Involuntary Commitments in Illinois

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Kelsey Jo Burge

Short of involving the criminal justice system, which most agree is ill-suited to the task, Illinois law possesses very few tools for responding to mental health crises, writes Austin R. Carlson in his April Illinois Bar Journal article, “Involuntary Commitments in Illinois.” One reason is that individuals who otherwise have the power to make healthcare decisions for a prospective patient may not consent to inpatient admission on their behalf.

ISBA Board of Governors – Vacancy in Under-Represented Seat

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Kelsey Jo Burge

The ISBA president-elect will appoint a member to one of the under-represented seats of the Board of Governors at the May 16 meeting of the Board of Governors. The member appointed to this position will serve with full Board member privileges for a three-year term beginning the first day of the 2025 Annual Meeting in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Supreme Court Approves 3 Proposals Impacting the Practice of Law in Illinois

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Kelsey Jo Burge

The Illinois Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Executive Committee on the Practice of Law (Executive Committee) announced today the adoption of three proposals to amend and create new rules that will impact the practice of law and help to address unmet legal needs in Illinois.

What’s in Your Retainer?

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Kelsey Jo Burge

The contents of an attorney’s retainer agreement depend on more than the matter at hand. Developments in caselaw, Illinois Supreme Court Rules, legislation, and changes in society and technology—such as new payment methods and forms of communication—can affect the language attorneys use in their client agreements. The Illinois Bar Journal’s April cover story, “What’s in Your Retainer?,” explores why attorneys should look at their retainer agreements at least every year or two, with recommendations for what parts of a retainer might be worth reconsidering.