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Chapter 1 — The Attorney-Client Relationship - Chapter Summary
-
I. Introduction - II. Creation of Attorney-Client Relationship
- III. Orienting the Client
- [1.11] In General
- [1.12] Discussing Fees and Expenses
- Fee Arrangements
- [1.13] Fee for Reasonable Services
- [1.14] Fixed or Specific Fee
- [1.15] Retainer
- [1.16] Hourly Rate
- [1.17] Contingent Fee
- [1.18] Who Controls the Case?
- [1.19] When Plaintiff Is a Minor
- [1.20] Form of Contingency-Fee Agreement
- [1.21] Enforceability of Contract for Contingency
- [1.22] Referral Fee
- [1.23] Payment of Fee by Third Party
- [1.24] Explanation of Costs and Expenses
- [1.25] Time Records
- [1.26] Commingling Funds
- [1.27] Common Fund Doctrine
- [1.28] Attorney Lien
- IV. Attorney’s Authority
- [1.29] In General
- [1.30] Authority in Litigation
- [1.31] Questioning Attorney’s Authority
- [1.32] Form of Motion To Question Authority
- [1.33] Who May Question Authority
- [1.34] Termination of Relationship by Death
- [1.35] Voluntary Withdrawal
- [1.36] Forms for Securing Withdrawal
- [1.37] Discharging Attorney
- [1.38] Association of Counsel
- [1.39] Substitution of Counsel
- [1.40] Forms for Substitution of Counsel
- [1.41] Duty to Non-Clients
- Chapter 2 — Development of the Case on Facts and Law
- Chapter Summary
- I. Development of Factual Basis of Case
- [2.1] Introduction
- Necessity for Development of Facts
- [2.2] Determining Whether Claim or Defense Exists
- [2.3] Determining Whether Preparation of Case Is Warranted
- [2.4] Advising Client on Possibilities of Case
- Process for Obtaining Client’s Story
- [2.5] First Interview
- [2.6] Instruction to Client Regarding Activities, Preservation of Records, and Notices
- [2.7] Discussion with Client of Rights and Vulnerability
- [2.8] Explanation to Client of Proceedings Leading to Trial or Settlement
- [2.9] Additional Conferences with Client
- Additional Fact Gathering
- [2.10] Use of Client as Investigator
- Use of Professional Investigator
- [2.11] Necessity for Professional Investigator
- [2.12] Problems with Use of Professional Investigator
- [2.13] Need To Supervise Investigator Closely
- [2.14] Use of Witness Statements
- [2.15] Use of Photographs and Exhibits
- Development of Facts as to Damages
- [2.16] Doctors
- [2.17] Police Reports
- [2.18] Hospital Records
- [2.19] Continuation of Fact-Gathering Process
- [2.20] Checklist for Fact Gathering
- II. Development of Legal Basis of Case
- Necessity for Developing Legal Basis
- [2.21] Determination of Relief or Defense Available
- [2.22] Control of Proof at Trial
- [2.23] Elimination of Impractical Claims or Defenses
- [2.24] Determination of Parties and Joinder of Claims
- Methods for Developing Legal Basis
- [2.25] Analysis of Known Facts
- [2.26] Development of Research Memoranda
- Steps To Take After Theory of Case Is Established
- [2.27] Determine Whether To Proceed with Case
- [2.28] Determine Need for Further Investigation
- [2.29] Determine Need for and Tactics of Settlement
- [2.30] Establish Value of Settlement
- [2.31] Determine Whom and Where To Sue
- [2.32] Review File for Errors and Motions (Defense)
- [2.33] Confer with Client
- III. Choice of Remedy
- Chapter 3 — Settlement
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Evaluation of the Case for Settlement
- III. Negotiation Techniques
- IV. [3.13] Mediation
- V. Methods of Settlement
- VI. [3.17] Multiparty Settlements
- VII. [3.21] Structured Settlements
- VIII. [3.22] Payment of Settlements
- IX. [3.23] Enforcement of Settlements
- X. [3.24] Conclusion
- XI. Appendix — Forms
- Standard Settlements
- [3.25] Release
- [3.26] Stipulation To Dismiss
- [3.27] Order of Dismissal
- [3.28] Petition To Settle Claim
- [3.29] Affidavit of Attorney
- [3.30] Order Authorizing Settlement of Claim
- Multiparty Settlements
- [3.31] Motion for Finding of Good-Faith Settlement
- [3.32] Release — Fewer than All Tortfeasors
- [3.33] Stipulation — Fewer than All Tortfeasors
- [3.34] Order of Dismissal — Fewer than All Tortfeasors
- [3.35] Mutual Release — All Tortfeasors
- [3.36] Structured Settlements — Settlement Agreement
- Chapter 4 — Jurisdiction of the Subject Matter
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Jurisdiction of Illinois Courts and Administrative Tribunals
- [4.3] Illinois Judicial System
- Illinois Supreme Court
- [4.4] Composition
- [4.5] Jurisdiction
- [4.6] Supreme Court Rule 302
- [4.7] Supreme Court Rule 317
- [4.8] Supreme Court Rule 316
- [4.9] Supreme Court Rule 318(a)
- [4.10] Supreme Court Rule 315
- [4.11] Time To File Petition
- [4.12] Original Jurisdiction and Supervisory Orders
- Appellate Court of Illinois
- [4.13] Jurisdiction
- [4.14] Supreme Court Rules 301 and 303
- [4.15] Supreme Court Rule 304
- [4.16] Supreme Court Rule 306
- [4.17] Supreme Court Rule 307
- [4.18] Supreme Court Rule 308
- [4.19] Power To Issue Orders
- Illinois Circuit Courts
- [4.20] Jurisdiction
- [4.21] Power To Issue Orders
- Divisions of Circuit Court
- [4.22] Authority and Creation
- [4.23] Effect of Filing in Wrong Division
