Practice News

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis announced today the addition of new members to her Judicial Screening Committee. 

The screening committee was formed for the purpose of assessing the qualifications of those persons who have applied for appointment to the Office of Judge of the Circuit Court for Cook County. The committee is currently reviewing candidates for vacancies created by the retirements of Judge Joan O’Brien and Judge Sharon Sullivan. Under the Illinois constitution, the vacancies will be filled by Supreme Court appointment. 

The prevalence of mental illness and co-occurring disorders is greatly impacting our nation, each of our states, and our communities, and has a disproportionate effect on our courts and justice system. As part of a National Initiative, the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators hosted a Midwest Regional Summit in October 2019 in Deadwood, South Dakota. Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne M. Burke and Illinois State Court Administrator Marcia Meis assembled and led an Illinois delegation at the Summit. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office Central District of Illinois is accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney opening in its Criminal Division to be located in Urbana, IL. 

Applicants must be a United States citizen or national; submit to a background investigation, credit and tax checks, and drug test; be registered for selective service, if applicable; have a J.D. Degree; have at least three years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience; and be active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

In his November Illinois Bar Journal article, “Coronavirus & Disability Insurance: Trends to Follow,” David A. Bryant notes that 2020 and 2021 have been defined, in great part, by the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccination efforts are providing a glimmer of hope, the novel coronavirus will affect our lives—and disability insurance claims—for the foreseeable future.