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Chicago Area

  • April 25, 2017 | People
    Three ISBA Members Promoted at Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc.

    Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG®) recently promoted three ISBA members with a combined 50 years of experience at the company: Christine Sparks to senior vice president – chief operating officer; Arden K. Miner to vice president – underwriting, support, and development; and Tania M. S. Stori to vice president – claims and litigation.

    “One of ATG's biggest strengths is the loyalty and longevity of its staff and member agents,” said Peter J. Birnbaum, ATG president and CEO. “Christine, Arden, and Tania are all talented lawyers who have come up through the ranks at ATG. They possess in-depth experience in many aspects of our business and are uniquely qualified to lead us to future success and business growth.”

    An employee since 2003, Sparks brings a deep understanding of ATG operations, agent operations, risk assessment, and compliance to her new position as a result of her experience in the training and procedures, support and development, claims, and underwriting departments. She is well-versed in title insurance and lending industry practices and the regulatory environment. In her most recent role as vice president and managing attorney, Sparks assessed the insurability of real estate transactions as they relate to claims analysis and investigated and resolved title insurance claims. She also provided direction and support to training and procedures department personnel in resolving member compliance issues.

  • April 25, 2017 | ISBA News
    Allerton Conference 2017 Focuses on Technology, Ethics, and Economics

    ISBA's Allerton Conference 2017, sponsored by the Civil Practice and Procedure Committee, took place last week, on April 19-21, 2017, at Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby, Illinois. The conference provided an opportunity for invited lawyers, judges, and law professors from around the state to discuss important issues affecting civil procedure and litigation. The ultimate goal of the event is for attendees to offer suggestions for new Supreme Court rules and legislation sponsored by the ISBA, and propose programs to the ISBA Board of Governors.

  • April 24, 2017 | CLE
    CLE: Ethics Extravaganza 2017

    The ethical issues government attorneys encounter differ from those faced by private practitioners. Join us in Chicago on May 11, 2017 for this lively program that’s comprised of skits, scenarios, and group discussions, allowing participants to gather invaluable information on identifying potential ethical dilemmas and applying the Rules of Professional Conduct in a fun and interesting way. Government attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience will benefit from the ethical information presented throughout this seminar.

    The seminar is presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Government Lawyers and qualifies for 4.0 hours MCLE credit, including 4.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • April 18, 2017 | People
    Tony Valukas Steps Down as Chairman of Jenner & Block

    Anton R. “Tony” Valukas has decided to step down from the honorary role of chairman of Jenner & Block, and will continue as an active, senior partner of the firm. “In the coming years, I intend to remain an active practitioner, helping our firm to develop opportunities representing our clients and mentoring the next generation of lawyers, but I believe now is an appropriate time for me to continue a natural transition of my practice,” Mr. Valukas said. “I am very confident in the direction the firm is taking. We are firmly committed to our core values, have a clear strategy for the future, and a talented and committed leadership team.”

    Various firm leaders commented on Mr. Valukas’ career. Craig C. Martin, chair of the firm’s Litigation Department said, “Tony has been and will continue to be a tremendous asset to our firm. He not only has practiced at the highest levels of our profession, but time and time again has embraced and embodied our commitment to pro bono work, community service and assisting those who do not have meaningful access to the legal system.”

  • April 18, 2017 | CLE
    CLE: Balancing the Scales

    In honor of Mother’s Day and in celebration of women attorneys everywhere, please join us in Chicago on May 11, 2017, for lunch and a private screening of a new documentary about the historical challenges and contributions of women in the profession of law, featuring interviews with United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, and other notable lawyers. The filmmaker, Sharon Rowen, will be present to discuss the film following the viewing, with the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

  • April 14, 2017 | People
    Camille Ada Oliver Hoffmann 1927-2017

    Camille Ada Oliver Hoffmann, 90, of Stuart, FL, and a former long-time resident of Naperville, IL, passed away under the care of Hospice of the Treasure Coast with her two daughters by her side. 

    She was born March 13, 1927, in Chicago, to the late James and Ada-Marie Oliver.  She was a graduate of Lake Forest College in 1949, and later received her law degree in 1952 from DePaul University, in Chicago. 

    Camille was the second woman in the States Attorney’s Office in Illinois and the first woman lawyer in DuPage County’s States Attorney’s office. 

