Intellectual property: Do you own it and consequences of not owning itBy David H. LevittBusiness and Securities Law, February 2013In patent law, the owner of the work is the inventor. In copyright law, the person who fixes the expression in a tangible medium is the creator of the work—and the owner of the copyright.
Intent to exercise a commercial lease extension option—Notice is in the eye of the beholderBy Michael ZinkGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2013A commercial lease often includes a provision requiring a tenant to provide written notification of its intent to extend the lease term. This language is frequently overlooked until the tenant’s later abandonment of the property after its business has collapsed.
The Internet is expanding—Four things your clients need to knowBy Jordan A. ArnotCorporate Law Departments, August 2013This article explains how the Internet is changing, and what you and your clients need to do right now to avoid the embarrassing consequences of missing the boat.
Intervening accident does not preclude permanency award on first accidentBy Stephen G. BaimeWorkers’ Compensation Law, August 2013The case of National Freight Industries v. IWCC et al 2013 IL app. (5th) 120043WC stands for the proposition that an intervening accident does not preclude a permanency award for injuries sustained in the first accident. This is a most interesting case, and complicated, but the ruling of the Illinois Appellate Court is just.
An interview with the Chief JusticeBy Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr.Bench and Bar, November 2013Learn more about Rita Garman, who became the 119th Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court on October 26, 2013.
IRS rules all legal same-sex marriages will be recognized for federal tax purposesBy Nancy Franks-Straus & Donna F. HartlFederal Taxation, October 2013After weeks of speculation as to how the Internal Revenue Service would treat same-sex marriages, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS released a joint ruling which held same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize same-sex marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes.
The IRS will be closed…By Tracy S. DaltonTrusts and Estates, June 2013All IRS offices, including all toll-free hotlines, the Taxpayer Advocate Service and the agency’s nearly 400 taxpayer assistance centers nationwide, will be closed on July 5, July 22 and Aug. 30, 2013.
Is an Illinois resident’s inherited IRA protected from bankruptcy creditors?By David F. Rolewick & Justin J. KarubasTrusts and Estates, July 2013There is a split in the circuits regarding whether or not inherited IRAs are protected from bankruptcy creditors. The Fifth Circuit has held that a Texas resident’s inherited IRA is protected from bankruptcy creditors. The Seventh Circuit has held that a Wisconsin resident’s inherited IRA is not protected from bankruptcy creditors. Both Wisconsin and Texas have not opted out of the bankruptcy exemptions. Therefore, federal bankruptcy exemptions apply.
Is failure to file a lis pendens at the outset of a divorce case considered malpractice?By Lindsay C. StellaWomen and the Law, May 2013Every family law attorney heeds warning when the word “malpractice” is uttered. We all know the fundamentals of malpractice in our respective fields, and we do our best to stay current on new law by attending an assortment of continuing legal education courses to protect against that malignant word. Inevitably, smaller items sometimes slip through the cracks. Filing of a lis pendens at the outset of a divorce case, through some not so recent case law, has proven itself to be one of those generally disregarded smaller items.
Is it pointless for a municipality to adopt the international fire code?By Marty ShanahanLocal Government Law, April 2013There have been discussions throughout the state as to whether the International Fire Code provides fire prevention and safety standards equal to or higher than the National Fire Protection Association.
ISBA insurance member benefitsBy Matthew J. ArvanitesSenior Lawyers, February 2013As a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, you are entitled to take advantage of official ISBA-endorsed voluntary benefits programs from Marsh Affinity Group Service.
ISBA Washington DC Trip call for topicsFederal Taxation, March 2013If you can think of any systemic, apolitical issues that need to be addressed in Washington D.C., please let the editor know at jcreech@creechtaxlaw.com.
ISBA YLD grants provide assistance for children in needBy Michael G. Bergmann & Leighanne RootYoung Lawyers Division, December 2013The ISBAYLD Children’s Assistance Fund, in concert with the Illinois Bar Foundation, seeks to provide grants to organizations across the state related to children and law.
ISBA/YLD PILI Internship Award recipient reflects on 2012 summer PILI InternshipBy Meryl ProchaskaYoung Lawyers Division, February 2013During the summer of 2012, the author had the opportunity to serve as a Public Interest Law Initiative intern with the Chicago Medical-Legal Partnership for Children at Health and Disability Advocates.
ISBA—It’s just the beginningBy Hon. Ann Breen-GrecoAlternative Dispute Resolution, October 2013An overview of the recent ISBA/JTBF Law & Leadership Institute, which was held in August at the John Marshall Law School.