Dick Devine, of counsel in Cozen O’Connor’s Criminal Defense and Internal Investigations practice, offers his insights into the ongoing legislative debates around capital punishment in Illinois. In a guest column published in the June 6 edition of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the former Cook County State’s Attorney for more than a decade prior to joining Cozen O’Connor, voices his concern that the new standards of proof proposed by the governor in response to the state legislature’s attempt to revive the death penalty will only make the prosecution of capital offenses more difficult and the decision criteria less clear.

To read the full article, please click here.

Hon. Jennifer Duncan-Brice, ret.

Faustin Pipal, Esq.

Hon. Margaret Mullen, ret.

Resolute Systems’ mediators swept the 2018 National Law Journal rankings of Midwest mediators, capturing the top three mediator spots, the company announced. Jennifer Duncan-Brice of Resolute’s Chicago office was ranked the number 1 mediator in the Midwest.  Faustin Pipal and Former Lake County Judge Margaret Mullen, also from the Chicago office, were each ranked a Top 3 mediator in the reader survey.  And for the third consecutive year, Resolute Systems was named the top ADR provider in the Midwest in the same rankings.

“It is quite an honor to have three Resolute mediators named the top 3 mediators in the Midwest,” said Michael Weinzierl, Resolute Systems VP.  “Judge Duncan-Brice and Faustin Pipal have been recognized with these honors in the pas. We were very excited to have Judge Margaret Mullen join them.”

The survey results were published in The Best of the Midwest Reader Rankings from The National Law Journal. According to The National Law Journal has the largest paid circulation of any weekly publication serving the national legal community. It is owned by ALM, the preeminent 173-year-old legal publishing company.

For more information, contact Mike Weinzierl at 800-776-6060, x125 or mweinzierl@resolutesystems.com.

Resolute is pleased to announce that it has been ranked the #1 BEST ADR PROVIDER in the Midwest by the 2018 National Law Journal Annual Reader Rankings Survey (2018 Best of the Midwest Reader Rankings Survey) for the third year in a row.

Established in 1988 with offices throughout the country, Resolute has a national panel of 2,800 neutrals and administers over 12,000 cases each year nationally.  Its mediators have been recognized as among the best in the United States by a number of professional associations, as well as professional surveys.

Three of Resolute Systems’ Midwest Panelists were also voted at the best mediators in the Midwest.  Chicago mediators Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice, Faustin Pipal, and Judge Margaret Mullen were named the top 3  mediators in the survey.

In addition, Resolute was voted A Best Overall ADR firm in the United States by the 2018 Best of National Law Journal Reader Rankings Survey and voted a Best Overall ADR Firm in the New York Law Journal Survey for 8 consecutive years.

“We are honored to be recognized as the #1 ADR provider,” said Resolute President Ryan Hamilton. “From insurance related matters like personal injury, to employment and commercial disputes, and consumer and divorce matters, Resolute offers fair, efficient and cost-effective ADR processes to our clients.”

According to The National Law Journal, more than 1,000 readers cast votes in the survey. The National Law Journal has the largest paid circulation of any weekly publication serving the national legal community. It is owned by ALM, the preeminent 173-year-old legal publishing company.

Dick Devine, Of Counsel in Cozen O’Connor’s Criminal Defense and Internal Investigations practice, shared in Crain’s Chicago Business his concerns over the recent proposal to shake up the organizational structure of the Chicago Police Department.  The proposal is being forwarded by the Grassroots Alliance for Public Accountability.  The Alliance proposes to form a civilian commission to oversee the CPD – adding, as Dick details in his column, a layer of civilian administration and governance without heed to the civilian controls already in place.  Dick provides a provocative insider’s perspective to the matter in the April 11, 2018 issue.  To read the entire piece, click here.

Resolute is pleased to welcome Judge Margaret Mullen to its Chicago team of Dispute Resolution Professionals.  Judge Mullen sat in the Lake County Law Division for 14 years, where she presided over civil litigation including personal injury, commercial and insurance coverage matters, as well as administrative review.  She also served as Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit for two years, and also during her career served as the Presiding Judge of the Consolidated Family Division, the Law Division, and the Juvenile Division.  Prior to sitting in the Law Division, Judge Mullen sat in Chancery Court, hearing complex civil litigation. Between 1997 and 2000, she was assigned to Family Court, where she handled dissolution, custody, and parentage matters, from filing to post-decree.

Judge Mullen was active in judicial education at EdCon, presenting seminars on medical malpractice litigation, Supreme Court Rule 213 and Best Tips For Civil Judges. She presented at EdCon again on Medical Malpractice in 2018.

