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!"
Mandatory Referral to EAP May Be “Adverse Action,” Court SaysBy Robin SheaLabor and Employment Law, August 2025This article discusses the burden of proof for harm and the effect of mandatory referrals to EAP under federal anti-discrimination laws.
March SALT Section Council Meeting MinutesState and Local Taxation, April 2025Meeting minutes from the ISBA State & Local Taxation Section Council Meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Marcus Urann—From Lawyer to “Mr. Cranberry,” Founder of Ocean SprayBy Adam SussmanFood Law, December 2025Commencing in 1912, Mr. Urann transformed the cranberry market through innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a lasting business model that persists today in the popular brand Ocean Spray.
Marital Settlement Agreements: The Devil Is Still in the DetailsBy Hon. Tamika WalkerFamily Law, September 2025When drafting Marital Settlement Agreements, details matter. In re Marriage of Tronsue highlights the pitfalls that may arise when special care is not afforded to specific details of a written settlement agreement.
Mark Your Calendars: How Long Can a Dismissal “Without Prejudice” Loom in Federal Court?By Christian KetterFederal Civil Practice, September 2025Federal courts may dismiss an action under Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure either with or without prejudice. Whether with or without prejudice, both parties must remain vigilant after a dismissal for any future actions.
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, December 2025Mark your calendars for these upcoming holidays, events, and special occasions in January!
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, November 2025Mark your calendars for these upcoming holidays, events, and special occasions in December!
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, August 2025Mark your calendars for the following holidays, awareness days, and special days in September 2025.
Mark Your Calendars…Elder Law, July 2025Mark your calendars for the following dates in August 2025.
Matt Maloney—A Passion for the LawBy John T. PhippsGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2025Remembering Matt Maloney, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Day in 2007.
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.
Medicare Considerations for Senior Lawyers, RevisitedBy David ChroustSenior Lawyers, October 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.
Meeting the Special Responsibilities of a Noble ProfessionBy Michael CortinaEmployee Benefits, May 2025The practice of law is a business. It matters not if a lawyer is on the bench, works in the public interest sector, is an in-house attorney, or is engaged in private practice. All of us make our living in the practice of law, and that means, by default, all of us are also engaged in the business of law. We sometimes need reminding, however, of the other obligations that we have to society.
Meeting the Special Responsibilities of a Noble ProfessionBy Michael CortinaYoung Lawyers Division, May 2025The practice of law is a business. It matters not if a lawyer is on the bench, works in the public interest sector, is an in-house attorney, or is engaged in private practice. All of us make our living in the practice of law, and that means, by default, all of us are also engaged in the business of law. We sometimes need reminding, however, of the other obligations that we have to society.
Meeting the Special Responsibilities of a Noble ProfessionBy Michael CortinaBench and Bar, April 2025The practice of law is a business. It matters not if a lawyer is on the bench, works in the public interest sector, is an in-house attorney, or is engaged in private practice. All of us make our living in the practice of law, and that means, by default, all of us are also engaged in the business of law. We sometimes need reminding, however, of the other obligations that we have to society.
Mel Blanc EpitaphBy Leonard F. AmariSenior Lawyers, June 2025“That’s all folks.”
Member Spotlight: Debra L. ThomasBy Jessica DurkinWomen and the Law, May 2025A spotlight on a new member of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law.
Member Spotlight: Kimberly BackmanAnimal Law, October 2025Kimberly Backman, an Ambassador for the Center for Animal Law Studies Global Ambassador Program, provides pro bono legal services to animal welfare non-profits and organizations; founded a non-profit dedicated to protecting animals, their, rights, and their environments; and is a 6th Congressional Volunteer District Leader for the Humane Society of the United Statse.
Mental/Emotional Health and Community WellnessBy Robert E. Wells, Jr.Mental Health Law, May 2025The topic of Community Wellness is often examined using multiple dimensions. One model involves eight dimensions: emotional, financial, social, spiritual, occupational, physical, intellectual, and environmental. In this article, the author breaks the model into 12 dimensions.
Mentorship: The Power of “Small” ActsBy Rachel KolbWomen and the Law, September 2025Mentorship and networking are important resources in the legal field. Be sure you are utilizing your personal and professional connections to enhance your experience!
