This handbook is an essential guide to the steps an attorney must take in order to initiate a civil action. Details on how, when, and where to bring a lawsuit and which parties to sue are extensively covered. Chapter topics include the attorney-client relationship; development of the case on facts and law; settlement; jurisdiction of the subject matter; venue and forum non conveniens; limitations; pleadings; original process and appearance; interpleader; third-party practice; motions, affidavits, and orders; and new parties. The handbook includes over 50 sample forms, including multiple motions to dismiss and motions to transfer venue as well as a Petition to Settle Claim, a Structured Settlement Agreement, a Notice of Service, and a Notice of Hearing. Also included are a variety of sample language provisions, a checklist for an attorney-client agreement, and a client interview checklist.
Chapter 1 — The Attorney-Client Relationship
Andrew J. Keyt, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., Peoria, and Tobin J. Taylor, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., Chicago
Chapter 2 — Development of the Case on Facts and Law
Terrence M. Quinn and Stephen J. Phillips, Phillips Law Offices, hicago
Chapter 3 — Settlement
Julie A. Webb, Craig & Craig, LLC, Mount Vernon
Chapter 4 — Jurisdiction of the Subject Matter
Richard L. Miller II, Miller PC, Chicago
Chapter 5 — Venue and Forum Non Conveniens
Panos T. Topalis, Tribler Orpett & Meyer, P.C., Chicago and David J. Handley, Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC, Chicago
Chapter 6 — Limitations
Sean P. Murray, Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, Chicago
Chapter 7 — Pleadings
Adria East Mossing and James P. Navarre, Mossing & Navarre, LLC, Chicago, and Kevin R. Sido and Esther J. Seitz, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Chicago
Chapter 8 — Original Process and Appearance
Marc A. Taxman, Julie L. Pustilnik, and Patrick Bovie, Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, Chicago
Chapter 9 — Interpleader
Alex B. Mahler and Rebecca E. Bennett, Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP, Chicago
Chapter 10 — Third-Party Practice
John F. Watson and Steven R. Wolke, Craig & Craig, LLC, Mattoon
Chapter 11 — Motions, Affidavits, and Orders
Timothy R. Herman, Clark Hill PLC, Chicago
Chapter 12 — New Parties
Simon M. Baker, Lyndsay M. Cook, and Danielle L. Vargas, Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska LLC, Chicago
