While it has long been recognized that there is a separation of powers under the Illinois Condominium Property Act between condominium boards and unit owners, condominium boards have possessed almost all of the decision-making authority under the Act, including deciding rule violations. But, according to Ellis Levin in his September 2019 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Power to the Condo Unit Owner,” that power has shifted in Boucher v. 111 East Chestnut Condominium Association. In Boucher (Justice Neville’s final appellate opinion before joining the Illinois Supreme Court), the balance of power has shifted from condominium officers and boards to unit owners when unit owners protest rule violations and request meeting records.

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced that retired Circuit Judge Milton S. Wharton has been assigned as an appellate court justice in the Fifth District. 

Judge Wharton was assigned to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Fifth District Appellate Court Justice Melissa Chapman, who will retire effective Oct. 2. Judge Wharton’s assignment will take effect on Nov. 1 and conclude Dec. 7, 2020, following the November 2020 general election. Judge Wharton will not be a candidate in the race to fill the vacancy permanently. 

The Illinois Bar Journal’s September 2019 cover story, “A Path to Leadership,” details the ISBA’s proactive efforts to develop the Association’s next generation of leaders by launching a Leadership Academy. “We’re looking forward to this program,” says ISBA president David Sosin, who practices at Sosin, Arnold & Schoenbeck in Orland Park. “It will be one of the more exciting programs on a continuing year-after-year basis for our young members. It will not only pay great dividends to the Illinois State Bar Association, but to bar associations across the state for many years to come.”

Attorney Marie Sarantakis discusses the five things every attorney should know about handling a divorce, which include being familiar with the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, focusing on the facts of your case, familiarizing yourself with your county’s rules, being aware of a judge’s preferences, and knowing your clients.