Chicago Law Blogger

Izod IndyCar Series Turbogate: Interesting for Legal Dorks

Over recent weeks, Chevrolet, Honda and the Izod IndyCar Series have been embroiled in a grudge match of epic proportions…TURBOGATE! Despite the contrived naming mechanism, this battle of wits has nothing to do with Richard Nixon or national politics. Lest I make it abundantly clear that I have no technical expertise whatsoever, I’ll describe the [...] Related posts:

Chicago Lawsuits: Anatomy of a Litigation (from a transactional point of view)

Clint Costa teaching “Law School for Entrepreneurs” in May

Hi Everyone! Just a note on some upcoming “Law School for Entrepreneurs” events: On May 7, I’ll be presenting the 5-minute version (that’s right, 5-minute) at Ignite Chicago. Ignite Chicago is a high-energy evening of five minute presentations by people who have an idea – and the guts – to get onstage and share it [...] No related posts.

Avoid Legal Risk When Using Unpaid Interns

Unpaid interns are a very tempting resource for boot-strappers. A quick call to almost any university’s career services office or an ad on Craigslist will yield a plethora of interested applicants. And, in today’s economic climate, those responding will probably be reasonably qualified. The ultimate goal is to use unpaid interns to help the enterprise [...] No related posts.

Lawyer Money Stuff: Retainer Fees and Fee Agreements

Money. It’s the reason a lot of lawyers become lawyers in the first place (because they want a lot of it). We all grew up watching Perry Mason, Matlock or LA Law and thought…those guys make good money, I should do that! But how is it that lawyers get paid? And why does paying their [...] No related posts.

New Post on the Nanny Tax at Grown in My Heart

Just posted here at Grown in My Heart on the so-called “Nanny Tax” talking about the tax aspects of hiring nannies or other household workers. No related posts. No related posts.

Hell hath no fury like an employee scorned…

I’ve been meaning to put up a post for a while now about how badly an ex-employee can sting your business…even if you have all the standard non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions with the employee in his or her employment contract. Prime example: Nelson Piquet, Jr., a former Formula 1 race driver. As can be seen [...] Related posts:

Chicago Employment Law: The Scoop on Non-Competes, Solicitations and Disparagements

Asset Protection if you hit your head…like Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien made news last week when he cracked his melon against the Tonight Show floor. Luckily, he was fine with just a minor concussion. Obviously, Conan didn’t set out to slip and fall on his head…but he did. Life happens, including undesirable events. This is why people buy insurance, and why most everyone can [...] Related posts:

Chicago Asset Protection: Cover Your Ass(ets)

Prince Harry and Estate Planning for your Kids

So here’s some recent news that, but for the legal angle I’ll describe in this post, I wouldn’t have given a second thought: Prince Harry turned 25. This is news here, here and here not only because it’s Prince Harry, but also because of (as you can read) the dough to which he now has [...] Related posts:

Chicago Estate Planning: Planning for the Special Needs Child or Adult

Think like a lawyer…but not for too long or your brain might hurt

Two axioms I hear all the time about the law and lawyers: 1. Law school doesn’t teach the law, it teaches you how to think like a lawyer. 2. Lawyers are [insert deragatory term here]. I find truth in both of these statements but for different reasons. Law school really does teach a person to [...] No related posts.

Adoption Expense Tax Credit: Part II

Here is Part Deux to a four-part series on the Adoption Expense Tax Credit…a nice benefit for adoptive parents. This installment: Adopting Special Needs Children. http://www.growninmyheart.com/special-needs-adoption-tax-credit Related posts:Chicago Tax Blogger: Adoption Expense Tax Credit Related posts:

Chicago Tax Blogger: Adoption Expense Tax Credit