    Camille founded Oliver Construction in the 50s and was later joined by her husband in forming the Oliver Hoffmann Development Corporation of Naperville that developed many residential land projects including, Rock Ridge, Stillwater, Paddocks Subdivision, Kinloch, River Run, Spring Brook Square, and Ash Wood Creek, all of Naperville and many developments in Aurora, Oswego, Sugar Grove, and Batavia. 

    Camille funded many medical projects for Edward Hospital for equipment purchases as well as being a founding annual supporter of Ribfest. She headed the Open Door annual Winter Coat Drive, and formal wear drive for their annual dance for special needs adults. Camille personally tutored the handicapped in both oral and written communication. 

  • April 14, 2017 | People
    Keith E. Yard 1961-2017

    Keith E. Yard, 55, of Morris, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Loyola Medical Center in Chicago. Born August 31, 1961 in Morris, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Virginia (Walden) Yard. 

    Raised and educated in Morris, Keith graduated from Morris High School with the Class of 1979. He received his B.S. from Western Illinois University and then attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, where he obtained his J.D.

    Survived by his children, Leah (Daniel) Peat of St. Joseph, MI, Mark Yard of Morris, Christopher (Katie Walker) Yard of Dwight, and Riley Yard of Mazon; Darla Yard Roe of Mazon; grandchildren, Violet and Arthur Peat, and Lucas Yard. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Karla) Yard and Kevin Yard, both of Morris; and one sister, Denise (Greg) Gillespie of Varna, IL.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother in infancy, Kenneth Eugene.

  • April 11, 2017 | CLE
    CLE: Settlement in Federal Court Cases

    Back by popular demand! Learn the tips of the trade as several panels of federal judges, retired federal judges, and mediators share everything you need to know about settlement in the federal courts. Attorneys with all level of experience practicing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals who attend this seminar in Chicago on May 10, 2017 will gain a better understanding of: meeting the judges’ expectations for pre-settlement preparations; preparing your client for settlement; how to conduct the settlement conference, including conference procedures and techniques to help both parties come to a settlement agreement; what not to do during a settlement; how to handle settlement compliance issues and the court’s ability to enforce the settlement agreements; and the Seventh Circuit’s settlement program procedures.

    The program is presented by the ISBA Federal Civil Practice Section and co-sponsored by the Seventh Circuit Bar Association. It qualifies for 3.75 hours MCLE credit, including 3.75 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • April 11, 2017 | People
    Timothy Murphy 1955-2017

    Timothy J. Murphy, 62, passed away due to complications from his relentless battle with cancer on April 4, 2017. Survived by wife of 37 years Kathleen (Meersman), children Sarah (Joe) Reth, Patrick (Ryan) Murphy, Claire (John) Hollyoak, and Jack Murphy, grandson Owen Reth, parents Robert and Dolores Murphy, many loving brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and large extended family. Tim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew and friend.

    Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Tim was proud of his Chicago roots. He enthusiastically cheered for the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks and Northwestern Wildcats. An alum of DePaul Law School, he was a dedicated and dogged attorney that practiced his talents in the city for over 37 years. Devout in his faith, he believed strongly in helping and serving others and his community, including as a committed member of the Mt. Prospect Lions Club. He brought energy and zest to every occasion and enjoyed life to the absolute fullest. He loved getting together with friends, going to countless rock concerts, and making others laugh with his wit and humor. He was a loyal friend, willing confidant, peacemaker and sage counselor and will be missed by all. 

  • April 11, 2017 | People
    SmithAmundsen Promotes Thomas Hayden, Yesha Sutaria Hoeppner, and Kay Weiler to Partner

    The law firm of SmithAmundsen recently promoted the following attorneys to partner based on professional achievement: Thomas Hayden, Yesha Sutaria Hoeppner, and Kay Weiler.

    Thomas Hayden is a member of the Construction and Product Liability practice groups in the firm’s Chicago office. He focuses on a wide range of areas including products liability, construction negligence, transportation, retail claims, and municipal tort liability. He has represented clients in matters involving commercial litigation, real estate, regulatory issues, civil rights, and numerous other areas of law, and has experience defending personal injury and insurance subrogation claims.

    Yesha Sutaria Hoeppner is a member of the Class Action, Commercial Litigation and Toxic Tort & Environmental practice groups in the firm’s Chicago office. She defends clients ranging from small businesses to publicly traded, multimillion dollar companies in a wide variety of class action cases in federal and state courts across the country. Yesha regularly serves clients dealing with consumer fraud and marketing related issues, product defect, breach of contract, and violations of statutes and regulations.