The ISBA has created a new website, designed by and for new lawyers, that focuses on content and video curated just for lawyers in their first five years of practice.

The Illinois Supreme Court amended its rules in 2013 to allow attorneys to enter limited scope appearances in civil cases and to make it easier for attorneys to provide unbundled services to their clients. Even so, many attorneys remain hesitant to incorporate limited scope representation into their practices. Join us in Chicago or via live webcast on October 13, 2016 for a look at how limited scope representation can benefit both attorneys and clients, the best practices and ethical considerations in limited scope, and how attorneys are using limited scope representation in their daily practices. The need for pro bono services in Illinois and the availability of limited scope pro bono opportunities are also discussed.

Campaign season for the 2017 Illinois State Bar Association election began October 1 for open leadership seats of 3rd Vice President; Board of Governors for Cook County (2), Under Age 37 Cook County (2), Under Age 37 Outside Cook County (1); and Assembly Cook County (21). ISBA election voting begins in late March and concludes April 28, 2017.  The 2017 ISBA Notice of Election is now available. Find out more at www.isba.org/elections

In 2010, two women who had been domestic partners since 1981 became involved in litigation related to the end of their relationship. In particular, Jane Blumenthal sought a partition of the residence that both women jointly owned. Her former partner, Eileen Brewer, filed a counterclaim that sought the restitution of funds that Blumenthal had used from the couple's joint account to purchase a medical practice. The Circuit Court of Cook County dismissed Brewer's restitution claim, citing the Illinois Supreme Court's ruling in Hewitt v. Hewitt, 77 Ill.2d 49 (1979), which held that Illinois public policy precludes unmarried cohabitants from bringing claims designed to enforce mutual property rights based on a marriage-like relationship. The Illinois Appellate Court, First District reversed, finding that the public policy discussed in Hewitt has changed since 1979 because the public's attitudes towards marriage have changed significantly. Late this summer, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the first district in Blumenthal v. Brewer. The high court held that Hewitt remains good law and scolded the first district for violating the principle of stare decisis.