- [4.24] Matters Assigned to Associate Circuit Judges
- [4.25] Amount in Controversy
- [4.26] Postjudgment Jurisdiction
- [4.27] Healing Art Malpractice Review Boards
- Illinois Court of Claims
- [4.28] Origin and Nature
- [4.29] Jurisdiction
- [4.30] Administrative Tribunals
- [4.31] Those Local in Nature
- [4.32] Jurisdiction
- [4.33] Applicable Judicial Review Provisions
- Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
- [4.34] Jurisdiction
- [4.35] How Decisions Are Reviewed
- Illinois Commerce Commission
- [4.36] Jurisdiction
- [4.37] How Decisions Are Reviewed
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency — Illinois Pollution Control Board
- [4.38] Jurisdiction
- [4.39] How Decisions Are Reviewed
- III. Jurisdiction of Federal Courts
- [4.40] Basis of Civil Jurisdiction of the United States District Courts
- [4.41] Federal Question
- [4.42] Diversity of Citizenship
- [4.43] Supplemental Jurisdiction
- [4.44] Bankruptcy Cases and Proceedings
- [4.45] Miscellaneous Bases of Federal Jurisdiction
- Removal to Federal Court of Cases Filed in State Court
- [4.46] In General
- [4.47] Snap Removal
- [4.48] Absence of Federal Jurisdiction
- [4.49] Concurrent Jurisdiction of State and Federal Courts
- IV. [4.50] Priority of Jurisdiction Between Illinois Courts and Other State Courts
- V. Mandamus — Compelling Exercise of Jurisdiction
- Chapter 5 — Venue and Forum Non Conveniens
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Selection of Venue
- [5.3] Strategic Considerations
- Statutory Venue Under the Code of Civil Procedure
- [5.4] Two Basic Venues
- Exceptions Based on the Nature of the Defendant
- [5.5] Nonresident Defendants
- [5.6] Fiduciaries
- [5.7] Corporations
- [5.8] Partnerships
- [5.9] Insurance Companies
- [5.10] Unincorporated Associations
- [5.11] Government Corporations
- [5.12] State of Illinois and Its Officials
- Exceptions Based on the Type of Action
- [5.13] Local and Transitory Actions
- [5.14] Actions Relating to Real Property
- [5.15] Injunctions
- [5.16] Actions Against Estates
- [5.17] Actions for Libel
- [5.18] Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation
- Situations in Which Venue Is Jurisdictional
- [5.19] In General
- [5.20] Judgment by Confession
- [5.21] Venue of Other Actions
- [5.22] Attachment
- [5.23] Ejectment
- [5.24] Eminent Domain
- [5.25] Forcible Entry and Detainer
- [5.26] Garnishment
- [5.27] Habeas Corpus
- [5.28] Mandamus
- [5.29] Ne Exeat
- [5.30] Quo Warranto
- [5.31] Replevin
- [5.32] Foreclosure of Mortgages and Liens
- [5.33] Venue in Third-Party Actions
- III. Removal to a Different Venue
- [5.34] General Considerations
- [5.35] Transfer of Venue
- [5.36] Renewal and Review of Motion To Transfer Venue
- [5.37] Procedures for Transfer
- [5.38] Change of Venue and Substitution of Judge
- [5.39] Substitution of Judge for Prejudice or as a Matter of Right
- [5.40] Substitution for Interest of Judge in the Action
- [5.41] Change of Venue Due to Prejudice of or Undue Influence over Inhabitants of a County
- [5.42] “Prejudice” Defined
- [5.43] Renewal and Review of Motion for Change of Venue
- [5.44] Procedures for Change
- [5.45] Venue by Consent
- IV. Forum Non Conveniens
- [5.46] Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens
- [5.47] Interstate and Intrastate Forum Non Conveniens
- [5.48] Discretion of the Court
- [5.49] Burden of Proof
- [5.50] Factors To Consider
- Private Factors
- [5.51] Plaintiff’s Right To Choose the Forum
- [5.52] Availability of an Alternative Forum
- [5.53] Convenience to the Parties
- [5.54] Availability of Sources of Proof
- [5.55] Need To View the Scene
- Public Factors
- [5.56] Burden on the Court
- [5.57] Connection Between the Action and the Chosen Forum
- [5.58] Need To Apply Foreign Law
- [5.59] Factors Not To Consider
- [5.60] Procedural Aspects
- V. [5.61] Conclusion
- VI. Appendix
- [5.62] Motion for Transfer of Venue — Basic Form
- [5.63] Motion for Transfer of Venue — Codefendant Not Joined in Good Faith
- [5.64] Motion for Transfer of Venue — Situs of Property
- [5.65] Motion for Substitution of Judge as a Matter of Right
- [5.66] Motion for Substitution of Judge for Prejudice
- [5.67] Motion for Change of Venue — Prejudice of Inhabitants
- [5.68] Motion for Change of Venue — Undue Influence
- [5.69] Motion To Dismiss Based on Forum Non Conveniens — Interstate
- [5.70] Motion To Transfer Based on Forum Non Conveniens — Intrastate
- Chapter 6 — Limitations
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- [6.1] Nature of Statutes of Limitations
- [6.2] Purpose and Court Attitudes
- [6.3] Use of the Bar of the Statute as a Defense Only
- Waiver of Limitations of the Bar
- [6.4] Personal Defense
- Waiver by Contract or Other Written Agreement
- [6.5] Extending the Period
- [6.6] Form for Contract Provision Waiving Statute of Limitations or Extending Time
- [6.7] Form for Deed of Trust Provision Waiving Statute of Limitations
- [6.8] Shortening the Period
- [6.9] General Form for Contract Provision Shortening Limitations Period
