How long should you keep client files after the case or matter is wrapped up? How should you store them while you have them? What parts of files should you give to clients and when? The answers to these questions are not entirely set in stone, although Illinois Supreme Court rules and ISBA ethics opinions provide many. ISBA general counsel Charles Northrup refers attorneys and firms with uncertainties to ISBA ethics opinions 12-06 for answers to the first two questions and both 94-13 and 94-14 for guidance on sending materials to clients. "Most requirements with respect to file retention are pretty straightforward," he says. Before getting down to brass tacks, Paul Unger, partner at Affinity Consulting, makes a couple of interrelated "gut-level" points that could apply to just about any attorney - with a simple bottom line. "The best defense to any type of malpractice claim is the file," he says. "To have the file is generally a good thing." And while the cost of file storage and the voluminous space required traditionally has been the counterweight to keeping all files for an unlimited period, that calculus is changing rapidly because of electronic storage, Unger says. "Because the cost is so minimal, my advice is unless you really want [the file] to be gone, there's no reason to destroy it," he says.

The elevation of Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier to become Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court will be marked by an installation ceremony Monday, October 31, at the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield. Justice Karmeier will become the 120th Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. “I appreciate the confidence shown by the other members of the court in electing me to this position,” Chief Justice Karmeier said. “Since joining the court in 2004, I have had the privilege of serving under five different chief justices, all of whom have done an outstanding job. I will do my very best to live up to the high standard they have set.”

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court is accepting applications for the position of Winnebago County Public Defender. This position shall become vacant upon the retirement of the current Public Defender on December 31, 2016. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties of the Public Defender are established by statute, (55 ILCS 5/3-4006). The Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office is appointed by the Court to represent indigent clients in felony, misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile delinquency and juvenile abuse / neglect cases. The Office is also involved in representation of adults and juveniles in connection with the Winnebago County Problem-Solving Courts.

The Illinois Bar Foundation hosted its 18th Annual Gala on Friday, October 14 at the Four Seasons in Chicago. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan was honored with the Distinguished Award of Excellence. Jay Edelson and Edelson P.C. was awarded the first ever President's Award. Read IBF President Elizabeth Kaveny’s Gala remarks.