August 2026 Bench and Bar Newsletter

By Madeline Poole

A current judicial extern reflects on her experiences as an extern and what she has learned from Justice Jesse G. Reyes, as well as other professionals at the Illinois Appellate Court, First District. 

A compilation of judges who have recently been appointed, retired, or resigned. 

By Judge James A. Shapiro, Judge Mitchell B. Goldberg, & Alison Rimkus

Correctly determining whether a court filing is a pleading or motion can have profound implications on the appropriateness of the responsive filing. A serious review of the differences between pleadings and motions and an understanding of the specific requirements of Petitions for Rule and the considerations involved in civil contempt, makes clear that Petitions for Rule are motions; they are not pleadings and, thus, not subject to dispositive motion practice.

By Maura Heneghan

As technology has evolved and internet usage by minors has increased, there is a greater need for the protection of their data privacy and the prevention of their exploitation. This article seeks to examine recent activity in both legislation and litigation spheres to determine what the future of data privacy protection and internet regulation for minors will look like and what the best path forward may be.

By Kimberly Duda

Don't miss the Solo & Small Firm Conference, hosted in Peoria, Illinois, on September 17-18, 2026!

ISBA members and guests gathered at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis on June 11–12, 2026, for the Annual Meeting, which featured outstanding CLE programming, networking, and business meetings. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Annual Meeting a success!