Competent representation not only requires legal knowledge, skill, and preparation, but also requires you to keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with technology. Don’t miss this program in Springfield on October 9, 2015 that’s designed to give you the individualized, personal, hands-on computer training you need that’s directly applicable to the practice of law! Attorneys lacking basic computer skills who attend this seminar will better understand: how to use computer hardware, including the keyboard and mouse; how to create documents in Microsoft Word; how to create an email account and what to do with it once it’s created; the dangers of opening attachments and spam; using the Internet for your online legal research; the importance of converting documents to PDF; how to safeguard yourself and your practice against the dangers of advanced technology; and much more!The program is presented by the ISBA Senior Lawyers Division and co-sponsored Young Lawyers Division. It qualifies for 3.50 hours MCLE credit, including 3.50 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit (subject to approval).Click here for more information and to register.

Michael J. Tardy, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced Monday that the 22nd Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Michael E. Coppedge as an associate judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit.Mr. Coppedge received his undergraduate degree in 1984 from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, and his Juris Doctor in 1987 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Mr. Coppedge is currently affiliated with Cowlin, Naughton, Curran & Coppedge in Crystal Lake.

Asked and AnsweredBy John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMCQ. I am a recently elected managing partner of a 14 attorney firm in Orlando, Florida. For the last three years, our financial performance has been stagnant and my partners are asking me to cut all overhead expenses possible in order to improve profitability. Suggestions?

A recent report by Brian Mackey of Illinois Issues discloses several surprising statistics about Illinois' criminal justice system. While many people are aware that convicted criminals can be charged fines and ordered to pay restitution to their victims, a wide range of fees are charged to criminals, Mackey reports. In some cases, even accused-yet-exonerated defendants pay these fees, which are used to help fund everything from DNA tests to drug treatment assessment.Critics say the charges can keep financially troubled individuals in a cycle of poverty and imprisonment. Proponents say charging criminals a fee is fair play -- a part of their debt to society.According to a 2009 report from the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law cited by Mackey, a Cook County resident convicted of class four felony drug possession faces a minimum of $1,445 in financial obligations. Although the fine for the felony conviction accounts for $500 of the total, the rest comprises fees.