In his March Illinois Bar Journal article, “Don’t SLAPP the Messenger,” Bryan G. Lesser explores why the General Assembly amended the Illinois Citizens Participation Act to expressly cover the freedom of the press. The amendment, effective Jan. 1, 2026, aims to protect the First Amendment and deter politically-motivated lawsuits in Illinois courts, such as some strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). Lesser considers how the amendment could shape future litigation and assesses strategies for both plaintiffs and defendants in SLAPP cases.

United States Bankruptcy Judge Thomas M. Lynch of the Northern District of Illinois has applied to be reappointed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to a new 14-year term when his current term expires on January 1, 2027. A United States Bankruptcy Judge is a judicial officer of the Unites States District Court who exercises the authority of the court with respect to any action, suit, or proceeding under Chapter 6 of Title 28 of the United States Code. 28 U.S.C. § 151.

Aronberg Goldgehn is pleased to welcome Dino Koutsoubas as a Member.

With nearly two decades of experience guiding clients through complex patent litigation, combined with a technical foundation in chemical engineering, Koutsoubas adds significant depth to the firm’s intellectual property practice group.