- [6.10] Form for Contract Provision Shortening Limitations Period in Construction or Service Agreement
- [6.11] Form for Bill of Lading Provision Shortening Limitations Period
- [6.12] Actions Without a Time Limitation
- II. Applicability of Statutes of Limitations
- In General
- [6.13] Proceedings in Law and Equity: Special Proceedings; Probate; Corporations; Adverse Possession
- [6.14] Administrative Proceedings
- Applicability to Governments
- [6.15] Federal Government
- [6.16] State and County Governments
- [6.17] Municipalities, Public Corporations, Special Governmental Districts
- When Illinois Limitations Statutes Govern
- [6.18] General Rule — Law of the Forum
- [6.19] Applicability of Foreign Statutes When Cause of Action Arises Outside of Illinois
- [6.20] Form for Allegations in Answer Setting Up Statute of Limitations in Nonresident’s Action on Cause Arising Outside Illinois
- [6.21] Federal Courts and Federal Statutes of Limitations
- Effect of Statute as Bar to Counterclaim, Cross-Complaint, and Defensive Matter
- [6.22] Application to Defense Only and When Affirmative Relief Is Sought
- [6.23] How Plaintiff as Counter-Defendant Must Plead
- [6.24] Form of Allegations in Motion To Dismiss Counterclaim
- [6.25] Form of Allegation in Answer to Counterclaim
- When Time Has Run but Statute Is Not a Bar
- [6.26] Cross Demands
- [6.27] Defensive Matter
- III. Beginning of the Statutory Period
- Statute Ordinarily Starts To Run upon Accrual of the Cause
- [6.28] When Liability Matures
- [6.29] Which Period Is Applicable
- [6.30] Computation of Time
- [6.31] Statute Runs Despite Plaintiff’s Ignorance of the Facts
- [6.32] Form for Pleading Fraud To Toll Statute
- [6.33] When Statute May Start To Run Before Accrual
- [6.34] Commencement of Period When Demand Is Necessary
- [6.35] Form for Allegations in Answer When Demand by Plaintiff Is Necessary
- Commencement of Period When Wrong Is Committed but Damage Results Later
- [6.36] General Rule
- [6.37] Exceptions
- IV. Suspension or Postponement of Statute
- Absence of Defendant from Illinois
- [6.38] General Rule
- [6.39] Form for Allegations in Complaint To Show Absence of Defendant from State When Cause of Action Accrued
- [6.40] Form for Allegations To Show Departure of Defendant from Illinois After Accrual of Cause of Action
- [6.41] Return of Defendant and Subsequent Concealment
- [6.42] Form of Allegation When Statute Tolled by Defendant’s Concealment
- Exceptions to the Rule When Constructive Service Permitted
- [6.43] Foreign Corporations
- [6.44] Form of Answer by Foreign Corporation
- [6.45] Nonresident Motorists
- [6.46] Resident Motorists
- [6.47] Proceedings in Rem Concerning Property in Illinois
- Personal Disabilities
- In General
- [6.48] Effect of Disability on Different Kinds of Actions
- [6.49] Effect of Time When Disability Exists
- Minors
- [6.50] General Rule
- [6.51] Form for Allegation in Complaint of Infancy of Plaintiff
- [6.52] Married Minors
- [6.53] Special Exceptions
- Legal Disability
- [6.54] General Rule
- [6.55] Form for Allegation in Complaint of Legal Disability To Toll Statute
- Death
- [6.56] General Rule
- [6.57] Form for Allegations To Show Death of Owner of Claim To Extend Time To Sue
- [6.58] Form for Allegations To Show Extension of Time for Plaintiff To Sue Estate
- [6.59] War and Military Service
- Suspension Caused by Other Court Action or by Statute
- [6.60] Reversal of Judgment on Appeal
- [6.61] Form for Allegation in Complaint Relating to Reversal on Appeal
- [6.62] Injunction or Statutory Prohibition
- [6.63] Form for Allegations in Complaint To Show Suspension of Statute Because of Stay of Action
- [6.64] Pendency of Another Action or Proceeding
- [6.65] Suspension Caused by Other Court Action or Statute
- V. Interruption of Statute by Commencement of Proceedings
- [6.66] Action Is Begun When Complaint Is Filed
- [6.67] Effect of Defective Complaint on Running of Limitations Statute
- Amendments to Complaint — Relation Back to Original Filing
- [6.68] Change in Parties
- [6.69] Change in Cause of Action
- [6.70] Change in Remedy
- [6.71] Change in Theory
- [6.72] Third-Party Actions
- VI. Effect of Acknowledgment, Promise, or Part Payment
- Acknowledgment or Promise To Pay
- [6.73] When the Statute Is Revived
- [6.74] Form for Allegation in Complaint Setting Up Acknowledgment
- [6.75] Effect of Acknowledgment or Promise on Joint Obligors or Other Parties
- [6.76] Effect of Time of Written Promise or Acknowledgment
- Part Payment
- [6.77] In General
- [6.78] Form for Allegation To Show Part Payment
- [6.79] Settlement Negotiations
- VII. Pleadings
- [6.80] Necessity of Pleading the Statute
- [6.81] The Complaint
- Motion Under 735 ILCS 5/2-615 and 5/2-619(a)(5) When Bar of Statute Is Apparent from the Complaint Itself
- [6.82] In General
- [6.83] Form for Motion Under 735 ILCS 5/2-615 When Bar of Statute Is Apparent from the Complaint Itself
- [6.84] Motion To Strike
- [6.85] Motion To Dismiss; Judgment on the Pleadings
- [6.86] Answer
- [6.87] General Form for Pleading Defense of Statute of Limitations
