Chair’s Column: The Lawyers Trust Fund of IllinoisBy Judge Barb Crowder, (ret.)February 2025The mission of the Lawyers Trust Fund is to support non-profit legal aid organizations throughout Illinois that assist low-income individuals with civil legal needs. Learn about the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois' important work.
The CurseBy William W. AustinFebruary 2025A review of an atypical World War II novel, The Curse of Pietro Houdini, written by American novelist Derek B. Miller and published in 2024. This art-heist-adventure tale is a compelling coming-of-age epic.
The Fifth TruthBy Michael J. RooneyFebruary 2025The beginning of a new year often brings with it the need (or maybe it’s just a tradition) to make resolutions about what we’ll do this year to make it different from (and, presumably, better than) last year. Personally, I’m not big on new year’s resolutions for I find that they come and go and, in reality, very little changes based on how this year’s resolutions differ from those I so carefully thought through, wrote down, and consistently abandoned, in prior years. What I am big on is choosing always to be happy.
The Girl with a Bracelet: A Gripping Mystery and a Glimpse Into French JusticeBy John FoltzFebruary 2025What happens when a best friend is accused of murder, and the judge isn’t just observing but actively investigating? Stéphane Demoustier's gripping French mystery drama, “The Girl with a Bracelet” (“La Fille au bracelet”), offers an intriguing glimpse into a legal system very different from what most of us know. This thought-provoking film centers on 18-year-old Lise Bataille, portrayed by Mélissa Guers, who is accused of killing her best friend, Flora. As the trial unfolds, the movie gives audiences a rare, nuanced look at the French inquisitorial system of justice, while keeping the mystery at its core tightly woven.
The Illinois Court of Claims—What’s That All About?By Leonard F. AmariFebruary 2025The Illinois Court of Claims serves any citizen with a claim of money damages or personal injury against a state agency or state employee. The Court also awards compensation to victims of violent crimes under the Crime Victims Compensation Act and to dependents of police officers, firefighters, and National Guard members killed in the line of duty.
LAWPAC Needs You!February 2025The Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee (LAWPAC) needs your help to fulfill its mission to support the legislative goals of the ISBA and Illinois’ legal community.
Movie Review: Where Do We Go Now?By Gary T. RafoolFebruary 2025A review of the 2011 Lebanese film directed by Nadine Labaki. Women in a war-torn Middle Eastern village conspire to prevent religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.
New Year’s Resolution—Pro BonoBy Timothy J. HowardFebruary 2025For recently retired lawyers, Supreme Court Rule 756(k) authorizes attorneys on inactive or retirement status to provide pro bono legal services under certain conditions. Where do you start to determine how you will execute your New Year’s Resolution?
