Section Newsletters

Articles on Retainers

Beware the pitfall: Avoiding ethical lapses in client intake By Kyle Stevens Young Lawyers Division, June 2016 A discussion of some of the ethical issues regarding client retention and non-engagement letters.
Lawyer shopping as a sword: It’s time to stop this abuse By David W. Inlander & Deborah Jo Soehlig Bench and Bar, October 2014 What should a lawyer and judge do when confronted with a litigant who has interviewed many attorneys in a field, and now attempts to disqualify all those he does not retain from representing his opponent?
Practice alert: Illinois Supreme Court allows disgorgement of previously paid retainers fees in divorce cases now uncertain By Lisa A. Copland General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2014 On October 3rd, 2013, the Illinois Supreme Court handed down a decision with potentially strong implications for attorneys involved in dissolution of marriage proceedings.
Five reasons to collect a retainer up front in lieu of getting paid at the closing By Colleen L. Sahlas Real Estate Law, April 2011 Avoid risks and take the simple step of collecting a retainer up front.
3 comments (Most recent October 7, 2015)
Resolutions for 2008 By Mary A. Corrigan Law Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2008 Although 2008 is already underway, it is not too late to implement some resolutions for improvement of your law practice.
Supreme Court analyzes retainer agreements By Willis R. Tribler & Glenn Fischer Bench and Bar, February 2008 The Supreme Court of Illinois has examined and clarified two kinds of retainer payments to lawyers.Dowling v. Chicago Options Associates, Inc., 226 Ill.2d 277, 875 N.E.2d 1012 (2007). 
Retainers in dissolution of marriage actions By Michelle Lawless & Patrick Ryan Family Law, July 2007 The recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling in Dowling v. Chicago Options Associates, Inc., et al., clarifies that attorneys have a third option when considering the type of written retainer agreement to enter into with a client.
Attorney’s retaining lien, circa 1889 By John B. Kincaid Civil Practice and Procedure, March 2006 Contrary to the popular misconception of many attorneys and judges, including this writer, Illinois has, since 1889, recognized and enforced the right of an attorney to retain his physical file until the client has paid for his services. 

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