- [6.88] Form Specifying Statutory Sections for Pleading Defense of Statute of Limitations
- VIII. Notices with Effect of Limitations
- Chapter 7 — Pleadings
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- [7.1] Scope of Chapter
- [7.2] Designation of Pleadings
- [7.3] Initiating the Lawsuit — The Complaint
- [7.4] Responding to the Complaint — The Answer
- [7.5] Asserting a Cause of Action by the Defendant — The Counterclaim and Third-Party Complaint
- [7.6] Responding to New Matter Raised in the Answer — The Reply
- [7.7] Changing the Pleadings — Amendments and Supplemental Pleadings
- II. Initiating the Lawsuit — The Complaint
- [7.8] Predrafting Considerations
- Drafting the Complaint
- [7.9] Overview/Contents
- [7.10] Caption
- [7.11] Introductory Paragraph
- [7.12] Suggested Caption and Introductory Paragraph in Case with Individual Plaintiff Suing Individual Defendant
- [7.13] Body — Factual Allegations
- [7.14] Prayer for Relief
- [7.15] Drafting the prayer — generally
- [7.16] Prayer for relief in a personal injury case
- [7.17] Prayer for punitive damages
- [7.18] Signature
- [7.19] Verification
- [7.20] Incorporation of Documents by Reference; Exhibits
- General Considerations
- [7.21] Fact Pleading Required
- [7.22] Distinguished from “notice pleading”
- [7.23] Ultimate facts distinguished from conclusions of law — examples
- [7.24] Ultimate facts distinguished from evidence
- [7.25] Complaint as a Judicial Admission
- [7.26] Use of Separate Counts
- [7.27] Example of Complaint Setting Forth Separate Causes of Action in Separate Counts
- [7.28] Use of Alternative Counts
- Specific Considerations
- [7.29] Forum Allegations
- When a Party Is Not an Individual
- [7.30] When a party is a corporation
- [7.31] When a party does business under an assumed name
- [7.32] When a party is a partnership
- [7.33] When a party is an unincorporated association
- [7.34] When a party is a government entity
- When plaintiff brings suit through a representative
- [7.35] Suing through a guardian
- [7.36] Suing through an executor or administrator
- [7.37] Suing in a class action
- [7.38] When plaintiff is in doubt as to which defendant is liable; respondents in discovery
- Examples of Pleadings for Specific Causes of Action
- [7.39] Negligence
- [7.40] Willful and Wanton Misconduct; Intentional Torts
- [7.41] Pleading a Statute; Statutory Duty Distinguished from a Statutory Cause of Action
- [7.42] Healing Art Malpractice
- [7.43] Fraud
- [7.44] Breach of Contract
- [7.45] Filing the Complaint and Service of Process
- III. Responding to the Complaint
- Pre-Answer Considerations
- [7.46] Objecting to Jurisdiction
- Forum Considerations
- [7.47] Removal
- [7.48] Sample Form of Removal Petition
- [7.49] Transfer of Venue
- [7.50] Forum Non Conveniens
- Vacation of Defaults
- [7.51] Within 30 Days of a Default Judgment or Before Default Judgment Is Entered
- [7.52] More Than 30 Days After a Default Judgment
- [7.53] Obtaining Leave To Appear and an Extension of Time To Answer
- [7.54] Suggested Form: Leave To Appear, Extension of Time To Answer
- [7.55] Motions in Lieu of Pleadings
- [7.56] Demand for Bill of Particulars
- Drafting the Answer
- [7.57] Overview/Contents
- Addressing Allegations of the Complaint
- Denials
- [7.58] General denials
- [7.59] Specific denials; suggested forms
- [7.60] Insufficient knowledge to form a belief
- [7.61] Suggested form to state lack of sufficient knowledge
- [7.62] Suggested affidavit when stating insufficient knowledge
- [7.63] Allegations directed to a codefendant in multi-defendant litigation
- [7.64] Admissions
- [7.65] Raising Defenses
- [7.66] Drafting the Defense Portion of an Answer
- [7.67] Special Defenses in Contract Actions
- [7.68] Asserting Inconsistent Defenses
- Counterclaims
- [7.69] Generally
- [7.70] Suggested Form
- [7.71] Signature
- [7.72] Verification
- [7.73] Third-Party Complaints
- [7.74] Filing
- IV. [7.75] Reply
- V. Amendments and Supplemental Pleadings
- Chapter 8 — Original Process and Appearance
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Summons and Other Forms of Original Process
- [8.3] In General
- [8.4] Summons
- [8.5] Summons Requiring Appearance on a Specified Day
- [8.6] Small Claims Summons for Service by Mail
- [8.7] Summons Requiring Appearance Within 30 Days After Service
- Special Forms of Original Process
- [8.8] Attachment
- [8.9] Procedure for Attachment
- [8.10] Sample Form of Attachment Affidavit
- [8.11] Order for Attachment
- [8.12] Attachment of Watercraft
- [8.13] Attachment of Livestock
- [8.14] Attachment of Perishable Property
- [8.15] Garnishment
- [8.16] Sample Form of Affidavit for Garnishment (Nonwage)
- [8.17] Sample Form of Garnishment Summons (Nonwage)
- [8.18] Wage Deduction
- [8.19] Sample Form of Affidavit for Wage Deduction Order
- [8.20] Sample Form of Wage Deduction Notice
- [8.21] Sample Form of Wage Deduction Summons
- [8.22] Judgment by Confession
- Mandamus
- [8.23] Procedure
- [8.24] Sample Form of Mandamus Summons
- Ne Exeat
- [8.25] Procedure
- [8.26] Sample Form of Ne Exeat Order
- [8.27] Quo Warranto
