In a new feature called Prudie Phones a Friend, advice columnist Jenée Desmond-Harris responds to a letter from a young queer couple who have been asked by an older gay man at their church, Mark, to serve as executors of his will and medical powers of attorney. The couple wants to help and sees it as a way to support their local queer community, but they’re unsure about the responsibilities involved and the long-term commitment, especially since they may move away in the future.
Because these roles involve complex legal and emotional responsibilities, Desmond-Harris consults legal experts Rhonda Anderson and…
Continue Reading Help! A Nice Man at Church Asked Us for a Favor. We Have No Idea What We’re About to Get Into.


Earlier this month, the Illinois Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Executive Committee on the Practice of Law adopted three significant proposals that will amend or create new rules aimed at addressing the significant unmet legal need in the state.
The move will impact the way lawyers practice in Illinois, more clearly defining avenues for lawyers to connect with consumers and encouraging more affordable fee agreements. In addition, a pro bono pilot project aims to increase volunteerism and professional development by providing attorneys with CLE credit for providing pro bono legal services.
The proposals, which are outlined below, will take…
Continue Reading Supreme Court Adopts Proposals Addressing Alternative Fee Arrangements, CLE for Pro Bono, and Intermediary Connecting Services

Last January, police arrested a driver for driving under the influence. The driver was charged with aggravated DUI
because he was driving with a suspended license from a prior DUI offense, and
his truck was not insured at the time of the arrest. The police
also seized the truck the Defendant was driving pursuant to state civil forfeiture of vehicle laws. 720 ILCS 5/36-1.5(a)
A month after the arrest, the State filed notice and a petition for preliminary
determination of probable cause at the court’s next available hearing, which was 18 days after police seized the driver’s truck. State law required…
Continue Reading Court Interprets Procedural Requirements in Civil Forfeiture Statute

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois, you’re probably wondering if you should hire an attorney. The short answer? Absolutely. The law doesn’t require you to have legal representation, but if you turn up to court without it, the judge will likely tell you to come back with a lawyer.
And that’s for good reason — a DUI is not like a parking ticket. It’s a serious charge that can have major consequences. It’s never something you should handle on your own.
Below, we explain what’s at stake when you’re facing DUI charges and highlight…
Continue Reading Why You Should Get an Attorney for a DUI in Illinois

They’ve worked together a number of times in the past, so when David Kaplan decided to start a new sports venture, it was inevitable that Howard Ankin would be involved.

This time its for “The REKAP,” a YouTube-based sports platform catered to the die-hard fans of Chicago sports since 2023. David started the project and has recently added Ryan McGuffey to expand offerings in 2025.

Part of this partnership includes the “Ankin Law Question Of The Day,” where Chicago sports fans can give their opinion on a different topic for the chance to win free Lou Malnati’s Pizza. Meanwhile, David…
Continue Reading Ankin Law and The REKAP Join Forces for Chicago Sports Fans

Dog bites can be serious and leave both physical and emotional scars. Every year, thousands of people are bitten by dogs, and many of them end up needing medical care. While some dog bites are minor, others lead to long-term health problems or even disability. When this happens, the injured person may decide to file a claim for damages.
In these cases, having strong evidence is very important. You can’t just say the dog owner was careless—you have to prove it. That means showing clear proof that the owner failed to control their dog or acted in a way that…
Continue Reading What Evidence Would I Need to Prove Negligence in a Dog Bite Injury Claim?

If a police officer stops you for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), they will likely ask you to submit to standardized field sobriety and blood alcohol content (BAC) tests. Under Illinois law, you can refuse to participate in field sobriety tests, but that does not mean that you cannot be arrested for DUI. An Elgin, IL DUI defense attorney can help you understand the role of field sobriety tests in DUI arrests and how refusing could impact your case.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
There are three types of standard field sobriety tests:

  • Horizontal gaze nystagmus: The

…
Continue Reading Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Illinois?

If you have been charged with DUI, depending on the circumstances of your arrest, your attorney may be able to plead the charges down to reckless driving. While this type of plea agreement could be much better for you than taking your chances with a DUI conviction, there are questions that should be asked before you accept such an agreement.
While a plea agreement that turns your DUI charges into reckless driving charges might be your best option, there could potentially be better options available. Speak to your Rolling Meadows, IL DUI attorney to determine your best course…
Continue Reading Should I Plead My DUI Down to a Reckless Driving Charge?

A parent seeking resources about divorce and searching for the right lawyer, is involved in a process that is stressful. It’s important to appreciate that an experienced Family Lawyer (such as our firm) along with other resources can make the process manageable and not unduly stressful for the parents or the kids.

Why Divorce with Children in Kane County or DuPage County Can Be Difficult

  • Emotional Challenges:

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    Continue Reading Kane County Divorce Lawyer: What Makes Divorce with Kids So Stressful?

    Does your back hurt?  Do you think about your back?  Do back exercises?  Had surgery, acupuncture, injections, or physical therapy to help your back?  Do you think about how long you have to sit or on what surface when invited to travel or attend an event?
    If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re probably among the vast majority of Americans who experience back pain; studies show up to eighty percent of the population will have some level of back pain at some point in their lives.
    What spurred me thinking about all this?
    A recent trip my…
    Continue Reading Back For More