2018 Articles

Everything Has a Process - Here’s How to Identify Yours

By Erica Fujimoto
April
2018
Column
, Page 54
Process mapping is a great technique to help you streamline workflow. Find out why it might be right for your office.

Everything Has a Process - Here’s How to Improve Yours

By Erica Fujimoto
May
2018
Column
, Page 54
In last month's column, we learned how to identify different processes in your firm. Now learn how to improve them.

Exculpatory clause in escrow agreement applies in claim for breach of contract

March
2018
Illinois Law Update
, Page 24
Home Healthcare engaged in a real estate transaction in which it was the buyer and attorney Robin Jesk's client was the seller. Jesk served as the escrow agent.

Expanding Coverage Offsets Risks for Closing Firms, Cyber Liabilities

By Jeff Strand
February
2018
Column
, Page 46
Extended tail coverage for firms that are closing and expanded cyber risk protection are two ways ISBA Mutual is responding to the changing practice landscape.

Expenses, Revenue, Talent, and Your Bottom Line

By Jennifer Ramovs
November
2018
Column
, Page 44
In today's economic climate, law firms must be diligent in assessing expenses and business practices to ensure that their bottom line doesn't suffer.

False, Misleading, and Worth Your Attention

By Charles J. Northrup
October
2018
Column
, Page 52
Revisiting the ethical principles guiding Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 7.1.
1 comment (Most recent October 11, 2018)

The Feared 14-Day Letter

By Ed Finkel
November
2018
Cover Story
, Page 22
What to do and not do when the ARDC comes knocking.

“Fictive kin” definition expanded; “permanent connection” defined

April
2018
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Children and Family Services Act is amended to expand the definition of "fictive kin" and define a "permanent connection."

The fight goes on

By Matthew Hector
July
2018
LawPulse
, Page 10
Illinois passed the Equal Rights Amendment on May 30, becoming the 37th state to ratify.

Final property valuations are not exempt from FOIA requests

September
2018
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
On June 29, 2018, the First District Appellate Court of Illinois held that records related to property valuations are subject to disclosure under Illinois' Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

First Amendment bars pastor’s claims against church

November
2018
Illinois Law Update
, Page 18
A pastor accused of sexual misconduct toward a parishioner was subjected to internal church disciplinary proceedings that exposed him to "public disgrace and scandal."

The Folly of Overemphasizing Emphasis

By Justice Michael B. Hyman
June
2018
Column
, Page 44
A judge quashes all that is bolded, underlined, and ALL CAPPED.

For purposes of admissibility, text messages are treated like any other form of documentary evidence

June
2018
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
Following a bench trial, the defendant appealed his conviction of involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, and grooming.

“Freedom” for African Americans in Antebellum Illinois

By James W. Hilliard
August
2018
Cover Story
, Page 30
To fully appreciate how far Illinois has progressed from its frontier beginnings, consider that antebellum Illinois was a free state in name only.

A Fresh Look at Supervisory Orders

By Tim Eaton & Jonathan B. Amarilio
July
2018
Article
, Page 40
The Illinois Supreme Court appears to be more willing to exercise its sweeping supervisory authority to afford relief.

From ISBA Central - Strategies for when opposing counsel challenges USPS’s tracking information

By Ted Harvatin, Bryan Sims, Adam Whiteman, Mark Moreno, & Mark C. Palmer
December
2018
Article
, Page 20
Opposing counsel challenges USPS's tracking information

From the Newsletters - E-filing adds features and user-friendly options.

By Chris Bonjean
December
2018
Article
, Page 18
E-filing adds features and user-friendly options.

From the Newsletters - Effective January 1, courts must take pet well-being into account in divorce.

By Alicia Hill Ruiz
February
2018
Article
, Page 43
The stakes for "pet custody" decisions are higher now that a new law requires judges to "take into consideration the well-being of the companion animal."

From the Newsletters - Transfer the marital home during, not after, divorce.

By Adam Whiteman
February
2018
Article
, Page 42
It's in each party's interest to wrap up property issues during the divorce and not wait till after, when things can get a lot more complicated.

The Future of For-Profit Referral Services?

By Pete Sherman
August
2018
LawPulse
, Page 10
As the ARDC releases a study on for-profit matching services, Avvo disrupts its business model.

General Member Referral Directory

October
2018
Column
, Page 32
Find a qualified ISBA member when a case falls outside of your area of practice.

General Member Referral Directory

July
2018
Column
, Page 32
Find a qualified ISBA member when a case falls outside of your area of practice.

General Member Referral Directory

April
2018
Column
, Page 32
Find a qualified ISBA member when a case falls outside of your area of practice.

General Member Referral Directory

January
2018
Column
, Page 30
Find a qualified ISBA member when a case falls outside of your area of practice.

Go Easy on the Legalese

By Justice Michael B. Hyman
September
2018
Column
, Page 44
Precise and substantive legal prose does not require Latin or antiquated words. Practice eliminating them from your writing.
2 comments (Most recent September 8, 2018)

Google Street Views…and Opinions

By Allen Wall & Caitlyn R. Culbertson
August
2018
Article
, Page 40
Google Maps, Google Street View, and similar internet services allow parties to access images of a particular location without ever being physically present at the site. Are such images admissible? How do the Rules of Evidence interact with these new discovery resources? This article examines how such issues may arise during litigation.

Grants help circuit courts serve pro se litigants

By Matthew Hector
May
2018
LawPulse
, Page 12
The Illinois Supreme Court has awarded cash grants to 13 judicial circuits to help them better serve the large and growing number of self-represented litigants.
1 comment (Most recent April 27, 2018)

Guardians of the Elderly

By Rhys Saunders
December
2018
LawPulse
, Page 10
New state laws will help remedy conflicts with record transparency, visitation privileges, and guardianship authority.

Guess Who’s Hosting a Business Dinner?

By Karen Erger
September
2018
Column
, Page 40
Hosting a business dinner is a great way to make a good impression and build rapport with clients. Thinking through all the small details in advance will go a long way toward a satisfying evening.
1 comment (Most recent September 27, 2018)

A Guide to Illinois Interlocutory Appeals

By Don R. Sampen
March
2018
Article
, Page 42
Illinois has a process for appealing some issues while litigation is still underway at trial. In Illinois, most requirements for interlocutory appeal are laid out in Illinois Supreme Court Rules 306, 307, and 308. Here's a step-by-step overview.