- [8.28] Replevin
- [8.29] Sample Form of Order for Replevin (Notice Served)
- [8.30] Sample Form of Order for Replevin (No Notice Served)
- [8.31] Original Actions in the Supreme Court
- [8.32] Time for Commencement of Action
- [8.33] Time for Service of Summons
- Duplicate Original Summonses; Alias Summonses; Summonses for Additional Parties
- [8.34] Duplicate Original Summonses
- [8.35] Alias Summonses
- [8.36] Summonses for Additional Parties
- [8.37] Amendment of Summons
- III. Service of Process
- [8.38] Jurisdiction over Defendant
- [8.39] Who Can Serve Process
- [8.40] Sample Form of Affidavit of Foreign Service
- In-State Service on Individuals
- [8.41] In-Hand Service
- [8.42] Minors
- [8.43] Leaving Summons at Defendant’s Residence
- [8.44] Leaving Summons with Agent
- [8.45] Immunity from Service
- [8.46] Service Obtained by Fraud or Duress
- [8.47] When Service Is Impractical
- [8.48] In-State Service on Partnerships, Partners, and Voluntary Unincorporated Associations
- [8.49] In-State Service on Private Corporations
- [8.50] Domestic Private Corporations
- [8.51] Foreign Private Corporations
- [8.52] Nonresident Motorist Statute
- [8.53] Sample Form of Notice of Service
- [8.54] Sample Form of Affidavit of Compliance
- [8.55] Illinois Long-Arm Statute
- [8.56] Outside-the-State Service in General
- Outside-the-State Service in Particular Cases
- [8.57] Causes of Action Arising from the Transaction of Business in Illinois
- [8.58] Causes of Action Arising from Commission of a Tortious Act in Illinois
- [8.59] Causes of Action Arising from the Ownership, Use, or Possession of Illinois Real Estate
- [8.60] Causes of Action Arising from Insuring Persons, Property, or Risks Located in Illinois
- [8.61] Dissolution and Separate Maintenance Actions Arising During Maintenance of Illinois Matrimonial Domicile or Arising from Acts Committed in Illinois
- [8.62] Products Liability
- [8.63] Aircraft and Watercraft
- [8.64] Service by Publication
- [8.65] Procedure for Service by Publication
- [8.66] Sample Form of Affidavit for Service by Publication
- [8.67] Sample Form of Notice by Publication
- [8.68] Service by Text Message, Email, or Social Media
- [8.69] Return of Service
- IV. Appearance
- V. Jurisdiction
- Chapter 9 — Interpleader
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. The Statutory Vehicles: State and Federal
- Illinois Statutory Interpleader: 735 ILCS 5/2-409
- [9.4] The Illinois Statute, Venue, and Process
- [9.5] Scope
- [9.6] Procedure
- Federal Statutory Interpleader: 28 U.S.C. §1335
- [9.7] The Statute
- [9.8] Jurisdictional Prerequisite
- [9.9] Diversity Requirement
- [9.10] Adversity Requirement
- [9.11] Deposit Requirement
- [9.12] Venue
- [9.13] Process
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 22 Interpleader
- [9.14] The Rule
- [9.15] Jurisdiction
- [9.16] Diversity Jurisdiction
- [9.17] Federal Question Jurisdiction
- [9.18] No Deposit Requirement
- [9.19] Venue and Process
- [9.20] Statutory Interpleader vs. Rule Interpleader
- [9.21] Jurisdictional Differences
- [9.22] Venue and Process Differences
- III. [9.23] Evaluating the Case: The When and Why of Interpleader
- [9.24] The Institutional Petitioner
- [9.25] Banks/Savings and Loans
- [9.26] Insurance Companies
- [9.27] Surety Bonds
- [9.28] Liability Insurers
- [9.29] All Other Petitioners
- [9.30] Condemnation Proceedings
- [9.31] Owners of Storage Facilities
- [9.32] Brokerage Commissions
- [9.33] Inheritance Tax Claims
- [9.34] Landlord-Tenant
- [9.35] Securities and Commodities Brokers
- [9.36] Various and Sundry Other Applications of Interpleader
- IV. Pleading and Other Procedural Tips
- [9.37] The Basics
- [9.38] The Petition
- The Motion for Injunctive Relief
- [9.39] In General
- [9.40] Federal Court
- [9.41] State Court
- [9.42] Pending Lawsuits
- [9.43] The Answer
- [9.44] Jury
- [9.45] Attorneys’ Fees and Costs
- [9.46] Illinois Courts
- [9.47] Federal Courts
- [9.48] Statutory Interpleader
- [9.49] Rule Interpleader
- [9.50] Motion for Summary Judgment
- [9.51] Order
- [9.52] Appeal
- V. [9.53] Defending the Interpleader Action
- VI. Miscellaneous Considerations
- Chapter 10 — Third-Party Practice
- Chapter Summary
- I. [10.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. In General
- III. Some Pre-Litigation Aspects
- [10.5] Identifying Primary Defendants
- Indemnity and Contribution
- [10.6] In General
- [10.7] Contribution Among Joint Tortfeasors
- [10.8] Procedures To Be Used To Obtain Contribution
- Indemnification
- [10.9] Active-Passive Indemnification
- [10.10] Quasi-Contractual Indemnification
- [10.11] Contractual Indemnification
- IV. Compromise and Settlement
- [10.12] Strategy Under Former Law
- [10.13] Loan Receipt Agreements
- [10.14] Good Faith Under the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act
- [10.15] Workers’ Compensation Settlements
- [10.16] Basis for a Determination of Good Faith
- [10.17] Allocations on Good-Faith Finding
- [10.18] Allocations in Survival Act Claims Versus Wrongful Death Act Claims
- [10.19] Allocation in Loss of Consortium Claims
