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  • March 27, 2015 | People
    Lake Forest law firms merge

    The well-regarded Lake Forest law firms of Pasquesi Associates and Lesser, Lutrey, McGlynn & Howe LLP will be merging as of March 30, 2015. Offices will be at 191 East Deerpath Road, Lake Forest.

    With this merger, the eleven-lawyer firm will become among the largest law firms in Lake County that focuses on all things trusts and estates, including trust, estate and guardianship litigation, with licenses to practice in Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, Massachusetts and by year-end, North Carolina.

    LLMH was formed in 1996, and Pasquesi Associates’ roots date back to 1953.

    “We are thrilled to join with Tom Pasquesi, Amy Goldsmith and Tom Concannon in the practice of trust, estate and guardianship issues and litigation,” said Managing Partner David M. Lutrey. “These well-respected attorneys share in our commitment to excellence and building long-term relationships without our client families and professional associates.”

     “We will continue to provide our clients with high quality trust and estate planning and administration services,” said Pasquesi. “By joining with Lesser Lutrey McGlynn & Howe, we expect to expand our ability to provide related corporate and business transactional services, employment matters and real estate and corporate related litigation.”
    The firm can be reached at 847.295.8800, and at www.llmhlegal.com.

  • March 27, 2015 | ISBA News | Events
    YLD Professional Development Series: Legal Malpractice Pitfalls for Young Lawyers

    The ISBA Young Lawyers Division will host "Legal Malpractice Pitfalls for Young Lawyers" on Monday, April 20 from noon-1 p.m. at the ISBA Chicago Office, 20 S. Clark, Ste. 900.

    Studies show that approximately 1 in 10 lawyers will be sued for malpractice during their career. Even meritless claims can burden you and your firm with both financial and emotional costs. By law, attorneys are not required to obtain legal malpractice insurance. Moreover, some types of legal malpractice insurance only provide coverage for certain conditions. This presentation will highlight common mistakes young lawyers make that often result in malpractice claims, provide steps to take to avoid these pitfalls, discuss an overview of important features of malpractice insurance policies, and evaluate the risk of young attorneys who find themselves in hot water.

    YLD Professional Development Luncheons are aimed at teaching law students and young attorneys practical steps in developing their legal careers.

    Presenters:

  • March 26, 2015 | People
    Chester Blair 1928-2015

    It was during a visit to a hometown library in the segregated South that a young Chester Blair had one of his earliest encounters with racism.

    Pulled aside by a disapproving librarian after going through the checkout line, the Texas native was told not to return to that library — one serving mostly whites — and to bring his book back to the library closer to where he lived in a black section of town.

    "He was just a boy, but he knew that wasn't right," said his wife of 46 years, Judith. "He knew you don't treat people like that."

    Years later, after moving to Chicago and attending college, Mr. Blair taught in Chicago Public Schools before earning a law degree and building a law practice.

    "He was the kind of person that kept pushing his life forward, and by doing so, he advanced the lives of so many others," his wife said.

    Mr. Blair, 86, the first elected African-American president of the Chicago Bar Association, died Monday, March 16, at a special care facility in Cincinnati, of complications related to Alzheimer's disease. Formerly a longtime resident of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, he and his wife had moved to Cincinnati two years ago to be closer to family members.

    Read the full obituary in the Chicago Tribune.

  • March 26, 2015 | ISBA News | Events
    Ask A Lawyer Day set for April 25

    Join us at either of our two locations - Springfield volunteers especially needed!

    Saturday, April 25, 2015
    9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

    Please consider volunteering to help the public with their legal questions and, at the same time, enhance the image of the profession.

    Each year, to recognize and celebrate Law Day, the Illinois State Bar Association sponsors "Ask A Lawyer Day," a day during which volunteers respond to telephone calls from the public and answer general legal questions free of charge. This is a state-wide public relations effort that receives considerable attention from the public and the media.

    "Ask A Lawyer Day" volunteer lawyers in Springfield will answer calls at the Illinois Bar Center offices from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Volunteer lawyers in the Chicago area, will volunteer in the Chicago Office from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

    If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online form at www.isba.org/askalawyervolunteer. 

    Please let us know by April 3 if you would like to participate.

  • March 25, 2015 | Practice News
    DePaul University names Jennifer Rosato Perea dean for the College of Law

    DePaul University has selected a nationally recognized leader in legal education as dean for the College of Law. Jennifer Rosato Perea, an accomplished scholar in family law, bioethics and civil procedure, will join DePaul July 1.

    Throughout her 25 years in higher education, which includes 11 years as a law school administrator, Rosato Perea has been an active voice in the national dialogue about legal education. She currently serves as the dean of the Northern Illinois University College of Law, a post she has held since 2009, and served as the acting dean of the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law during its first year of operation in 2006.

