Are Civil Petitions for Rule to Show Cause Filed in Domestic Relations Matters Pleadings or Motions?By Judge James A. Shapiro, Judge Mitchell B. Goldberg, & Alison RimkusBench and Bar, August 2026Correctly determining whether a court filing is a pleading or motion can have profound implications on the appropriateness of the responsive filing. A serious review of the differences between pleadings and motions and an understanding of the specific requirements of Petitions for Rule and the considerations involved in civil contempt, makes clear that Petitions for Rule are motions; they are not pleadings and, thus, not subject to dispositive motion practice.
Legislation, Litigation, and Looking Ahead: Discussing Internet Usage Trends and How to Protect the Privacy of Minors and Prevent Their ExploitationBy Maura HeneghanBench and Bar, August 2026As technology has evolved and internet usage by minors has increased, there is a greater need for the protection of their data privacy and the prevention of their exploitation. This article seeks to examine recent activity in both legislation and litigation spheres to determine what the future of data privacy protection and internet regulation for minors will look like and what the best path forward may be.
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, August 2026A compilation of judges who have recently been appointed, retired, or resigned.
Reflections of a Judicial ExternBy Madeline PooleBench and Bar, August 2026A current judicial extern reflects on her experiences as an extern and what she has learned from Justice Jesse G. Reyes, as well as other professionals at the Illinois Appellate Court, First District.
Time Is MoneyBy Michael G. CortinaBench and Bar, May 2026Litigants and lawyers alike should consider if having a dispute resolved via arbitration is actually in everyone’s best interests. While the expedited award allows for a swift conclusion, it should be decided by everyone involved if the speed of the award is worth the cost.
New Ethics Opinion Addresses Federal Judges’ Public EngagementBy Pamela S. MenakerBench and Bar, April 2026The U.S. Judicial Conference’s Committee on Codes of Conduct has released a new advisory opinion that explicitly provides that federal judges are now permitted to publicly defend their judicial independence and the rule of law, so long as they avoid partisan politics and preserve impartiality. For advocates of judicial independence, the opinion should come as a welcome affirmation of the judiciary’s important role in our judicial system.
The NextGen Bar ExamBy Michael G. CortinaBench and Bar, April 2026We all likely remember taking the usual classes in law school—Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law—but very few courses focused on the practical skills of lawyering. Some schools had more courses that were skills-based, but most classes focused on teaching students legal concepts and principles. The times, they are a changin’. The next generation of attorneys may enter practice with a stronger skillset thanks to the new Bar Exam.
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, April 2026A compilation denoting newly appointed circuit judges, associate judges, and appellate justices; retired judges; and deceased judges.
Editor’s Note: Save the Date for Annual!By Kimberly DudaBench and Bar, February 2026Don't miss the ISBA's 2026 Annual Meeting, which will occur on June 11-12, 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis!
Judicial Mentoring and the Future of the Illinois Bench: Building Transparent, Equitable, and Merit-Based Pathways to Judicial ServiceBy Junaid M. AfeefBench and Bar, February 2026In Illinois, as in most states, the path to becoming a judge is often opaque, informal, and heavily dependent on access to professional networks that are unevenly distributed across the legal profession. Judicial mentoring could help create more transparent pathways for highly qualified lawyers—particularly those from underrepresented communities, first‑generation professionals, and lawyers without access to elite professional circles—to become judges.
No Access to Justice Without Access to a Lawyer: Part IIBy Judge James A. Shapiro & James J. HerdegenBench and Bar, February 2026Part II of this two-part series explores the difficulties that self-represented litigants face in the court system, particularly as it relates to Domestic Relations cases and the inability to afford an attorney, and offers solutions to increase access to justice.
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, February 2026Summary of individuals who have been appointed to, and retired, recalled, and resigned from the bench.
Recent Developments in Motions for Substitution of Judge as a Matter of RightBy Dennis M. LynchBench and Bar, February 2026Substitution of judge motions can be some of the most impactful motions in a case. This is especially true because if the motion is erroneously denied, all subsequent orders may be deemed void. Two recent appellate decisions have expanded the landscape of case law on substitution of judge motions and provide further guidance to judges and practitioners as to proper motion practice.
Externships Provide Real-Law ExperienceBy Judge Michael J. ChmielBench and Bar, December 2025The value of externships is immeasurable. Through externships, we can impart good practices and get help when resources are scant. In our digital age, technology allows students to Zoom into a courtroom from miles away, access court files, and engage prompt communications through telephone, email, and text.
No Access to Justice Without Access to a LawyerBy Judge James A. Shapiro & James J. HerdegenBench and Bar, December 2025Part I of this two-part series explores the difficulties that self-represented litigants face in the court system, particularly as it relates to Domestic Relations cases and the inability to afford an attorney.
Observations From a Judge on Collection Litigation, and Perhaps All LitigationBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielBench and Bar, December 2025An insightful behind the scenes look at thoughts from a 21-year-tenured judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court regarding time standards, technology, mentorship, and standing orders.
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, December 2025A compilation of individuals who have recently been appointed as circuit judges, assigned to the appellate court, appointed as associate judges, and who have retired from the bench.
Remembering Veterans DayBy Michael G. CortinaBench and Bar, December 2025A salute to Veterans Day and a reflection on veterans in the practice of law.
Sometimes in Post-Convictions, It Is What It IsBy Hon. John J. O'GaraBench and Bar, December 2025An analysis and practical take aways from People v. Williams, 2025 IL 129718 regarding post-conviction petitions.
We Lost a Great Man, Fortunately We Have His Memoir: A Review of Compassion in the CourtBy Hon. John J. O’GaraBench and Bar, December 2025A book review of Compassion in the Court, a memoir by Hon. Frank Caprio, details Judge Caprio's life, his rise to the bench, and his journey to reimagine justice not only as a set of rules, but as a process shaped by understanding, fairness, and compassion.
Editor’s Note: Save the Date for Midyear!By Kimberly DudaBench and Bar, September 2025Mark your calendars for the 2025 Joint Midyear Meeting and check back for more information regarding great programming and networking opportunities!
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, September 2025A summary of changes to the judiciary, including those who have been appointed as Circuit Judge and associate judges, those who have retired, and those who have been recalled.
