General Practice, Solo & Small Firm

The newsletter of the ISBA’s General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section

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2014 Articles

Appellate Court upholds ruling that Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act does not apply to unpaid future wages under terminated employment contract By Mary Anne Spellman Gerstner April 2014 A summary of Majmudar v. House Of Spices (India), Inc.
But I wasn’t even there! An overview of premises-based constructive possession By Aaron G. Brakke October 2014 An overview of the basics of constructive possession and the author's thoughts on combating a claim. 
Chair’s column By Michael Zink April 2014 A message from Section Chair Michael Zink.
Chair’s column: Knowledge of history provides benefits for lawyers By Michael Zink May 2014 A message from Section Chair Michael Zink.
Chair’s column: Referrals still important to general practice lawyers By Michael Zink March 2014 A message from Section Chair Michael Zink.
Chair’s column: What the Supreme Court hath wrought… By Richard W. Zuckerman October 2014 Thoughts from Section Chair Richard Zuckerman.
Chair’s column: Where does general practice fit in the 21st century legal world? By Richard W. Zuckerman August 2014 A message from Section Chair Richard Zuckerman.
Deadman’s Act objection raises several issues By Jewel N. Klein May 2014 A look at the Deadman's Act and its erroneous application in a recent run-of-the-mill zoning violation case.
Developing a game plan for residential foreclosures By Ebony R. Huddleston March 2014 Illinois has one of the longest residential foreclosures processes in the country. Residential foreclosures can be a complex maze for practitioners and homeowners to navigate. For that reason, it is important to develop a game plan before proceeding to file a foreclosure complaint so practitioners can anticipate potential pitfalls the lender may encounter by pursuing the foreclosure action.
Domestic relations judges offer practical advice—Good for all litigation By Jewel N. Klein August 2014 Judicial insights culled from the third annual Domestic Relations Roundtable, which was held in May of this year.
Editor’s column: Disturbing trends—We are once again facing a challenging legal market By John T. Phipps April 2014 Editor John Phipps identifies some current trends that could adversely affect the practice of law. 
Editor’s column: ISBA Task Force to look at law schools and making “practice ready” new lawyers By John T. Phipps August 2014 Editor John Phipps discusses the challenges new lawyers face and the ISBA's exciting plans to help them hit the ground running. 
Editor’s column: It’s in the cloud—Report from the ABA Tech Show 2014 By John T. Phipps May 2014 The editor shares his thoughts from the ABA Tech Show.
Editor’s column: Smart Phones—They really add to a lawyer’s life and productivity so don’t wait too long to upgrade from that old flip phone! By John T. Phipps March 2014 If you haven't already made the switch, Editor John Phipps explains why you should.
Employment Law Update: Who is a Supervisor? Civil Rights Act decisions may limit workers’ ability to sue for discrimination By Tracy Douglas October 2014 General practitioners should be aware of the narrow definition of supervisor and the limitation proof of retaliation when considering taking on employment discrimination and retaliation cases.
ISBA unveils exciting new Member Directory! August 2014 Make sure the other members of the ISBA know what sets you apart and can find you easily by activating your member directory profile today.
Practice alert: Concurrent and/or consecutive lawsuits can be maintained for both a mortgage foreclosure and on the note securing the mortgage By Lisa A. Copland May 2014 On February 14th of this year, the Illinois Supreme Court denied the review of Laura J. Turczak, et al., v. First American Bank, et al., resulting in First American Bank’s victory over a commonly held belief affecting the rights of lenders in mortgage foreclosure actions.
Practice alert: Illinois Supreme Court allows disgorgement of previously paid retainers fees in divorce cases now uncertain By Lisa A. Copland April 2014 On October 3rd, 2013, the Illinois Supreme Court handed down a decision with potentially strong implications for attorneys involved in dissolution of marriage proceedings.
Trusts no longer trapped by residency of grantor By Lauren Evans DeJong October 2014 Linn v. Department of Revenue is a taxpayer victory, as it now makes it possible for many trusts to escape Illinois income taxation due to the lack of nexus with the State of Illinois.