Top Headlines Thursday, March 11, 2010

New Supervision Model Helps FJD Weather Probation Officer Shortage

Although the First Judicial District's budget has fallen by $15 million since 2008, it has been able to avoid layoffs because of the attrition of court staffers from their jobs.

Protecting Profits

While revenue may have taken a tumble at some of the state's largest law firms last year, the economic pressures of 2009 didn't take a bite out of partner profits.

Justices Mull Claim for Access to Mental Health Records

As Geoffrey Paul Huling made his way Wednesday through the argument that his client should be granted access to records from a closed incapacitation hearing, Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille questioned how such an allowance could be made without opening those records to the public at large.

Class Action Suit Over Aetna's Security Breach Is Dismissed

Finding there was no more than speculative injury, a federal judge has dismissed a class action suit against Aetna Inc. filed in the wake of news that the insurer's computer database may have been hacked and that personal data of up to 450,000 job applicants were potentially at risk.

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Workers' Comp Update

Coordinating Workers' Comp, Social Security and Private Disability Benefits

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The terms of a workers' compensation settlement can have a huge effect on the amount of a claimant's future Social Security benefits and private disability benefits. A claimant's future medical expenses covered by Medicare can also be affected by the settlement. Coordinating these benefits is the key to maximizing recovery.

Business Of Law

In-house Counsel: Balance Cost Controls With Performance

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One of the many impacts of this punishing recession on the delivery of legal services has been an even heavier-than-normal shift in the balance of power to in-house counsel. The seesaw will always tilt toward clients, as they dispense the work that firms need to survive.

Cyber Law

Not With a Bang, But a Whimper

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In Mintel International Group v. Neergheen, Civ. 08-c3939 (N.D.Ill. January 12, 2010) ("Mintel V"), the trial court issued what should be the final opinion in this ongoing litigation involving a departing, high-level employee.

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