The Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity has established an award for community leadership to recognize individuals who have, by example and education, worked to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The award also recognizes individuals who have worked toward fostering an understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and the legal issues of concern to them.

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. This week he covers Municipalities and bankruptcy (House Bill 298), FOIA (House Bill 303), Notice and change of addresses (House Bill 304), DUI imprisonment (House Bill 340), Wills and presumptions (Senate Bill 90) and State’s Attorneys’ and debt collection (Senate Bill 86). More information on each bill is available below the video.

Hoping to expand your practice to representing home sellers and buyers? Former ISBA YLD Chair Heather Fritsch recommends taking 10 steps before you meet your first client. They are 1) create office procedures, 2) read and understand the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 6.0, 3) start a relationship with a title company, 4) become familiar with professional inspections, 5) understand the lending process, 6) know how to read a survey and 7) title commitment, 8) know how to prepare a deed, 9) know what to expect at closing, and 10) make friends with an experienced real estate attorney.

For more tips, read her article in the February Illinois Bar Journal and her book, Basic Residential Real Estate: From Contract to Closing.

The ISBA is accepting nominations for Young Lawyer of the Year Award & Law Student Public Service Award. The Awards will be presented at the Awards Luncheon during the ISBA Annual Meeting, Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI. Nominations for both awards are due March 20, 2015.

Networking and Social Event sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division

Join your peers for an evening of socializing and wine tasting! 

When: Friday, February 27, 2015
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Where: ISBA Chicago Office - 20 S. Clark Street, Suite 900

Cost: $30 in advance through Monday, February 23, 2015
$40 at the door the night of the event

Register at www.isba.org/sections/yld/winetasting

Q. Can a lawyer avoid disciplinary proceedings by changing his or her registration status to inactive or retired?

A. Supreme Court Rule 756(i) provides that changing registration status will have no effect on disciplinary proceedings.  However, in some cases and with the consent of the ARDC, a lawyer facing certain disciplinary charges can seek to be placed on “permanent retired status” under Supreme Court Rule 756(a)(8) resulting in the closure of any pending disciplinary investigation or dismissal of any pending disciplinary proceeding.  

ISBA members can browse past ISBA Ethics Opinions, access our Ethics Hotline, and other resources on the ISBA Ethics Page.

Learn about the new Supreme Court policy regarding the certification of interpreters with this informative two hour seminar! Interpreters play an important role in the judicial process by helping non-native English speakers overcome any language barriers that may exist. Any attorney or judge who uses interpreters should attend this seminar to better understand: the difference between an interpreter and a translator; how the Illinois Supreme Court’s Language Access Policy establishes statewide standards for language access in the courts and how it will affect court procedure and your trial practice; how the new policy creates a framework for the certification of foreign language interpreters and establishes a registry for both sign language and foreign language interpreters; how the recently adopted Illinois Code of Interpreter Ethics defines the proper role of an interpreter and their scope of practice; the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation and why this matters in court; how to use an interpreter more effectively during trials and depositions; how to find a good interpreter; how to prepare your client for using an interpreter; and much more!

The program takes place in Chicago on February 19, 2015; however, for those unable to attend the onsite, this program will also broadcast via live webcast.

Asked and Answered

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

Q. I came across your firm while researching law partnerships. The short story is as follows: I am a sole practitioner and have been practicing for over 35 years. I have a high volume practice and employ 7-8 people. Business is good and actually on the rise. I have a great office manager and outstanding loyal staff. The practice is on semi-autopilot for me. I have a young associate lawyer in my office that shares space and is learning my practice but actually seems to be making his own way in a different practice area. He wants to buy into my practice.

The Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services is seeking nominations for the ISBA Joseph R. Bartylak Memorial Legal Services Award which honors the extraordinary commitment and dedication of a civil legal services attorney who has provided the highest caliber of compassionate legal representation and outstanding service to Illinois’ vulnerable and low-income population.

Nominations must be received by Friday, March 6, 2015. For more information on this award and how to nominate an individual, please visit the Joseph R. Bartylak homepage.

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services is also seeking nominations for the ISBA John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award.

The ISBA has established the John C. McAndrews Award to honor the extraordinary commitment of individuals, bar associations, or law firm/corporate legal departments to providing free legal services to the income eligible in Illinois or expanding the availability of legal services to the income eligible in Illinois.

Nominations due by Feb. 2!

By Umberto S. Davi, ISBA President-Elect

Looking for a chance to lead? To grow? To make a difference in the Illinois State Bar Association and the legal profession? Then consider nominating yourself for one of our many section councils and committees for 2015-16.