Subject Index Law Pulse

Every sole practitioner needs a smart phone, a laptop, a scanner, and a good backup system. Here's why.

The FTC's Red Flags Rule, effective August 1, requires lawyers to develop an identity theft prevention program to help protect clients. Are you in compliance?

An Internet scam aimed at lawyers continues to make the rounds.

Among other things, the new rules clarify that flat fees do not constitute frowned-upon "advance payment retainers," which is good news for most lawyers.

You show up for work dressed in business casual and discover you've miscalendared a hearing for the day. What do you do?

A presenter at the upcoming ISBA Solo and Small Firm Conference helps lawyers improve their memories and thereby enhance their practices.

Plaintiff’s lawyers are cheering the removal of a notice requirement they say functioned “as a shield against unsuspecting plaintiffs” with legitimate claims against the CTA.

Representing a juvenile in a delinquency proceeding means walking “a fine line between defender and ‘best-interest advocate,’” an ISBA author observes.

Legislation headed to the governor will give lawyers a place to deposit wills for long-lost clients.

The supreme court held that registration is not punishment and that juveniles can be required to register even though they aren’t entitled to a jury trial on the charges.

A bill awaiting the governor’s signature would make the promise of open records real for more people, supporters say.

At a recent hearing, the supreme court rules committee was asked to speed disposition of child custody proceedings and SLAPP suits.

A veteran lawyer and trial judge tells litigators how to present evidence in a way that engages and wins over jurors.

Under state law, employers are liable for sexual harassment by supervisors whether or not the employer knew about it and even though the employee-victim doesn't work under the supervisor.

Despite the newfangled options, blogs and e-mail discussion groups are still excellent ways to connect with other lawyers.

The Illinois Supreme Court allows defendants in asbestos cases to introduce evidence that someone else's negligence was the sole proximate cause of a plaintiff's injuries.

Representing foreclosed-on homeowners might be a way for real estate lawyers to pick up slack left by the weak economy.

Remember, the Former Employer From Hell still holds the power of a reference.

Just because the the governor pardons you doesn't mean you're entitled to have your conviction expunged, the illinois Supreme Court held.

The Illinois Supreme court holds that promises "reasonably inducing action or forbearance" are binding in Illinois.

An Illinois House bill would extend the prohibition against admitting evidence of an alleged victim's sexual history to sexual harassment charges.

A trust can't allow a majority of beneficiaries to approve the trustee's accounts, the Illinois Appellate Court holds.

Someone who can bring a claim under the Illinois Human Rights Act can nonetheless sue based on federal or common law in state circuit court, the supreme court rules.

The supreme court rules committee heard proposals to require consular notification for foreign nationals, to change child custody rules, and to require additional notice to opposing counsel.

Not a good idea, criminal defense lawyers and prosecutors agree.

Help your corporate clients understand the importance of - and comply with - formalities such as preserving minutes, buying enough insurance, and the like.

The high court rules that a judge’s failure to grant defense counsel’s request for a continuance in a murder trial was plain error requiring a new trial.

Two lawyers think outside the box to help clients hang on to their homes, one by negotiating with lenders, the other by leveraging the power of Chapter 13.

Lawyers disagree about whether prosecutor Fitzgerald crossed the line when he said Rod Blagojevich’s conduct “would make Lincoln roll over in his grave.”

Thanks to an amendment to supreme court rule 103(b), plaintiffs who haven’t been otherwise diligent in moving a case along must be especially diligent in obtaining service.