The Sharks get lots of calls from clients asking about small cases. These are usually cases involving minor property damage or other small disputes between individuals and small businesses. In Cook County, small claims cases are for cases involving less than $10,000.00. Slightly different rules apply to small claims cases, so would be wise to check out the rules for small claims cases here. The rules in small claims cases make the process (usually) faster than a regular case. Like most firms, we simply don’t take small-claims cases. We get…Read More
This morning, a CTA blue line train derailed at the O’Hare Airport Terminus. At least 30 people were injured when the train jumped the tracks and climbed most of the way up the escalator leading to the airport. The cause of the accident is still unknown. If you have been injured in a train accident, you need to know your rights and you should talk to an attorney as soon as reasonably possible.Read More
Dahlia Saper over at Saper Law just sent me this fascinating article from The New Republic. You can get it here. The author, Mr. Naom Scheiber, does a nice job describing some of the market inefficiencies that have resulted in a very difficult legal market for young lawyers. As a small “boutique” law firm, the Sharks are very much aware of the competitive legal market. More interesting, however, is the way this new economy is impacting so-called “biglaw” – firms with over 500 attorneys. Traditionally, these firms have charged extremely high hourly…Read More
Brats on the grill? Beer in the cooler? With the Fourth of July here at last, the Sharks expect that many of our clients and readers will be lighting off fireworks in their backyards. The sharks have seen plenty of fireworks injuries, but we’d rather you and your family stay safe. Of course, fireworks are never totally safe (not to mention mostly illegal in Chicago and most of Illinois). On that note, follow these tips for a safer firework experience: Keep water nearby – preferrably a running hose, but a…Read More
The sharks have been enduring this winter like anyone else in the midwest: lots of warm clothing and an endless amount of hot chocolate. But remember, a long and snowy winter means lots of snowy, icy roads. Remember to: Slow down, slow down, slow down. Leave lots of extra room between you and the car in front of you. Increased sopping distance is one of the main reasons for accidents in icy and snowy conditions. Have your tires and brakes checked: your tires are MUCH more effective in snow if…Read More
Sharks At Law is proud to announce that it’s principal attorney, Alexander Memmen, has been elected to serve on the Young Professionals Board of the Chicago Bar Foundation. Mr. Memmen said of his election: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with some of the top young legal and professional talent in the Chicago area to forward the goals of legal access and fairness. I look forward to working with the CBF and its passionate all-star team.” Mr. Memmen has previously served on the board of the Chicago…Read More
Last week, California’s Department of Motor Vehicles held a summit with auto makers and tech companies to discuss proposed regulations for driverless cars. Although no such cars are currently on the market, there is reason to believe they will be here soon. With this sort of new tech, the legal questions will be nearly endless. Will passengers be allowed to use cell phones? Will they be allowed to drink? What about parking? Who will be responsible for an automobile accident? This is the sort of paradigm shift that hasn’t come about since…Read More
Scientists say lead is a “neurotoxin.” Literally, neurotoxin means “brain poison.” The effects of lead on a growing child can be severe and permanent. A child may consume lead in a number of ways, including exposure to lead-laced paint, paint chips, and paint dust. Other sources may include water, soil, candies, jewelry, toys, cookware, cosmetics and traditional home remedies. In Chicago alone, 1,000 children were diagnosed with lead poisoning last year and the State of Illinois has a higher percentage of lead poisoning cases than any other state in the…Read More
Every lawsuit is a story. When a client comes into my office for the first time, I want to hear their story. Before I take on a new client, I need to hear what happened. Inevitably, at the end of the story, the potential client always asks me a simple question: “do I have a case?” The answer to that simple question is almost never simple and always unique. Every case I take has three main components: an injury, liability, and a defendant. These are the three pillars of every…Read More
If you live in Chicago, you’ve noticed the seemingly ubiquitous blue bikes that have been popping up all over the city. I live and work downtown but at first I was skeptical about the system’s usefulness. I’m a somewhat serious biker but I wasn’t sure the system would really be practical. I didn’t sign up until I noticed there is a station within a block of: 1) my apartment; 2) my office; and 3) the courthouse. So, last week, I paid the $75.00 to sign up and, on Monday, my…Read More
