Section Newsletters

Articles From 2019

Are you SURE you have a written fee agreement with your client? By Rory T. Weiler Family Law, August 2019 The recent case of In re: The Marriage of Pavlovich reminds us how important it is to be sure you not only have a written fee agreement, but that your client actually signs it.
2 comments (Most recent August 2, 2019)
Ask the Arbitrator: The Mediation Has Failed! Now What? By Stanley P. Sklar Alternative Dispute Resolution, August 2019 A look at some of the myths surrounding the arbitration process.
Association of attorney-mediators files amicus memorandum to protect mediation confidentiality By Robert Berliner Alternative Dispute Resolution, April 2019 Our mediation community must be vigilant in responding to threats to confidentiality of mediation communications.
Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County By Deanna Hoyt Women and the Law, September 2019 An overview of the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County's monthly lunches in Waukegan.
Asylum and refugee law By Cindy G. Buys International and Immigration Law, January 2019 An overview of asylum and refugee resettlement laws.
The Attorney’s Fiduciary Duties to Non-Client Trust Beneficiaries By Chuck Newland Trusts and Estates, September 2019 Although attorneys do not usually have fiduciary duties to a non-client, it is a mistake to assume they never do.
Authentication of Electronic Evidence Is a Little Easier By Michael R. Lied Federal Civil Practice, December 2019 An overview of the impact of the 2018 amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Bail reform—one year later By Kim D. Chanbonpin Criminal Justice, July 2019 A review of the changes in Illinois bail law one year after taking effect.
Banning Facial Recognition in Chicago: A Moral and Legal Necessity By Michael Drake Human and Civil Rights, September 2019 As technology advances, our society has to weigh the costs of reducing privacy against benefits such as societal safety, innovation, and economic growth.
Basic computers for seniors: The next step By Don Mateer Senior Lawyers, March 2019 An overview of the upcoming program Basic Computers for Seniors: The Next Step, which will be held in Bloomington on May 15.
Basic Fall Business Planning By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, October 2019 As 2019 winds down, it is a good time for clients to reflect on what the past year has provided and to begin to make business plans for the coming year.
The Basics of Preparing for E-Discovery By George Bellas & Jillian Tattersall Civil Practice and Procedure, September 2019 As discovery increasingly focuses on electronically stored information, it is important to have a working knowledge of the many issues associated with e-discovery.
Before you run, know the rules and prepare yourself … it may be a bumpy ride! By Judge April G. Troemper & Peter L. Rotskoff Bench and Bar, June 2019 For decades, scholars, professors, members of the judiciary, and the legal community have questioned whether judges should be elected by the public or be appointed based on merit.
Behind the Scenes: Drafting the New Illinois Trust Code By Susan Bart Trusts and Estates, August 2019 The new Illinois Trust Code provides a comprehensive, organized body of trust law that replaces the sparse, scattered, and somewhat disorganized preexisting statutes.
Bench & Bar addresses attacks on the rule of law By David W. Inlander Bench and Bar, January 2019 A note from the chair of the Bench & Bar Section Council, David W. Inlander.
Bench & Bar Section Council year in review 2018-19: Reflections from the chair By David W. Inlander Bench and Bar, June 2019 A note from the outgoing chair, David W. Inlander.
Beware! Drafting tips for post-Jan. 1, 2019 maintenance modification orders By Rory T. Weiler Family Law, June 2019 Tips for the divorce lawyer seeking to take advantage of the new non-taxability law.
Big Breaches and Back to Basics By Summer Chance Real Estate Law, September 2019 Practical advice for protecting yourself and your practice from data breaches.
Billable hours: The necessary vs. the not so necessary By Arsenio L. Mims Federal Civil Practice, March 2019 It is imperative for attorneys to bill accurately, descriptively, correctly, efficiently, and with the utmost judgment to uphold the integrity and the standards of the legal profession.
Blockchain as Evidence By George Bellas Civil Practice and Procedure, November 2019 The increased use of blockchain technology will require lawyers to understand the concept in order to utilize it at trial.
Blown out of proportion By Michael G. Cortina Bench and Bar, May 2019 Crystal Lake Limited Partnership v. Baird & Warner Residential Sales, Inc. provides an interesting reminder regarding fee-shifting clauses and how courts should enforce them.
Book review: ‘Adjudicating Illinois: Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court’ By Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.) Civil Practice and Procedure, June 2019 A review of John Lupton's book, ‘Adjudicating Illinois: Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court.'
Book Review: ‘Bad Blood’ By Gary T. Rafool Senior Lawyers, December 2019 A review of the book 'Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup' by John Carreyrou.
Book review: ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ By Gary T. Rafool Senior Lawyers, May 2019 A review of the book ‘Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI’ by David Grann.
Book review: The Bully Pulpit By Gary T. Rafool Senior Lawyers, March 2019 A book review of The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
1 comment (Most recent March 13, 2019)
Book Review: ‘The Chief Justices: The Seventeen Men and the Center Seat, Their Courts, and Their Times’ by Daniel A Cotter By Leonard Amari Senior Lawyers, September 2019 A summary of ‘The Chief Justices: The Seventeen Men and the Center Seat, Their Courts, and Their Times,’ a history of everyone who has served as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Book review: The Last Day of Night By Gary T. Rafool Senior Lawyers, January 2019 A summary and review of The Last Day of Night by Graham Moore.
Burned Out? Overwhelmed? Meet Dr. Diana Uchiyama and the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program By Mary F. Petruchius Elder Law, December 2019 An interview with Dr. Diana Uchiyama, the executive director of the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program.
Burned Out? Overwhelmed? Meet Dr. Diana Uchiyama and the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program By Mary F. Petruchius General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, September 2019 An interview with Dr. Diana Uchiyama, the executive director of the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program.
Burned out? Overwhelmed? Meet Dr. Diana Uchiyama and the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program By Mary F. Petruchius Mental Health Law, July 2019 An interview with Dr. Diana Uchiyama, the executive director of the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program.