Public Notice for Appointment of United States Magistrate Judge—Peoria Division

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the Central District of Illinois at Peoria. The annual salary is $223,836. The eight-year term begins upon appointment. A court’s essential function is to dispense justice. A community’s belief that a court dispenses justice is heightened when the court reflects the community’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.

SIU Chooses Dean for Simmons Law School

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

Hannah Brenner Johnson, professor of law and vice dean for academic affairs at California Western School of Law, will become the next dean of the Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School.

Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, today (Nov. 14) announced Brenner Johnson's appointment, effective July 1, subject to approval by the SIU Board of Trustees.

The national search for dean included a “very competitive pool of highly qualified candidates,” said Tucker, adding that Brenner Johnson “was the desired candidate across all constituents.”

Illinois Courts Help Secure Federal and Private Grants for Rural Communities

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) announced today that the Putnam, Marshall, Stark County Probation District was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural Services-Community Service Grants Program. The Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) is a nonprofit organization that works with the NTCA Rural Broadband Association to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America. 

Campus Conversations: A Discussion About Free Speech in the Education Environment

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

College campuses across the nation have erupted in protests, anger, hatred, and violence in recent months, which has put college administrators in a position to consider enforcing restrictions on protests and demonstrations – but are these restrictions a violation of students’ First Amendment rights? Don’t miss this timely discussion regarding free speech in the educational environment, as well as the issues that can arise.

Mind Over Matter

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

 In Illinois, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act is a bulwark against improper disclosures of mental health information. At the time of its enactment, the Act was a “comprehensive revision” of prior safeguards for mental health records. And, to this day, the law “constitutes a strong statement by the General Assembly about the importance of keeping mental-health records confidential.”  In their November 2024 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Mind Over Matter,”  Joseph T. Monahan and Matthew R.

International Commercial Arbitration Series Part 4 – Arbitral Awards and Enforcement

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Timothy A. Slating

Don’t miss Part 4 of the International Commercial Arbitration Series as we discuss recognizing and enforcing awards in domestic and foreign jurisdictions. International and immigration law attorneys, alternative dispute resolution counsel, federal civil practitioners, and construction lawyers who attend this online program will better understand: how to draft enforceable arbitral awards; how to handle jurisdictional issues; understanding the issues with enforcing awards; and understanding the surrounding challenges and setting aside arbitral awards.