The Bar News

Bar News Sections

Northern Illinois

  • August 17, 2009 | ISBA News
    Abe and ISBA at the Illinois State Fair
    [gallery] Members of the Illinois State Bar Association staff worked the "Looking for Lincoln" tent on Sunday at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and will be back again on Tuesday, August 18. The "Looking for Lincoln" tent also sponsored a re-enactment of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Fair attendees can collect rubbings from all five Lincoln storyboard medallions and receive half-off an adult admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The ISBA tent is located on the north east side in the Heartland area, near the "Dock Dogs" show on the outer perimeter. All fair attendees are invited to stop by.
  • August 12, 2009 | Practice News
    Dirksen Courthouse to remain open during major 3-year renovation
    Even during a three-year, round-the-clock renovation soon to be under way, the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, home of the nation's third largest federal district court, will remain open with normal hours for courts and government offices, the U.S. General Services Administration announced today. The phased construction, which begins in September, will be keyed to keeping the 30-story building open, along with its 57 courtrooms and 11 federal government offices. The renovation's major focus will be the replacement of the building's nearly 50-year-old heating and ventilation, fire alarm and lighting systems. Most work will be done at night and on weekends to limit disruptions. "The modernization of this architectural landmark designed by Mies van der Rohe exemplifies GSA's commitment to sustainable design," said GSA Acting Regional Administrator J. David Hood. "By making our public buildings higher-performing and more energy-efficient we maximize their value to the taxpayer. And with the benefits of new technology, we are renewing the future of this courthouse by building upon the creative energies that produced it and the stewardship that has preserved it." The building's largest tenant is the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois with 40 judges and more than 400 employees. The courthouse is also the seat of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Northern Illinois. Other tenants include the U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Trustees. Chief Judge James F. Holderman of the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois acknowledged that the project will cause some disruption and inconvenience. He said, however, "We of the United States District Court, as tenants, look forward to working cooperatively with GSA to keep the disruption to a minimum and the courts running smoothly as GSA completes these necessary renovations."
  • August 11, 2009 | Member Services | Practice News
    Share your success story: Practicing law in a challenging economy
    We've heard all the negatives, but now we want to hear the success stories and share them with ISBA members. For the premiere print issue of Illinois Lawyer Now Quarterly in September, we would like to feature how ISBA members are adapting their practices in light of the challenging economic climate.
    • Have you succeeded in attracting new clients or growing your practice despite the downturn?
    • Have you been able to cut your overhead while still maintaining the same level of service?
    • Have you been successful in finding a new job despite the current economy?
    If so, we want to hear how you did it! Please send your story (as long or as short as you feel necessary) to Alexa Giacomini, ISBA Director of Marketing & Membership at agiacomini@isba.org
  • August 11, 2009
    Breaking legal news for Tuesday, August 11

    Central Illinois

    Chicago area

    Northern Illinois

    Southern Illinois

  • August 10, 2009 | Member Services
    Membership Mondays
    [gallery link="file" columns="2"]

    Looking for Lucky No. 500 ...

    ISBA members and member firms have been eagerly signing up for the ISBA's Member MarkSM and Member Firm MarkSM program.  We've now almost reached our "500" participant milestone! Sign up today -- our 500th member or member firm to do so will be profiled on Illinois Lawyer Now! Click here to learn more and join Member Mark.
  • August 10, 2009 | Events
    WBAI seeks nominees for "Women with Vision" awards
    The Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) is seeking nominations for its 2009 "Women with Vision" Awards. The awards will be presented at the WBAI Joint Professional Dinner, on Thursday, November 5, 2009. The "Women with Vision" Awards were first presented in 1997 by the WBAI to honor and recognize women who have demonstrated visionary approaches in their professional endeavors and who have made a contribution to the well-being and empowerment of women. Nominees may be chosen from various professions, including law, medicine, academics, public office, business/entrepreneur, trades/labor, journalism, community/religious service, etc. WBAI members are invited to apply for or nominate candidates for the "Women with Vision" Awards. Please submit a statement no more than four 81⁄2" by 11" pages, about a candidate's specific qualifications and resume to: Women with Vision Committee, WBAI, 321 S. Plymouth Ct., Suite 4S Chicago, IL 60604. Application statement, resume, which may include press clippings and copies of published articles, must be received by noon on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Any materials submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. All submitted material will remain the property of the WBAI.
  • August 7, 2009
    Breaking legal news for Friday, August 7

    Central Illinois

    Chicago area

    Northern Illinois

    State

    Nation

  • August 5, 2009
    Breaking legal news for Wednesday, August 5

    Central Illinois

    Chicago area

    Northern Illinois

  • August 4, 2009 | Events
    Kane County Bar Association to hold "Ask a Lawyer Days"
    The Kane County Bar Association will conduct monthly "Ask A Lawyer Days" during 2009, due to the popularity of the program established during its 150th anniversary celebration last year.  On the second Saturday of each month, members of the public are encouraged to call 630-762-1900 between the hours of 9:00 and 11:00 am for a free consultation with a volunteer attorney. This public information service is a great opportunity to ask questions and find direction for any legal matters you may have.  The next "Ask A Lawyer Day" will be held on Saturday, August 8.  If you are not able to call at that time, please visit the Kane County Bar Association website, and select the "Find A Lawyer" tab to search for an attorney.
  • August 4, 2009 | People
    Greeley named partner at Franks, Gerkin & McKenna P.C.
    [caption id="attachment_3056" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Steven J. Greeley"][/caption] Franks, Gerkin & McKenna P.C., is pleased to announce that Steven J. Greeley has been named a partner of the firm. Steve's primarily practice areas include personal injury, commercial/general litigation, and local government law as Township Attorney for Townships in McHenry County, as well as serving as a Commissioner of the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission. He also serves as a member of the McHenry County Legal Aid Committee and is a member of the Leadership Committee of the Prairie State Campaign for Legal Services. Steve is graduate of Western Illinois University and Northern Illinois University College of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the law review. For more information on the Law Firm of Franks, Gerkin, & McKenna, P.C. and Steven J. Greeley, please visit us at www.fgmlaw.com or contact us at 815-923-2107. Franks, Gerkin and McKenna is a law firm of 48 years, with many practice areas including personal injury, workers' compensation, litigation, real estate, estate planning, criminal defense, family law, land use and zoning, probate, commercial transactions, bankruptcy, and traffic violations.