Hello again, hope your Thanksgiving went well. The Vacatur Guide(s) are here’ish. Before I explain why there’s two (and their differences), I wanted to do a quick recap.
A unique thing about 1401’s is that they’re used both in civil and criminal proceedings, and the rules for each are the same. The caselaw gleamed from the criminal 1401’s are just as valuable (and perhaps moreso) than what we find in the civil cases.
Which is why, as a “one-off” there will be the Standard Edition Vacatur Guide (scroll to the very bottom to download) that contains just the civil decisions and no extras. Or you can upgrade to this “Judge’s Edition” where all proceeds will be donated to CVLS (Chicago Volunteer Legal Services).
CVLS is the largest legal aid organization in Illinois, and they do an amazing job providing access to justice for those in need. And for a measly $20 (come’on you’re a lawyer, you spend at least that much on Gitlin guides), you not only get a comprehensive roundup of every notable 1401 decision from 2024, but you also do a good deed and score some Karma points.
The Judge’s Edition also contains a very nifty flowchart (with caselaw citation) so your first year associates won’t get lost. That’s a win-win for everyone.
So if you’re feeling charitable, you can purchase the $20 guide here.
But hurry, the offer ends December 31, 2024.
I will post sales records in the first week of January - but I’m hoping we can sell 20 of these. May be a tall ask given the size of this Substack, but worth a shot.
Anyway, check it out and see if it’s right for you.
And if you’re one of those cheap grinch lawyers, that’s okay, you can still download the free Standard Guide below.
Anyway that’s all I have. There will be another (free) guide dropping in late December, so keep an eye on the Substack for when it drops. Or the YouTube page.