The Bar News

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Chicago Area

  • April 6, 2016 | People
    ATG Executive Earns National Title Professional Designation

    Attorney Christine Sparks, vice president – claims and audit for Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG®, http://www.atgf.com/), has been awarded the National Title Professional (NTP) designation by the American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry. Sparks is also the current president of the Illinois Land Title Association.

    ATG President and CEO Peter Birnbaum said, “We are proud that Christine has achieved this prestigious honor, which acknowledges her professionalism, work ethic and extensive knowledge of the land title insurance industry.”

    Through the NTP designation, ALTA recognizes land title professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, experience and dedication essential to the safe and efficient transfer of real property. The designation represents a measure of achievement and commitment to career development, and brings Sparks enhanced status in the industry and among industry colleagues. Sparks will also have the advantage of special NTP benefits and recognition at ALTA events and state Land Title Association meetings.

  • March 30, 2016 | CLE
    CLE: 3rd Annual Elder Law Bootcamp: Basics and Beyond

    It’s that time of year again! Don’t miss ISBA’s third annual elder law bootcamp that offers you the guidance and information you need to effectively represent your aging clients! Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this two-day seminar will gain a better understanding of: Illinois Medicaid eligibility rules; which long-term care planning options are still available; the forms and procedures for filing Medicaid appeals and hardship waivers; how to avoid violating the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct; how to handle a divorce among your elderly clients, including competency issues, spousal support, and dividing the cemetery plots; the retirement plans and distribution options for the client contemplating retirement; how to detect and prevent investment fraud against your aging client; what to do if your client experiences age discrimination or other employment issues; why mediation is a better alternative to litigation and how to get your client ready; your client’s rights and obligations as a landlord or tenant; how the ABLE Act can help your disabled client; how to handle elder abuse issues – and why self-neglect is on the rise; and much more!

  • March 29, 2016 | People
    Bina Reappointed to the Illinois Supreme Court’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission

    The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP today announced that Chicago partner, Mark W. Bina, has been reappointed to the Illinois Supreme Court’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC).

    Mark will serve another year on the commission which is the state agency overseeing the licensing and discipline of all Illinois-licensed attorneys. He also sits on the ARDC’s Hearing Board which serves as a fact-finder conducting evidentiary hearings for attorneys charged with misconduct, and also sits on the ARDC's Oversight Committee.

  • March 28, 2016 | People
    Arnstein & Lehr LLP bolsters Bankruptcy Practice

    The national law firm of Arnstein & Lehr LLP welcomes William A. Williams to its Chicago office as an associate in the Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights and Litigation Practice Groups.

    “We are excited to welcome Bill to Arnstein & Lehr,” said Michael L. Gesas, Managing Partner of Arnstein’s Chicago office.

    Mr. Williams chose to join Arnstein because, he says, “As a newly minted lawyer, I was looking for two things. First, I sought an environment in which I would be challenged to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as an attorney each and every day. Second, I wanted a chance to contribute real value to a team early in my career. In my opinion, Arnstein & Lehr strikes a fantastic balance, offering both highly sophisticated work and early opportunities for substantive experience.”

  • March 25, 2016 | CLE
    CLE: Bankruptcy Basics from the Experts – 2016

    Don’t miss this full-day seminar in Chicago on April 14, 2016 that offers you a basic understanding of the different types of bankruptcy, the steps to take when your debtor files bankruptcy, how to modify an automatic stay, and how to file a proof of claim. Commercial litigation lawyers, collection attorneys, bankruptcy practitioners, and attorneys working in the banking industry who attend this seminar will better understand: the practical and statutory issues to consider during the initial client interview; what happens during a Section 341 meeting; the process leading up to the confirmation hearing; the best practices for working with a Chapter 7 trustee; the trustee’s perspective of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy; how to handle pending collection and mechanics lien actions; the statutory deadlines and requirements under Section 523 and 727; how to best advocate your client’s position; and much more!

  • March 25, 2016 | People
    Kane County Divorce Attorney announces the opening of Shaw Family Law, P.C.

