The 2026 ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational was held on March 14 and 15, 2026, at Lincoln Land Community College - Springfield. Teams representing fifty-six high schools from across Illinois participated in the event. Normal West High School won first place and will represent Illinois at the National High School Mock Trial Competition in Des Moines, IL on May 7-9, 2026. In second place was Timothy Christian High School, and in third place was Niles West High School.
The 43rd Annual Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational took place on March 14-15, 2026, at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. 56 high schools throughout Illinois participated.
First place went to Normal West High School from Normal.
Second place went to Timothy Christian High School from Elmhurst, and Niles West High School from Skokie received third place.
The Civility Award recipient was Kindi Academy from Lisle.
The Donna E. Schechter Memorial Law Test Award recipient was College Preparatory School of America (CPSA) from Lombard.
The ISBA 32nd Annual Agricultural Law Seminar took place on February 6, 2026, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Bloomington, IL. Hot discussion topics included the unique challenges facing Illinois farmers and landowners, how to advise farmers in financial distress, and the state of Illinois’ farm economy.
Chief Judge Michael B. Brennan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is pleased to announce the appointment of David H. DeCelles to a 14-year term as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Mr. DeCelles succeeds Bankruptcy Judge Janet S. Baer who will retire in March 2026. Mr. DeCelles will take the oath of office and join the bankruptcy bench in Chicago on March 5, 2026.
Chief Judge Michael B. Brennan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy A. Peterman to a 14-year term as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Ms. Peterman succeeds Bankruptcy Judge Carol A. Doyle who retired in 2023. Ms. Peterman will take the oath of office and join the bankruptcy bench in Chicago on February 19, 2026.
ALTON, Ill. – Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that Luke Pfeifer has been elevated to partner, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Jan. 7, 2026 – Maron Marvel, a leading national litigation defense firm focusing on risk management, mass and toxic tort litigation, general liability, environmental law, and commercial litigation, is proud to announce the promotion of 10 attorneys, including three elevations to Shareholder and seven to Partner, effective January 1, 2026.