Over in Israel and India, people are still panicked over swine flu. But here in the United States, it seems to be generating mostly yawns (with the occasional lawsuit mixed in).

Earlier in the summer, swine flu hit a number of law-related venues, including Duke Law School, the Bronx D.A.’s office, and Mayer Brown (in Chicago). We’ve also heard unconfirmed reports of swine flu outbreaks in a Massachusetts courthouse and an Atlanta law firm.

But Chicago seems to be where it’s at. A law school and a law firm that have hosted cases in the Windy City, after the jump.

Legal prodigy Kate McLaughlin, who is on her way to Northwestern Law School (at the tender age of 19), might want to pack a face mask. According to a message sent around last week by Associate Dean Cliff Zimmerman (reprinted below), a current student has been diagnosed with swine flu.

Perhaps the NU law student contracted swine flu as a summer associate? In the Chicago office of Winston & Strawn, a number of summer associates (believed to be four) came down with the flu. This led to cancellation of the annual trip to a Cubs game, much to the disappointment of others at the firm.

“The four summers were out for a week or so, and everyone else was bummed about missing the Cubs outing,” said our source. “Apparently, the recruiting coordinator physically took away the tickets from everyone, so no one could go.”

So Chicago seems to have been relatively hard-hit by Swine Flu 1.0. Does this mean that the second wave of swine flu, expected to hit this fall, will also attack Chicago with a vengeance? Or does this mean that Chicago has already seen the worst of it?

Are you afraid of swine flu? Should you be? Discuss.

NORTHWESTERN LAW SCHOOL — MEMORANDUM — SWINE FLU

To: Northwestern Law Community
From: Cliff Zimmerman
Re: Law Student with H1N1 Influenza
Date: August 13, 2009

A current law student has reported being diagnosed with HINI Influenza A (swine flu). We have been in contact with University Health authorities and will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

As we begin the new school year and as indicated in previous communications, we want to remind you that we follow and strongly encourage everyone in our community to adhere to the CDC and University Health guidance related to H1N1.

For your information, the links to these guidelines are below.

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Northwestern University Health Services Swine Flu Resources: http://www.nuhs.northwestern.edu/evanston/swineflu.aspx.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Clifford S. Zimmerman
Associate Dean and Dean of Students
Clinical Associate Professor of Law
Harry B. Reese Teaching Professor
Northwestern University School of Law

WINSTON & STRAWN — MEMORANDUM — CANCELED SUMMER EVENTS

From: Torres, Joseph J.
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 2:54 PM
Subject: Update concerning today’s Summer Associate Events

We were notified this afternoon that a number of summer associates in the Chicago Office are exhibiting similar flu-like symptoms. These individuals are under medical care and are currently at home.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have canceled today’s scheduled group summer associate events, including the bankruptcy highlights presentation and tonight’s Cubs outing.

I am sorry we had to take this step, but insuring the health and well being of all firm personnel is our first and foremost obligation. We believe this is the appropriate course of action until we are able to more fully assess the situation.

If you are not feeling well or exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, please contact Emily Tichauer, who can provide you with additional information, including, if necessary, a referral to a local doctor.

We will keep you informed of any further developments. In the meantime, please continue to follow our previously published recommendations on staying healthy, which are posted on SilasNet. You can also visit www.CDC.gov for additional information.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Julie Goodman, our Chief Human Resources Officer.

Joseph J. Torres
Partner
Chair, Hiring Committee

Family of Swine Flu Victim Plans to Sue City [City Room / New York Times]

Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of swine flu