2026 Articles

Under Threat

By Ed Finkel
February
2026
Cover Story
, Page 18
The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association cohost a discussion about the rule of law.
1 comment (Most recent February 4, 2026)

Unemployment Insurance Act temporarily recognizes certain mental health disabilities as good cause for leaving work

June
2026
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The General Assembly amended the Unemployment Insurance Act to expand the circumstances under which an individual who voluntarily leaves work will not be disqualified from receiving benefits.

Uniform Interstate Family Support Act jurisdiction preserved by counsel’s appearance without objection

April
2026
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
On Dec. 30, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that Illinois had continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) where the parties consented in open court by proceeding without objection.

Unlawful cannabis possession conviction reversed where surrogate expert testimony violated the confrontation clause

March
2026
Illinois Law Update
, Page 22
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that admitting a forensic laboratory report through a surrogate analyst violated the defendant’s confrontation clause rights.

Warning Signs

By Karen Erger
April
2026
Column
, Page 52
Opening phrases that can derail your message.

What Am I Missing?

By Patrick Barry
June
2026
Column
, Page 50
Using artificial intelligence while working and growing your mental muscles.

What’s Said to AI May Not Stay in AI

By Jake A. Leahy
May
2026
Article
, Page 38
When it comes to using artificial intelligence, lawyers and nonlawyers do not play on an even field.

When Courts Create Rules of Return

By Molshree Sharma
February
2026
Article
, Page 36
The U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on whether and how to return internationally abducted children, issues that have split various U.S. Courts of Appeals.

The Whole Kit and Caboodle

By Jeffrey R. Schoenberger
June
2026
Column
, Page 48
What vertical integration means for your tech stack.

Widening Pathways

By Ed Finkel
June
2026
LawPulse
, Page 12
Amendments to Illinois Supreme Court Rules intend to widen access to justice in the state’s legal deserts.

A Year of Gratitude

By Bridget C. Duignan
June
2026
Column
, Page 10
Devotion, service, and commitment to the rule of law make the Illinois State Bar Association what it is.