CBA Record

Y O U N G L A W Y E R S J O U R N A L

in the definition of a decedent’s “estate.” See Johnson v. La Grange State Bank, 73 Ill. 2d 342, 364 (1978). Accordingly, Muslims can place their assets in trusts to ensure a distribution that comports with Sharia law. Individuals should seek competent legal counsel in addition to Islamic scholars to draft wills, trusts and other estate planning documents. Doing so ensures that a dece- dent can rest knowing they have fulfilled an Islamic mandate, complied with state law and met their family’s needs. Furqan Mohammed is an associate in the Chicago office of Perkins Coie LLP. Furqan has a broad litigation and counseling back- ground and he helps companies and start-ups that focus on halal, Muslim-centric and/ or Sharia-compliant products and services. Lucy Park, a partner in the Chicago office of Perkins Coie LLP, is an estate planner who advises couples and families, as well as fidu- ciaries and beneficiaries, on the administra- tion of trusts and decedents’ estates, probate and pre- and post-mortem estate planning.

tion in Islam. 755 ILCS 5/15-1 and 2. This outcome begs the question: how can a Muslim fulfill both state and Sharia mandates through estate planning? Trusts and Other Estate Planning Devices The answer lies in the creation of trusts and other estate planning documents. A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party (trustee) to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary (such as the heirs). Black’s Law Dictionary 1740 (10th ed. 2014). Trusts are flexible instruments that specify how much and when certain assets should pass to the beneficiaries. See generally 760 ILCS 5/1 et seq. Other estate planning vehicles, such as family limited partnerships, can also be used for a similar purpose. In Illinois, trusts have the added ben- efit of preventing a surviving spouse from circumventing a decedent’s wishes. As described above, a surviving spouse may renounce a decedent’s will and take his or her statutory “elective share” against the decedent’s estate. 755 ILCS 5/2-8. How- ever, Illinois does not include trust assets

Pro Bono Support Are you looking for a pro bono opportunity that fits your skills, interests and availability? The CBF Pro Bono Support Program is here to help connect you to meaningful pro bono volunteer opportunities that are a good fit for you.To learn more about potential volunteer opportunities, viewour Pro Bono Opportunities Guide at www. chicagobarfoundation.org/resources/pro-bono. Contact Angela Inzano at the CBF Pro Bono Support Programat ainzano@chicagobar.org or 312/554-4952 for assistance getting involved or for hard copies of the Guide.

Nielsen Career Consulting

Career Counseling For Attorneys

The Judicial Perspective on Motion Practice Wednesday, October 21, 3:00–6:00 pm MCLE Credit: 2.75 IL PR-MCLE credits (subject to approval) Location: The Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL Presented by: YLS Tort Litigation

Strategies and support for your career in or out of the law • 30 Years of Experience • Over 3500 Clients

A panel of three experienced Cook County judges will address various aspects of litigating a lawsuit from pleading to trial preparation and settlement.The panelists will also discuss their perspective fromthe bench, offering pointers and common pet peeves for newand experienced lawyers alike.These panelists will discuss General Pleading Issues, Dismissal for Lack Of Diligence (SCR 103(b)Motions), Amending Pleadings/Relation Back Doctrine, Motions to Dismiss: 2-615, 2-619, Common Discovery Disputes/Privileges (Scope, Motions to Compel, Social Media), Settlement of Minor/Disabled Person’s Injury/Wrongful Death Suit, and Appeals of Partial Final Judgments (SCR 304) and Certified Questions/Interlocutory Appeals (SCR 308) Speakers include: Judge Larry G. Axelrood, LawDivision, Circuit Court of Cook County; Judge JohnH. Ehrlich, Law Division, Circuit Court of Cook County; JudgeWilliam E. Gomolinski, Law Division, Circuit Court of Cook County; and Moderators Matthew Howeth, Curcio Law Offices; Chair, YLS Tort Litigation Committee; and Peter Nozicka, Lucas & Cardenas and James Gay;Vice-Chairs,YLSTort Litigation Committee. Meg Ledebuhr, Berger Schatz; Chair, CBA Adoption Law Committee; and Barbara Sereda, President, Adoption Advocates of America; Vice Chair, CBA Adoption Law Committee.

Sheila Nielsen, MSW, JD

The Park Monroe 65 E. Monroe St., Ste. 4301 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 340-4433 www.nielsencareerconsulting.com

40 SEPTEMBER 2015