The bench, the bar and the lunch tableBy Evan BrunoBench and Bar, September 2017In Champaign County, where author Evan Bruno practices criminal law, Bunny’s Tavern in Urbana is every Wednesday’s lunch spot. Any lawyer or judge, regardless of practice area or experience, is welcome. Every legal community needs such a lunch table.
Best practices to impart to business ownersBy Mason ColeLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, September 2017Choosing a partner to embark on the challenge of launching a business should be approached similarly to finding a life partner.
Beware of rustlers (and rustlers beware)By Herbert FranksWorkers’ Compensation Law, November 2017Rustlers employ various tactics to lure their quarry. Many will advertise that even if you are represented, they will evaluate your case and tell you its true value. Some advertise to other lawyers that they will pay 50% of the fee to any referring attorney. Others may also have bartenders and beauticians helping them to receive referrals of your cases.
Billing optionsBy Amber MikulaLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, May 2017As clients seek more opportunities to save money, attorneys must become more flexible with billing options, in order to meet the needs of the clients.
Blurbs on briefsBy Hon. Richard P. GoldenhershBench and Bar, December 2017After 29 years on the appellate court, Judge Richard Goldenhersh has accumulated some practical experience with briefs. He shares his observations here.
Blurred line between business and personal loans and the application of the Illinois Credit Agreements ActBy Thomas E. HowardCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, July 2017Lenders should police their residential real estate collateral now to ensure that their borrowers have not become landlords. The borrowers could have easily gotten a new home mortgage from another mortgage bank. Very specific steps must be taken to bring the formerly residential mortgage loan under the shield that the ICAA provides to commercial lenders.
Boilerplate objections in discovery—Tread lightlyBy Stanley N. WasserFederal Civil Practice, December 2017Are you addicted to responding to discovery requests with boilerplate objections? Well your cure might be a read of Judge Mark W. Bennett’s March 13, 2017 Memorandum Opinion in Liguria Foods, Inc. v. Griffith Labs., Inc.
Book review of The Anxious LawyerBy Hon. Edward J. SchoenbaumLaw Related Education for the Public, February 2017Reviewer Ed Schoenbaum highly recommends this book, written by two attorneys who have first-hand knowledge of the problems facing us and the fantastic possible rewards of mindfulness practice.
Book review of The Anxious LawyerBy Hon. Edward J. SchoenbaumSenior Lawyers, February 2017Reviewer Ed Schoenbaum highly recommends this book, written by two attorneys who have first-hand knowledge of the problems facing us and the fantastic possible rewards of mindfulness practice.
Book review: Lights OutBy Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, February 2017A review of Ted Koppel's 2015 book.
Book review: Red Sparrow by Jason MatthewsBy Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, June 2017Author Jason Matthews was a CIA field operative for 33 years before retiring, and he appears to be using much of his CIA experiences as material for this book.
Bored, stuck, want to do something new?By Evan W. SchanerbergerState and Local Taxation, September 2017The ISBA's State & Local Taxation Section and the ISBA's Young Lawyers Division have partnered to create the first ever “ISBA State & Local Taxation New Member Happy Hour” event at the Godfrey Hotel IO Roof Deck on September 21st, 2017 at 6pm.
Bored, stuck, want to do something new?By Evan W. SchanerbergerYoung Lawyers Division, August 2017The ISBA's State & Local Taxation Section and the ISBA's Young Lawyers Division have partnered to create the first ever “ISBA State & Local Taxation New Member Happy Hour” event at the Godfrey Hotel IO Roof Deck on September 21st, 2017 at 6pm.
Bringing the insurance carrier into the caseBy Martin J. HaxelWorkers’ Compensation Law, March 2017An obscure provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act allows a claimant to bring the insurance carrier into the case and have an award entered against it and the employer.
Broadening our horizonsBy Hon. Michael B. HymanBench and Bar, April 2017While the legal systems of other countries may differ, the way people react to the legal system and lawyers is often similar to our own. By considering how our peers from around the world have dealt with some common issues we may learn something about ourselves.
Busted: The myth of the digital nativeBy Samantha SwartzBench and Bar, August 2017Judge Walker's second summer extern, Samantha Swartz, says while it's assumed that millennials are naturally gifted when it comes to technology, it's better to say that they're ready and willing to adapt to tech challenges.
A call for caution when limiting the public’s access to criminal courtroomsBy Evan BrunoBench and Bar, February 2017This article examines the delicate—and often blurry—line between a judge’s permissible exclusion of persons from the courtroom and the unconstitutional denial of the defendant’s right to a public trial.
A call for downstate bail reformBy Evan BrunoHuman and Civil Rights, December 2017Human Rights Section Chair Evan Bruno argues that "If Cook County can survive with a $100 cap on all 'bail bond costs,' surely other Illinois counties can as well."
