The Candidate Report for the 2026 ISBA Election is below. All members of the association (except non-lawyer members) with their dues paid by March 2, 2026, are eligible to vote.
(N.B.: Where more candidates filed for a position than vacancies available, ballot positions were determined by lot. Ballot positions are listed next to the candidate’s name.)
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is in the process of converting to a new association management system (AMS). As of Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, most of the ISBA website is back online, although some member services remain unavailable.
All candidates outside of Cook County for Illinois judicial office who are running in the March 17 primary election have been rated by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Judicial Evaluations Committee, or in a poll of lawyers conducted by the ISBA.
Watch the Cubs play two roaring games during opening weekend of MLB Spring Training with other ISBA members from February 19–23 in Scottsdale, AZ.
ISBA members, sign up to receive The Bar News' biweekly e-newsletter by emailing emailpreferences@isba.org
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February 5, 2026 |
ISBA News
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February 5, 2026 | ISBA News
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) oposes recently introduced S.B. 2964 and H.B. 4931, both of which would allow non-attorneys to do property tax appeals. The enactment of these bills would violate the Illinois Supreme Court's decision in In re Yamaguchi, 118 Ill. 2d 417 (1987), which found that real estate tax appeals constitute the practice of law.3 comments (Most recent February 5, 2026) -
February 4, 2026 | Practice News
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for one staff attorney position. -
February 4, 2026 | Events
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) co-hosted a luncheon during the 2025 Joint Midyear Meeting on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Chicago. -
February 4, 2026 | Practice News
Western Illinois University will host the 2026 installment of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Riding the Circuit program as justices hear oral arguments in two cases on Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 10 a.m., in the University Union Grand Ballroom. “We are thrilled to welcome the Illinois Supreme Court to our campus for this incredible event,” Interim Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Amy Crosby said. “The day will provide an unparalleled opportunity for local students and the WIU community to experience the judicial process in action.” -
February 4, 2026 | ISBA News
View Illinois State Bar Associations' judicial ratings by county for March 17's primary election. -
February 2, 2026 |
Practice News
In late 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court approved the Judicial Branch’s 2026-2028 Strategic Agenda. The agenda was developed by the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC), the body charged with strategic planning for the Judicial Branch. It provides a blueprint for the work of the branch over the next three years.
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February 2, 2026 | Practice News
Last December, Illinois attorneys and judges gathered in Chicago to reflect on the pressure the Trump administration has placed on law firms during his second term. They met as part of a continuing legal education program sponsored by the ISBA titled, “The Legal Profession: Caretakers of Democracy,” during the ISBA/Illinois Judges Association Joint Midyear Meeting on Dec. 9 at the JW Marriott Chicago. Panelists discussed President Trump’s executive orders directed at law firms, the need to rebuild public trust in the legal system, and tips for public appearances as legal professionals. -
January 30, 2026 | Practice NewsJustice Sanjay T. Tailor, a 23-year veteran trial and appellate court judge and the first Asian American to sit on the Illinois Supreme Court, was sworn in today by Chief Justice P. Scott Neville at an installation ceremony held in Chicago. “I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by the justices of the Illinois Supreme Court,” Justice Tailor said. “I look forward to continuing the work of the court to ensure that our system of justice serves all people fairly and equitably.”
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January 30, 2026 | Practice NewsMarcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Third Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Chad M. Loughrey as an associate judge of the Third Judicial Circuit. Mr. Loughrey received his undergraduate degree in 2000 from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor in 2006 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Mr. Loughrey is currently affiliated with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office in Edwardsville, Illinois.