ISBA joined Chicago-based lawyer organizations to condemn acts of racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination yesterday, August 22, at a press conference held at the Chicago Loop Synagogue. The press conference was held in response to recent violent events throughout the United States targeting racial and ethnic minorities. Recognizing that acts of hatred existed long before last week's protests in Charlottesville and present an ongoing challenge as the country moves forward, yesterday's press conference was an effort to unite the Illinois legal community and encouraged others to stand together against acts of violence and intimidation.  Bar leaders took to the stage to speak about historical and present-day systematic racism, and the need to confront this problem together as a society. They spoke to the role lawyers and professional associations play in upholding the rule of law and ensuring all individuals receive the right to protection under the law, and called upon national, state, and local leaders to take decisive action against all such acts of hatred and racism. President Hon. Russell Hartigan represented the ISBA at the event. The press conference was hosted by the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, the Cook County Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Black Women Lawyers Association. ISBA was a co-sponsor, along with several other bar groups. 

Asked and Answered By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC Q. I am a partner in a 12-attorney firm in Houston. The firm has five partners and seven associates. We are a first-generation firm and we, the partners, have never practiced in other law firms. Currently, the partners have equal ownership interests and are compensated equally. We are experiencing issues with the present method of partner compensation and we are giving some thought to considering other approaches. One of the issues that we are trying to wrap our heads around is how to measure each partner's performance, value, and overall contribution to the firm. Do you have any suggestions? 

In today's digital age, consumers use the Internet to research referrals. When selecting an attorney, they start their research with a trusted source: the bar directory. Watch the video below to learn about how sharing accurate, up-to-date information about your practice and firm on IllinoisLawyerFinder can help new clients find you. 

Abraham Lincoln overcame poverty, lack of formal education, chronic depression, and other obstacles to become one of the leading lawyers in Illinois. Lessons from Lincoln's life and law practice continue to inspire, influence, and impact generations of lawyers who strive to be leaders in the legal profession. Don't miss this full-day seminar in Lincoln, Illinois on September 8, 2017 that examines Lincoln's legal career, the character traits that helped him achieve success in law and politics, how he dealt with his personal and professional issues, and how he networked with clients and lawyers around the state to build a successful practice.