Abraham Lincoln’s prayer for judgesBy Hon. Michael B. HymanJune 2016The final sentence in an otherwise unremarkable letter written by Lincoln identifies the gravity inherent in all judges' work.
Alcohol and mental health problems demand actionBy Patrick KrillMay 2016A recently published study confirms a substantial level of behavioral health problems among attorneys and, in short, reveals cause for great concern.
Chair’s columnBy Hon. Michael B. HymanOctober 2016Just because 'weasels'-- habitually confrontational and mean-spirited attorneys-- abandon professionalism is no excuse for your joining their herd. Here are three ways to respond when you encounter one.
Chair’s columnBy Hon. Jeanne M. ReynoldsMay 2016A message from the Bench & Bar Section Chair, Hon. Jeanne Reynolds.
Chair’s columnBy Hon. Jeanne ReynoldsJanuary 2016A message from the Chair, Judge Jeanne Reynolds.
Chair’s column: On honestyBy Hon. Michael B. HymanJuly 2016Hon. Michael Hyman urges lawyers to use Gandhi's and Lincoln's examples of nobility and honor as a personal guide.
Courthouse professionalism: Not just for judges and lawyersBy Hon. Debra B. Walker & Jayne ReardonJuly 2016The Courthouse Cross-Disciplinary Training program brings together representatives from every type of person who works in the courthouse, challenging them to consider ways they can increase their professionalism and service to those who access our judicial system.
Criminal trials in BritainBy Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr.(Ret.)September 2016Retired Judge Alfred Swanson recently observed a courtroom in Oxford, England and reports on how the proceedings differ from our own in Illinois.
Fee Petitions: Kaiser and beyondBy James J. AyresDecember 2016Any attorney who has sought an award for attorney fees from the circuit court must be aware of the requirements of Kaiser v. MEPC Am. Properties, Inc. However, counsel should also be aware of Aliano v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.
I know it when I see itBy Emily M. JohnsSeptember 2016Although Illinois has anti-sexual harassment legislation in place, due to society’s recent awareness of the transgender community there is a rising tide of sexual harassment issues that are becoming more prevalent and need to be addressed.
An interview with Justice GarmanBy Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. (Ret).November 2016Now that her term as Chief Justice has ended, Justice Garman feels “very good at how the Illinois courts have moved forward” on her goals.
An interview with the Chief JusticeBy Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. (Ret).November 2016When he started practicing law 52 years ago, Lloyd Karmeier never imagined being an appellate court judge, let alone a Supreme Court Justice.
Judges should not say “expert” in front of the juryBy Evan BrunoMay 2016It’s impossible to say for certain whether a judge’s oral designation of a witness as an expert has ever tipped the scales in a jury trial. But more importantly, why does the jury even need to be informed of this evidentiary ruling?
Judge’s side of the benchBy Hon. Ilana Diamond RovnerSeptember 2016Judge Ilana Diamond Rovner shares her thoughts as she marks her 32nd year on the bench.
Making the most of 1L summerBy Shalyn CaulleyJanuary 2016The author, a 2017 J.D. candidate, offers her insights as to the benefits of a judicial internship.
The many faces of e-filingBy Hon. E. Kenneth Wright, Jr.May 2016An update on the status of electronic filing of papers in Illinois courts.
McHenry County Circuit Court moves away from paperBy Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. (Ret.)May 2016Judges in the 19th Circuit are beginning to move away from paper to a completely electronic docket management system.
Our evolving notion of what is an ‘impartial jury’By Linda J. WatsonOctober 2016In a world where the populace is becoming increasingly skeptical of governance, more-diverse juries are perceived as being more fair and impartial than those that are not.
People v. Jones: Prejudicial remarks in a criminal trialBy Edward Casmere & Eliberty LopezDecember 2016In People v. Jones, the First District reversed the convictions and ordered a new trial in front of a new judge based on prejudicial comments made by the State and the trial court.
The Petrillo doctrine examinedBy Brad L. BadgleyDecember 2016In McChristian v. Brink, the Appellate Court for the First District, in a case of first impression, applied the Petrillo doctrine to a unique set of facts: where the defendant medical corporation designated a member of the corporation who was also one of plaintiff’s treating doctors as an expert witness on liability, damages and causation.
Read any good books lately?By Hon. Michael B. HymanNovember 2016Author and Bench & Bar Chair Michael Hyman asked members of this Section to choose one book with a legal bent that they would recommend every lawyer read. Here are the responses.