For those of you who are entrepreneurs or work in sales, you may have heard about “BNI.” It’s a networking group that stands for “business networking international.” You can find more about the organization here. I am currently in a start-up BNI chapter here in Champaign, Illinois. You can learn more about chapters in Central Illinois here. I spoke last …
Illinois Animal Law: Pet Shop Lemon Law
In states without a pet shop lemon law, consumers must result to relief under the Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”), which regulates the sale of “goods”. Since pets are more than “goods”, the UCC does not provide as much protection to the consumer for pets as the state specific pet shop lemon laws do. In Illinois, the Pet Shop Lemon Law …
New York Agriculture Law: Open Burning on Farms
Burning of garbage and leaves are illegal in New York, but there are specific laws which govern burning that since the regular operations of a farm typically involve the removal of trees and brush during field clearing and maintenance; the removal or trimming of diseased fruit canes, vines, and trees; and the removal of vegetative material from cultivated wetlands, among …
Illinois Animal Law: Were You Served Notice of a Dangerous or Vicious Animal Hearing in Urbana?
Did you receive notice of a dangerous dog or vicious dog hearing under the Urbana Code? Pursuant to Section 4-27, if you allegedly have a dangerous or vicious dog in Urbana, then you should be given your due process and and an opportunity to be heard; thus, the City must provide you notice of a hearing at least 5 to …
Illinois Animal Law: Has Your Dog Been Impounded in Urbana?
Under Section 4-24 of the Urbana Code, an animal can be impounded if: Is found to run at large, is lost, is apparently abandoned, or is otherwise deemed a stray; Has bitten any person or animal, or is believed to have otherwise behaved in a threatening, dangerous, terrorizing, or vicious manner; and, Has been found to be vicious. In this …
What Happens in a Mediation Session?
The mediator should begin the mediation session with laying a few ground rules. Here are some examples: 1. Explaining his/her role in the process 2. Reminding everyone about confidentiality and how the information used in the mediation is for “settlement purposes” and cannot be used in court 3. Depending on preference, asking the parties to put cellphones on silent or …
What Happens During the Consultation with a Mediator?
Initial Contact. Typically, one person calls the mediator at first and requests a telephonic or in-person consultation. If the initial consultation is given to only one party, then in efforts to stay neutral, private time with the mediator is also offered to the other person. Some mediators choose to charge for the initial consultation. Confidentiality Agreement. During this stage, …
Ribbon Cutting for the Illinois Office
Big thanks to everyone who came out and supported the grand opening of the Rincker Law, PLLC’s Illinois Office in Downtown Champaign. Special thank you to the Champaign Chambers of Commerce for hosting the ribbon cutting offering us the opportunity. Photos from the event are on our Facebook page here. Share this Article
Illinois Animal Law: What is the Difference Between a Dangerous Animal and Vicious Animal in Urbana?
If you live in Urbana, Illinois, under Section 4-1 of the Urbana Code, a “dangerous animal” is defined as a an email when: either unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner, or a member of the owner’s family, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack upon streets, sidewalks, any other public place, …
What are the Core Values of Mediation?
So what’s this mediation thing all about? Well, here are a few of its core values — i.e., what we mediators hold near and dear to our meditation hearts. Self-Determination – The basic tenant of mediation is that both parties have the autonomy and feel empowered to make the decisions instead of giving up that power to a neutral third …
What is Mediation? (Part 2)
In yesterday’s post, I noted what mediation is NOT. Well, this is what mediation IS: Mediation is a Conversation Put simply, the role of the mediator is to facilitate a conversation between the parties The mediator is not there to listen to testimony like a trial or arbitration. Albeit “heated” at times, a mediation session is conversation focused. Mediation Allows …
What is Mediation? What is it Not?
When I talk to folks about what mediation is, sometimes is easiest to explain what it is NOT first. I’m going to compare mediation to other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Litigation – Although mediation can be used in disputes between parties who are involved in litigation, the mediator is not acting like a judge, making a decision. Unlike trial, …