You've just renewed your ISBA membership for the new bar year—or are about to. Either way, it’s time to consider all the benefits that come with ISBA membership, especially since the association has launched several new and improved benefits during the past few years and as recently as this summer.

For ISBA members, this means access to an ever-increasing number of resources that pay for themselves several times over. Among benefits that recently have been enhanced: robust online peer-discussion communities; checklists and best practices that will help you manage your firm; in-person, online, and on-demand continuing legal education; federal and state caselaw research guided by artificial intelligence; a fully automated document assembly system tailored to Illinois law; a robust fee-sharing lawyer referral directory; and a marketplace full of professional discounts.

The Fellows of the Illinois Bar Foundation thank our latest new and upgraded Fellows for their commitment to supporting the mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation. Funds from the Fellows program make a direct impact on the lives of those in need, including our colleagues and their families during times of crisis and those who cannot otherwise afford legal representation. Fellows’ pledges are payable over 10 years and start at just $100 per year, or less than $9 per month. 

In an Agreed Final Order, nonlawyer Louis Fasullo was found guilty of minor indirect criminal contempt for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law in two separate matters. Mr. Fasullo was ordered to pay $500 in court costs, sentenced to one year of probation, and seven days incarceration (with a credit for time served). ARDC v. Louis Fasullo, Cook County No. 17 MC1-600102 (August 22, 2018).

The Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) has elected its officers for the organization’s 2017-18 fiscal year. They are: Timothy W. Kelly, principal of Kelly Law Offices, president; Deane B. Brown, partner at Hughes Socol Piers Resnik Dym, first vice president; and William A. Peithmann, principal of The Peithmann Law Office, second vice president. Lisa M. Nyuli, partner at Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. was elected third vice president. Mark L. Karno, principal of Mark L. Karno & Associates, L.L.C., was elected as treasurer and Lauren Tuckey Murray, of counsel at Bellows Law Group, was elected as secretary.

The state legislature earlier this year sent a number of measures to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. The ISBA has provided an update on the status of bills that are of interest to members. 

Asked and Answered 

By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC

Q. I am a partner in an 18-attorney firm in Milwaukee. Over the years our firm has held retreats, but the results have been disappointing – a lot of talk and little action. We have the same problem in our monthly partner meetings. We spend a lot of time in meetings – discussions and decisions made but little implementation. This week we are having a partner vote to decide on whether to have a retreat this year. Frankly, I will vote against it and I think it will be a waste of time. What are your thoughts concerning law firm retreats?

Discover how the Cook County Circuit Court Order (and other changes on the horizon) may affect your next client. 

Although the Bail Reform Act was signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner, the question remains whether the Act is adequate enough to address the multiple problems facing the criminal court’s bail-setting process. A bail hearing is one of the first contacts with the criminal court for a defendant charged with a crime – and it is imperative that attorneys working in this arena be familiar with the new rules, orders, and procedures, as well as how to incorporate these procedures into their practice in order to protect their clients’ rights. Criminal law attorneys, government lawyers, civil rights practitioners, and disability lawyers with all levels of practice experience who attend this seminar in Chicago or via live webcast on Sept. 26 will better understand: the history behind the Bail Reform Act of 2017 and why there was a need; the challenges facing Cook County Circuit Court Order No. 18.8A; the current framework for the bond system in Illinois; the impact of bail setting and pre-trial detention on communities in Illinois; the impact these changes have on appeals; how to remain in compliance with the law and the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct; and the future of reform in Illinois.

Because most solos and small firms may not need a full-time bookkeeper, they often end up either trying to do the work themselves or having a spouse or partner come in “a few days a week” to do the work. With this approach, no one is consistently and directly responsible for ensuring that the finances are in order, regardless of how “simple” the firm thinks they are. 

The August Illinois Bar Journal Practice HQ column summarizes all the financial areas a proper bookkeeping routine covers and discusses the benefits of outsourcing this role. Whether outsourcing is a viable option, consider at least a quick audit of your own bookkeeping routine and the time you devote to it. A thorough, orderly bookkeeping process may help minimize expenses, increase your efficiency, and maximize your bottom line.

Cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., but is fraught with numerous legal and regulatory issues that are constantly evolving. This half-day program in Chicago or via live webcast on Sept. 20 offers a multidisciplinary introduction to a number of issues that can arise when representing cannabis business clients and investors, including tax, regulatory/compliance, securities, banking, real estate, and land use. 

Asked and Answered 

By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC

Q. I am a new managing partner in a 35-attorney firm in Tucson, Ariz. I replaced the previous managing partner who retired. He was the firm founder and had been in the position since the firm’s inception. I have had this position for six months and I am finding the job overwhelming – trying to serve my clients and managing the firm at the same time is very difficult. What are the major challenges that managing partners are having?

A. I understand and appreciate your situation. Managing partners advise me that the following challenges are what keeps them awake at night: