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Articles by Rhys Saunders
Illinois State Bar Association
Law firms are not immune from the controversies surrounding sexual misconduct in the workplace. Managing in the #MeToo environment has changed the dynamic of the employment relationship. In his July Illinois Bar Journal article, “At What Cost?” retired U.S. Equal Employee Opportunity Commission investigator William S. Hubbartt offers advice for preventing and responding to incidents of sexual harassment in the law office.
CLE: Client Data-Collect It All
Save time, reduce paper, and increase the completion rate of your client questionnaires using free and inexpensive tools to electronically gather data from your clients. Learn how to create fillable PDFs and online questionnaires to gather the needed data. This program qualifies for 1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit (subject to approval). Learn more and register. Posted on July 19, 2021 by Rhys Saunders
Illinois Supreme Court Announces Triage Period to Wind Down Eviction Moratorium
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today an amendment to Order M.R. 30370 concerning residential evictions. Timed to coincide with the resumption of eviction filings effective August 1, 2021, the amended Order provides for a one-month period in which the judiciary will focus on referring newly filed cases to State programs providing financial assistance to landlords and tenants.
ISBA Announces Award Recipients
The Illinois State Bar Association has announced the recipients of its annual awards. Each year, the ISBA presents awards to recognize individuals and law firms for their commitment and service to the profession, their communities, and the association. Award recipients are selected through a nomination process. The awards include: Austin Fleming Newsletter Editors Award: Bernard Peter, Craig Hedin, Jeffrey Mollet, Raymond Reott The Carole K.
Justifiably Defrauded?
“Bamboozled. Hoodwinked. Defrauded. Those words send shivers up our spines, as we have all probably been taken for a ride once or twice in our lives,” writes Danya Shakfeh in her July 2021 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Justifiably Defrauded?” Shakfeh notes the legal definition and standard for demonstrating fraud makes it hard for plaintiffs to prove, or even plead, fraud. Illinois courts have made fraud an extremely subjective and fact-specific claim, she adds.
WGN Radio Launches “Let’s Get Legal,” Powered by Illinois State Bar Association
WGN Radio has launched a new weekly radio program, “Let’s Get Legal,” which features ISBA members providing legal advice to callers. “Let’s Get Legal,” hosted by John Hansen, will be broadcast throughout the state on WGN Radio 720 AM and WGNRadio.com from 3-5 p.m. on Saturdays. The first episode on July 10 will feature ISBA President and collaborative divorce and mediation practitioner Anna P.
Inclusivity & Interdependence; Diversity & Dialogue
In their July 2021 Illinois Bar Journal column, The Resolution, Dr. Mary L. Milano and Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright, provide an update on the ISBA’s Steering Committee on Racial Inequality, which seeks to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion based on the ISBA’s equal justice resolution and to move collaboratively toward the resolution’s goals through a variety of means.
ISBA Offices to Close July 5
ISBA Offices to Close July 5 The ISBA offices will be closed for the holiday on Monday, July 5. They will reopen on Tuesday, July 6. During this time, members can expect the following: E-Clips will not be delivered on Monday, July 5. All business and e-newsletter distribution will resume as usual on Tuesday, July 6. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend. Posted on July 1, 2021 by Rhys Saunders
Illinois Supreme Court Issues Orders on Speedy Trials and Social Distancing
The Illinois Supreme Court today issued two new orders which will resume statutory time restrictions for speedy trials on October 1 and relax social distancing requirements in courthouses. Both orders are effective immediately. “It is important to note that our courts remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic and thousands of court proceedings have taken place via both in-person and virtual hearings,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said.
Always Ready to Go!
2021-2022 ISBA President Anna Krolikowska’s journey to the legal world began at age 13 when her family came to the U.S. from Poland and she enrolled in Chicago Public Schools. “We were studying for a Constitution test. I got hooked on the idea of the rule of law, and how the Constitution works in the United States,” she says. “That interest stayed with me. I didn’t have anyone in my family who was a lawyer.
ISBA Assembly Adopts Association Code of Conduct
The ISBA Assembly adopted the Association Code of Conduct during its regularly scheduled meeting on June 25. “Ensuring the Association’s good reputation and public trust depends on its members’ personal integrity and adherence to the highest standards of conduct,” the Code of Conduct states. “To this end, the Association is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all members, employees, and others with whom they maintain professional relationships.
CLE: Steel Traps-Superior Note Taking and Organization Methods
Your mind may not be the steel trap it needs to be. Learn about superior note taking applications, how to ensure your notes are searchable, and how to keep them organized for future reference with the ISBA's online program, "Steel Traps—Superior Note Taking and Organization Methods," which will be held from noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27. This program qualifies for 1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit (subject to approval).
Remote Jury Selection & Keeping the Doors of Justice Open
Earlier this year, Terry Mueller, of the Law Office of Steven A Lihosit, represented the defense in Illinois’ first remote civil jury trial, Renata Raskin v. Alexander Mitchell in Lake County’s 19th Judicial Circuit Court.
Quick Takes on Illinois Supreme Court Opinions Issued Thursday, June 17, 2021
Our panel of leading appellate attorneys reviews the four Illinois Supreme Court opinions handed down Thursday, June 17. In In re Application of Tax Deed, the court analyzed case-specific facts for purposes of determining whether section 22-85 of the Property Tax Code could be applied to void a tax deed. In Municipal Trust & Savings Bank v.
Installation of ISBA President Anna Krolikowska
Installation of ISBA President Anna Krolikowska Anna Krolikowska, the founder of Anna K Law in Northbrook who concentrates her practice in family law, was installed as president of the Illinois State Bar Association on June 17 at the Illinois Supreme Court building in Springfield. Posted on June 18, 2021 by Rhys Saunders
Renew Your Membership Today and Receive Savings During Member Appreciation Month
There’s still time to renew your ISBA membership during Member Appreciation Month and be entered into a drawing to win one of three reMarkable 2 tablets with Marker. You may also be eligible to receive a 15 percent COVID Dues Credit. This year, the ISBA is offering all current, regular-dues paying members a 15 percent dues credit for the 2021-22 bar year due to programmatic savings realized during the pandemic in 2020-21.
CLE: 60 Virtual Tips in 60 Minutes plus Hot Topic Breakout Sessions
Get the technology tips and advice you need with this seminar on June 24 that shows you how to keep your law practice in compliance, protect your client’s information, and increase your productivity. Learn how technology can help you with litigation and enhance your mobility, while gaining a better understanding of why information security is so important. This program qualifies for 2.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, or Legal Ethics credit (subject to approval).
Save 25% on ISBA Books During Member Appreciation Month
This June, we're celebrating you during Member Appreciation Month. Today through Monday, June 28, members can save 25 percent on ISBA books and Fastbooks from our store. To take advantage of this promotion, visit the ISBA store and use the coupon code MAM21 at checkout (be sure to select "View Cart" in order to be able to enter the coupon code). ISBA books are a great resource to help save you time and money.
Supreme Court Reallocates Attorney Registration Fee to Meet Growing Need for Assistance
Chief Justice Anne M. Burke and the Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Rule 756 and Rule 751, which will give $10 from the attorney registration fee to the Illinois Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) and an additional $10 allocation for the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) to provide funding for Illinois Court Help. The amended rules are effective July 1, 2021. The Illinois Supreme Court Rules including Amended Rules 756 and 751 can be found here.
Supreme Court Amends Rules on Serving Documents and Confidential Records
Chief Justice Anne M. Burke and the Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Rule 11 and Rule 371 which alter the manner of serving certain legal documents and how a rule on confidential records is applied. The amendment to Rule 371 is effective immediately. The amendment to Rule 11 is effective July 1, 2021.
ISBA Board of Governors Vacancy Announcement
At its meeting on June 25, 2021, the Board of Governors will fill the following vacancy: Under 37 – Outside Cook County Members who fill vacancies must have their designated ISBA address in the appropriate Board electoral area. Candidates for this vacancy must be under the age of 37 on June 25, 2021. By bylaw, the term of this Under 37 seat will be for one year (ending at the Annual Meeting 2022).
Finding a “New Normal” With COVID-19 Vaccines
As of late April 2021, more than 50 percent of adults in the U.S. had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This is welcomed progress, but the pandemic is not going away yet.
Enter the Illinois Bar Journal Creative Writing Contest
The past year has tested our health, patience, and resolve. So, why not blow off some steam by entering the Illinois Bar Journal’s Creative Writing Contest? Send us your poems, short stories, creative essays, or other forms of written expression capturing the essence of lawyering during the COVID-19 pandemic and we’ll pick a finalist who will receive a gift card and whose winning submission will be printed in an upcoming issue of the Illinois Bar Journal.
Statement of ISBA President Dennis J. Orsey on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Pause of the 2021 Judicial Redistricting
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) fully agrees with the Illinois Supreme Court’s well-reasoned decision to temporarily pause the implementation of the legislatively enacted judicial redistricting plan in order for the Court to faithfully execute the plan. The efficient and orderly administration of justice is of the utmost importance to the ISBA and its members.
CLE: Environmental Justice-The Federal and State Governments’ Renewed Focus and the Regulated Industries’ Perspective
A renewed and intense focus is being placed on environmental justice with the intent that these concepts must have a true impact on regulation, permitting, and enforcement. Join us on June 23 for this online program that explores what private practitioners have experienced while working with environmental justice considerations in the past, as well as what they anticipate given the renewed emphasis.
Free Live CLE Webinar for Member Appreciation Month
This June, we're celebrating you during Member Appreciation Month. To help you meet your MCLE requirements, we're offering a free live (but virtual) CLE webinar on June 11 from 2 until 3 p.m. How many times have you started down the self-improvement road of time, task, email, and distraction management, and found yourself back in the same place a couple weeks later? It is time to get traction and build long-lasting habits.
Illinois Supreme Court Seeks Clerk
The Illinois Supreme Court is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the court's clerk. The clerk of the Supreme Court is an officer appointed by the Court (Ill. Const. 1970, Art. VI, § 18 (a)), reports to the court, and serves at the court’s pleasure.
The Art of Online Negotiating
Attorneys often enter into negotiations with the other party without having formulated a careful strategy, says Marty Latz, CEO of Latz Negotiation. Latz, who will present Five Steps to Effective Online Negotiations, an ISBA CLE program, on June 18, sat down with the Illinois Bar Journal and shared his approach to negotiation strategies and tactics and how negotiating online differs from dealing face-to-face.
Illinois Supreme Court Unveils Redesigned Website
The Illinois Supreme Court today unveiled a newly redesigned website for the Judicial Branch. Featuring an entirely new modern layout, new features, and color scheme, the website was developed to be more user-friendly and mobile-friendly using a responsive design. The website of the Illinois Courts is https://illinoiscourts.gov “The Illinois Supreme Court is extremely excited for the rollout of this new website,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said.
CLE: Adoption Practice-The Practitioner’s Perspective
Don’t miss this opportunity to listen as our seasoned adoption practitioners discuss the best practices for ensuring a successful adoption case outcome. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience will benefit from the tips and tricks provided throughout the seminar, as well as the discussion regarding the process for handling adoption cases with both DCFS adoptions and non-DCFS adoptions. This online program will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9.
Rule 317, Appeal as a Matter of Right
Getting to the Illinois Supreme Court is a long shot. In any given year, the Supreme Court receives more than a thousand petitions for leave to appeal under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 315, notes Charles Insler in his May 2021 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Rule 317, Appeal as a Matter of Right.” From those thousand-plus petitions, the Court will allow leave to appeal in roughly 50 or 60 cases—about half of which are criminal and the other half civil.
Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee Sets Public Hearing on Proposals
The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee will hear comments July 21, 2021, at a public hearing in Chicago on four proposals. All the proposals, which must be approved by the Illinois Supreme Court before they could take effect, will be aired at a hearing before the Rules Committee at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Room C-500 of the Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago.
Board Approves New Name for UIC Law
The UIC John Marshall Law School will change its name to the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law after receiving approval from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees today.
Quick Takes on Illinois Supreme Court Opinions Issued Thursday, May 20, 2021
Our panel of leading appellate attorneys reviews the nine Illinois Supreme Court opinions handed down Thursday, May 20. Seven of the cases are civil and two are criminal. People v. Bochenek By Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate Defender Dominic Bochenek was convicted of identity theft based on the unauthorized use of another person’s credit card information to purchase cigarettes.
Illinois Supreme Court Disbars Four, Suspends Eleven in Latest Disciplinary Filing
The Illinois Supreme Court announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on May 18, 2021. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law. John L. Allen, Bedford, New Hampshire Mr. Allen was licensed in Illinois in 1986 and in New Hampshire in 1988. The New Hampshire Supreme Court entered an order disbarring him. He abandoned his law practice and did not communicate with clients for an extended period.
Illinois Court Help Launches in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Illinois Court Help was launched today in order to connect people to the resources and information they need to go to court in Illinois. It is the first personalized court information service offered by the Illinois courts and one of the latest innovations created during the COVID-19 pandemic to make the courts and information more accessible.
FOID Where Prohibited
In his May Illinois Bar Journal Article, “FOID Where Prohibited,” Jake Crabbs addresses the intersection of two trends of 2020: 1) a tremendous jump in gun ownership; and 2) the anecdotal rise of domestic violence during shelter-in-place conditions. These two trends intersect in the provisions of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 and the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card Act.
Who Are My Qualified Beneficiaries?
As Susan Bart demonstrates in her May 2021 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Who Are My Qualified Beneficiaries?,” it is essential to determine the qualified beneficiaries of an irrevocable trust under the Illinois Trust Code (ITC). Qualified beneficiaries have rights to receive notices of the existence of the trust and certain events, information about the trust, and accounts. But qualified beneficiaries may also be necessary parties to certain actions, such as a nonjudicial settlement agreement.
