Outsourcing back office accounting to improve profitabilityBy Mike MargetLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, September 2014A short list of benefits derived by law firms who have outsourced their daily accounting department services.
An overview of the IRS Art Advisory PanelBy James CreechFederal Taxation, January 2014Since works of art are unique, and the value of an artwork can vary drastically based upon minor details, the IRS has assembled a standing panel of art experts known as the IRS Art Advisory Panel.
An overview of the IRS’ use of civil forfeiture based upon anti-structuring lawsBy James CreechFederal Taxation, December 2014This article takes a look at both the law used by the IRS to justify using civil forfeiture and the basics of the procedural due process remedies for a client who has been subject to civil forfeiture.
Owner of vacant property liable for CERCLA cleanupBy Raymond T. ReottEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, March 2014The recent California decision in City of Banning v. Dureau illustrates the danger faced by a property owner who does not monitor and control activities on his vacant properties.
Participate to grow your businessBy Joshua HermanYoung Lawyers Division, June 2014How becoming involved in a local bar association, the ISBA, or a community organization can help you successfully grow your business as a young lawyer.
Past-due condominium assessments and the FDCPABy Nancy HyzerReal Estate Law, February 2014Recently the Northern District Court of Illinois issued a Memorandum Opinion in a class action suit claiming a FDCPA violation against a law firm representing a condominium association on a past-due assessment collection effort.
PDF for trusts and estates attorneysBy Patrick Owens & Alan R. PressTrusts and Estates, November 2014An overview of the different types of PDFs and practical tips and help for using them in your everyday practice.
Pension reliefBy Douglas A. DarchEmployee Benefits, February 2014Illinois state pension law is a complex web of built-in extra benefits that costs taxpayers billions. In Hooker v. Retirement Board, the Supreme Court limited eligibility for one of those extra benefits.
Personal jurisdiction in the Internet ageBy Michael R. LiedFederal Civil Practice, September 2014A party’s Internet activity may affect whether the party is subject to a court’s jurisdiction.
The phantom stock plan: Sharing a rise in stock value with your employee without diluting equityBy Alan E. CaseBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, December 2014The opportunity to defer compensation enables many types of programs and techniques that benefit an employee as well as a company. There are two basic types of stock-oriented deferred compensation plans—those referencing “phantom stock” and those referencing stock appreciation rights (often referred to as “SARs”). This article provides a brief introduction to the basic elements, and advantages and disadvantages, of a phantom stock plan.
Phoning it in: The rule that corporate directors cannot vote by proxyBy Brian O’ConnellBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, December 2014Unlike shareholders, directors of a corporation cannot act by proxy. This article provides insights and authority regarding this corporate governance rule.
Piercing the corporate veil—Should farmers care?By Jeffrey A. MolletAgricultural Law, September 2014Can the corporate veil be pierced to collect a judgment from a non-shareholder? This question was addressed by the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District in Buckley v. Abuzir.
Police trainingBy Peter LaSorsaHuman and Civil Rights, October 2014A look at the training that police officers receive prior to obtaining a badge and gun.
Positions versus interests (Part II)By Robert E. Wells, Jr.Alternative Dispute Resolution, January 2014The second part of an article that was originally published in this newsletter in February 2013.
Potential role of a mediator in succession planningBy Robert E. Wells, Jr.Alternative Dispute Resolution, July 2014A fictional encounter between a mediator and an attorney seeking to mediate a family succession plan.
The power of GoogleBy Nicole SartoriLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, December 2014To increase your chances of being found when a client is looking for your firm, and without costing you any money, the firm should have a Google+ page.
The power of GoogleBy Nicole SartoriLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, September 2014To increase your chances of being found when a client is looking for your firm, and without costing you any money, the firm should have a Google+ page.
Practice tipBy Lynne R. OstfeldInternational and Immigration Law, December 2014The author suggests that, when deposing a non-English speaker, working with an interpreter obtained through recommendations may be much more beneficial to your success than using someone obtained through an agency.
Practice tipsBy Lynne R. Ostfeld & Tejas ShahInternational and Immigration Law, October 2014Make sure you're aware of these useful pointers!
Press releaseInternational and Immigration Law, March 2014Sign up now for the 9th Annual Silk Road Conference to be held May 16th in Chicago.
Press releaseInternational and Immigration Law, January 2014Sign up for this fascinating and educational seminar.
