Section Newsletters

Articles From 2024

ISBA Child Law Section Council Guardian Ad Litem Best Practices Subcommittee Mission Statement Bench and Bar, February 2024 The mission statement for the Child Law Section Council's new subcommittee.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (1935-2023) By Judge Jeanne M. Reynolds Women and the Law, March 2024 A look at the life and legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Key Distinctions Between Illinois’ Discovery and Evidence Depositions By Gregory R. Jones Tort Law, January 2024 An analysis of the key distinctions between discovery depositions and evidentiary depositions in Illinois civil practice.
‘Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, We Rise for You’ By Judge Heinz Rudolf Young Lawyers Division, February 2024 A look at the major role played by our citizenry who sit as jurors listening to the evidence presented at trial.
Learning Professional Growth By Olivia Basu Young Lawyers Division, February 2024 Tips for young attorneys struggling with burnout in the first few years of practice.
Legislation Affecting Minerals By Craig R. Hedin Mineral Law, March 2024 Summaries of legislation of interest to mineral law practitioners.
Legislation Update – Spring Session By Alan J. Jedlicka Energy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, April 2024 A summary of legislative proposals that may impact the energy, utilities, telecommunications, and transportation sectors if signed into law.
The Legislative Employees Labor Relations Act and the Future of Labor Law in Illinois By Craig W. Colbrook Labor and Employment Law, February 2024 A bill under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly shows how Illinois labor law has changed following the ratification of the Workers’ Rights Amendment.
Legislature Revises the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act By Joseph T. Monahan Mental Health Law, April 2024 Beginning January 1, 2024, an amendment to section 4 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act came into effect regarding persons entitled to inspect and copy a recipient's record.
Leveraging AI and ChatGPT as a Divorce Attorney in Illinois: Ethical Considerations and Practical Applications By Rachael Toft Family Law, March 2024 Although artificial intelligence can be useful to attorneys now, it will have limitations until newer products are developed specifically for attorneys.
Limits on Land Acquisition By Micah Brown International and Immigration Law, April 2024 Since January 2024, most states have proposed at least one piece of legislation to prohibit or restrict foreign investments and landholdings in land, particularly private agricultural land, located within the boundaries of their states to some degree.
Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program Food Law, April 2024 Information about the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program.
Look Closer at That Healthcare Lien for Unpaid Bills When a Client Has Health Insurance By Nicholas T. Motherway Tort Law, April 2024 The Health Care Services Lien Act  has settlement procedures for providers so that a plaintiff will receive some compensation in a settlement if the medical bills are higher than the settlement amount.
Making a Difference for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence By Paloma Holloman Women and the Law, March 2024 Ascend Justice is an advocacy organization that empowers individuals and families impacted by gender-based violence or the child welfare system.
Mark Your Calendars … Elder Law, March 2024 Upcoming events of interest.
Mark Your Calendars … Elder Law, February 2024 Upcoming events of interest.
Mark Your Calendars … Elder Law, January 2024 Upcoming events of interest.
Masters v. IWCC: Appellate Court Affirms IWCC Taking Away Award on Credibility Grounds Despite No Evidence Offered by Respondent By Chris Williams Workers’ Compensation Law, April 2024 A petitioner’s credibility may have an impact on a trial and appellate outcome. 
Meet Food Law Section Member Michael Gotkin By Angela Peters Food Law, March 2024 A spotlight on Michael Gotkin, a member of the Food Law Section.
Meet Lynne R. Ostfeld By Angela Peters Food Law, February 2024 A member spotlight on Lynne Ostfeld.
Meet On Food Law Food Law, April 2024 On Food Law is a food and policy blog that serves as a forum for food law scholars, policymakers, media, the food industry, and the interested public to engage with and discuss research in and ideas about food law and policy.
Meet Our Chair, Robert Anderson By Angela Peters Food Law, January 2024 A member spotlight on the Food Law Section Council chair, Robert Anderson.
Meet the American Council on Science and Health Food Law, January 2024 Highlights of the educational information available from the American Council on Science Health.
Member Spotlight: Angela Peters, ISBA Animal Law Section Council Member By Alicia Hill Ruiz Animal Law, April 2024 A spotlight on Angela Peters, a member of ISBA's Animal Law Section Council.
Member Spotlight: Elise ‘Ledy’ VanKavage, ISBA Animal Law Section Council Member By Lisa Velez Animal Law, April 2024 A spotlight on Ledy VanKavage, a member of ISBA's Animal Law Section Council.
Mineral Tenancy in Common Litigation By Craig R. Hedin Mineral Law, March 2024 The appellate court recently held that a mineral tenant in common does not have a legal right to take oil and gas from a common property without the permission of the co-tenants who may file a civil action to seek damages to redress the injuries to their respective interests.
Municipal Case Summaries By James Ferolo, Phil Lenzini, Matt Dione, Brian Flynn, Chris Jump, Lisle Stalter, Todd Flemming, & Josh Herman Local Government Law, April 2024 Summaries of recent cases of interest to local government practitioners.
Navigating a New (and Confusing) Law for Access to Mental Health Records By Matthew R. Davison Mental Health Law, April 2024 Of all the new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2024, the one to cause confusion and concern regarding access to records of mental health recipients is the amended Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
Navigating Parenting Time Restrictions Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act By Agnes Zielinski Olechno Family Law, January 2024 Parenting time restrictions under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act serve as a crucial mechanism to ensure a child's safety and well-being in contentious family law cases.
Navigating the Sale of a Marital Residence During the Pendency of a Case By Rebecca Berlin-Melzer Family Law, February 2024 Understanding the various legal options for handling marital property in divorce under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act will help lawyers give clients quality, comprehensive advice.