Chicago Happenings

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by Say_hello_for_me
Yo, keepin the info comin here. Must see type things if you have, say, 5 days in Chicago as an adult include something on this list or other:.......
Music? Well, no CBGBs or nuthin, but the Cabaret Metro also pretty much defined underground around here/there/everywhere back in the day.

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?

[Say_hello_for_me]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
is Lizard Lounge still around?

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

Not there anymore as far as I know.

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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

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

[mmm3587]

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.

[Say_hello_for_me]

Originally posted by Say_hello_for_me

The Museum of Science and Industry (for kids). Visit the U505, captured in WWII by a task force headed by Rear (or Vice) Admiral Gallery, a native Chicagoan. One of 3 brothers who rose to flag rank in the navy. A 4th was a very nice parish priest at a south side church. The 5th child, a girl, was a nun. Before you ask, no unseemly behavior ever alleged against any. One of the navy brothers wrote a series of childrens books on the navy that I read a long time ago. The centerpiece was a sailor nicknamed Fatso

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.

[frodo corleone]

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.

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by frodo corleone
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 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.

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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...

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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?

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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...

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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

[mmm3587]

Originally posted by Aloha Mr. Learned Hand
Sounds like good news. What are other people hearing?

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.

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

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