President Trump Issues Executive Order “Unleashing American Energy”By Craig R. HedinMineral Law, March 2025On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order No. 14154 entitled “Unleashing American Energy.” This article contains highlights of the Executive Order.
President’s MessageBy Sonni Choi WilliamsDiversity Leadership Council, June 2025It cannot be stressed enough how diversity matters more than ever. As we continue to fight to protect the growth and progress of the ISBA because of diversity, we must look at the history of this newsletter.
Prioritizing Health in a Digital WorldBy Kashwal KaurYoung Lawyers Division, May 2025In today’s hyper-connected world, we are constantly online in an effort to be aware of trending news, viral videos, and even the latest TikTok dances. The benefits of digital accessibility are vast. However, it is crucial to take deliberate, conscious steps to prioritize our health in order to prevent digital burnout.
Probate PitfallsBy Ed FinkelTrusts and Estates, June 2025The Illinois State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section Council finds interest in programming focused on the basics.
Programming Sentencing CreditsBy Hon. Randy RosenbaumCriminal Justice, January 2025This article addresses programming sentencing credits that are available to defendants in the trial court. It does not address other sentencing credits such as truth-in-sentencing, earned sentencing credits, credits available in the Department of Corrections, or revocation of credits.
Proposal for a Pilot Project to Enhance Case Management in Respondents Involving Both Mental Health Proceedings and Guardianship ProceedingsBy Judge Maureen Ward Kirby, Judge Daniel Malone, & Judge Susan Kennedy SullivanElder Law, April 2025Because of the size of our Cook County Court system, in certain circumstances, there is a more burdensome, costly, and inefficient legal process where a resident is a respondent in two separate legal arenas: a resident is or will be ordered to outpatient treatment for his/her/their mental health treatment and where the same Cook County resident is or will benefit from some level of guardianship.
Proposal for a Pilot Project to Enhance Case Management in Respondents Involving Both Mental Health Proceedings and Guardianship ProceedingsBy Judge Maureen Ward Kirby, Judge Daniel Malone, & Judge Susan Kennedy SullivanTrusts and Estates, March 2025Because of the size of our Cook County Court system, in certain circumstances, there is a more burdensome, costly, and inefficient legal process where a resident is a respondent in two separate legal arenas: a resident is or will be ordered to outpatient treatment for his/her/their mental health treatment and where the same Cook County resident is or will benefit from some level of guardianship.
Proposal for a Pilot Project to Enhance Case Management in Respondents Involving Both Mental Health Proceedings and Guardianship ProceedingsBy Judge Maureen Ward Kirby, Judge Daniel Malone, & Judge Susan Kennedy SullivanElder Law, February 2025Because of the size of our Cook County Court system, in certain circumstances, there is a more burdensome, costly, and inefficient legal process where a resident is a respondent in two separate legal arenas: a resident is or will be ordered to outpatient treatment for his/her/their mental health treatment and where the same Cook County resident is or will benefit from some level of guardianship.
Proposal for a Pilot Project to Enhance Case Management in Respondents Involving Both Mental Health Proceedings and Guardianship ProceedingsBy Judge Maureen Ward Kirby, Judge Daniel Malone, & Judge Susan Kennedy SullivanMental Health Law, January 2025Because of the size of our Cook County Court system, in certain circumstances, there is a more burdensome, costly, and inefficient legal process where a resident is a respondent in two separate legal arenas: a resident is or will be ordered to outpatient treatment for his/her/their mental health treatment and where the same Cook County resident is or will benefit from some level of guardianship.
Proposed Revision to IBCA Allowing Easier Removal of Cumulative VotingBy Margo Hablutzel, J.D., LLM, CISSPCorporate Law Departments, March 2025In its March meeting, the Corporate Law Departments Section Council considered proposals before the Illinois Legislature to eliminate the requirement that Illinois corporations chartered before July 1, 1971, obtain the unanimous consent of shareholders before eliminating cumulative voting. Currently, those companies can only eliminate cumulative voting for directors by a unanimous vote of shareholders, unlike other charter amendments that can be accomplished by a two-thirds majority. The reason this is specific to companies incorporated in Illinois before that date is not only due to the terms of the Illinois Business Corporation Act, but also to the Illinois Constitution.
