Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am a partner in a six-lawyer insurance defense litigation firm in Jackson, Mississippi. There are three partners and three associates in the firm. Our firm has been at its present size for many years, revenues have been flat, and profits have been shrinking. The partners have been discussing the pros and cons of growth and we would like to significantly grow the practice. A couple of our insurance company clients have asked us to open offices in other states and we are giving this consideration. Initially, we would open two other offices and we anticipate that this would require us to hire six additional attorneys. We appreciate any thoughts that you have.

The Illinois ARDC has implemented a new, first-in-the-nation self-assessment program for practicing attorneys that do not carry malpractice insurance.

Historically, Illinois has not required lawyers to carry malpractice insurance. While that's still the case, effective January 1, 2018, lawyers that do not carry malpractice insurance are required to take a free, four-hour online self-assessment course about law firm operations before they register for 2019.

Get a better understanding of how to achieve the maximum benefit from employing interns, externs, and clerks! Supervising law students is challenging in today’s diverse and fast-paced legal market. Different learning styles, level of competencies, and workplace expectations require supervising attorneys and law firms to develop effective supervision techniques to ensure a productive experience for all involved.

Voting is now underway in the 2018 ISBA Election.

ISBA's election provider Election America emailed e-ballots to members with valid email addresses and mailed paper ballots to members without valid email addresses today, Monday, March 26. The last day to request a paper ballot will be Friday, April 13. 

Only attorney members who have paid their dues by March 1, 2018 are eligible to vote. 

There are three contested seats this year: third vice president, Board of Governors, First Judicial District — Cook County, and Board of Governors, Area 8 — Judicial Circuits 3 and 20. All members may vote for third vice president. Members may also vote for any office that falls in the geographical area of their ISBA address.

Candidate biographies are available in the March Illinois Bar Journal.

Third Vice President 1 to be elected (3 candidates)

• Anna Krolikowska, Northbrook
• Stephen M. Komie, Chicago
• John Nisivaco, Chicago

The United States Attorney Office for the Northern District is accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) opening in its Civil Division in Chicago. The applicant selected will represent the U.S. government as an AUSA in a wide range of defensive and affirmative civil litigation on behalf of the United States, its agencies, and its employees.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years post-J.D. experience. United States citizenship is required.

The Illinois Supreme Court handed down four unanimous opinions on Thursday, March 22. The court considered the manner, scope, and extent of voir dire in People v. Encalado, concluding that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the defendant’s proposed voir dire question. Relying on statutory construction principles and legislative intent, the court upheld a first degree murder conviction in People v. Manning. In People ex rel. Berlin v. Bakalis, the court directed the circuit court to vacate the defendant's one-year term of mandatory supervised release and impose the mandatory four-year term required under the Unified Code of Corrections. Lastly, the court affirmed the lower courts' ruling that State Farm's insured could recover underinsured motorist coverage in Thounsavath v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Co.

People v. Manning

By Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate Defender

Arthur Manning was charged with first degree murder arising out of the stabbing death of a “highly intoxicated and ultimately an unwelcome visitor at a residence occupied by defendant” and others. At trial, there was evidence of a fight between the decedent and several of the residents including Manning, who had been armed with a knife. The jury was instructed on self defense and second degree murder at Manning’s request.

Join the ISBA's Young Lawyers Division on Saturday, April 7, for yoga and brunch at the Chicago Regional Office.

Studies show that practicing lawyers commonly struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress. Carving out downtime to decompress from work-related stress is one way to combat these issues. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to recover from the demands of a stressful job. This upcoming event is the perfect opportunity to set aside a couple hours to focus on yourself, participate in a relaxing and stress-free yoga class, and enjoy the company of other young lawyers over mimosas and brunch. 

Bringing your own yoga mat is encouraged, but not required. All skill levels are welcome.

Online registration is now open. Tickets are $20 and include the cost of yoga and brunch.

Implementing the right technology can transform a law practice. And there's a good chance it isn't the shiny new tech object everyone is talking about.

"Often times with solo and smaller firms, and larger firms too, there is a feeling that a particular technology is required at your firm - where there's pressure or recommendations from consultants or colleagues that you should absolutely have a particular type of technology," says Jennifer Ramovs, director of practice management at Affinity Consulting. "And often we make decisions based on that pressure."

Don’t miss this annual discussion in Hoffman Estates on April 13, 2018 that explores issues that are specific to DUI and traffic court cases, as well as new case law. State’s attorneys, public defenders, and attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this seminar will gain a better understanding of: how to choose the best jury for your case; issues affecting commercial driver’s license holders; how arrests and convictions impact non-citizens; how to prepare your DUI case (including discovery, subpoena, and expert witnesses) and what to expect at trial; the current case law updates and trends that may affect your client; how technology can help you save time and money in your traffic law practice; medical cannabis and its effects on DUI cases; the ethical issues traffic law attorneys may face; and much more!

The program is presented by the ISBA Traffic Laws and Courts Section. It qualifies for 5.75 hours MCLE credit, including 2.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

Click here for more information and to register.