Illinois Bar Journal

Illinois Bar Journal | March 2026 Table of Contents

March 2026 • Volume 114 • Number 3

Practice News

18
LawPulse | By Amelia Buragas & Pete Sherman
22
Illinois Law Update

Former employee can proceed with retaliatory discharge claim after termination following his repeated safety complaints; weapon violation as a juvenile relevant for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon conviction; resisting a nonarrest; surrogate testimony violates defendant’s right to confront expert witness; selling insurance to seniors; chain of custody for human remains; and more.

See cases, legislation, and administrative agencies.

Articles

26
Ethics | By Ed Finkel
Making a Scene

Just in time for the Oscars, a critique of not-so-great lawyers and judges from film and television.

34
Family Law | By Reuben A. Bernick
Divorced Income

Does property become income in postjudgment marital litigation?

38
Appellate Practice | By Charles N. Insler
Appellate Practice in Motion

Using motions is a critical aspect of appellate practice in the U.S. and Illinois courts of appeals.

42
Constitutional Law | By Bryan G. Lesser
Don’t SLAPP the Messenger

Expanded protections from strategic lawsuits against public participation under the Illinois Citizens Participation Act took effect Jan. 1.

Columns

8
Comments
Speaking Out

A reader is encouraged by a recent column depicting attorneys as the guardians of democracy.

10
President’s Page | By Bridget C. Duignan
Stronger Together

The first of a two-part column previewing a joint ISBA-IJA forum this spring on women in the law.

12
ISBA Elections
Get Ready to Vote

The 2026 ISBA elections are upon us!

46
Pointers From Practice HQ | By Jeffrey R. Schoenberger
Direction Beats Drift

Planning your firm’s future without committees, consultants, or binders.

48
Feedback Loops | By Patrick Barry
Half-Life Your Message

Getting to the point, concisely and confidently.