Pros and Cons of Becoming an Employee Benefits AttorneyBy Aldridge MaurerEmployee Benefits, September 2025Experience is invaluable, but it's impossible for young attorneys to gain requisite experience without being given the chance to do so. Especially in the more niche field of employee benefits, it's important for young attorneys to connect with more experienced attorneys to gain necessary knowledge and insight into the field.
Protect Your Profits: Build a Tariff RoadmapBy Angela PetersInternational and Immigration Law, August 2025Register today for Protect Your Profits: Build a Tariff Roadmap to learn more about how to assess your tariff exposure, including tariff mitigation strategies.
Protecting Nature’s Secrets: How IP Fights BiopiracyBy Amer AlnasserIntellectual Property, June 2025Companies often look to nature for inspiration, whether it’s plants with healing powers or unique microorganisms. However, when they use these resources without fair compensation to the communities that have preserved them for centuries, it’s called biopiracy. This practice not only exploits indigenous knowledge but also threatens biodiversity.
PTO Alternative FilingBy Daniel KeganIntellectual Property, March 2025This article contains previews of forms from the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
Public Act 104-0120: Amendments to the Code of Civil ProcedureBy Robert G. MarkoffCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, September 2025Public Act 104-0120 amends certain sections of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, including provisions relating to small claims, citations to discover assets, revival of judgments, garnishment, and exemptions.
Public Act 104-0382 Will Affect Real Estate PractitionersBy Michael J. MaslankaReal Estate Law, November 2025Amendments to the Counties Code, effective on January 1, 2026, include changes to sections regarding fraud referral and review, property fraud alert systems, and registration by property owners and real estate professionals.
Public Acts SummaryBy Paul PetersonConstruction Law, October 2025An overview of the Public Acts of the 104th General Assembly that were submitted to the Construction Law Section Council and may impact various areas of construction law.
Public Acts SummaryBy Paul PetersonReal Estate Law, September 2025A summary of new legislation from the 104th General Assembly that may impact your area of practice.
Public Domain Day 2025 ReportBy Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D., LLM, CISSPIntellectual Property, March 2025Public Domain Day began as an informal observance in 2004 and since has become formal recognition of works falling into the public domain due to age. The rule of Public Domain Day is simple: works more than 95 years old (100 years for sound recordings) fall into the public domain and are no longer protectible by copyright.
Pulling Out: A Rules-Based Approach To Withdrawing From RepresentationBy Matthew BensonFamily Law, September 2025It is inevitable that an attorney will eventually have to withdraw from representing a client based on a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship. Ensure you are taking necessary steps to not only protect yourself in the withdrawal but also to develop internal procedures that govern when your office must withdraw from representation.
Queen Anne’s Revenge: Government Copyright Creators and Government CopiersBy David C. BrezinaIntellectual Property, March 2025This article comments only on the availability and publication of government-conducted, contracted, or funded information. Premises predating the writing of the Constitution favor public access to information—consistent with the availability of science to enable better science, as opposed to royal suppression long predating the U.S. Constitution.
Re-Cap of Women and the Law’s Annual Afternoon TeaBy Jessica SparbeckYoung Lawyers Division, April 2025Last month, the Afternoon Tea was held to celebrate Women’s History Month. The ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law hosts this event annually. This year’s Tea took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Loew’s Chicago Hotel.
Read the Contract Before You SignBy David C. BrezinaCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, July 2025A cautionary tale from four cases that remind practitioners to "read the contract."
Read the Contract Before You SignBy David C. BrezinaBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, June 2025A cautionary tale from four cases that remind practitioners to "read the contract."
Real Estate Information Providers – LiabilityBy R. Kymn HarpReal Estate Law, June 2025The article discusses how real estate professionals may hold third-party information providers liable for negligent misrepresentation if faulty information causes financial loss. Under Illinois law, such claims are limited by the Moorman Doctrine, which bars recovery for purely economic loss—unless the provider is a “pure information provider.” Liability depends on the provider’s role, the nature of their work, and whether they had a duty to provide accurate information.
Recap of Illinois State Bar Association’s 149th Annual MeetingBy Genevieve MillerFamily Law, July 2025The Illinois State Bar Association’s 149th Annual Meeting was held June 5 and 6 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort this year and brought together legal professionals from across the state for two days of education, collaboration, and celebration! The conference marked the official installation of incoming ISBA President Bridget C. Duignan, who welcomed attendees with a renewed focus on innovation, inclusivity, and attorney well-being. From continuing legal education to social receptions and business meetings, the event offered a dynamic and enriching experience for all who participated.