To schedule mediation with Judge Mullen, please call (312) 346-3770, x125 or email mweinzierl@resolutesystems.com.

Resolute Systems is pleased to welcome Judge Jack Fleming to its Chicago team of Dispute Resolution Professionals.  Judge Jack Fleming brings his extensive judicial mediation experience in the Cook County Probate Division to his private mediation practice.  During his judicial career, Judge Fleming successfully conducted mediation negotiations in hundreds of cases in civil and criminal matters. In the Probate Division, he was sought after by lawyers and their clients to mediate pending litigation, including in cases that were not on his call.

While Judge Fleming has extensive experience mediating all facets of probate matters, including estate, trust and guardianship issues, he is also qualified to mediate contract, commercial, business and other civil mattes.  He is available to serve as a mediator, arbitrator, discovery referee and fact finder.

To schedule mediation with Judge Fleming, please call 312.346.3770, x125 or email mweinzierl@resolutesystems.com.

For the second consecutive year, Resolute Systems was voted the  #1 ADR Provider in The National Law Journal’s 2017 Best of the Midwest reader survey.

Established in 1988 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Resolute Systems has a number of offices across the United States and administers over 12,000 cases each year nationally.  Its mediators have been recognized as among the best in the United States by a number of professional associations, as well as professional surveys.

Two of Resolute Systems’ Midwest Panelists were also voted at the best mediators in the Midwest.  Faustin Pipal and Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice, both of Resolute’s Chicago office, were named the number 1 and number 2 mediators in the Midwest.

In addition, for the seventh consecutive year Resolute has been voted a “Best Overall Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider” by the New York Law Journal 2017 Reader Rankings Survey.

“We are honored to be recognized as the top ADR provider,” Said Resolute Systems Vice President Michael E. Weinzierl.  “From insurance related matters like personal injury, to employment and commercial disputes, and consumer and divorce matters, Resolute offers fair, efficient and cost-effective ADR processes to our clients.”

According to The National Law Journal, more than 1,000 readers cast votes in the survey. The National Law Journal has the largest paid circulation of any weekly publication serving the national legal community. It is owned by ALM, the preeminent 172-year-old legal publishing company.

Faustin Pipal, Esq.

Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice

Resolute Systems’ mediators captured the top two spots in the 2017 ranking of Midwest mediators the company announced. Faustin Pipal, of Resolute’s Chicago office, was ranked the number 1 mediator in the Midwest.  Former Chicago Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice was ranked the number 2 mediator in the Midwest in the Annual Best of the Midwest Reader Rankings from The National Law Journal. Resolute Systems was named the top ADR provider in the Midwest in the same rankings.

“We congratulate Faustin Pipal and Jennifer Duncan-Brice for again being recognized by the Midwest legal community as the top mediators in the Midwest,” said Michael Weinzierl, Resolute Systems VP.  “Both Faustin Pipal and Jennifer Duncan-Brice mediate tough complex cases not only in Illinois, but throughout the Midwest.  They have established themselves among the most sought after mediators in the region.”

According to The National Law Journal, more than 1,000 readers cast votes in the survey. The National Law Journal has the largest paid circulation of any weekly publication serving the national legal community. It is owned by ALM, the preeminent 172-year-old legal publishing company.

For more information, contact Mike Weinzierl at 800-776-6060, x125 or mweinzierl@resolutesystems.com.

Resolute Systems is pleased to announce the opening of its new Chicago office at 100 South Wacker Drive in the heart of the Loop. The office opened August 1, 2017. It features expanded conference, caucus and waiting rooms, as well as Wi-Fi. Resolute will continue to offer complementary lunches to our clients during mediation sessions.

“We are very happy with our new facility,” said Resolute Mediator Faustin A. Pipal. “The new space accommodates multiple mediations in a relaxed atmosphere conducive to resolving disputes.”

Serving the Chicago legal community since 1988, Resolute offers top-tier neutrals including former state appellate and federal judges, as well as Attorney neutrals.

Former Cook County circuit court judge Russell W. Hartigan becomes president of the Illinois State Bar Association. Read the full article published in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Dick Devine, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Criminal Defense & Criminal Investigations practice, discusses the Chicago Police Department in Crain’s Chicago Business. The mayor and police superintendent are looking for effective law enforcement strategies to stem the loss of life in our community. At the same time, they are pushing to reform the Chicago Police Department in the wake of a recent Department of Justice report that criticizes the police on many fronts, especially the handling of cases where use of excessive force is alleged.

To read the article, click here.

