Garden-Variety DUI to Felony: The Fifth District’s Limitation of Prior ConductBy Theodore HarvatinTraffic Laws and Courts, July 2025In People v. Cruz Aguilar, the Fifth Circuit determined that felony enhancement of a DUI charge at such time as driving privileges are impaired from other than an open SSS, or other than from an open revocation for DUI or Reckless Homicide or leaving the scene of a death or injury crash is not warranted. This ruling put the Fifth District at odds with the Second District.
Get Credit for Your ResearchBy Jeffrey Mollet & Cari Brett RinckerAgricultural Law, September 2025Submit your articles to the Agricultural Law Section Newsletter for publication!
Getting Help: It’s OKAlternative Dispute Resolution, November 2025Resources for lawyers who are struggling with substance abuse issues or mental health conditions.
Getting Help: It’s OKFederal Taxation, September 2025Resources for lawyers who are struggling with substance abuse issues or mental health conditions.
The Gig Economy and Nonstandard Work ArrangementsBy Joseph Belmonte, C.R.C.Workers’ Compensation Law, March 2025The American workforce is subject to constant change as a result of technological development, changing demographics, and global economic conditions. This will present challenges in identifying health and safety risks to workers associated with nonstandard work arrangements and improving safety and health.
The Girl with a Bracelet: A Gripping Mystery and a Glimpse Into French JusticeBy John W. FoltzSenior Lawyers, February 2025What happens when a best friend is accused of murder, and the judge isn’t just observing but actively investigating? Stéphane Demoustier's gripping French mystery drama, “The Girl with a Bracelet” (“La Fille au bracelet”), offers an intriguing glimpse into a legal system very different from what most of us know. This thought-provoking film centers on 18-year-old Lise Bataille, portrayed by Mélissa Guers, who is accused of killing her best friend, Flora. As the trial unfolds, the movie gives audiences a rare, nuanced look at the French inquisitorial system of justice, while keeping the mystery at its core tightly woven.
Government Use of Social Media and the First AmendmentBy Robert P. OsgoodGovernment Lawyers, February 2025Many government agencies and officials operate social media pages to interact with constituents. But when can a public official or agency limit that interaction? Do such limitations run afoul of the First Amendment? This article examines two recent Supreme Court cases involving the interaction of government, social media, and the First Amendment.
Governor J.B. Pritzker Signs Into Law the House Bill 5142By Olga BeznashchukDiversity Leadership Council, June 2025On July 29, 2024, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB5142, also known as the Birth Equity Act. The Act amends the Illinois Insurance Code and Illinois Public Aid Code to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care. The Act also mandates comprehensive abortion coverage without extra costs and deductibles.
Great 8’s and Numeric Trademark DebatesBy Michael J. WeilIntellectual Property, June 2025On April 22, 2024, legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. filed a trademark consisting of “a stylized number 8” (“EIGHT”) to be used on clothing, toys, and entertainment services pertaining to auto racing. Fast-forward to April 2, 2025, when another prominent sports figure associated with the number 8—two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson—filed an opposition at the USPTO, attempting to block registration of Earnhardt’s EIGHT mark. Specifically, Jackson contended that his previously filed ERA 8 and ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON word marks and ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON design mark precluded registration of Earnhardt’s EIGHT mark.
Guilty but Mentally IllBy Dan FultzCriminal Justice, January 2025A court faced with an insanity defense may find the defendant "not guilty by reason of insanity" or "guilty but mentally ill." Although both findings take into account the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense, the implications and consequences of each are different. An insanity defense is a complete affirmative defense and is equivalent to an acquittal. On the other hand, guilty but mentally ill is not an affirmative defense, but rather an alternative finding. A defendant who is found guilty but mentally ill is not absolved of criminal responsibility and thus may be sentenced for the offense of conviction.
Hannah Lamore Joins WATLBy Debra L. ThomasWomen and the Law, October 2025Get to know Hannah Lamore, a new member of WATL, and her thoughts about the upcoming bar year.
Health and Human Services Policy UpdateElder Law, July 2025Read updates from Health and Human Services, Illinois Supreme Court News, Older Americans Act, and more!
Here Comes the FloodBy Bob Floss, IIReal Estate Law, May 2025It has been 56 years since George Harrison first wrote “Here Comes The Sun.” Had he been a real estate attorney, the verse would read, “Here Comes the Flood.” It is an unfortunate reality that every real estate attorney must face at some point in their career: a client who recently purchased or sold a home, and there is water in the basement. Two appellate court cases have offered some clarity for practitioners counseling their clients on the possibility of litigation.
“Highest Wage Wins”: How HB 1189 Solves Conflicts Between State and Federal Labor LawBy Craig ColbrookLabor and Employment Law, September 2025The definition of "public works" has been changed under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act by HB 1189--this could have far-reaching impacts of which law prevails when there is a conflict between the PWA and the federal Davis Bacon Act.
Highlights from the 2025 Allerton ConferenceCivil Practice and Procedure, June 2025The ISBA Allerton Conference: Generative Artificial Intelligence—Fact or Fiction: Transforming the Legal Practice was held April 2-5, 2025, at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois.
HIPAA Settlements Continue Emphasis on Risk AnalysisBy Rick L. Hindmand & Emily JohnsonHealth Care Law, October 2025Learn more about the recommendations to mitigate or prevent cyber-threats promulgated by the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Historic Preservation Tax Credits for Real Estate Development–IllinoisBy R. Kymn HarpReal Estate Law, July 2025Efforts to preserve the historical heritage of the United States have been ongoing for more than 200 years. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which created the National Register of Historic Places (National Register), formalized a national policy of preserving historic properties. This article discusses tax credits that may be utilized in Illinois for historic preservation.
The History of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission: A Century of Evolving ProtectionsBy Alexis FerracutiWorkers’ Compensation Law, July 2025The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) stands as the administrative body that resolves disputes between injured workers and employers regarding job-related injuries and occupational diseases. Its origins reflect a broader national movement toward recognizing and protecting workers' rights in the industrial age. The development of the Commission over the past century illustrates the shifting economic, political, and legal landscapes that have shaped labor relations in Illinois.
Holiday Planning for FamiliesBy Erin Wilson & Juliana BrannanFamily Law, November 2025Get ahead of the holiday stress and be proactive with your clients regarding holiday schedules. Many families may be adjusting to a new normal this holiday season, and it is important that family law attorneys ensure this transition is as smooth as possible for clients.
