$25 – Quarter Page

For more information, contact Lynne Davis or Rachel McDermott