Illinois Bar Journal

November 2023 • Volume 111 • Number 11

Practice News

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LawPulse | By Amelia Buragas
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Illinois Law Update

Assault weapons ban upheld; fraud and self-dealing spouses with power of attorney; sovereign immunity does not bar statutory attorney fee awards against a state agency; parts of gang database not admissible; task forces established to eliminate traffic fatalities and to investigate generative artificial intelligence; and more.

See cases, legislation, and administrative agencies.

Articles

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Legal Writing | By Ed Finkel
Writing Matters

Lawyers and jurists on the art of writing well.

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Family Law | From the Newsletters
It Either Is or Isn’t

Determining what constitutes a de facto marriage.

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Fee Petitions | From ISBA Central
Fees: Petition or Sue?

An attorney ponders whether to withdraw a fee petition and file a lawsuit.

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Trial Practice & Procedure | By Gino L. DiVito
What I Learned From Teaching Trial Advocacy

Part Two of a five-part series. The essential elements of persuasion: What to do and how and why to do it.

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Attorneys | By Gleb Tsipursky
Debiasing the Law

How understanding cognitive biases leads to a more just legal system.

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion | By Junaid "J" Afeef
Welcome the Stranger

Bar leaders must develop networking events that actively foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, belonging, and mutual respect.

Columns

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President’s Page | By Shawn S. Kasserman
So Many Ways to Help Others

The ISBA has an important role to play in providing access to legal services for low-income Illinoisans.

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President-Elect Message | By Sonni Williams
Ready to Lead?

Nominate yourself for an ISBA committee or section council.

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Pointers From Practice HQ | By Jeffrey S. Krause and Jeffrey R. Schoenberger
CRM Software: Can You Relate?

Customer relationship management tools help you maintain and increase meaningful connections with clients and leads.

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ISBA Reads | By Alfred M. Swanson Jr.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Divided America

A legal scholar assesses the highest court’s role in shaping American society.

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Judging Your Writing | By Justice Michael B. Hyman
Bene Vale Dicere Latine

Perhaps it’s time to bury Latin phrases for good, at least in public.