Chicago Tourism By the Insiders
 

is Lizard Lounge still around?
Elkheart is something to see, even if just for how strange people are. Isn't there some really odd-ball home just a little north of Elkheart?

Chicago Tourism By the Insiders
 

Ahhh, the good ole wicker park 70's redux scene.

Not there anymore as far as I know.

Irv Kupcinet Dead at 91
 

Legendary Chicago newspaper columnist Irv Kupcinet is dead at age 91...

http://www.suntimes.com/special_sect...up/xkup11.html

Irv Kupcinet Dead at 91
 

I listened most of the afternoon to Roe and Gary talking about Kup. Does anyone else listen to Roe and Gary? They are kind of predictable at times, but still do a pretty good job of cracking me up more than the rest of talk radio.

Chicago Tourism By the Insiders
 

Woo Hoo, I'm quoting myself! Couldn't help but notice this mention of, uhm, then-"Captain" Gallery, in today's Tribune article:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...l=chi-news-hed

Wierd that. Don't remember seeing it mentioned in the major media previously.

Seyfarth Reputation
 

What is Seyfarth's rep in the Windy City? In particular, I'm interested in their long-term prospects (are they going to Altheimer?), what partnership prospects are like there, and insight into their compensation structure (it looks like an associate needs to bill 2500 hours and rank among the top 3 of all associates at their level just to receive a total compensation equal to the base compensation of other BigLaw firms.) Thanks.

Seyfarth Reputation
 

Seyfarth is well thought of in town, particularly in the labor/employment context which has been their primary niche. They sound pretty solid, as they have been positioning themselves as an acquirer of smaller firms rather than a target for the big boys. Seem to recall them absorbing another firm earlier this year...

As for compensation, IIRC, they are a step or two below top BIGLAW salaries for Chicago. Can't vouch for their compensation structure in practice, i.e. with hours worked and bonuses factored in, but perhaps someone else can.

Seyfarth Reputation
 

Seyfarth doesn't pay top-tier salaries, and they never have. On the other hand, they have not laid off people the way many of the top-tier firms did. Nor are they in danger of going Altheimer.

If you are interested in doing labor/employment law or government contract work, Seyfarth has one of the premier practices in the city.

In most other practice areas, they tend to be also-rans, although their entreprenuerial practice has to have improved recently by the absorption of D'Ancona & Pflaum, one of the better boutique firms in Chicago.

I am told by those in the know there that Seyfarth is more of a "lifestyle" firm, in that the hours aren't quite as brutal as at other firms. On the other hand, if you want the high-end bonus, be prepared to work the hours.

Happy Thanksgiving
 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and here's to the economy picking up so many of our friends and colleagues out of work get picked up soon...

Market Update
 

Small comfort to those still looking, but anecdotal evidence I'm seeing is that things are starting to pick up here in Chicago...

My shop is apparently starting to bring in laterals at an increased pace, returning to normal, and business seems to be improving... Hearing the same from friends and other sources, particularly on the lit. side.

My contacts and I are also getting more headhunter calls, FWIW, mentioning specific opportunities rather than just calling to say hello.

Sounds like good news. What are other people hearing?

Sen. Paul Simon dead at 75.
 

Sen. Paul Simon has died after heart surgery at age 75.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...wsbreaking-hed

While I didn't agree with the guy a lot politically, he always seemed like a decent, honest and caring politician. A real rarity and a class act.

On a lighter note, I also thought he looked like Orville Redenbacher...

Cheezborger Cheezborger Cheezborger
 

Sam Sianis, local restauranteur and owner of the legendary Chicago dives the Billy Goat, has filed suit against a Florida restaurant chain called Cheeburger Cheeburger for trademark infringement for allegedly appropriating the Billy Goat's well-known catch phrase.

The phrase was, according to the complaint, popularized in a sketch on Saturday Night Live in the 1970's. The sketch, written by Don Novello (aka Father Guido Sarducci), was purportedly written based on Novello's visits to the Billy Goat Bar under the Michigan Avenue Bridge...

What apparently set the suit a-flying was the Florida chain's intent to open a Chicago-area outlet.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...l=chi-news-hed

Market Update
 

My group at my shop is about as busy as it's been for the last 18 months. That is, not very, but enough that there's not concern about profits or layoffs or anything like that. We continue to see signs or and hear rumors about increased in business, but I've heard that since February at least, and there hasn't been a whole lot of evidence of it actually happening yet. But, yeah, outlook, laterals and headhunter calls are all definitely up.

Former Governor Ryan Indicted
 

In a move that should surprise no one, the Feds indicted former Governor George Ryan today on a 22 count indictment for various offenses, including enriching himself in office. Ryan will be defended by top defense counsel and former US Attorney Dan Webb of Winston & Strawn...

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/ryan17.html

Happy Holidays Everyone...
 

Thanks for making our first year at LawTalkers and my first attempt at moderating so much fun...

Best wishes to you and your families.

Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka,

Mr. Hand