    1 comment (Most recent March 26, 2015)
  • March 24, 2015 | People
    Faegre Baker Daniels welcomes 9 partners in Chicago

    Faegre Baker Daniels is pleased to announce that nine partners from four firms have joined our Chicago office: Jeffrey Blumberg, Kurt Lebakken, James Martignon and David Porteous from Ulmer & Berne; Matthew Garrett, Douglas Prochnow and John Roberts from Locke Lord Edwards, LLP; George Stohner from Morgan Lewis & Bockius; and Daniel Schwartz from Seyfarth Shaw.

    “We are committed to long-term, strategic growth in the Chicago market, and these additions significantly propel our momentum on that front. Since 2014, our Chicago attorney and consultant workforce has grown by more than 40 percent to more than 60 professionals,” said Rick Michaels, partner and Chicago office leader. “The skillsets of these nine partners in business litigation, intellectual property litigation, health care, product liability, labor and employment, transactional and regulatory legal practices are ideally suited for our clients’ needs.”

    “These partners reinforce our strength in financial services and life sciences, two of the firm’s industry focus areas,” said Andrew Humphrey, managing partner. “We’re thrilled to expand and enhance our Chicago capabilities, and look forward to continued growth in the market and within our industry teams.”

    Investment Management

  • March 24, 2015 | CLE
    CLE: When Can One Share Mental Health Records in Illinois? Issues Concerning Confidentiality of Mental Health Records

    Don’t miss this opportunity to update your knowledge on the issues and challenges surrounding the confidentiality of mental health records in Illinois! Attorneys representing mental health clients, litigators needing to subpoena mental health records, and any attorney interested in learning about the issues, problems, privacy concerns, and ethics surrounding mental health records in Illinois who attend this basic to intermediate seminar will better understand: the ethical issues to consider when agreeing to represent a client alleged to have a diagnosed mental illness; mental health records and confidentiality requirements and issues; how to subpoena mental health records; how mental health records are being handled in the age of the health information exchange; and much more! The program takes place on April 10, 2015 in Chicago, as is also available as a live webcast for those unable to attend in Chicago.

    The program is presented by the ISBA Mental Health Law Section and qualifies for 3.50 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).

    Click here for more information and to register.

  • March 24, 2015 | Events | ISBA News
    ISBA hosts DePaul law student reception

    On the Evening of March 19, 2015, five alumni of the University of DePaul College of Law engaged in honest and practical conversations with current law students on the realities of practicing law. The students left this event feeling better suited to enter the approaching summer job market.

    On hand for the event were (Back, from left): Mr. Stephan Blandin, Romanucci & Blandin, LLC; Mr. Johner T. Wilson III, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP.  (Front, from left): Colleen Mulligan, ’17 ISBA Student Rep; Ms. Sarah Moravia, Avery Camerlingo Kill, LLC;  Ms. Kristy Lee, Plante Moran;  Ms. Erin M. Wilson, O’Connor Family Law, P.C.;  Sherry H. Joseph, ‘17 ISBA Student Rep;  and Steven Haamid, ‘17. Photo credit: Michael A. Coleman, Jr

  • March 23, 2015 | People
    Michael A. Meschino 1955-2015

    Michael A. Meschino died Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. He was born on February 15, 1955 in Chicago to Albert and Mary (nee Magnone) Meschino.

    An attorney for more than 30 years, Michael practiced at the Law Offices of Michael A. Meschino in Palatine. He was formerly with the law firm of Judge and Knight, Ltd. as well as a senior partner at Capozzoli & Meschino. Michael was the President of NWSBA from 2013-2014 and held various other positions in the association for many years, including Editor-in-Chief of Newsbriefs and was the zealous author of the “Family Matters” column.

    Mike, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a life force in any room. His love for the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bears was evident in his attempts to give strongly worded advice to the teams through the TV. His colorful language and quick wit was unparalleled. He will be fondly remembered as a fiercely loyal friend and family member, a lover of history, and an avid reader. His clients will remember him as an animated and passionate lawyer. The community will remember him as a sports coach for his children’s teams, a lawn-obsessed neighbor and a frequent bike rider. Michael loved many things – his teams, his lawn, his car (better known as ‘The Fifth Child’), his law practice – but nothing in the world compared to his pride, love, and affection for his children.

    Throughout his legal career, he was also a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association.

  • March 20, 2015 | People
    Sandra Franco joins Arnstein & Lehr's Chicago Office

    The national law firm of Arnstein & Lehr LLP has added lateral partner Sandra A. Franco in the Chicago office.

    Franco joins the firm’s Chicago office as a partner in the Litigation and Banks and Financial Institutions Practice Groups. She concentrates her practice in commercial litigation, banking law, and real estate law. Ms. Franco represents financial institutions and has extensive experience in secured transactions, collections, bankruptcy, commercial foreclosures, negotiating and drafting contracts.

    Additionally, she is a volunteer attorney with Minority Legal Education Resources, Inc. where she tutors and prepares prospective attorneys for the Illinois Bar Exam. She is fluent in Spanish. Ms. Franco earned her J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 2005 and her B.A. in 2000 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.