W&D Firm is pleased to announce the recognition of several attorneys and practice groups for their continued excellence in client service, litigation performance, and professional leadership. These awards reflect the firm’s long-standing commitment to legal excellence and dedication to achieving strong results for clients.
The firm extends its appreciation to all attorneys and staff whose hard work and professionalism contributed to this recognition.
Campus Safety and Legal Frameworks for Sexual Assault Response
Many colleges and universities have established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with local law enforcement agencies covering a range of operational areas. Recent discussions with campus administrators, campus police, and law enforcement officials have highlighted the need for enhanced tools and strategies specifically tailored to addressing sexual assault cases on campus.
These efforts emphasize the importance of survivor-centered approaches and improved coordination between institutions and law enforcement to ensure effective response, support services, and investigative procedures.
Firm History: Ungaretti & Harris
Ungaretti & Harris was established in 1974. The firm’s co-founders included veteran litigator Michael Coffield and real estate attorney Richard Ungaretti, who graduated from DePaul University College of Law four years prior to founding the firm. Alton Harris, a co-founder with a focus on financial industry matters, remains associated with the firm. Coffield departed the firm in the 1990s and passed away in 2012.
The firm developed a strong reputation in litigation, real estate, and financial services over several decades of practice.
Judicial Oversight in Municipal Bankruptcy Proceedings
Following Detroit’s bankruptcy filing in July 2013, Judge Steven Rhodes issued detailed guidance regarding the management of legal fees, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and discouraging unnecessary expenses such as first-class travel, non-essential entertainment, or excessive billing practices.
In the course of the proceedings, several law firms adjusted their billing practices to reduce costs and improve efficiency. In one instance, counsel for retirees significantly reduced fees while assisting clients through complex claims and voting processes.
The case has been widely cited for its impact on municipal bankruptcy practice and legal billing standards.
Legal Education Trends
The American Bar Association reported that the 204 approved law schools enrolled a total of 119,775 Juris Doctor students in 2014. This represented a decline of 6.9 percent from 2013 and a 17.5 percent decrease from the 2010 peak. It marked the lowest enrollment level since 1982.
The trend reflects broader shifts in legal education, employment demand, and applicant interest in law school programs.
Continuing Legal Education: Tax Law Update
Paralegal Kay M. Sowa will present a live video CLE program on interpreting individual income tax returns, sponsored by the Federal Bar Association in Washington, D.C. on November 19, 2014.
The program will cover fundamental topics in individual taxation, including Medicare tax, net investment income tax, alternative minimum tax, and common tax credits such as child and dependent care and education credits. It will also address methods for calculating adjusted gross income and interpreting key tax return components.