The Problem-Solving Court Boom

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Few occasions in the criminal justice system warrant celebration. Early in her practice as a prosecutor, Becky Hougesen Walters believed a guilty verdict was one of them. A few assignments later and over two years in the felony review unit reviewing evidence in Cook County’s most heinous crimes persuaded her that she was wrong. No matter the outcome, lives are destroyed, families are broken, and no one is truly “made whole” on either side of the courtroom.

AOIC Probation Services Division Announces 17 Training Courses for Problem-Solving Courts

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) Probation Services Division sought and received funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to implement initiatives to support the development of a statewide training and technical assistance program to address the training needs of new Problem-Solving Courts (PSC) and the ongoing training needs of experienced PSC. AOIC Probation Services Division has accomplished these goals through a multi-pronged approach including data collection, curriculum, courses, and training workshops for the PSC of Illinois.  

Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Sanjay Tailor to First District Appellate Court

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the assignment of Cook County Circuit Judge Sanjay T. Tailor to the First District Appellate Court. Judge Tailor was assigned to fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Daniel J. Pierce, effective September 30. The appointment is effective October 3, 2022, and will stay in effect until further order of the court. He will become the first Indian American on the Illinois Appellate Court.

Justice Mary Jane Theis Selected as Next Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today that Justice Mary Jane Theis will be its next Chief Justice. Justice Theis was selected by the Court to serve a three-year term commencing October 26, 2022. She succeeds Justice Anne M. Burke whose tenure as Chief Justice began in October of 2019. 

An installation ceremony marking Justice Theis’ selection as Chief Justice will be held at the Supreme Court Building in Springfield during the Court’s November Term.  

Chief Justice Anne M. Burke Announces Retirement From Illinois Supreme Court - Justice Joy V. Cunningham to Fill Vacancy

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Chief Justice Anne M. Burke has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court. Her last day on the bench will be November 30, 2022. Chief Justice Burke has served on the Supreme Court since 2006 and has served as Chief Justice since October 2019. Her term as Chief Justice concludes on October 25, 2022. Read Justice Burke’s full statement on her retirement

Real Estate Law Update 2022

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

Join us for this full-day seminar that examines recent caselaw updates and legislative changes from the past year. Learn more about Transfer on Death Instruments, easements, and residential new contracts. Listen to a discussion of recent trends in residential real estate and brush up on your ethics requirements.

Navigating Illinois’ New Prejudgment Interest Statute

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann

This year saw one of the most significant pieces of tort reform enacted in Illinois history, writes Michael Adler in his September Illinois Bar Journal article, “Navigating Illinois’ New Prejudgment Interest Statute.” On May 28, 2021, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a 6 percent prejudgment interest rate on all personal injury and wrongful death cases. Illinois joins 46 other states with some form of prejudgment interest.