Asked and Answered  By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC Q. Our firm is a 12-attorney firm – eight partners and four associates – in Phoenix. It was founded by the current partners 20 years ago. We are an eat-what-you-kill firm – partners receive their fees, overhead is allocated, and their compensation is their individual profit. While we have an administrator who handles the day-to-day management of our operations, we have done a poor job of long-term management and planning. One of our partners has suggested that we develop a strategic plan. However, I believe this would be difficult for us given that we never meet, have different ideas about our future, have never been able to agree on any major decisions, are unwilling to be accountable to each other, and have a general attitude of mistrust. I do not believe we even have a firm culture. In essence we are eight separate practices operating under the guise of a partnership. Your comments are most welcomed.

Lockport Police Chief Terry Lemming received the ISBA Law Enforcement Award on June 6 during a Lockport City Council meeting. ISBA Board member Sonni Choi Williams and Lockport Mayor Steven Streit presented the award. The ISBA Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. It recognizes those who excel in law enforcement. Chief Lemming, who was nominated by Williams, was recognized for co-creating Lockport Love, a non-profit organization that raises money for families in need.

The Illinois Bar Foundation and Illinois Judges Foundation honored Hon. Carole K. Bellows, Harvey B. Stephens, and Justice Philip J. Rarick, Ret. at the Legal Luminary Reception on May 15, 2018 in Springfield.