Open Role for Public Defender in Hancock County

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

Hancock County, Illinois, is accepting applications for the position of Public Defender. All applicants must provide proof of a valid Illinois law license, be in good standing with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, and have prior criminal law experience. Hancock County is located in West Central Illinois. The County Seat is Carthage, Illinois.

The application is available online at www.9thjudicial.org and should be mailed to:

Maron Marvel Announces 10 Attorney Promotions

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

 WILMINGTON, Del. – Jan. 7, 2026 – Maron Marvel, a leading national litigation defense firm focusing on risk management, mass and toxic tort litigation, general liability, environmental law, and commercial litigation, is proud to announce the promotion of 10 attorneys, including three elevations to Shareholder and seven to Partner, effective January 1, 2026.

McDonald’s grilled over contents of McRib sandwich in class action lawsuit

Fast food giant McDonald’s is accused in a class action lawsuit of misleading customers that its popular McRib sandwich is made from real rib meat.

From: 
ABA Journal

Important: Immediate change to the filing of criminal notices of appeal

Effective January 1st, trial clerks will no longer be required to file a Notice of Appeal in criminal cases when the defendant is represented by counsel. Instead, defense attorneys will be responsible for filing timely Notices of Appeal.

From: 
The Bar News

Feds won't try to prove gang membership for man charged with putting a bounty on Greg Bovino

Prosecutors told a judge Wednesday they haven’t abandoned their theory that Juan Espinoza Martinez is a ranking member of the Latin Kings, but they say the crucial question will be his “affinity” for the gang.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

'Hope & support for victims': Prosecutors say domestic battery conviction sends a message

The Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office says a jury's conviction of a Quincy man for domestic battery this week sends a message that there's hope and support for all victims of domestic violence.

From: 
KHQA

Illinois bill would update disability terms across state laws

A newly proposed bill in the Illinois House would mandate changes to how people with disabilities are identified in state law.

From: 
Journal Courier

Louis George Apostol Will Continue To Serve Another Term as Public Administrator of Cook County

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

Governor J.B. Pritzker recently announced that Louis George Apostol will continue to serve another term as Public Administrator of Cook County.

Mr. Apostol has a distinguished 45-year career as a practicing attorney in Illinois. He has been reappointed to this position multiple times since 1991. He formerly served as Executive Director & General Counsel to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and was appointed Commissioner/Trial Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims.