Courts & Cases

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Iris Y. Martinez is seeking a second term as clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court. – Photo by Branford Marsalis Parker

Iris Martinez seeks to continue ‘transformation’ of court clerk’s office

With three years in the office under her belt, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Iris Y. Martinez wants to continue building on the foundation she has laid.
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Joseph Hettel aims to continue growth in ‘leap of faith’ 3rd District seat

Justice Joseph P. Hettel didn’t always aspire to serving on the appellate court, but said his unique and diverse legal experience has helped him find his footing since taking the role in 2022.
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Richard Phelan recalled as tenacious lawyer, mentor

Richard J. Phelan, who died last week at 86, left a mark on both the local legal community and the national political stage during a career as a litigator, elected official and bar leader.

Trial Notebook

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Lawyer erred on personal representative after learning defendant was dead

Answering a question certified for immediate appeal in a case where the plaintiff didn’t know the defendant was dead when the lawsuit was filed, the Illinois Appellate Court concluded that the maneuver used by plaintiff’s attorney to rectify the problem — having his secretary appointed as “personal representative” of the decedent’s estate under Sec. 13-209(c) of the Code of Civil Procedure and then naming her as defendant in an amended complaint — was the wrong move.

Case Summaries

7th Circuit Opinions

Illinois Supreme Court Opinions

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
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