Asked and Answered

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

Q. I am the sole owner of a law firm in Tucson, Arizona. I have seven associates working for the firm. I have one very senior level associate that I want to consider for partnership. I want to do this to keep him interested (he has been approached by other firms) and I envision him being a cornerstone of my succession plan - 10 years out. How should I start the process with him?

A. It sounds like you have found the person - or whom you believe is the right person for partnership. However, just because he has been a good associate does not mean that he will be a good partner - the relationship will be different. But at least he is somewhat of a known quantity since you know him and have worked with him for several years.

Here are a few ideas of where you might start:

The Illinois Bar Foundation will host the annual Lawyers Rock Legends on Thursday, Feb. 28. This evening of Rock, Motown, Jazz & Blues will take place from 7-11:30 p.m. at Buddy Guy's Legends, 700 S. Wabash.

Proceeds from this event benefit the IBF's M. Denny Hassakis Fund.

 Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available!

• 'License to Rock' Sponsor - $5,000

Includes: 10 premium seats; select a band to perform and announce the band on stage; name/firm name on IBF website and event materials; appetizers, beer, wine, and soda.

• Legends Sponsor - $2,500

Includes: 5 premium seats; an opportunity to announce a band on stage; name/firm name on IBF website and event materials; appetizers, beer, wine, and soda.

• Premium Seats - $125

Includes: 1 premium seat; appetizers, beer, wine, and soda
(Limited tickets are available).

• General Admission - $50

Includes: Admission (standing room only); appetizers, beer, wine, and soda.
 
Learn more and register at www.illinoisbarfoundation.org or by calling the Illinois Bar Foundation at 312.726.6072.
 
Special accommodations will be granted to those with disabilities, please call ahead.

CARPLS Legal Hotline in Chicago is looking for volunteer attorneys to give advice to low-income clients in the areas of landlord/tenant, consumer debt, and family law.  Hotline shifts are M-F 9-1 or 1-5.  We seek a minimum commitment of 1 shift per week over a 10-week session. Training (with CLE credit) and malpractice insurance provided.

Our next two training cycles begin Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 4-8 and Thursday, April 4 from 4-8.  For more information contact Leslie Wallin at 312/421-4427 or lwallin@carpls.org or go to http://www.carpls.org/getinvolved/hotlinevolunteer/.

Using environmental claims has become a mainstream marketing technique and, as such, attorneys in many practice areas must advise their clients on whether their marketing claims are in compliance or whether they constitute "Green Washing." Join us from the comfort of your home or office for this live webcast on Wednesday, January 30^th and get the information you need to effectively navigate the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides. Consumer protection attorneys, environmental lawyers, and intellectual property practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience will benefit from a comprehensive overview of the Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides; an in-depth discussion regarding the October 1, 2012 revisions to the Green Guides (which is the first major revision since 1998); and information about the recent enforcement actions brought by the FTC, as well as possible future enforcement in light of the revised Green Guides.

The program is presented by the ISBA Antitrust and Unfair Competition and co-sponsored by the ISBA Environmental Law Section. It qualifies for 2.0 hours MCLE credit.

Click here for more information and to register.

Statement from Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans Circuit Court of Cook County

“A new court order enforcing the ban of electronic communication and Internet devices inside the Circuit Court of Cook County goes into effect Monday, January 14, 2013. The attached General Administrative Order No. 2013-01 prohibits electronic communication and Internet devices inside courthouse facilities except for a new specified list of persons outlined in the order. The order is being enacted to provide safety within the courts, prevent pictures being taken with electronic devices and help to protect innocent individuals and those testifying in court.

“According to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, more than 8,000 cases are on call for next week. That is an example of the magnitude of our court system and how important it is to enact stringent safety measures.

“The order will be introduced during a three-month grace period ending on Monday, April 15, 2013. During the grace period, the Circuit Court of Cook County will work with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department to remind people entering a courthouse, communication devices are prohibited. It will be strongly suggested devices remain in the car.

“In an effort to aid those taking public transportation to various courthouses, the Circuit Court of Cook County is assigning a person to work with Cook County’s real estate and facilities department heads to quickly find a solution for storage of said devices – a claim check system or providing locker facilities as examples.

The Illinois Appellate Court ruled recently that hearsay evidence is admissible in a murder trial under a statutory exception for domestic violence prosecutions. Find out more in the January Illinois Bar Journal.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman will administer the judicial oath of office to Circuit Judge Lisa Holder White, this time as an Appellate Court justice, during her swearing-in ceremony starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 14 in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Supreme Court Building.

"Just over four years ago, I had the privilege of swearing in Lisa Holder White as a circuit judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit," Justice Garman said. "Since that time, she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues on the bench and of the attorneys who appear before her. More importantly, she has earned the respect of the community she serves.

Claims involving special defendants, such as municipalities, mass transit companies, school and port districts, are subject to a special one year limitations period. Certain claimants, including policemen, firemen, and guardsmen, must make claims for death benefits within a year of death. In some cases, a special notice requirement is also imposed, as early as six months from the triggering event. This article reviews the main instances of these special limitations periods.

By Joseph R. Marconi¹

One of the cardinal rules of malpractice avoidance is to always be cognizant of any statute of limitations that applies to your clients’ potential actions and to timely file their claims.

All eligible ISBA members can now earn 15 MCLE credit hours, including 6 PMCLE credit hours, per bar year via our online FastCLE "Free CLE Channel" at no additional cost.

Find out how to get started with our user guide at www.isba.org/freecle/faqs#guide

Asked and Answered

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

Q. Our firm is a 9 attorney firm in Joplin, Missouri. We have our first partner meeting for the year this weekend and we are looking for ideas that we can implement this year to improve our practice and profitability. We would appreciate any ideas that you may have.