- [10.20] Burden of Proof
- [10.21] Standing To Object to a Good-Faith Finding
- [10.22] How To Secure a Good-Faith Finding
- [10.23] Specificity of Release Documents
- V. Some Litigation Aspects
- VI. Contribution After Settlement
- [10.33] Statutory Authority
- [10.34] Complaint for Contribution
- [10.35] Converting Complaint to Third-Party Complaint for Contribution by Amendment: New Allegations
- [10.36] Allegations of Reasonable Payment and Reasonable Anticipation of Litigation
- [10.37] Issues and Jury Instructions for Contribution
- [10.38] Trial and Closing Argument
- VII. Forms
- Chapter 11 — Motions, Affidavits, and Orders
- Chapter Summary
- I. Motions in General
- [11.1] Scope of Discussion
- [11.2] Nature and Use of Motions
- [11.3] Basic Statutory Sections and Court Rules
- [11.4] Procedural Guide — Filing and Service of Motion
- Considerations of Procedure
- [11.5] Motion as General Appearance
- [11.6] Time Within Which To Make Motion
- [11.7] When Motion Deemed To Be Made
- [11.8] What Motions Must Be Noticed
- [11.9] Form of Notice of Motion
- [11.10] Form of Basic Motion
- [11.11] Legibility
- [11.12] Caption
- [11.13] Relief Sought and Basis Therefor
- [11.14] Reference to and Incorporation of Other Matters on Which Motion Is Based
- [11.15] Signature
- [11.16] Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address
- [11.17] Certificate of Service
- [11.18] Serving and Filing Motions
- [11.19] Opposition to Motion
- [11.20] Hearing on Motion
- [11.21] Failure To Call Motions for Hearing
- [11.22] Renewal of Motions
- II. Affidavits
- III. Orders
- IV. Motions To Strike and Motions To Dismiss
- Nature and Use of Motion
- [11.40] Scope of Discussion
- [11.41] Summary of Statutory Provisions
- [11.42] Motions Under Code of Civil Procedure §2-615
- [11.43] Motions Under Code of Civil Procedure §2-619
- [11.44] Summary of Court Rules
- [11.45] Purpose of Motion To Dismiss
- [11.46] Effect of Motion as Admission
- [11.47] Waiver by Failure To File Motion
- [11.48] Practical Considerations in Determining Whether To Attack a Prior Pleading by Motion
- [11.49] Time for Filing and Proof of Service
- [11.50] Outline Form of Motion To Strike Complaint
- [11.51] Specification of Grounds
- [11.52] Grounds of Motion
- [11.53] Forms of Motions Attacking Complaints on Various Grounds
- [11.54] Skeleton Form of Motion Attacking Complaint and Several Causes of Action or Counts
- [11.55] Form of Specification That Complaint Is Insufficient in Law
- Form of Specification of Various Grounds Mentioned in Code of Civil Procedure §2-619
- [11.56] No Jurisdiction of Subject Matter
- [11.57] Lack of Legal Capacity To Sue or Be Sued
- [11.58] Another Action Pending
- [11.59] Former Adjudication
- [11.60] Statute of Limitations
- [11.61] Release or Discharge
- [11.62] Statute of Frauds
- [11.63] Minority or Other Disability
- [11.64] Form of Motion To Require More Definite Statement
- [11.65] Prayers for Relief
- [11.66] Form of Motion To Require Statement of Multiple Claims in Separate Counts
- [11.67] Setting Motion and Notice of Motion
- Ruling on Motion To Dismiss
- [11.68] Power of Court
- [11.69] Answer After Ruling
- V. Motions Relating to Untrue Pleadings
- Chapter 12 — New Parties
- Chapter Summary
- I. [12.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. Substitution and Addition of New Parties
- [12.2] In General
- Substitution of Parties
- [12.3] Change of Interest or Liability
- [12.4] Death of a Party
- [12.5] Legal Disability of a Party
- [12.6] Trustees; Public Officers
- [12.7] Addition of New Parties by Amendment
- [12.8] Relation Back of a New Plaintiff
- [12.9] Relation Back of a New Defendant
- [12.10] Requirement That the Original Claim Is Timely Filed
- [12.11] Defendant’s Notice of the Commencement of the Suit and Knowledge That But for a Mistake the Action Would Have Been Brought Against Defendant
- [12.12] Defendant’s notice of the suit
- [12.13] Defendant’s understanding/knowledge of a mistake
- [12.14] Cause of Action Grew Out of Same Transaction or Occurrence
- [12.15] Misnomer and Mistakes of Identity
- [12.16] Misnomer
- [12.17] Mistaken Identity
- [12.18] Distinguishing Misnomer from Mistaken Identity
- [12.19] Respondents in Discovery
- [12.20] Conversion of Respondents in Discovery
- Forms
- [12.21] Motion Suggesting Death of a Party
- [12.22] Motion To Appoint a Special Administrator
- [12.23] Motion To Dismiss for Failure To Substitute Party After Death of Plaintiff
- [12.24] Motion of Executor To Be Substituted as Plaintiff
- [12.25] Order Substituting Executor as Plaintiff
- [12.26] Motion for Leave To Add Additional Parties
- [12.27] Order Granting Leave To Add Additional Parties
- III. Proper Joinder
- IV. Guardians ad Litem
- [12.31] In General
- [12.32] When Appointment Is Necessary — Minors
- [12.33] Types of Proceedings in Which Appointment Is Necessary
- [12.34] Guardians for Adults Under Legal Disability
- Appointment and Powers
- [12.35] What Court
- [12.36] Who May Serve as Guardian ad Litem
- [12.37] Timing and Procedure for Appointment of Guardian ad Litem
