Nursing moms earning hourly wages to get paid breaks starting Jan. 1 under new state law

Beginning Jan. 1, Illinois employers will be required to provide paid breaks for nursing mothers who earn hourly wages. The “Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act” already protects nursing mothers on a salary, but now it will also cover nursing mothers paid by the hour.

From: 
25 News Now

Lashly & Baer, P.C. To Open Edwardsville Office as Part of Strategic Growth

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

 ST. LOUIS – Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 – Lashly & Baer, P.C. announced today that it will open a new office in Edwardsville, Illinois effective January 1, 2026. The new location expands the firm’s presence in Illinois and reinforces its long-term commitment to serving clients throughout the Metro East and surrounding communities.

New Illinois law makes cocktails-to-go permanent among other changes

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed a bipartisan law making a host of changes, including making cocktails-to-go permanent in the state.

From: 
NBC 5 Chicago

Illinois Court of Claims launches online filing and remote hearings

Illinois claimants can now file cases online and attend remote hearings as the state’s Court of Claims goes digital.

From: 
The State Journal-Register

Decorated Navy vet imprisoned 28 years in his wife's death gets $13 million settlement

Herman Williams was found guilty of his wife’s 1993 death. Williams sued members of the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, the state’s attorneys office and medical examiner two years ago alleging misconduct.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Kane County officials: Police can’t enforce new law banning civil immigration arrests at courthouses

The Kane County sheriff and state’s attorney say local police officers won’t be able to enforce a new Illinois law that prohibits federal immigration agents from making civil arrests at courthouses.

From: 
Daily Herald

Illinois leaders ‘won’t back down’ following Trump’s order limiting AI regulation

Illinois lawmakers vowed to keep fighting for protections against artificial intelligence after President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to shield tech companies from state laws.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

Still looking for holiday gift ideas for colleagues? Check out the Illinois Bar Journal’s “Holiday Gift Guide 2025,” written by Pointers From Practice HQ columnists Jeffrey S. Krause and Jeffrey S. Schoenberger. The list includes productivity products, apps, gadgets, and other items that will bring value, efficiency, and perhaps even a bit of fun to your working day.