Judge Russell Hartigan was the featured keynote speaker at the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association 2017 annual conference where he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the organization.  Judge Hartigan spoke at the conference on February 20, 2017 at Northern Illinois University, Naperville Campus in Naperville, Illinois.

The Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association is a not-for-profit professional organization founded in 1992 to serve the needs of the practicing local government attorney. Since its inception, the Association has served as a conduit for the timely publications, workshops, conferences and website. The Association enables local government lawyers to share information and solutions to problems of mutual interest by providing an open forum for the exchange of ideas and “no holds barred” discussions of issues. Membership in the Association is open to all attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois and actively representing local government.

For more information, contact Judge Hartigan at 312-860-5327.

Resolute Systems Mediator Faustin Pipal presented a Commercial Mediation CLE for the Business Law Network on Feb 9, 2017. The presentation highlighted mediating commercial disputes, including an overview of the mediation process, and tips on preparing for–and conducting–successful commercial mediations from his perspective as a mediator for 24 years. Faustin Pipal frequently presents CLE’s to legal associations, law firms and bar associations throughout Chicago.

The Business Law Network is a network of lawyers and boutique law firms that address the many needs of middle market and small businesses. By collaborating on a case-by-case basis, member lawyers are able to provide the breadth of experience businesses have come to expect from larger law firms, without sacrificing the client-focused attention that is the hallmark of boutique firms and solo practices. Members of the Business Law Network have developed professional relationships with other experienced business law attorneys in a variety of practice areas, allowing them to find the appropriate resources for their clients’ complex legal needs.

For more information on Faustin Pipal’s CLE courses, please contact Mike Weinzierl at 312.346.3770, x125 or mweinzierl@resolutesystems.com. Additional information on the Business Law Network can be found at http://bizlawnetwork.com.

Resolute Systems is pleased to congratulate Chicago Panelists Michael Clancy, Jennifer Duncan-Brice and Faustin Pipal on being named 2017 Super Lawyers in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice

Faustin Pipal, Esq.

Michael W. Clancy, Esq.

Very few Chicago mediators make the cut:  Every year Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented selection process that involves peer nominations, independent research and peer evaluations. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.*

Please call 312.346.3770 to schedule your case.

* Super Lawyers selection process as outlined at www.superlawyers.com/about.html.

Judge Russell Hartigan brings his judicial experience combined with his extensive experience litigating civil matters to his private mediation and arbitration practice.  During his judicial tenure, Judge Hartigan was known as a highly effective pre-trial mediator, helping lawyers and their clients resolve pending litigation through the mediation process. Judge Hartigan is President Elect of the Illinois Bar Association.

Judge Hartigan is available to serve as a mediator or arbitrator in a wide array of civil disputes.  Please call 312-346-3770 to submit your case.  View Russ Hartigan’s biography.

“It’s not the mediator’s job to fashion a settlement the parties hate; it’s to fashion one they regard as fair and in their best interests.”

Read more about Jonah Orlofsky.

Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice

Resolute Systems’ mediators finished 1, 2 and 3 in a 2016 ranking of Midwest Mediators the company announced. Former Chicago Judge Jennifer Duncan-Brice was ranked the top mediator in the Midwest, followed by Chicago-based mediators Faustin Pipal and Michael Clancy in the Annual Best of the Midwest Reader Rankings from The National Law Journal. Resolute Systems was named the top ADR provider in the Midwest in the same rankings.

Faustin Pipal, Esq.

“We are extremely pleased with these results,” said Michael Weinzierl, vice president of Resolute Systems. “Jennifer Duncan-Brice and Faustin Pipal have been previously ranked among the top mediators in Chicago. Having Mike Clancy join them to form the top three mediators in the Midwest is outstanding.”

Weinzierl also added that it was an honor for Resolute Systems to be named the top ADR firm in the Midwest in the survey as well.

Michael W. Clancy, Esq.

According to The National Law Journal, more than 1,000 readers cast votes in the survey. The National Law Journal has the largest paid circulation of any weekly publication serving the national legal community. It is owned by ALM, the preeminent 172-year-old legal publishing company.

For more information, contact Mike Weinzierl at 800-776-6060, x125 or mweinzierl@resolutesystems.com.

Improving morale within the Chicago Police Department and reducing violent crime go hand-in-hand according to Resolute Chicago mediator Dick Devine.  The New Police Superintendent should prioritize both.

Read more in the Chicago Tribune Commentary: Advice for Chicago’s new top cop: Boost morale, reduce crime story.

Resolute Chicago Mediator Dick Devine says new Chicago Police Chief must provide strong leadership to bring community back together. Read the full article in the Chicago Sun Times.