Advocating for Yourself to Better Advocate for Your Clients: The Taboo Topic of Self-CareBy Isabella MazzantiElder Law, February 2026Next time you may feel guilty about taking time for yourself and away from work, remember that you cannot be an effective advocate without self-care. In other words, self-care doesn’t compete with hard work, it protects it.
The Best Thing That Ever Happened to MeBy Curt W. FergusonElder Law, February 2026A reflection of a farmer's rags-to-riches story, and his hope for his children and grandchildren to reach success and happiness.
Black History MonthElder Law, February 2026Chicago's rich history provides many landmarks that you can visit during Black History Month or any time of year: from the Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Monument, to Douglass Park, to the Obama Kissing Rock, and so many other sites.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, February 2026Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
Elder Law Case Summaries: October 1, 2025, Through December 31, 2025Elder Law, February 2026A collection of case summaries that may be useful for an elder law practitioner, including developments relating to guardianships; wills, trusts, and estates; social security disability; and medical malpractice.
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, February 2026A look ahead at March and upcoming awareness days and holidays.
My Rural Ag Law Practice: So What’s in My Tech Stack?By Cari Brett RinckerElder Law, February 2026An in-depth review of different technology that can make your law practice run smoother, from office management to AI, and everything in between.
Postal ChangesElder Law, February 2026In December 2025, the U.S. Postal Service announced several changes regarding postal processes, including changes to postmark dating, making change for cash transactions, and increases in rates for certain shipping services.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramElder Law, February 2026The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has brought many changes to several areas of law and federal programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. These changes will alter eligibility requirements, potentially impacting a large swath of the nearly 2 million individuals who rely on this assistance in Illinois.
Unclaimed PropertyElder Law, February 2026February 1 was National Unclaimed Property Day. Unclaimed property includes forgotten or overlooked bank accounts; certificates of deposit; stocks and bonds; overpayments, refunds, and uncashed rebate checks; unpaid insurance claims; the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes; and more.
When the Text Isn’t Clear: What Lawyers Should Know About the Canons of ConstructionBy Jake A. LeahyElder Law, February 2026When interpreting a statute, regulation, constitutional provision, or ordinance, be sure you are familiar with how courts use canons (and when they don't), and how an argument regarding interpretation can either effectively persuade the court or stretch the law too far.
2025 Annual Department of Justice ReportElder Law, December 2025The United States Department of Justice's 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Department of Justice Activities to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse was recently released, summarizing activities during the prior fiscal year that were intended to promote elder justice through enforcement, raising public awareness, capacity building, victim support and recovery, and sharing data and research.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, December 2025Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
End of Year DonationsFederal Taxation, December 2025As 2025 ends, please consider including advocacy organizations, assistance programs, legal aid providers, and law schools as part of your end of year donations. Not-for-profit organizations receive most of the donations that make their services possible during November and December.
Illinois Supreme Court NewsElder Law, December 2025The past few months have seen various changes enacted by the Illinois Supreme Court, from requiring all Illinois Supreme Court opinions to be released with summaries, to amendments to several Illinois Pattern Civil and Criminal Jury Instructions, and everything in between.
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, December 2025Mark your calendars for these upcoming holidays, events, and special occasions in January!
New Amendments to the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act Will Provide Greater Protection to EmployeesBy Michelle T. Olson & Ellie M HemmingerElder Law, December 2025On August 15, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 3638 into law, amending the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (the “IWTA” or the “Act”) to provide enhanced protection for Illinois employees who enter into employment, termination or settlement agreements with their employers. Learn more about how this impacts employers.
Other UpdatesElder Law, December 2025The IRS has announced annual inflations and adjustments that will impact the 2026 tax year; Vanderbilt University researchers are conducting an interview study to learn more about the role of caregivers in memory loss or dementia; and the Long Term Care Community Coalition has launched the Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, November 2025Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
The Combined Guardianship and Mental Health Docket, or Calendar 20, Segregates Some of the Trees From the ForestBy Ann KrasuskiElder Law, November 2025The author of the companion article has not identified a problem that a combined docket solves. No doubt, the Mental Health Code (Code) and adult guardianship under the Probate Act address and strive to solve issues people face. Yet, as the author discusses, there are still shortcomings. But after several pages discussing gaps in mental health care and problems families face, she has not identified how establishing a combined docket solves any shortcomings or how it benefits respondents.
End of Year DonationsElder Law, November 2025As 2025 ends, please consider including advocacy organizations, assistance programs, legal aid providers, and law schools as part of your end of year donations. Not-for-profit organizations receive most of the donations that make their services possible during November and December.
Illinois Supreme Court NewsElder Law, November 2025A brief overview of legal developments in Illinois, including elimination of filing and appearance fees in minor guardianship cases, amendments to the Supreme Court Policy on Remote Court Appearances in Civil Proceedings, changes to several Illinois Supreme Court rules, and more.
ISBA Leadership OpportunitiesElder Law, November 2025Interested in serving on an ISBA Section Council? Be sure to self-nominate prior to the nomination deadline of January 15, 2026!
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannElder Law, November 2025The Joint Midyear Meeting, hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association, is a can't-miss event, offering CLE programs on democracy preservation and the ethical use of AI; a Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo and prizes; the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast; the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon; and a Holiday Reception honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois. Register today!
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, November 2025Mark your calendars for these upcoming holidays, events, and special occasions in December!
Medicare Considerations for Senior Lawyers, RevisitedBy David ChroustElder Law, November 2025Learn more about your Medicare options, including the potential limitations on your ability to change between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, and then choose the best Medicare option for you by considering your personal preferences and circumstances.
