General Assembly expands IEPA’s powers and public notice dutiesBy Jorge MihalopoulosEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, February 2006On July 25, 2005, Governor Rod Blagojevich signed into law Public Act 94-0314, which makes several amendments to the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (“Act”).
GHERE no more? Certified Testing v. Ind. Comm’n, _ _ N.E.2d _ _ , 2006 WL 3060086 (Ill.App. 4th Dist.)By Brad E. BleakneyWorkers’ Compensation Law, December 2006If there is no discovery in Workers’ Compensation (except the subpoena), do you wonder why then the defense attorney always makes a demand for medical records supporting the claim when forwarding their appearance? The answer is the Section 12 objection, recently known as the Ghere objection.
Going in a different directionBy Matt MaloneyGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2006For many years the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section Council has been at the forefront of continuing legal education programs.
Grandparent visitationBy Nicole OnoratoChild Law, September 2006Recently, the debate over grandparent visitation rights was once again the focus of Illinois legislators. On July 14, 2006, Public Act 94-1026, which revamped certain provisions of section 607 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/607) relative to grandparent visitation, was approved by the legislature.
Gray market raises concern among U.S. supply chain participantsBy Frederic MendelsohnCorporate Law Departments, October 2006Unlike the “black market,” where transactions are truly illegal, “gray market” transactions may or may not be illegal, but merely “unauthorized” by the manufacturer.
Gross revenue tax: Will Illinois be next?By Stanley R. KaminskiState and Local Taxation, May 2006Currently, Texas has a Franchise Tax with an Income Tax component somewhat similar to the Illinois Income Tax. Essentially, under this Income Tax component, Texas only taxes the net income of a corporation that is apportioned to Texas.
Grossly disproportional?By Matt MaloneyGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, January 2006The key language in understanding the opinion in People v. One 2000 GMC is the application of the term “grossly disproportional.”
HappeningsBy Kristi Hornickel, Megan Kawa, & Samia ZayedAlternative Dispute Resolution, June 2006After ruling on a case in which an arbitrator decided to dismiss a case after inferring a one-year statute of limitation from an expired contract, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals clarified the conditions under which an arbitrator's decision can be vacated for manifest disregard of the law.
HappeningsBy Kristi Hornickel, Megan Kawa, & Samia ZayedAlternative Dispute Resolution, April 2006Consumer arbitration policy has been a hotly contested issue and the New Jersey Supreme Court took center stage in the debate when it heard arguments from two cases in February.
HappeningsBy Kristi Hornickel & Tracie HuntAlternative Dispute Resolution, March 2006The Florida Supreme Court plans to a debate a proposal that, if implemented, would better inform mediation participants about their obligations and the process itself.
Have you appointed an Agent to control the disposition of your remains?By Darrell DiesElder Law, May 2006As of January 1, 2006, Public Act 094-0561 amended the Disposition of Remains Act (“D.R.A.”) to allow a specific agent to be named to control the disposition of one’s remains upon death.
Health Care Section presents LAW ED program on April 21Health Care Law, March 2006On Friday, April 21, the Health Care Section Council is presenting a Law Ed program, “Medical Malpractice Reform – The Other Side of the Coin.” This half-day program will begin at 9:00 am at the ISBA Regional Office, 20 S Clark Street, Chicago.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Are they the right option for you?Young Lawyers Division, June 2006In the maze of health care, it’s sometimes difficult to determine what’s right for you. Health Savings Accounts are a relatively new program, and one you should be aware of.
Hearsay in Administrative Hearings—Follow UpBy Marc Christopher LoroAdministrative Law, July 2006This is a follow up to an article which appeared in the April 2006 edition of this newsletter titled “The Use of Hearsay in Contested Cases: To be or not to be?”
The Hines case—The story behind the storyBy Steven C. PerlisElder Law, June 2006On the surface, the unanimous slip decision in favor of the Probate estate is a victory for Medicaid planners.
Hines v. Department. of Public AidBy Philip E. KoenigTrusts and Estates, November 2006Beverly Tutinas died in 2001, leaving a house and an automobile.
The Historic Residence Assessment Freeze Law (Residential Properties)By Mary Ann ConnellyState and Local Taxation, May 2006The Historic Residence Assessment Freeze Law, formerly known as the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program entitles the owner of a landmark residence to real estate tax relief upon completion of a rehabilitation project.
Hospital Director of Nurses suffers stroke while giving speech at physician’s retirement dinner - held compensableBy James W. StevensonWorkers’ Compensation Law, June 2006In Pinckneyville Community Hospital v. Industrial Commission, (Mary Downen) 2006 WL 922220 5th District Appellate Court March 30, 2006, Mary Downen, a Director of Nurses for the Pinckneyville Community Hospital, suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage and stroke while giving a speech at a dinner to honor a retiring physician.
How to handle an employer’s group health plan lienBy Robert T. ParkCivil Practice and Procedure, January 2006As a result of an accident, the plaintiff was injured. He brings a suit in circuit court for negligence. His damages include medical bills that were paid for by his employer’s group health insurance plan. After pursuing discovery, including depositions, the case settles. The health plan asserts a lien for the amount it paid. How should the lawyer handle the employer’s group health plan lien?
How to reduce the real estate taxes on your homeBy Katherine A. AmariYoung Lawyers Division, April 2006Homeowners may contest their real estate taxes with the local taxing officials; the Cook County Assessor’s Office and the Cook County Board of Review.
Human Rights Symposium at University of IllinoisBy Steven HelleHuman and Civil Rights, April 2006The Human Rights Section Council sponsored a symposium on a variety of topics related to human rights on Feb. 24 at the University of Illinois College of Law.
IBA comes to ChicagoInternational and Immigration Law, July 2006The International Bar Association is holding its 2006 Annual Conference in Chicago September 17-22, 2006.