- [12.38] Powers and Duties
- Forms
- Petition for Appointment of Guardian ad Litem
- Cook County
- [12.39] Petition for guardian of minor
- [12.40] Petition for appointment of guardian for disabled person
- [12.41] Outside Cook County
- Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem
- Cook County
- [12.42] Order appointing guardian of minor
- [12.43] Order appointing guardian ad litem for alleged disabled person
- [12.44] Outside Cook County
- [12.45] Answer of Guardian ad Litem
- V. Impleader
- [12.46] In General
- [12.47] Traditional Impleader Actions
- [12.48] Modern Impleader Actions: Skinner and the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act
- Specific Provisions of the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act
- [12.49] 740 ILCS 100/2(a)
- [12.50] 740 ILCS 100/2(b)
- [12.51] 740 ILCS 100/2(c) – 100/2(f)
- [12.52] 740 ILCS 100/3.5
- [12.53] 740 ILCS 100/4
- [12.54] 740 ILCS 100/5
- [12.55] Statute of Limitations for Contribution Actions
- [12.56] Contribution and the Implied Indemnity Doctrine
- [12.57] Statutory Provisions
- Forms
- [12.58] Motion for Leave To File Third-Party Complaint
- [12.59] Order Granting Leave To File Third-Party Complaint
- [12.60] Third-Party Complaint
- VI. Intervention
- [12.61] In General
- [12.62] Intervention as of Right
- [12.63] Unconditional Statutory Right To Intervene
- [12.64] Inadequate Representation
- [12.65] Adverse Effect of Distribution
- [12.66] Intervention by Leave of Court
- [12.67] When Public Interest Is Affected
- [12.68] Time for Intervention
- [12.69] Service and Complaint or Answer
- Forms
- [12.70] Motion To Intervene
- [12.71] Order Granting Leave To Intervene
- [12.72] Petition in Intervention
- List of Forms by Chapter
- Merna A. Abusamen
Merna A. Abusamen
Merna A. Abusamen is an Associate at Mossing & Navarre, LLC, in Chicago, and focuses her practice on personal injury and medical malpractice. Abusamen has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star and has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Arab American Bar Association of Illinois. She received her B.A. from the University of Illinois Chicago and her J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.
- Zoë M. Baker
Zoë M. Baker
ZoëM. Baker is a Partner at Sinars Slowikowski LLC, in Chicago, and concentrates her practice in civil litigation and defense of products liability and toxic tort claims. Baker is a member of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago. She received her LL.B. degree from the University of East Anglia and her J.D. summa cum laude from the DePaul University College of Law, where she was Order of the Coif and was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Service.
- Benjamin Blekhman
Benjamin Blekhman
Benjamin Blekhman is an Associate at Sinars Slowikowski LLC, in Chicago, and concentrates his practice in civil litigation and toxic tort. Blekhman is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. He received his B.A. from Loyola University Chicago and his J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, where he was valedictorian.
- Laura L. Buecker
Laura L. Buecker
Laura L. Buecker is a Senior Associate at Heyl Royster, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on medical malpractice. Buecker is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the PAWS Chicago Professional Board and a former member of the Illinois Law Alumni Board. She received her B.S. from the University of Illinois and her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.
- Jeffrey F. Clement
Jeffrey F. Clement
Jeffrey F. Clement is a Partner at BCM Law, P.C., in Chicago, where he chairs the firm’s Civil Litigation practice group. Clement is a member of Illinois Defense Counsel, the National Business Aircraft Association, and the Defense Research Institute, where he is Chair of Publications and Podcasts. He received his B.S. from Florida State University, his M.B.A. from the DePaul University Driehaus College of Business, and his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law, where he was a member of the DePaul Business & Commercial Law Journal and received the CALI Award for Senior Research Seminar, Advanced Copyrights.
- Julia P. Dacy
Julia P. Dacy
Julia P. Dacy is Senior Counsel for Media Law at Chicago Public Media. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. Dacy received her B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Denver and her J.D. with honors from the George Washington University Law School.
- Joe Giamanco
Joe Giamanco
Joe Giamanco is the Managing Partner at Giamanco Law Partners, Ltd., in Bolingbrook, where he focuses his practice on traumatic injury, wrongful death, and general litigation. Giamanco was named Business Leader of the Year by the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce in 2026. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Will County Bar Association. He received his B.A. from the University of Denver and his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law.
