Arbitration and the Arab Middle East: Some thoughts from a commercial lawyerBy Howard L. StovallInternational and Immigration Law, November 2009Islamic law encourages arbitration of disputes, as does the European civil law jurisdictions that have most influenced the Arab Middle East. Yet while Western businesses are increasingly using arbitration to resolve disputes in international commercial transactions, acceptance has been slower in the Arab world.
The Arbitration Fairness Act threatens consumer interestsBy Colin McGowanAlternative Dispute Resolution, March 2009The Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007 would greatly reduce the consumers’ ability to pursue damages in the future.
Are criminal prosecutions for prevarication possible?By William A. PriceAdministrative Law, April 2009Political and governmental ethics debates in Illinois may have reached a new low this spring, with a member of the majority party defending a vote against a special election with a comment on the situation of the state’s junior U.S. Senator, currently challenged for less-than-forthcoming answers about how he obtained appointment, and for unsuccessful attempts to raise political funds in the course of discussions of same.
Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 173 L. Ed. 2d 868 (May 18, 2009)By Patrick T. Driscoll, Jr. & Patricia M. FallonFederal Civil Practice, September 2009In May, a closely divided Supreme Court ruled that former Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller could not be held liable for the actions of subordinates after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Ask your editorBy John W. OlmsteadLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, October 2009A successful law firm competitive strategy requires effective law firm management. Managing Partners and Administrators must keep updated on all aspects of law firm management. In order to assist in this effort we are pleased to share our insights and thoughts.
Asset protection skills and techniques: How well do Subchapter S Corporations and LLCs work?By David F. RolewickBusiness and Securities Law, April 2009A good business advisor or estate planning attorney should be discussing liability insurance coverage with her client before the discussion of off-shore trusts and at the beginning of the relationship or the inception of the business.
Attorney General issues opinionsBy Lynn PattonGovernment Lawyers, September 2009The following is a summary of official opinion Nos. 09-001 through 09-002 and informal opinions Nos. I-09-001 through I-09-011 that may be of interest to the government bar.
Attorney General issues opinionsBy Lynn PattonGovernment Lawyers, June 2009A summary of official opinion Nos. 08-001 through 08-004 and informal opinions I-08-023 through I-08-030 that may be of interest to the government bar.
Attorney, interrupted: Are we addicted to distraction?By Annemarie E. KillWomen and the Law, December 2009At a recent seminar, I sat at a table with several other addicts. Yes, addicts. Addicts to distraction. One person was on a laptop completing a brief, three people were on their BlackBerrys, one was texting on her cell phone, and I was making numerous “to do” lists.
Bad things happen when the adjuster hangs onto the fileBy Richard D. HanniganWorkers’ Compensation Law, December 2009All too often an adjuster will hang onto a file until either just before or just after a hearing. The file will then be sent to the defense attorney and the defense attorney is then given the herculean task of trying to unring a bell or put toothpaste back in the tube.
Bankruptcy ruling impacts agricultureBy James R. GrebeCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, March 2009On December 2, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order that provided to the Debtors broad latitude in assuming or rejecting outstanding grain contracts.
Bankruptcy ruling impacts agricultureBy James R. GrebeAgricultural Law, February 2009On October 31, 2008, Verasun Energy Corporation, et al., Debtors, filed a Voluntary Petition for Relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code), with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Delaware District, as Case No. 088-12606 (BLS). Verasun Energy Corporation and related entities engage in the business of producing ethanol.
The basics of trademarks and trade secretsBy Eugene F. FriedmanBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, June 2009Summaries of basic Trademark and Trade Secret concepts for the general practitioner.
Bean bag wrap-upBy Gina M. ArquillaYoung Lawyers Division, April 2009The YLD kicked off the spring season with our second annual bean bag tournament on March 7, 2009 at Durkin’s Tavern.
Beating breast cancer one step at a timeBy Mona M. StoneWomen and the Law, May 2009A. Kelly Turner, a partner in the Litigation Department at Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP, provides insight on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer based on her experience in participating in last year’s Avon Walk Chicago and in organizing a team for 2009.
Best practices for enforcing United States trademark rightsBy Clark Lackert & Courtland ReichmanCorporate Law Departments, July 2009When it comes to enforcing their rights in the United States, mark owners can choose between a vast array of tools, including arbitration, litigation and anticounterfeiting actions.
“Best practices” for officers and directors navigating the current economic crisisBy James A. Beldner, Richard Kanowitz, Scott L. Kaufman, & Ronald R. SussmanCorporate Law Departments, May 2009In light of the current economic environment, it is vital for officers and directors of all companies to understand their fiduciary duties and, in particular, the shifting nature of these duties when their company is operating in a distressed context.
Beware the public wayBy Donna J. Pugh & Michael CassataReal Estate Law, October 2009To be fully prepared to handle the responsibilities of property maintenance, owners and managers must be aware of public way uses related to their property and the arduous process for obtaining or renewing a permit.
Beyond the title insurance policy: Protecting sellers of Illinois real estateBy Michael J. RooneyReal Estate Law, September 2009For purchasers and lenders, the new Standard CPL may suffice. For sellers, the new Standard CPL needs to be modified as described in this article. In either event, counsel can and should verify that the title agent has been properly registered with the Secretary, authorized to act as escrowee and that such authority has not been revoked or limited prior to the closing.
Biofuels Law and Regulation Conference at the University of IllinoisBy Christopher J. Miller & Timothy A. SlatingAgricultural Law, October 2009Over the weekend of April 24th - 25th 2009, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign hosted the first annual Biofuels Law and Regulation Conference as a forum for discussing legal issues regarding the development of sustainable, second-generation biofuels.
Black and blueBy Doug GlanvilleBench and Bar, September 2009The author is a former major league baseball player who played for the Chicago Cubs and several other teams.
Black and blue commentaryBy Hon. Lloyd A. KarmeierBench and Bar, September 2009The author's favorite way of talking about retention of judges was to suggest to people that if they attended a baseball or basketball game and came away from the game not noticing or talking about the job the umpires or referees had done, it was pretty clear they must have done a good job.
Bloggers bewareBy Adam SnukalLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, October 2009The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) is in the process of revising its Endorsement and Testimonial Policies and Guidelines—the first set of revisions since 1980.
Bloggers bewareBy Adam SnukalCorporate Law Departments, July 2009The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) is in the process of revising its Endorsement and Testimonial Policies and Guidelines—the first set of revisions since 1980.
Bonds and the original issue discount: Easy does itBy Jesse T. CoyleTrusts and Estates, February 2009With the investment landscape changing investors have shown interest in more secure and conservative investment vehicles. Many clients have expressed an interest in bonds. However, the complexity of the varying bond vehicles and the income tax implications is often something that clients fail to understand.
