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.
The “Scarcity of Success”: How Law Schools’ Hyper-Competitive Cultures Fuel BullyingBy Rachel KolbBench and Bar, September 2025The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professional's survey found that 1 in 4 attorneys experienced bullying in the workplace. Perhaps if anti-bullying practices and mindsets started in law schools, the legal profession would be less accustomed to bullying.
FROM ATHENS to AMERICA: Our Legal RootsBy Justice Michael B. HymanBench and Bar, April 2025The law’s got plenty of Latin—those fancy maxims and phrases that make lawyers sound like they’re casting spells instead of arguing cases. Roman law seems baked into our legal system, too. But there’s a kicker: Ancient Greece deserves as much credit, maybe more. Its form of democracy set in motion Ancient Rome’s and our own. Political ideas, philosophical musings, and legal principles that form the backbone of Western jurisprudence all trace back to Ancient Greece. The only reason we don’t notice? Latin is more visible in English.
Meeting the Special Responsibilities of a Noble ProfessionBy Michael CortinaBench and Bar, April 2025The practice of law is a business. It matters not if a lawyer is on the bench, works in the public interest sector, is an in-house attorney, or is engaged in private practice. All of us make our living in the practice of law, and that means, by default, all of us are also engaged in the business of law. We sometimes need reminding, however, of the other obligations that we have to society.
Turn On Your Video!By Judge James A. Shapiro & Thomas DeMouyBench and Bar, April 2025Few things are more annoying to a judge than when we can't see the litigant or lawyer we are addressing (or who is addressing us). I once heard a judge describe it on Zoom as the equivalent of "hiding under the benches in court." During the height of the pandemic, there were judges who were not turning on their video as well. Without naming names, my former presiding judge once had to remind everyone in the division to turn on their videos. To a self-represented litigant–much less a lawyer–it must be like addressing the Great Oz in The Wizard of Oz: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" Pay no attention to that judge on the blank screen. It was inexcusable and unacceptable.
The Work of a GAL and Lessons LearnedBy Judge Maureen SchuetteBench and Bar, April 2025Judge Schuette provides insight and guidance from her days as a Guardian Ad Litem.
Deepfakes in the Courtroom: Problems and SolutionsBy George BellasBench and Bar, March 2025“Deepfakes” are altered or completely fabricated AI-generated images, audio, or video, that are also extremely realistic, making them difficult to discern from reality. In a sense, they’re AI’s version of photoshopping. Lawyers need to educate themselves and their firms on what deepfakes are and how to spot them, develop a healthy skepticism of content they encounter, and question its source. Take nothing at face value, and closely scrutinize details of that content to look for anything inconsistent with reality, such as people with more or less than five fingers.
Deepfakes in the Courtroom: Problems and SolutionsBy George BellasCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, March 2025“Deepfakes” are altered or completely fabricated AI-generated images, audio, or video, that are also extremely realistic, making them difficult to discern from reality. In a sense, they’re AI’s version of photoshopping. Lawyers need to educate themselves and their firms on what deepfakes are and how to spot them, develop a healthy skepticism of content they encounter, and question its source. Take nothing at face value, and closely scrutinize details of that content to look for anything inconsistent with reality, such as people with more or less than five fingers.
What Is a Motion for Relief?By Justice Judy CatesBench and Bar, March 2025Ever heard of a motion for relief? No—not a motion to reconsider, or motion for new trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict—but a motion for relief. The motion for relief is a procedural prerequisite to jurisdiction in the appellate court. A party seeking to appeal is tasked with filing a motion for relief, or “mini-brief,” in the trial court, setting forth the alleged errors that occurred during the detention proceedings and the grounds for the relief requested. The motion for relief will also serve as the argument of the appellant on appeal, as the appellant may file, but is not required to file, a memorandum in the appellate court. Ill. S. Ct. R. 604(h)(7) (eff. Apr. 15, 2024).
David C. Marcus: The Unsung Civil Rights HeroBy Hon. Jesse G. ReyesBench and Bar, January 2025A civil rights lawyer who represented the Mendez family in the landmark case, Mendez v. Westminster.
Mandatory Arbitration Clause Found Unconscionable and Therefore Unenforceable in Nursing Home ContractBy Albert E. Durkin & Peter W. BuchcarBench and Bar, January 2025On October 11, 2024, the Illinois First District Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s decision to deny a Motion to Dismiss and Compel Arbitration, finding that mutually binding arbitration clauses or agreements in adhesion contracts that are so one-sided as to be deemed illusory can be substantively unconscionable and unenforceable, regardless of a severability provision.
The Most Important Thing You Can Bring to CourtBy Judge Brian WeinthalBench and Bar, January 2025An administrative law judge shares insight on how attorneys can avoid losing credibility when appearing before a finder-of-fact.
Justice Is in the DoingBy Justice Michael B. HymanBench and Bar, December 2024A discouraged lawyer receives a visit from a special ghost of presidents past.
Navigating the Future of Commercial Litigation: Top Five Trends to Watch in 2025By Hon. Michael J. ChmielBench and Bar, December 2024As we approach 2025, the landscape of commercial litigation continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks, and changing business practices. For attorneys practicing in the commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for effective representation and strategic planning. This article explores five of the hottest topics in commercial litigation that are likely to shape the field in the coming years.
Notebook LM: A Powerful and Useful ToolBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielBench and Bar, December 2024Notebook LM enables users to generate things like summaries and podcasts through downloads.
