murdaugh-11-28-23,ph01 — Relatives of Gloria Satterfield, who allegedly had millions of dollars stolen from her estate by convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, sit in court in September. – AP Photo/James Pollard

Alex Murdaugh’s fraud victims confront him before he gets 27 years in prison

For years, South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh looked his anguished clients in the eyes and promised to help them with their medical bills, their suffering or simply to survive. Then he stole some, if not all, of what he won for many of them.

By Jeffrey Collins

Egg producers conspired to fix prices, federal jury rules

A federal jury in Illinois ruled this week that several major egg producers conspired to limit the U.S.’s supply of eggs in order to raise prices in a case stemming from a federal lawsuit originally filed 12 years ago.

By Isabella Volmert

Lea Gutierrez aims to shift perceptions as ARDC administrator

Lea S. Gutierrez, the new administrator for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, said she wants lawyers to think of the organization as more than just a disciplinary entity.

By Emma Oxnevad

Opponents air objections to rule proposal on harassment

A proposal before the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee that aims to make it professional misconduct for an attorney to harass or discriminate “in the practice of law” has been met with pushback from attorneys who say it overreaches and would violate their free speech rights.

By Grace Barbic

Beyond the Bench

Justice Eugene G. Doherty aims to ‘call ’em like you see ’em’

Justice Eugene G. Doherty is the first of his family to be born in the United States, giving him a perspective he says helps him on the bench — and sparking an interest in genealogy.

By Emma Oxnevad

Homeland Security must face suit alleging age, race discrimination

A federal judge declined to throw out a lawsuit filed by a man who alleges his age and race prompted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to block him from working for a private firm that provides security services at federal facilities.

By Patricia Manson

Sandy Hook families offer to settle Alex Jones’ debt

Sandy Hook families who won nearly $1.5 billion in legal judgments against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for calling the 2012 Connecticut school shooting a hoax have offered to settle that debt for only pennies on the dollar — at least $85 million over 10 years.

By Dave Collins

Hunter Biden tells Congress he’ll testify publicly in probe

Hunter Biden offered Tuesday to testify publicly before Congress, striking a defiant note in response to a subpoena from Republicans and setting up a potential high-stakes face-off even as a special counsel probe unfolds and his father, President Joe Biden, campaigns for reelection.

By Lindsay Whitehurst

Suspend attorney who used settlement funds, ARDC board says

An attorney who took more than $8,800 in settlement funds without authorization and continued to practice after being removed from the master roll for missing MCLE requirements should be suspended, according to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission hearing board.

By Emma Oxnevad

CDLB People

Taft Law added Nicole M. Dosamantes as an associate in the business practice.

Taft Law added Helen Wu as an associate in the business practice.

Taft Law added Elizabeth Wellhausen as an associate in the litigation practice.

CDLB People

3 steps to help you on the way to making equity partnership

For many attorneys the concept of making equity partner at their firm is quite appealing. It’s what you may have been working for all along. Gaining ownership, inclusion and a seat at the table can feel special and provide more security than what you might feel as an associate or income partner.

By Steve Fretzin

‘The Lion in Winter’ is not a typical Christmas tale

The scene takes place on Christmas Eve in 1183. But forget any visions of sugar plums or thoughts of peace on earth and goodwill towards men in this production of James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter,” playing through Dec. 3 at the University of Chicago’s Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.

By Julian J. Frazin

From The Magic Parlour to Taylor Swift, Chicago entertains

Hallelujah! After four months of home confinement, with full-time care after suffering a brain injury from a fall this past summer, I’m returning to one of my favorite activities — reviewing theater and the entertainment scene for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. It’s a beat I have covered for more than 30 years.

By Julian J. Frazin

‘No Man’s Land’ gives nod to existentialism

“To attempt a faithful description of this play is a daunting task.” Thus began the first sentence of the program guide notes for Steppenwolf Theatre’s current production of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land.” Directed by Les Waters, the show is playing through Aug. 20 on Steppenwolf’s downstairs main stage.

By Julian J. Frazin

CBF holds fall benefit at museum

Nearly 2,000 attendees from Chicago’s legal community gathered Saturday to support and celebrate the Chicago Bar Foundation’s mission at the Museum of Science & Industry. Shown are event co-chairs Robert Collins of Latham & Watkins and Kathy Malamis of Zurich North America. Photo courtesy of the CBF

Clifford scholar named at DePaul

Seattle University law professor Seth Katsuya Endo, left, spoke on “Professional Conduct Rules as Procedural Gap Filler” at DePaul University. Endo received the 2023 Clifford Scholar-in-Residence Award from Wendy Netter Epstein, associate dean of research and faculty professional development at the DePaul College of Law. The program is named for Robert A. Clifford, a graduate of the law school, for his contributions to advance legal scholarship. Photo by Lori Wolan

WBAI honors lawyers, legislators

The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois hosted its Top Women Lawyers, Legislators, and Legal Employers in Leadership event in Leadership awards event in October. Shown are Top Women Lawyers in Leadership awardees with WBAI President Whitney K. Siehl. They are, from left, Kyle Deal, accepting for Diana Joseph (posthumous), Patricia Brown Holmes, Siehl, Margaret Duval, Karen Sheley and Alfreda Bradley-Coar. The group also awarded honors to Top Women Legislators. Photo by Gerber+Scarpelli

Salvi receives Bar Foundation award

Patrick A. Salvi Sr., founder and managing equity partner of the Law Offices of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., received the Illinois Bar Foundation’s “Distinguished Award for Excellence” at the 2023 IBF Black Tie Gala at the Four Seasons. The award honors an individual who has made remarkable contributions to the legal community throughout their career. Photo by Eugene McKinney