Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Katharine Hatch as a Circuit Judge in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Third Subcircuit.
Ms. Hatch is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles W. Smith, effective Aug. 31, 2026. The appointment is effective November 9, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028.
Campaign season for the 2027 Illinois State Bar Association Election has begun.
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October 16, 2026 | Practice News
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October 15, 2026 | Practice NewsChief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. and the Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to Rules 307 and 660 which will allow for interlocutory appeal on transfer orders from juvenile court to adult court. This change provides minors with the opportunity to request expedited appellate review of a juvenile court’s transfer order. The proposal was championed by former Cook County Circuit Court Judge Stuart Katz, who passed away earlier this year.
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October 15, 2026 | Practice News
Alton, Ill. — After seven years of litigation, Simmons Hanly Conroy has secured a $5 million jury verdict against Honda and Yamaha companies on behalf of a Georgia man diagnosed with an exceptionally rare form of malignant mesothelioma following asbestos exposure from motorcycle brake work. -
October 15, 2026 | Practice NewsJustice Elizabeth Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Resident Circuit Judge vacancy in Kendall County in the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit. The vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Robert P. Pilmer on November 30, 2026. Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to full Court approval.
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October 14, 2026 | Events
REGISTER and learn more! Join us in Lombard on November 12 as we honor the 2026 class of Distinguished Counselors at our Fall Member Appreciation Reception! Each year, the Illinois State Bar Association honors a new class of Distinguished Counselors—members who have been licensed attorneys for 50 years. The 2026 class of Distinguished Counselors comprises 301 attorneys and judges. Unless otherwise stated, all places of residence are in Illinois. -
October 14, 2026 | ISBA News
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is dedicated to supporting Illinois attorneys and strengthening the legal profession at every career stage. As we work to better understand the needs, priorities, and experiences of legal professionals across Illinois, we are conducting research to inform how we serve the profession going forward. -
October 14, 2026 | Practice News
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A new collaboration between Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School and the Illinois Supreme Court will expand access to legal representation for people facing housing-related issues while giving law students valuable hands-on experience. -
October 14, 2026 | CLE
Real Estate Law Update 2026 -
October 12, 2026 | Practice News
In her October Illinois Bar Journal article, “It Can End With PAIP,” Brandy N. Arvantis details an underutilized court remedy outlined in the Domestic Violence Act requiring that a respondent in an order of protection case attend counseling or a program designed for domestic violence abusers. Known as the Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP), PAIP’s protocols are outlined by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Read, "It Can End With PAIP," in the October Illinois Bar Journal. -
October 9, 2026 | Practice News
ALTON, Ill. — Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs’ law firms, has been named a 2026 Illinois Regional Powerhouse by Law360. The legal business publication annually recognizes a select group of law firms for their impact on their state’s legal market and work on significant matters with broader regional and national implications.