    Attorney Matt Shaw is proud to announce the opening of Shaw Family Law, P.C. in St. Charles, Illinois. The Kane County family law firm is located at 555 S. Randall Road, Suite 105, St. Charles, Illinois 60174.

    St. Charles Divorce Lawyer Matthew G. Shaw is the founding partner of Shaw Family Law, P.C. He brings 30 years of legal experience to his family law practice, and he was formerly a founding partner at the law firm of Shaw, Jacobs, Goostree & Associates, P.C.

  • March 22, 2016 | People
    Blandin reappointed to Illinois Supreme Court Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission

    The State of Illinois Supreme Court recently appointed personal injury attorney, Stephan D. Blandin, to another one year-commitment on the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) hearing board, effective March 1, 2016. Founding partner and principal at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, Mr. Blandin has served on the ARDC’s hearing board for five years. He is one of more than 75 hearing board members who will make recommendations in disciplinary matters of lawyers in Illinois throughout the next year.

    “I am honored to be a part of the ARDC for the fifth year in a row,” said Mr. Blandin. "Preserving the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that the Illinois public can trust in our legal system is of the utmost importance.”

    All hearing board activities are guaranteed confidentiality during all grievance investigations for Blandin, while disciplinary actions are adjudicated publicly. The ARDC board members are comprised of volunteer lawyers and non-lawyers who work under the direct supervision of the Chair of the Commission, James R. Mendillo. The ARDC operates under the authority of the Supreme Court, which regulates the admission and discipline of lawyers in Illinois.

  • March 22, 2016 | People
    ATG’s Peter J. Birnbaum Reappointed as Chief Justice of the Illinois Court of Claims

    Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Peter J. Birnbaum to a six-year term on the Illinois Court of Claims. Birnbaum, a judge on the Court since 2004 and Chief Justice since 2015, retains his role as president and CEO of Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG®, http://www.atgf.com/).

    The Illinois Court of Claims was established by the legislature in 1889 as a forum of limited jurisdiction to render decisions on monetary claims and lawsuits against the state. Birnbaum is one of seven judges on the Court of Claims. They are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Illinois Senate. “I am honored by Governor Rauner’s continuing confidence in me to lead and serve on a court that plays an integral role in determining the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens,” Birnbaum said.

    During his tenure, Birnbaum has provided leadership for the court in a number of areas, for example, cases involving soldiers killed in the line of duty. He also has authored several significant opinions including a case involving a State Trooper who killed two young girls while he was texting and driving at reckless speeds.

  • March 21, 2016 | ISBA News | People
    ISBA Past President John E. Thies elected Chair of ISBA Mutual Board of Directors

    Attorney John E. Thies, a shareholder at Webber & Thies, P.C., in Urbana, and past President of the Illinois State Bar Association was installed as the Chair of the Board of Directors for ISBA Mutual Insurance Company on March 18, 2016.

    ISBA Mutual provides malpractice insurance to Illinois lawyers.

    As Chair, Thies said, he will continue the ISBA Mutual’s commitment to helping Illinois lawyers achieve the highest professional standards and guard against professional liability.

    “The availability of ISBA Mutual insurance is one of the most significant ISBA benefits. All the lawyers of our state owe a debt to the ISBA leaders who had the foresight to create this company in the interest of lawyers and their clients. I am delighted to serve as chair, and together with our board and staff, look forward to a strong year.”

  • March 21, 2016 | People
    Chicago Disability Lawyer Announces the Opening of Four Illinois Law Offices

    Attorney Jonathan L. Pearson, managing attorney at Pearson Disability Law, LLC announces the opening of four new Chicago area law offices.

    The new office locations are in Downers Grove at 1431 Opus Place, Suite 110; in Evanston, at 1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 600; in Orland Park at 15255 S. 94th Avenue, 5th Floor; and in Schaumburg at 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 400.

    Pearson Disability Law, LLC is dedicated to helping individuals obtain Social Security disability benefits. The firm provides personalized and skilled representation to every client with all aspects of Social Security disability claims, regardless of the complexity of their case or where they are in the complex application process.