Practice News

 At the end of his first year as an associate, Jeffrey L. Grinde Jr. reflected on his “many ups, many downs, and a lot of in-betweens.” His experiences inspired him to “find various ways to learn from other people’s successes and failures,” which he pursued through reading books by authors who have things to say about “writing, thinking, and living well.” In the June Illinois Bar Journal, Grinde recommends some of his favorite books about living a successful life in his article, “Too Many Books, Too Little Time.” 

Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Richard A. Zimmer as a Resident Circuit Judge for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Rock Island County.

Judge Zimmer is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Linnea E. Thompson on June 30, 2025. Judge Zimmer’s appointment is effective July 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026. 

Justice Joy V. Cunningham and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Michael Cabonargi as an At-Large Circuit Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mr. Cabonargi is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mary Ellen Coglan. Mr. Cabonargi’s appointment is effective June 13, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026.

 The Illinois Supreme Court has determined that the odor of raw cannabis, but not burnt cannabis, provides probable cause on its own to search a vehicle, notes Emily L. Fitch in her June Illinois Bar Journal article, “Sights, Smells, & Searches.” Fitch goes on to explain how the Court found “harmony” between the arguably contradictory Vehicle Code and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act by determining that each is consistent with the requirement to store cannabis in an odor-proof container.