Chief Justice Burke to Administer Oath to New Attorneys via Video Broadcast
Chief Justice Anne M. Burke of the Illinois Supreme Court will preside over a ceremony to administer the attorney’s oath to 271 new attorneys on Thursday, May 13, at 2 p.m. via live video broadcast. This bar admission ceremony is for all certified candidates who have passed the February 2021 bar exam. The ceremony is being conducted remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony will be recorded and will be posted on the Court’s website no later than May 14.
CLE: Service Member Unemployment Protections-Rights to Leave and Reinstatement
Get the information you need to effectively advise your service member clients regarding their employment protection rights with our online program from noon until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26.
CLE: Frauds and Scams Targeting Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
Don’t miss this in-depth look at the types of scams and fraud targeting our service members and veterans with this online program from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19. Attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who are interested in learning how to help clients who might be facing this dilemma will better understand: the warning signs of suspected scams; the do’s and don’ts to prevent fraud; and the resources that are available for advocates, service members, and veterans.
Rural Practice Fellowship Program Fellows Announced
The names of the 14 Fellows selected to participate in the 2021 Rural Practice Fellowship Program, which is designed to meet the critical need of providing access to justice for those living in rural areas with a declining lawyer population, have been announced. The Rural Practice Summer Fellows Program connects law students with rural practitioners to give them experience working in rural communities before they leave law school. The program includes a $5,000 fellowship stipend and mentoring.
Williams Elected Third Vice-President and Full Results From the ISBA Election
Sonni Choi Williams has been elected Third Vice-President of the Illinois State Bar Association. Ava M. George Stewart won the Cook County seat on the Board of Governors and Amanda G. Highlander won the Area 8 seat on the Board of Governors. Third Vice-President Perry J. Browder, 2,107 Sonni Choi Williams, 2,541 Board of Governors Cook Howard H. Ankin, 851 Ava M. George Stewart, 1,129 Area 8 (Circuits 3 and 20) Amanda G. Highlander, 244 Jennifer A. Shaw, 147 The following races were uncontested.
Will Big Reforms Lead to Better Justice?
This May’s Illinois Bar Journal cover story examines the state’s sweeping criminal justice reforms signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Pritzker. The IBJ interviewed defense attorneys, prosecutors, and others who reflected on the bill. “Some people view it as, ‘They threw every reform into this sausage maker, and this is what came out,’” Stephen Baker, a retired Cook County public defender and member of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section Council, told the IBJ.
Rural Practice Fellowship Program: Law Students and Lawyers Seeking Rural Placement
Due to the large number of applications from students and lawyers for the 2021 Rural Practice Fellowship Program, the Rural Practice Initiative Standing Committee was not able to award a fellowship to every applicant. Many applicants for summer clerkship and permanent associate positions were also screened and deemed qualified to participate in the program but did not match with a rural law firm.
Well-Being Week in Law De-Stress at Your Desk Program
To celebrate Well-Being Week in Law, the ISBA is offering a complimentary live yoga program to the first 500 registrants, plus access to four additional on-demand de-stress at your desk classes. Register for the Virtual Wellbeing Box: Destress At Your Desk. You'll receive a daily email starting Monday, May 3 to help you feel better at work.
CLE: Getting to Zero-Current and Future Efforts to Reduce Food-Related Waste in the Environment
As reported on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s website, 19 million tons of waste are put into Illinois landfills each year. Of that, food waste accounts for as much as 20 percent, which is more than any other single waste stream found in landfills today. When food waste decomposes, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.
No, I Am Not a Cat
A lawyer on a Zoom videoconference with other attorneys has to take a phone call during the meeting. But he forgets to press mute as he begins to discuss details of a high-stakes negotiation with the person on the phone. Lots of arm waving from the other Zoom participants ensues, but to no avail. Also, the Zoom host had left the room, leaving no one with the power to mute the attorney. Did the loquacious lawyer breach his duties to his client?
Illinois Supreme Court Unveils New Jury Orientation Video
The Illinois Supreme Court’s Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) announced today the release of a new jury orientation video which will serve as an introduction to jury service for all 24 circuit courts in Illinois. “Jury service is a hallmark of the American justice system,” said Chief Justice Anne M. Burke, who also serves as Chair of the IJC.
CLE: The Expanding Challenges for Attorneys-Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Pandemic
Join us from 10 until 11 a.m. on May 5 as we kick off Well-Being Week in Law with this complimentary CLE program that explores how the pandemic has impacted the mental health and well-being of Illinois attorneys. Attendees will learn how to help a depressed colleague in need, the repercussions of substance abuse, and how to bridge the gap that the pandemic’s social distancing has created.
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