Legal and Regulatory Issues That Corporate Law Departments Should Monitor During the Remainder of 2025By Junaid Zubairi, Brooke Conner, & Paris MayfieldBusiness and Securities Law, July 2025This article explores the guidance from key government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), on what corporate law departments can expect for the rest of the year.
Legal Issues That Corporate Law Departments Should Monitor During the First Half of 2025By James P. Looby, Michael R. Mulcahy, Michelle T. Olson, Liz J. Baxter, Michael D. Considine, Ariel M. Kelly, Alec E. Lybik, Jake W. Wiesen, Jack Goold, & Jade E. HannanCorporate Law Departments, January 2025This article discusses recent important developments in the areas of employment law, corporate disclosure requirements, Securities Exchange Commission examination priorities, and letter of credit sanctions that in-house counsel should assess and consider during the first half of 2025.
Legal Studies SurveyElder Law, June 2025Illinois State University Professor Jason M. Cieslik, J.D. is conducting a survey to assess how attorneys utilize paralegals in their practice. The survey only takes between 10-15 minutes. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Lender Is Entitled to a Prepayment Penalty Equal to the Amount of Bid at Foreclosure SaleBy Kevin J. StineCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, March 2025The Appellate Court in Wilmington Trust, National Association v. Thor Palmer House Retail, LLC, 2025 IL App (1st) 241085, No. 1-24-1085 (February 20, 2025) affirmed that a lender is entitled to charge a prepayment penalty as provided for in the loan documents equal to the amount bid at the foreclosure sale.
Lessors Receive Major Tax Break for Chicago Personal Property LeasesBy Stanley R. Kaminski & Dakota NewtonState and Local Taxation, July 2025The authors analyze changes to the Illinois use tax, service use tax, service occupation tax, and local ROTs and SOTs, particularly in Chicago, and how this impacts lessors and lessees.
A Letter From the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekRural Practice, November 2025A note from the chair of the Rural Practice Section Council regarding the fellowship program.
A Letter From the ChairBy Angel WawrzynekRural Practice, October 2025A letter from the Chair of the Rural Practice Section Council.
Letter from the ChairBy Yordana WysockiLocal Government Law, June 2025A letter from the incoming chair on the year ahead.
Letter from the EditorBy James E. CooganArtificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, March 2025An introduction to the issue from the editor.
Letter from the EditorBy James E. CooganArtificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, January 2025An introduction to the inaugural issue of The Prompt.
Leveraging Generative AI: Transforming the Practice of LawBy George BellasArtificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, January 2025A general review of how legal practitioners can use these tools in their practice from a broad perspective.
Library of Congress Reaches Major Milestone in Bringing Collections to UsersIntellectual Property, September 2025The Library of Congress has publicly launched the next phase of its generational effort to replace legacy systems and revolutionize core functions—including cataloging, acquisition and collections access.
The Life and Times of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Moses W. Harrison IIBy Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, June 2025Justice Moses W. Harrison II was a pioneering Illinois Supreme Court Justice, known for his deep commitment to justice, strong opposition to the death penalty, and advocacy for the common citizen. A proud Italian American and lifelong progressive, he served as Chief Justice from 2000 to 2002 and played a key role in shaping Illinois legal reforms. He retired in 2002 and passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy of fairness and compassion.
Lists of People with Claims or Pertinent Knowledge: Work Product-Protected or Not??By Thomas Spahn & McGuire WoodsFederal Civil Practice, May 2025In Civil Rights Dep’t v. Grimmway Enterprises, Inc., a California court addressed how the work product doctrine applies to lists of individuals in discovery. The court allowed the plaintiff agency to reference the defendant’s own business records (under Rule 33(d)) instead of providing a curated list of affected employees. It rejected the employer’s demand for a subjective list of key individuals, citing work product protection. The case illustrates that while litigants must identify people with relevant information, they aren’t required to reveal which individuals they view as most important to their case.
Litigate or Arbitrate? Sixth Circuit Decision Looks at Timing of Sexual Harassment ClaimBy Kate Griffin & Anne YuengertLabor and Employment Law, May 2025Can you compel arbitration with an employee who is alleging sexual harassment? You may recall that in 2022, Congress enacted the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFAA), which precludes employers from requiring employees to arbitrate sexual harassment claims. But what if the alleged harassment occurred before the EFAA effective date? A recent Sixth Circuit opinion, Memmer v. United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC, answered this question.
A Little Humor…By John T. BradySenior Lawyers, October 2025A little humor is good for the soul!
A Little Humor…By Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, June 2025Recently, it was proposed that this newsletter could benefit from some humor. Leonard Amari has contributed the following for members to enjoy.
Little Red Riding Hood: Private Equity Owning Law FirmsBy Donald Hyun Kiolbassa & Emily HolmesReal Estate Law, January 2025Loosely speaking, private equity firms are investment companies that focus on private companies. A classic example of a private equity firm looks like this. For whatever reason, a business owner is looking to divest risk and exit the owner's business. The private equity firm comes in and buys the company from the founder.
The Logistics of Handling Powers of Attorney Under the Recent Amendments to the Act – Reasonable and Unreasonable Cause to RefuseBy Michael J. FleckElder Law, January 2025Senate Bill 3421 was enacted as Public Act 103-0994 on August 9, 2024, to be effective January 1, 2025. The Public Act makes certain changes to the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, specifically under Section 2-8. This article will focus on the practical logistics of handling powers of attorney due to these recent amendments, to minimize the chance that powers of attorney are rejected by a third party.
The Logistics of Handling Powers of Attorney Under the Recent Amendments to the Act – Reasonable and Unreasonable Cause to RefuseBy Michael J. FleckReal Estate Law, January 2025Senate Bill 3421 was enacted as Public Act 103-0994 on August 9, 2024, to be effective January 1, 2025. The Public Act makes certain changes to the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, specifically under Section 2-8. This article will focus on the practical logistics of handling powers of attorney due to these recent amendments, to minimize the chance that powers of attorney are rejected by a third party.
“Lost Time” Ruled Sufficient Harm for Data Breach Claim To ProceedBy Lawrence A. MansonCorporate Law Departments, December 2025Olson v. Ferrara Candy Company, a June 25 Illinois appellate court ruling, while not in a health care context, expands data breach concerns and signals a need for health care organizations to review cybersecurity systems and consider enhancements.
“Lost Time” Ruled Sufficient Harm for Data Breach Claim To ProceedBy Lawrence A. MansonHealth Care Law, October 2025Olson v. Ferrara Candy Company, a June 25 Illinois appellate court ruling, while not in a health care context, expands data breach concerns and signals a need for health care organizations to review cybersecurity systems and consider enhancements.
Maaria Mozaffar: Someone You Should KnowBy Mona ElgindyWomen and the Law, May 2025An interview with Maaria Mozaffar, who has been trailblazing across the State of Illinois in her role as a legislative advocate and civil rights attorney. Her successes have served not only the women of Illinois but also so many others. In this interview, Mozaffar discusses her most recent accomplishments.
Maine South High School Competes in the 2025 ISBA Mock Trial InvitationalBy Maine South High School Mock Trial TeamLaw-Related Education for the Public, May 2025The Maine South High School Mock Trial Team reflects on its experience while touring the Illinois Supreme Court on Saturday, March 15.
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.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing in Driving While Revoked CasesBy Nancy G. EasumTraffic Laws and Courts, October 2025Can a three-day Driving While Revoked offender be sentenced to a term of imprisonment less than the mandatory 14 day minimum by using the Behavior Act credit? The Supreme Court said "No!"
