Smith LaCien LLP Welcomes Litigation Attorney Matthew S. Leonard to Its Growing Personal Injury Practice

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

 

CHICAGO, IL — [November 25, 2025] — Smith LaCien LLP, a leading Chicago-based personal injury and mass tort law firm, is proud to announce that Matthew S. Leonard has joined the firm as its newest litigation attorney. Leonard, a former three-year law clerk with the firm, focuses his practice on representing individuals and families affected by catastrophic personal injuries and wrongful death.

ISBA Warns Members of Phishing Scam Impersonating ISBA Executive Director

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is warning members about a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails that appear to come from Executive Director Robert E. Craghead.

The scam email, which has been reported by multiple members, is designed to look like an official communication from the ISBA. It uses a deceptive email address — robert.craghead@ isba.org.sendcrp.com — that is not affiliated with the ISBA.

New Cook County Circuit Court chief judge sworn in for first time in over 20 years

The new chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court was installed Monday morning. The Honorable Charles S. Beach II took the oath during a packed ceremony inside the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He was elected in September.

From: 
MSN

Upcoming SNAP benefit changes will raise ABAWD age, tighten work requirements

Under “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are happening. However, the dates for those changes to be enacted have been moved several times. This is due to lawsuits and delays in getting information out to impacted individuals.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

Dynegy to refund some Ameren customers $38 million in settlement

Some Ameren Illinois customers in central and southern Illinois will receive a credit on upcoming power bills, the result of a $38 million settlement between the state and Dynegy Inc.

From: 
WVIK, Quad Cities NPR

Former counselor at Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital in Chicago charged with sexually assaulting 5 patients

A former mental health counselor at a Chicago behavioral health hospital has been charged with sexually assaulting five boys during his time there, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office.

From: 
Belleville News-Democrat

Chicago, suburbs to get millions from PCB pollution settlement with Monsanto

Monsanto, once the largest makers of a now-banned class of chemicals, agreed to pay the state $120 million and potentially more, under a settlement announced by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Monday.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Grayson’s attorneys ask for new trial

Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson’s lawyers say he deserves a new trial for the 2024 murder of Sonya Massey because the presiding judge erred when allowing the jury to hear Grayson’s disparaging remarks about Massey after the fatal shooting.

From: 
Illinois Times