Illinois Supreme Court Seeks Applicants for Illinois State Public Defender Commission

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

The Illinois Supreme Court invites applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointed member of the Illinois State Public Defender Commission (Commission). The Commission plays a vital role in overseeing and supporting the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD), ensuring the delivery of quality legal representation to those in need throughout Illinois.

Illinois lawmakers pass Cook County State’s Attorney proposal to protect domestic violence victims from courthouse intimidation

Legislation championed by Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke to strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors and other victims seeking justice in Illinois courthouses has passed the Illinois General Assembly.

From: 
Chicago Defender

Illinois lawmakers roll out broad cannabis industry overhaul

Illinois lawmakers are considering a sweeping rewrite of state cannabis regulations aimed at easing financial pressure on dispensaries and preparing for possible federal marijuana policy changes.

From: 
NPR Illinois

Attorney accusing ICE agent of suburban Chicago attack now pushing for felony charges

An activist and attorney pushed Cook County prosecutors on Tuesday to file a felony charge against the federal immigration agent he says attacked him at a gas station late last year in suburban Chicago.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

‘Broadview 6’ defense accuses Chicago’s top federal prosecutor of having contact with grand jury

A defense attorney for one of the “Broadview Six” immigration protesters alleged in court Tuesday that he had “reason to believe” that U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros had personal contact with members of the grand jury who indicted the group in October.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

DNA breakthrough leads to arrest in grisly 33-year-old Illinois cold case

For more than three decades, the murder of Randy Gail Sperino haunted investigators in southern Illinois — a cold case centered on a young woman beaten to death and left in a rural field while her killer seemingly vanished without a trace.

From: 
Fox 32

What’s Said to AI May Not Stay in AI

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession has been colored by early missteps: spectacular hallucinations, unvetted filings, and judicial sanctions. But when used prudently, AI can (and will) help lawyers deliver better work faster and at lower cost. The question is not whether Illinois lawyers may use AI, but how they can do so while honoring confidentiality, preserving work-product protection, and avoiding privilege pitfalls. In his May Illinois Bar Journal article, “What’s Said to AI May Not Stay in AI,” Jake A.

Simmons Hanly Conroy Proud Gold Sponsor of Alton Firefighters Local 1255 Third Annual Golf Tournament

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

ALTON, Ill. – Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, was proud to support the Alton Firefighters Local 1255 Third Annual Golf Tournament as a Gold Sponsor.

Justice Elizabeth Rochford Announces Notice of Vacancy for Resident Circuit Judge in Kane County

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

Justice Elizabeth Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Resident Circuit Judge vacancy in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Fourth Subcircuit. The vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Susan Clancy Boles on July 31, 2026.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to full Court approval.