Speaking Up Without Paying for It: Illinois’ New Protection Against Nursing Home Retaliation
By Lauren E. Park
Young Lawyers Division,
October 2026
New section 2-120 of the Nursing Home Care Act defines retaliation, protects a far wider range of resident conduct, and creates a dedicated cause of action with its own causation standard and damages. The statute matters to lawyers on both sides. Attorneys who represent residents, and estate planning, elder law, and guardianship attorneys who advise families, will hear from clients who worry that complaining will make things worse for a parent or other loved one.
Direct Examination: Letting Your Client’s Story Shine
By Lauren E. Park
Young Lawyers Division,
November 2025
Direct examination of your client at trial is important to allow the jury to connect with your client and to ensure the record is properly preserved for any subsequent appeals. Incorporate these tips into your next direct examination to effectively tell your client's story.
Spot an error in your article? Contact Celeste Niemann at cniemann@isba.org. For information on obtaining a copy of an article, visit the ISBA Newsletters page.
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