Section Newsletters

Articles From 2015

Trello is taking on Facebook and Pinterest head-to-head… And I’m not sure they know it yet By Aaron W. Brooks Legal Technology, Standing Committee on, November 2015 Everything you need to know about this fast-growing company.
Trend: Leaving the law By Sarah Moravia General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2015 Why are so many lawyers unhappy with the profession? What is driving everyone away? And what can be done to minimize this trend?
2 comments (Most recent April 17, 2015)
A trio of cases By Barbara J. Bell Administrative Law, March 2015 Summaries of Baldermann v. Chicago Ridge Police Pension Board, Ron James v. the Board of Education of the City of Chicago et al, and Kinsella v. Board of Education of the City of Chicago.
The true meaning of interpretive rules under the Administrative Procedure Act: Perez v. Mortgage Bankers Ass’n, 135 S. Ct. 1199 (2015) By Arsenio L. Mims Labor and Employment Law, June 2015 Because of the Perez decision, when a federal agency now wishes to issue an interpretation of a regulation that deviates significantly from its previous interpretation the agency can do so without having to engage in the formalities of notice-and-comment rulemaking.
Two laws all employers must be aware of in 2015 By Laura D. Mruk Corporate Law Departments, February 2015 As of January 1, 2015, Illinois has enacted two new laws that impact most employers. 
The UK’s possible adoption of eBay’s online dispute resolution method By Katrina Gillilan Alternative Dispute Resolution, May 2015 Under the system proposed by the UK's Civil Justice System, parties would have a limited period of time to reach a settlement online. If the case is not settled during this period, it will then be overseen by a legally qualified facilitator.
The (un)democratic nature of supermajority voting By Erin M. Baker Local Government Law, May 2015 Supermajority voting has been used since the founding of the United States. However, does the requirement of more than a simple majority directly conflict with the democratic principles our nation was founded on? History and case law seem to permit at least procedural supermajority requirements, so long as the imposition of a supermajority vote can be revoked by a simple majority.
Understanding the Illinois Commercial Real Estate Broker Lien Act By Julia Jensen Smolka Real Estate Law, September 2015 A look at the basics of the Act works.
Undocumented, documented, or citizen? By Sofia Zneimer International and Immigration Law, December 2015 This article maintains that the status of a non-citizen in the United States is not relevant and argues that such determination requires factual, statutory, regulatory, and case analysis, and requires expert opinion.
Unique opportunities in the legal profession for moms By Jennifer A. Haase Young Lawyers Division, April 2015 Does the legal profession get an unfair reputation when it comes to offering flexibility and alternative options for working mothers?
United States Supreme Court holds that “similarly situated competitors” in a jurisdiction represent a comparison class and equivalent comparable state taxes to be considered in deciding discrimination By David J. Kupiec, Natalie M. Martin, & Evan W. Schanerberger Energy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, May 2015 A summary of the recent case of Alabama Department of Revenue et al. v. CSX Transportation, Inc.
United States Supreme Court holds that “similarly situated competitors” in a jurisdiction represent a comparison class and equivalent comparable state taxes to be considered in deciding discrimination By David J. Kupiec, Natalie M. Martin, & Evan W. Schanerberger State and Local Taxation, May 2015 A summary of the recent case of Alabama Department of Revenue et al. v. CSX Transportation, Inc.
Unlicensed practice of law issues in Illinois property tax assessment appeals By Thomas J. McNulty State and Local Taxation, January 2015 Does Yamaguchi still mean what it says?
The unsettled law of the skies (This is not your father’s model airplane) By Steven T. Mann Legal Technology, Standing Committee on, September 2015 Attorneys representing municipalities should have some knowledge of drone law and its evolution.
Update from TM5 at the INTA 137th Annual Meeting By Margo Lynn Hablutzel Intellectual Property, August 2015 The members of TM5 began by each presenting information about the work handled by their respective offices, including the number of applications filed in 2014; effect of the Madrid system; and any improvement in processing, especially in the time period for examination.
Update on the 2014 Farm Bill: Decisions for farm owners and producers By Jonathan Coppess Agricultural Law, March 2015 This article reviews the commodity support and crop insurance programs contained in the 2014 Farm Bill with particular emphasis on the decisions required of or available to farm land owners and producers.
Updates in Swiss business law By Florian S. Jörg International and Immigration Law, November 2015 Between January 1, 2015 and August 1, 2015, only one significant change has become effective from the perspective of Swiss business law.
Updates in Swiss business law By Florian S. Jörg International and Immigration Law, April 2015 Significant changes that became effective between July 2014 and January 1st of this year.
U.S. Supreme Court finds security screenings not compensable under the FLSA By Jon D. Hoag Labor and Employment Law, February 2015 While the holding in Integrity Staffing is certainly a win for employers, mismanagement of preliminary or postiliminary requirements could lead to union organizing, demands, or other pressure.
USDA encourages producers to consider risk protection coverage before fall crop sales deadlines Agricultural Law, September 2015 The 2014 Farm Bill expanded NAP to include higher levels of protection.
Use your trademark consistently or it will be weak: WD-40 in the crosshair By Eric R. Waltmire Intellectual Property, August 2015 The consistent use of a trademark is very important to maintaining its strength. Trademark strength is one factor in determining whether there is a likelihood of confusion between two marks and therefore infringement. If you have a weak trademark you will have a harder time asserting infringement against similar marks.
Using Microsoft Excel in your law practice: A primer for users without green visors By Angie K. Robertson Legal Technology, Standing Committee on, November 2015 A look at some useful tips for law firm Excel (2003 and later versions) users of all levels, and highlight some of the newest features of Excel 2016 for the early adopters.
Using text replacement and text expansion tools to start automating your documents By Nerino J. Petro Legal Technology, Standing Committee on, December 2015 If you find yourself typing the same text over and over again, such as a signature block or a phrase, use the auto-correction feature of your program to automatically insert that language. This article explains how.
V.A. payments and family support By Mark E. Sullivan Family Law, July 2015 There is a lot of confusion among family law attorneys, and practitioners in general, about VA disability compensation payments. The questions and responses in this article will help to clear the muddy waters.
Vacating a default judgment: Our Supreme Court provides the answer By Patrick M. Kinnally Civil Practice and Procedure, August 2015 The recent case of Warren County Soil and Water Conservation, District 2015 IL v. Walters has provided a clear direction to our trial courts in adjudicating a petition to vacate a default judgment.
Valuation sanity revisited By Tony Garvy & James Arogeti Trusts and Estates, April 2015 What does the Ninth Circuit’s reversal of the U.S. Tax Court in Estate of Natale B. Giustina portend for valuations of minority interests?
Victory for Adams County landowners By Christopher M. Webb Agricultural Law, September 2015 Several Adams County landowners recently achieved a legal victory by the dismissal of a complaint in a ruling against Ameren Transmission Company. The case involved the Ameren Three Rivers Project, which is a new 345kv electric transmission line set to run across central Illinois from Missouri to Indiana. This project spans a length of over 330 miles and includes nine transmission line segments with substations. It is the largest project in Ameren’s history at an estimated cost of $1.1 billion.
Video: ‘You Be the Judge’ gives students first-hand view of sentencing Law Related Education for the Public, September 2015 An innovative U.S. courts program is teaching students about federal sentencing decisions from a unique perspective: the judge’s bench.
A view from the Chair By Letitia Spunar-Sheats Women and the Law, February 2015 A message from Chair Tish Spunar-Sheats.
Violation of speedy trial on elected charge results in dismissal of all charges By Anthony A. Bruno Traffic Laws and Courts, September 2015 A summary of the recent decision in People v. Raymer.