ABA considers proposal for more transparency with law school finances, other changes

The American Bar Association House of Delegates, which determines association-wide policy, will take up a proposed resolution at the upcoming ABA Annual Meeting that seeks more financial counseling and transparency for students considering or in law school... read more

ABA, NAACP Legal Defense Fund co-sign statement addressing bias in criminal justice system

The American Bar Association and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund issued a joint statement today on Eliminating Bias in the Criminal Justice System... read more

What Does a Wrongful Death Case Entail?

No one wants to think about a lawsuit that involves a wrongful death, but you deserve the right to hold the negligent party responsible. Although a financial settlement won’t bring your loved one back, it can ensure that it won’t happen to someone else and see you through a difficult time as you adjust to a new life.

Burden of Evidence

In a criminal case, the standard of proof is that the defendant was responsible “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In a wrongful death suit, the burden is much lower, but you do need to establish negligence, which is a key element in a wrongful death case. The other important element is that there must be financial damages. Although you may not be emotionally prepared to deal with this, you don’t want to wait too long. Evidence can be destroyed or lost and witnesses forget. Your state may have a statute of limitations, too.

What Damages Can Be Awarded?

Financial damages in a wrongful death case won’t ever make up for the loss of your loved one. However, they do go a long way in providing for the economic loss. This is very important if the deceased is the breadwinner in a family with children. Many different items are considered when determining the amount of damages that are awarded. To learn more about what a wrongful death case entails, visit this website for a wrongful death lawyer in Escondido.

Chicago lawyer Bruce Pfaff to receive Pursuit of Justice Award from American Bar Association

The American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section will honor Chicago attorney Bruce Robert Pfaff with its Pursuit of Justice Award, which recognizes lawyers and judges who have shown outstanding merit and who excel in providing access to justice for all... read more

Symbols of the Law for the New Grad

3D decorations in the shape of the scale, the mallet, and even the thick textbooks look fascinatingly real on this law school graduation cake made of chocolate. Happy graduation day!

Why You Should Draw a Will

Wills are only for people with a lot of assets. Or are they? Even when you have a small asset or own almost nothing, a will can be a great exit strategy that helps your family and loved ones. Here are the top three reasons.

1. You control your estates and who will take care of the transfer process

Not just grand mansions and luxury vehicles count as estates. Your personal belongings, any bank accounts, insurance policies or retirement accounts are also estates.In a will, you can designate beneficiaries and also choose the person who will oversee the entire process of transferring assets to those beneficiaries.

Without a will, the court can decide who gets what. So especially if you have children, a will is a must, so that you can protect them even after your death.

2. You can shorten the probate process

With or without a will, the probate process will happen. But with a proper will, the process will take much less time, because you have already made some choices for the court and your representative.

3. You can always change your mind

Things happen in life and priorities change. Births, deaths, marriage, divorce and other life-changing events can affect your decisions on asset transfer. In that case, you can always change your will while you are still alive.

Wills are not as complicated as you might think. To learn more about how to draw a will, visit the website of a wills lawyer in Temple.

The Relevant Lawyer” helps lawyers prepare for change

Frederic S. Ury, contributor and chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, discusses “The Relevant Lawyer... read more