Rhys Saunders

Latest Articles

ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
Every firm needs a technology budget to function effectively. But when you’re budgeting for equipment that is critical to the day-to-day operation of your firm, it’s important to consider where you need to spend a little bit more money and where you can cut back. The ISBA’s “Building a Technology Budget” document provides best practice tips on technology purchases, from how much you should spend on computers to whether you should use open source software or purchase it. The document is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
Most law firms could do more to protect their data. Whether the firm lacks the awareness of security policies or merely does not have enough security restrictions, the firm is unknowingly putting business information at risk. The ISBA’s whitepaper on common security blind spots outlines three easy ways to beef up security, which include implementing restrictions on downloading programs, instituting a firm-wide solution for external document sharing, and creating options for encrypted emails. The whitepaper is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology information. Organized by the life…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
A tornado is one of the most violent and destructive types of storms, often developing with little to no advance warning. Parts of Illinois are particularly susceptible to tornadoes, so it’s important for law firms to be prepared for such an occurrence. The ISBA’s tornado preparedness checklist helps attorneys communicate effectively to ensure their employees are safe and that their businesses can recover after the storm has passed. Checklist tips include: Have a plan to provide emergency notification to all employees, clients, visitors, and customers in the event of a tornado. Conduct drills on a regular basis. Put a crisis…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
Starting a new law firm can be an incredibly exciting endeavor, but it can also be daunting to navigate the process and face the unknown. After all, attorneys must consider everything from software to practice management to client services. The ISBA’s Starting a Law Firm Checklist provides a breakdown of the basic framework and issues to consider when opening a firm, including the following: Corporate filing status Source of funds for the operation Associate/staff compensation Practice management software The checklist is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology…
ILN-LexBlogImages_SupremeCourtQuickTakes
The Illinois Supreme Court handed down one opinion on Thursday, Aug. 1. In People v. Johnson, the court held that the act of shoplifting could be prosecuted as burglary as opposed to retail theft. People v. Johnson By Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate Defender In July 2014, Darren Johnson and another man entered the Rock Falls Walmart, placing two backpacks on top of a coin counting machine in the vestibule on their way into the store. Inside, they gathered some items of clothing and then, without paying for the clothing, returned to the vestibule, retrieved the backpacks,…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
Law firms often make easy targets for ransomware attacks. The primary reason is that firms are late to the security game. Criminals target firms with ransomware because they have low security, very sensitive data, and will pay to keep it. The ISBA’s Six-Step Ransomware Defense Plan for Law Firms provides an outline for how to avoid a disruptive and money-losing ransomware attack. The whitepaper is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology information. Organized by the life cycle of a law practice, Practice HQ can help you start…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
The owners of law firms may consider merger options as part of their succession planning. While periodically reviewing merger options can be an effective part of long-range strategic plans, it’s important that firms do not rely on mergers as a life raft. Instead, mergers should incorporate a well-thought business strategy and create greater client value. The ISBA’s Merging Law Firms Checklist helps attorneys plan for a successful merger, and includes formation, compensation, accounting, and billing considerations. The checklist is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology information. Organized…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
Many attorneys spend their time and resources focusing on getting more leads but fail to realize that what they do with those leads is just as important as generating them. The ISBA’s whitepaper on managing leads and converting prospects into paying clients highlights four major components of improving conversion rates, which include training for your front office and intake staff; specific tactics and strategies to maximize conversion at each stage; intake customer relationship management software; and the tracking and measuring of key metrics. The whitepaper is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
An American Bar Association study reported that 17 percent of all malpractice claims are the result of a poor attorney-client relationship, and nearly 75 percent of all grievances filed against lawyers are the result of poor communication. The ISBA’s whitepaper on improving client communications provides practical guidance for attorneys to form better business relationships with their clients. Topics include potential causes for a breakdown in communication, internal communication issues, and steps to improve interactions with clients. The whitepaper is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology information. Organized…
ILN-LexBlogImages_SupremeCourtQuickTakes
The Illinois Supreme Court issued five opinions on Thursday, June 20. The ISBA’s panel of leading civil attorneys reviewed the opinions and provided summaries. In Nichols v. Fahrenkamp, the court took on the question of whether quasi-judicial immunity extends to court-appointed guardians ad litem in the context of the administration of funds from a personal injury lawsuit. The court dismissed a man’s class action lawsuit against Walgreens on the grounds that his claim was precluded under the voluntary payment doctrine in McIntosh v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. In County of Will v. Pollution Control Board, the court upheld the board’s…
ILN-LexBlogImages_PracticeHQResources
While retirement is usually planned, the sudden death or disability of an attorney requires contingency planning. It’s especially important for private-practice attorneys to designate a representative on their ARDC registration documents or certify that they have made a similar designation in a succession plan or comparable agreement. The representative would be able to take limited fiduciary action if the designating attorney loses the capacity to run his or her firm, abandons the practice, or dies, thus preventing the negligence of client matters. The ISBA’s video, “Do You Have a Substitute Attorney in the Event of Your Disability or Death?…
Illinois Lawyer Now, the ISBA’s recently launched blog aggregation site, now features nearly 70 contributors throughout the state. The site hosts content from members’ legal blogs, as well as original ISBA substantive legal news. ISBA member bloggers or firms with at least one ISBA member are encouraged to submit their blogs for inclusion by filling out a short online form. Illinois Lawyer Now is a complimentary member benefit that was created to highlight the excellent writing of ISBA members. While the average firm’s legal blog is seen by only those who visit its website, inclusion on Illinois Lawyer Now…
ILN-LexBlogImages_SupremeCourtQuickTakes
The Illinois Supreme Court handed down one opinion on Thursday, June 6. In People v. Clark, the court affirmed that a defendant’s bail bond violation constituted escape. People v. Clark By Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate Defender Elizabeth Clark had a history of substance abuse. In October 2012, Clark pled guilty to burglary and unlawful use of a credit card and, pending sentencing, she was released for treatment. Ultimately, Clark was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 30 months of probation. Clark subsequently violated that probation twice. She was taken into custody and then released on…
ILN-LexBlogImages_SupremeCourtRuleUpdates
The Illinois Supreme Court today amended Rule 295, which pertains to matters assignable to associate judges. The amended Rule, which goes into effect July 1, provides: “The chief judge of each circuit or any circuit judge designated by him or her may assign an associate judge to hear and determine any matters deemed suitable by the chief judge or designated circuit judge, including the trial of criminal cases in which the defendant is charged with an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.” The Rule previously read as follows: “The chief judge of each circuit or any circuit…
ILSCNews
Marcia M. Meis, director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that 386 out of 391 Illinois associate judges who filed requests for reappointment to their office for a new four-year term have been retained. Having certified the results of more than 480 total ballots cast in Illinois’ 24 circuit courts, Meis informed that each successful candidate received votes that tallied three-fifths or greater in favor of their reappointment. Five associate judges did not receive the requisite number of votes for reappointment. The new term of office for each reappointed associate judge will begin on July 1,…