Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am the owner of a law practice in Belleville, Illinois. My practice focuses on real estate, estate planning and administration, and bankruptcy. I have three legal assistants. While I have been in practice for ten years, I have never hired an associate. I have a busy practice and now is the time. I have identified a candidate with six years of experience that I want to hire. He has business that he can bring with him. He has been working with a larger firm as an associate and has been paid a straight salary. My next step is to make him an offer but I am struggling with how to pay him. I would like to hear your thoughts.

Officer Michelle Wilgus of the Belvidere Police Department received the ISBA Law Enforcement Award on September 18 during a Belvidere City Council meeting. The award was presented by Julie Johnson, ISBA Board of Governors and attorney at Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa in Chicago.

The ISBA Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. It recognizes those who excel in law enforcement.

Officer Wilgus, who was nominated for the award by Johnson on behalf of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law, was acknowledged for strengthening the relationship between the Belividere Police Department and the community by starting the ‘Badges with Books’ outreach program.

Adding a profile photo to your IllinoisLawyerFinder profile is a good first step in helping new and prospective clients get to know you. You can take this a step further by creating a photo gallery that features images of your office space, firm logo, your speaking engagements, and more. This short video provides step-by-step instructions to upload a profile photo and create a unique gallery.

The Illinois Supreme Court will host a memorial service in honor of the late Justice John J. Stamos at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, September 20, at the Illinois Supreme Court at 20 E. Capitol Avenue in Springfield.

The opening and closing remarks will be delivered by Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier. Tributes will be given by Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis; the Honorable Benjamin K. Miller, a former Supreme Court Justice; the Honorable Gino L. DiVito, a former Appellate Justice; Mr. James J. Stamos, Esquire, of Stamos & Trucco LLP, the son of Justice Stamos; and ISBA president, the Honorable Russell W. Hartigan, a former Cook County Circuit Judge.

Register now to join your peers for an afternoon of socializing and horse racing at this annual event! 

When: Saturday, September 23, 2017 1 PM – 6 PM

Tickets will be sent via ground mail upon purchase. Any tickets purchased after today, Monday, September 18, will available for pick up on-site on the day of the event. Further information will be provided upon purchasing tickets.

Presented by the ISBA Traffic Laws and Courts Section, attendees will have the option of two different programs on the same date and at the same location.

Friday, October 6, 2017
Holiday Inn and Suites – East Peoria

Beginner DUI and Traffic Law Updates – Fall 2017

8:55 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. (breakfast served prior)  |  6.75 MCLE hours

Attorneys with beginner-levels of practice experience will benefit from this comprehensive look at a number of key traffic law issues, including Illinois’ new case law and legislation that may affect your next client.

Click here for more information and to register.

The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) will grant $306,000 to fund 59 law student interns at 28 public interest law agencies across Illinois in the coming year. This amount includes the implementation of the second phase of our planned funding increase, as well as three new Internship placements.

The Circuit Judges of the 18th Judicial Court, DuPage County, unanimously elected Judge Daniel P. Guerin to the position of chief judge at a meeting held September 13. Judge Guerin's term as Chief Judge will commence on December 4, 2017. Judge Guerin will succeed Chief Judge Kathryn E. Creswell.

Lenovo, the world’s #1 PC provider, produces the desktop ThinkStation and mobile ThinkPad P Series workstation product lines, and from September 18 – 30, ISBA members can save up to 25% off Lenovo’s Thinkstation P series. 

Powered by latest Intel processors and NVIDIA Quadro technologies, Lenovo Workstations provide a certified solution for any situation. Lenovo’s ThinkStation and ThinkPad P-series workstations deliver ultimate speed and graphics that suite every profession – including architects, designers, financial traders, medical and research professionals, and engineers.

Remember, these special offers are tailored specifically for you! Along with FREE shipping on all web orders, you can enjoy access to energy-efficient green technologies and award-winning service.

Visit: http://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/statebar
Call: 1-800-426-7235, ext. 3577 (M-F: 9am-9pm ET, Sat: 9am-6pm ET)
Be sure to check the website often – special offers change frequently.

Remember, these special monthly offers are tailored specifically for you and include: FREE shipping on all web orders, access to energy-efficient green technologies and award-winning service.

At the December 9, 2017 ISBA Assembly meeting, two “Under 35” Delegates to the ABA House of Delegates will be elected, one from Cook County and one from the area outside Cook County. 

The nominees for these positions must be members of the ISBA who are in good standing and from the appropriate area. The elected delegates will serve for two-year terms commencing June, 2018 and will join the ISBA delegation at the ABA meeting in Chicago in August 2018.

The outside Cook County position has recently become vacant, and Cory White, who is the incumbent for the Cook County position, is eligible for reelection.

Nominations must be made in writing by at least 20 ISBA members in good standing from the appropriate area. Nominations must be filed with the office of the executive director no later than Friday, November 17, 2017. 

Questions about the nominating petition may be directed to the ISBA executive director’s office by contacting Kim Weaver by e-mail or calling 800.252.8908.