Section Newsletters

Articles From Patrick J. Hitpas

Mediation for senior lawyers By Patrick J. Hitpas Senior Lawyers, February 2013 Even if you have done well without mediation in your practice, you may want to use mediation as a resource as you continue your legal career. You may find that mediation helps to make your practice even more successful and enjoyable.
Practice alert: Supreme Court discusses admissibility of medical bills in P.I. cases By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2005 The Illinois Supreme Court has answered a question regarding the admissibility of medical bills for medical services provided to a plaintiff in a personal injury case.
Practice tip: Request for admission of fact: A valuable but underused tool By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, August 2005 How often do you utilize Supreme Court Rule 216 to request an admission of fact? You are probably not filing requests pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 216 as often as the rule permits.
What should a jury know about a defendant’s prior convictions? By Patrick J. Hitpas Criminal Justice, September 2003 An apparent inconsistency has developed in what information a trial court should allow a jury to hear regarding a defendant's prior convictions.
Taxable costs issue addressed by Supreme Court By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, August 2003 In the case of Vicencio v. Lincoln-Way Builders, Inc., 2003 Ill. LEXIS 769, the Illinois Supreme Court granted Defendant's Petition for Leave to Appeal to resolve a split among the Appellate Districts on the question of whether a trial court may assess as costs the fee charged by a plaintiff's treating physician for his participation in an evidence deposition that was presented to the jury.
What should a jury know about a defendant’s prior convictions? By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, February 2003 An apparent inconsistency has developed in what information a trial court should allow a jury to hear regarding a defendant's prior convictions.
Trial pratice notes: civil jury instructions—an update and comments By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2002 If you are a lawyer who does not concentrate in personal injury cases, you may not have the opportunity to try jury trials on a regular basis.
Child custody disputes between guardians and parents: what law governs? By Patrick J. Hitpas Elder Law, January 2002 Family practitioners frequently represent parties in child custody litigation between guardians and the natural parents of the child.
Which costs incurred by plaintiffs are recoverable? By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2001 If you represent plaintiffs or defendants, or both, you may get varying results in Illinois regarding which costs incurred by plaintiff are recoverable after trial.
Child custody disputes between guardians and parents: what law governs? By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, June 2001 Family practitioners frequently represent parties in child custody litigation between guardians and the natural parents of the child.
Illinois Supreme Court abolishes “same part body rule” By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2000 For many years, the Illinois Appellate Court has recognized the "same part of the body rule." Generally, a defendant in a personal injury case may cross-examine a plaintiff regarding any previous injuries if they are relevant and similar to those at issue.
Want to challenge a sentence after a guilty plea? What do you file? By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2000 Your client has entered a plea of guilty to an offense and has been sentenced by the trial court.
Civil practice update By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, October 1999 The Illinois Supreme Court has held that the amendment to the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act which repealed the Act's treble damages provision, and limited recovery for violations of the Act to actual damages, costs, and attorney fees, is to be applied retroactively.
Civil Practice Update By Patrick J. Hitpas General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, March 1999 Supreme Court Rule 239 has been amended effective January 1, 1999, to add the following language:

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