- David J. Handley
David J. Handley
David J. Handley is a Partner at Burke & Handley, P.C., in Glen Ellyn, where he concentrates his practice in civil litigation. Handley is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Civil Practice and Procedure Section and has been a participant at the ISBA’s biennial Allerton Conference. He received his B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Illinois and his J.D. cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law.
- Timothy R. Herman
Timothy R. Herman
Timothy R. Herman is a Member at Clark Hill PLC, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on business litigation, class action defense, and consumer litigation defense. Herman is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice’s Forms Committee. He received his B.A. cum laude from Kalamazoo College and his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School, where he was valedictorian.
- Dahna Kazemyan
Dahna Kazemyan
Dahna Kazemyan is an Associate at Sinars Slowikowski LLC, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on civil corporate defense litigation. Kazemyan is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. In 2024, her article, Spilling the Beans on Trade Dress: Whether Trade Dress Protection Gives Rise to Liability under a Section 32 Claim on Trademark Infringement, was published in the UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law. She received her B.S. cum laude from Texas A&M University and her J.D. cum laude from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
- Alex B. Mahler
Alex B. Mahler
Alex B. Mahler is a Partner at Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP, in Chicago, and concentrates his practice in insurance coverage. Mahler is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and the American Bar Association. He received his B.S. magna cum laude from Arizona State University and his J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
- Adria East Mossing
Adria East Mossing
Adria East Mossing is a Partner at Mossing & Navarre, LLC, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on personal injury and medical malpractice. Mossing has served as President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (2016 – 2017). She has been chosen by Leading Lawyers Illinois as one of the Top 10 Women Leading Lawyers in Illinois in personal injury and medical malpractice and by Illinois Super Lawyers as a Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer, and she was also named as a Top 50 Women Illinois Super Lawyer. Mossing received her B.A. from Northwestern University and her J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law, where she was the Notes and Comments Managing Editor for the DePaul Law Review.
- Sean P. Murray
Sean P. Murray
Sean P. Murrayis the Managing Partner of Murray Legal Group, in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, construction negligence, and workplace injury litigation. A veteran trial attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Murray has secured multiple multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and settlements, including several state and county record recoveries in Illinois. He has been recognized multiple times as one of the Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers and serves on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He earned his B.A. cum laude from Western Illinois University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
- Leah Garland Nolan
Leah Garland Nolan
Leah Garland Nolan is a Senior Associate at Heyl Royster, in Chicago, where she concentrates her practice in medical malpractice, personal injury, and §1983 actions. Nolan is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois Defense Counsel’s Practice Development Committee. She received her J.D. summa cum laude from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.
- Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is an attorney at Phillips Law Offices, in Chicago, and focuses his practice on catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Phillips is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, where he is on the Board of Managers and Vice Chair of the Seminar & Member Education Committee. He is also a member of the American Association for Justice and the Illinois State Bar Association. Phillips received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
- Julie L. Pustilnik
Julie L. Pustilnik
Julie L. Pustilnikis a Partner at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on plaintiff’s personal injury. Pustilnik has been listed in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty, and she is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Chicago-Kent College of Law Alumni Board of Directors. She received her B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Illinois and her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
- Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn is an attorney with Phillips Law Offices, in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in personal injury, with a focus on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Quinn is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Managers, the American Association for Justice, and the Illinois State Bar Association. He received his B.A. from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
- Esther J. Seitz
Esther J. Seitz
Esther J. Seitz is a Partner at Mandell P.C., in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on commercial and constitutional litigation and appeals, including media and intellectual property, construction, transportation, and eminent domain law. Seitz is the Chairperson of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission Review Board, President of the Lincoln-Douglas American Inn of Court, and a member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys. She received her B.A. from Centenary College of Louisiana, her J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law, and her LL.M. from the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition.
- Patrick W. Stufflebeam
Patrick W. Stufflebeam
Patrick W. Stufflebeam is a Partner at Stufflebeam|Johnson LLC, in Edwardsville, where he concentrates his practice in the defense of complex civil litigation claims. Stufflebeam has been recognized as an AV Preeminent® Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and by Best Lawyers in America for mass tort litigation and class action defense. He received his B.A. magna cum laude from Western Illinois University and his J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law.
- Marc A. Taxman
Marc A. Taxman
Marc A. Taxmanis a Founding Partner of Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, in Chicago, where he focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, medical negligence, transportation negligence, premises liability, sexual harassment, employment, and trial practice. Taxman has been practicing law for 35 years, and he has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer and Leading Lawyer and recognized in Best Lawyers in America. He received his B.S. from the University of Illinois and his J.D. from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.
- Brett A. Thomaston
Brett A. Thomaston
Brett A. Thomaston is an Associate at Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on insurance coverage. Thomaston is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, and Illinois Super Lawyers has named him a Rising Star (2020 – 2026). He received his B.A. from Butler University and his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.
- Panos T. Topalis
Panos T. Topalis
Panos T. Topalis is Managing Director at Tribler Orpett & Meyer, P.C., in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in civil litigation. Topalis is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, where he was previously a member of the Insurance Law Section; the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, where he was previously Spring Seminar Chairman; and the Hellenic Bar Association, where he was Past President. He received his B.S. from Northern Illinois University and his J.D. from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.
- Jackson D. Wingert
Jackson D. Wingert
Jackson D. Wingert is an Associate at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on plaintiff-side personal injury. Wingert is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He received his B.A. from Wichita State University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Civil Practice: Opening the Case 2026 Edition
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