As We Close the YearBy Judge Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, May 2025An introduction to the issue from the editor.
Back To Work at Summer’s EndBy Judge Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, September 2025A note from the Editor of the Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptscy Newletter regarding the closing of summer, the beginning of fall, and the current issue.
Be Reasonable, People! AI’s Impact on Legal FeesBy Mark C. PalmerArtificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, January 2025The author explores the ethical implications of the use of generative AI tools in client billing and considers ethics statements from other bodies and jurisdictions.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinIntellectual Property, December 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinPrivacy and Information Security Law, August 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, June 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy John J. RekowskiChild Law, April 2025ISBA members who pledge to be a “Champion” are a major source of funding for the Illinois Bar Foundation. But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinInternational and Immigration Law, March 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinState and Local Taxation, February 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Judith ConwayWomen and the Law, February 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy John J. RekowskiCriminal Justice, January 2025ISBA members who pledge to be a “Champion” are a major source of funding for the Illinois Bar Foundation. But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinArtificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, January 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinRural Practice, January 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, January 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Behind the BenchBy Adeyemi KasaliLaw-Related Education for the Public, May 2025A member of the Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School Mock Trial Team shares her experience touring the Illinois Supreme Court while in Springfield for the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational.
Benefits of Intervention in Child Abuse and NeglectBy Jessica N. HudspethChild Law, April 2025Intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect can have an immeasurable impact on the child’s life. Early intervention in these cases provides the most benefit to not only the child but also their parents and/or caregivers. Early intervention could very well prevent immediate effects, such as aggression and behavior issues, from transitioning into juvenile delinquency.
Beware AI “Hallucinations”: Bankruptcy Court Sanctions Counsel for Fake Citations in In re MartinBy Julia Jensen SmolkaLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, October 2025Avoid the pitfalls of AI, and the sanctions that were imposed in In re Martin, by familiarizing yourself with 6 practical takeaways and recommendations for practitioners when employing AI usage in your practice.
Bid Mistakes, Bid Withdrawals, and What to Do NextBy Mark B. GryzmalaConstruction Law, January 2025The complexities of bid mistakes and withdrawals can often lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Whether you are a seasoned contractor or a novice in the industry, understanding these challenges is crucial.
‘Bloated, Expensive, Unsustainable’ USDA Reorganizing, Shrinking Its Washington PresenceBy Dave FusaroFood Law, September 2025Calling USDA “a bloated, expensive and unsustainable organization,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last week announced a reorganization of the Dept. of Agriculture, including moving many employees and functions out of the Washington, D.C., area.
A Bloc of 20 State Attorneys General Highlight Board Certification Barriers in Reproductive and Gender-Affirming CareBy Sumaya M. NoushHealth Care Law, October 2025A coalition of 20 state attorneys general (AGs) submitted formal testimony to the American Medical Association (AMA) on May 22, 2025, urging the AMA to take a stance against the imposition of in-person medical board certification requirements in states that have enacted laws criminalizing reproductive and gender-affirming care. This request reflects growing concern over the intersection of state criminal statutes and interstate professional credentialing obligations. This brief article analyzes the implications of the AGs’ request, the challenges posed by divergent state laws, and the potential role of the AMA and other certifying bodies in safeguarding both providers and patients in a fractured legal environment. As of late August 2025, the question of where and how physicians must take board exams has not yet been resolved nationally.
Bock Food Law & Policy Conference Cell-Based Meat ObservationsBy Alan E. StumpfAgricultural Law, November 2025While not directly related to agricultural law, the detailed presentation of the industrial and legal view of the cell-based meat industry presented at the Bock Food Law & Policy Conference mirrors the issues of federalism seen today in the egg production and pork industries.
A Book Review: Apprentice in WonderlandBy Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, June 2025The book, Apprentice in Wonderland, by Ramin Setoodeh, explores how Donald Trump’s role as host of the reality TV shows The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice helped shape his public persona and contributed to his rise as a political figure. The author, who had extensive access to Trump and people involved with the shows, discusses the show's creation, impact, and Trump’s iconic catchphrase “You’re fired.” The book also covers Trump’s negotiations with NBC, the show’s success, and his eventual presidential run in 2016. The title references Trump’s elusive personality, likened to the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Book Review: “Life After Power”By Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, October 2025A book review of Life After Power, detailing the lives of 7 presidents after they left office.
A Book Review: The Umbrella Maker’s SonBy Hon. Michael S. JordanHuman and Civil Rights, April 2025Tod Lending has a winner, scoring a touchdown-homerun combo in his premier effort. He crafts a riveting account, masterfully developing multiple characters in this account of events shortly before and during the years after Hitler’s forces attacked Poland. We follow two Jewish Polish families through these trying times seeing many heroic acts of bravery when faced with sadistic acts of evil on the part of Nazis and their sympathizers. There is a constant battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil, the brave and the self-serving. We meet characters who risk their own lives to hide, house, support, and save others and meet others willing to inform and support the monsters stealing humanity at every turn.
