Practice News

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts announced Monday that Joshua A. Meyer received a majority of the votes cast by the circuit judges in the Seventh Judicial Circuit and is declared to be appointed to the office of associate judge. Mr. Meyer received his undergraduate degree in 1998 from Blackburn University, Carlinville, and his Juris Doctor in 2001 from St. Louis University. Mr. Meyer is currently affiliated with the Macoupin County Public Defender's Office, Carlinville.

By Peter LaSorsa You have a trip planned for the Caribbean and you want to be able to stay in touch with the home office and clients—can you with your cell phone? The answer depends on the cell phone carrier and your cell phone.  There isn’t enough space to write about all cell phone carriers or cell phones and pda’s so I will write about what I use. I travel to the Caribbean five or six times a year and I have the same access in the Caribbean as I have in Chicago. I have the Blackberry 9550 Smart phone through Verizon, which has UMTS (3G DATA) in over 85 countries. It also has access through various networks in over 200 countries. Check with your carrier for details but the following steps will apply to any cell phone carrier - only the details will change. There are some steps to take before you travel to ensure you have a smooth cell phone experience.  First, make sure your cell phone subscription includes a global plan. Many do and if yours does not, you can sign up and cancel when you return. Additionally, you can rent a global satellite phone from Verizon for the period of travel. If you do have a global plan, make sure your SIM card is installed. If you purchased your phone at a store they did this for you. Lastly, with Verizon dial #228 and press send to get an updated preferred roaming list. There will be two different types of networks when traveling, GSM and CDMA. I don’t have enough space to provide details of each but when making a call outside of the U.S. you can tell you are in the GSM network because there will be a GSM or GPRS icon in the top right.

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the appointment of Edgar County State’s Attorney Matthew L. Sullivan as a circuit judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Justice Rita B. Garman recommended Mr. Sullivan’s appointment to the full Supreme Court to fill the upcoming vacancy created by the resignation of recalled retired Judge Richard E. Scott. Mr. Sullivan’s appointment is effective July 9, and will terminate December 6, 2010. In February, he won the Republican judicial primary for the seat which Judge Scott now holds, and will run unopposed in November for a full six-year term. “I am honored, humbled and grateful to the Supreme Court and to Justice Garman for the confidence they have placed in me by this appointment,” said Mr. Sullivan. “I look forward to assuming the duties of Circuit Court judge and continuing my public service to the people of Illinois.” Mr. Sullivan was first elected state’s attorney in 1996, and is currently serving his fourth term. In that capacity, he also serves as attorney for the Edgar county board and elected county officials. Before his election to county office, Mr. Sullivan worked in general practice as an associate at Fruin & Garst from 1994-1996. Mr. Sullivan received his juris doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1994. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1991 with a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration. He graduated from Shiloh High School and was class valedictorian. Mr.

Asked and Answered By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC Q. I am a new administrator with my law firm. I am also the first administrator that the firm has had. Do you have any suggestions as to where I should start? What are my priorities? A. As a first administrator you will face a dual challenge. You will have to justify the new position as well as yourself and your performance. You will be second guessed and partners will from time to time question whether a legal administrator was necessary or wise. There will be problems with role clarification. Suggest that you insist on a job description for yourself and a governance plan that outlines the authority and responsibility of the administrator, the managing partner, the executive committee, and the partnership. This will set the boundaries. On your first day at work suggest that you start by meeting with all of the personnel. Meet individually with the partners and associates and get to know them, their desires and hidden agendas. Initially conduct a get acquainted meeting with the staff and then meet with each staff member individually. Discuss their jobs and their duties. Ask for suggestions. Work with the bookkeeper and get up on the accounting operations as quick as you can. Learn the office computer system. Initially your two biggest priorities will usually be personnel and accounting. Read the minutes of firm meetings and office administrative files. If you are weak in accounting and computers obtain whatever additional training that is required.