In a jury trial I had this summer, the Petrillo issue was once again raised. The trial involved a construction accident resulting in serious injuries. Before the judge could rule on the Petrillo issue, the case settled. What could have been a protracted trial and appellate matter, was averted by the settlement. Nevertheless, the case […]
General Litigation
Lessons From Virtual Bench Trials And Evidentiary Hearings
The Covid-19 Pandemic undoubtedly changed the face of litigation. In many Illinois state and almost all federal courts, hearings are done virtually. Everything from routine status hearings, to arguments, to bench trials are done through Zoom, or Teams, or some other virtual computer format. Even as courts are opening to in-person jury trials and other […]
Woodstock, McHenry County, Lake County (Suburban) or Chicago Attorney – Does it matter where your attorney practices?
Prospective clients call McKenna Storer’s Woodstock law office saying they have been sued and need a Woodstock attorney. Woodstock is the home of the McHenry County Circuit Court. McKenna Storer has offices in Woodstock and Chicago. Does it matter where your attorneys practice? The answer is – yes, it does. Illinois State Court – Circuit […]
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) Is A Must For New, Small And Midsized Businesses
All employers should have employment practices liability insurance, otherwise known as an EPLI insurance policy. This is different from a workers compensation policy or a commercial general liability policy, or even a property or auto policy. The EPLI policy provides coverage for wrongful acts arising from the employment process. While most large companies have employment […]
OSHA – Emergency Temporary Standard Vaccination Requirements and More
On November 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for the purpose of minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.
Where are the workers?
The help wanted signs are everywhere. What happened to all the workers? There is not a single industry that is not affected by the lack of willing and capable earners. This issue is not just isolated to the restaurant or retail shops. It is also an issue with teachers, medical professionals, attorneys and the like.
IDC Survey of Law – Jim Cook Contribution
Even though we regrettably had to say good bye to Jim Cook who joined the Illinois Attorney General, before he left he contributed to the Survey of Law put out by the IDC concerning toxic torts. The Survey is a very comprehensive look at multiple areas of tort law and can be found here.
Sexual Harassment Is A Pervasive Problem: Employers Need Policies, Training to Prevent and a Good Employer’s Liability Insurance Policy
By now most of Illinois, if not beyond, is aware that yet another major celebrity (this time a famous Chicago radio host), has been accused of sexual harassment in court pleadings. It has been years since the Me Too movement began, and stories still arise about sexual harassment in the workplace. Still!
James Cook Co- Authors Article: “Business Information and Illinois FOIA Requests”
James Cook, an associate attorney with the Firm, has co- authored an article with his brother, William Cook, about the Freedom of Information Act. The article, “Business Information and Illinois FOIA Requests” is published in this month’s Illinois Bar Journal. The article gives a good overview of FOIA and the related issues facing businesses. McKenna […]
Illinois Businesses Should Look At The Model ABA Rules For Guidance On Virtual Practice
More than a year has passed since businesses moved to a virtual format in the wake of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Covid-19 is still circulating and new strains, including some more virulent strains, are still a concern for much of the world. We can no longer assume that the remote work place is merely a […]