Ninth Circuit Upholds Mass Arbitration ConsolidationBy David M. Krueger, Meegan Brooks, & Carlo LipsonFederal Civil Practice, May 2025The Ninth Circuit's decision in Jones v. Starz Entertainment, LLC (2025) marks a significant development in managing mass arbitration. The court upheld the consolidation of over 7,200 individual claims into a single arbitration under JAMS rules, saving Starz over $12 million in fees. The court ruled that consolidation is a procedural matter for arbitration providers—not courts—and found that Starz did not refuse to arbitrate by supporting consolidation. The decision distinguishes consolidated arbitration from class arbitration and confirms that mass arbitration procedures are enforceable if the underlying agreement permits them. This ruling provides critical guidance for businesses to craft enforceable and cost-effective arbitration agreements amid the rise of mass arbitration strategies.
NLRB Bans Mandatory Captive Audience MeetingsBy Jeffrey A. RischLabor and Employment Law, January 2025The National Labor Relations Board, in Amazon.com Services LLC and Dana Joann Miller and Amazon Labor Union, November 13, 2024, outright banned mandatory meetings at which an employer expresses its views on unionization and educates workers on the good, bad, and ugly of union membership (“captive audience meeting”). The NLRB held that mandatory captive audience meetings constitute an automatic unfair labor practice that violates section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act.
No Access to Justice Without Access to a LawyerBy Judge James A. Shapiro & James J. HerdegenBench and Bar, December 2025Part I of this two-part series explores the difficulties that self-represented litigants face in the court system, particularly as it relates to Domestic Relations cases and the inability to afford an attorney.
No, Illinois Does Not Have a $4 Million Estate Tax Exemption!By Allison K. Pfeifle & Aisha E. FashaweReal Estate Law, December 2025Contrary to what many clients and some practitioners may think, Illinois does not have a $4 million estate tax exemption. Instead, Illinois employs two different calculations, as explored in this article, and the lesser of the result is the applicable estate tax.
No, Illinois Does Not Have a $4 Million Estate Tax Exemption!By Allison K. Pfeifle & Aisha E. FashaweTrusts and Estates, November 2025Contrary to what many clients and some practitioners may think, Illinois does not have a $4 million estate tax exemption. Instead, Illinois employs two different calculations, as explored in this article, and the lesser of the result is the applicable estate tax.
No More Backsliding: It Is Time to Push ForwardBy Junaid AfeefDiversity Leadership Council, June 2025The article explores why the U.S. legal profession remains predominantly white and male despite long-standing diversity efforts. It argues that historical exclusion and structural barriers—not lack of merit—explain the imbalance. It refutes claims that DEI undermines merit, showing that diversity can improve fairness and performance. The Illinois State Bar Association’s past work is highlighted as a basis for renewed commitment in the face of current backlash.
No “Second Bite at the Apple” Pursuant to People v. CousinsBy Anthony BrunoCriminal Justice, August 2025In People v. Cousins, 2025 IL 130866, the Illinois Supreme Court clarified the consequences when the State fails to meet its burden in seeking pretrial detention under the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA) (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1).
Nominate a Deserving Lawyer for the Matthew Maloney Tradition of Excellence AwardBy Ashanti Madlock HendersonGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2025It is ISBA award nomination season: If you know someone that should be recognized, nominate them (or self-nominate) for the Matthew Maloney Tradition of Excellence Award!
A Note by Any Other Name, or What Is a “Security”By Christopher C. KendallBusiness and Securities Law, February 2025An analysis of the 3rd District Appellate Court case, Stukel v. Rowe, where the plaintiff alleged that the promissory note was a “security” under the Illinois Securities Law and that the defendant had acted as a salesperson in connection with the sale. Plaintiff’s theory was that the promissory note was indeed a security because repayment of the loan was “contingent upon the completion of” a construction project for which the loan was provided.
A Note From the ChairBy Cheryl A. MorrisonReal Estate Law, August 2025A note from the chair of the Real Estate Law Section Council.
Note Is Unenforceable but the Lien on the Property Remains ValidBy Robert HandleyCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, September 2025A summary of Chicago Title Land Trust v. Sara Watkin, 2025 IL App (1st) 241354, and lessons learned about the validity of notes and liens on property.
NOTE!Real Estate Law, July 2025Do your clients use their properties for short-term rentals, like airbnb, etc.? Read this Note on upcoming taxes that will be taking effect under the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax.
Note: CLE Opportunity!Real Estate Law, December 2025The ISBA Real Estate Law Section is co-sponsoring a one-hour CLE on January 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM titled the New Illinois Receivership Act. The program is a primer on the new Act. It will explain the impact of the Act on real estate and construction law.
November 2025 Bar Admission PhotosYoung Lawyers Division, December 2025On November 5, 2025, 1,637 new lawyers were sworn into the practice of law in Illinois during ceremonies held across all five judicial districts. Congratulations to Illinois' newest lawyers!
Now Comes the SpringBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, March 2025An introduction to the issue from the editor.
Nuclear Tesla Verdict & the “Full Self-Driving” HustleBy Michael AlkarakiTort Law, December 2025The number of people who have been injured due to Tesla's alleged self-driving cars is increasing; however, Tesla is doubling down that user is to blame, not the faulty Tesla feature.
Observations From a Judge on Collection Litigation, and Perhaps All LitigationBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielBench and Bar, December 2025An insightful behind the scenes look at thoughts from a 21-year-tenured judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court regarding time standards, technology, mentorship, and standing orders.
Observations From a Judge on Collection Litigation, and Perhaps All LitigationBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, November 2025An insightful behind the scenes look at thoughts from a 21-year-tenured judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court regarding time standards, technology, mentorship, and standing orders.
Oil and Gas Advisory BoardBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, June 2025The Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory Board held its quarterly meeting on April 24, 2025. Here is a summary of reports and actions undertaken at the meeting.
Oil and Gas Law Ownership Rights and Surface IssuesBy David M. ForemanMineral Law, December 2025Historically, an owner of real estate, in fee simple absolute, was thought to own a pie shaped cubit, extending from the center of the Earth, all the way up to the heavens. This traditional rule of ownership is a gross over simplification which, as we shall see, does not truly apply in the case of oil and gas.
One Big Beautiful Bill ActBy Aaron D. EvansElder Law, August 2025This article discusses the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including tax cuts, increased basic exclusion amount, SALT limitations, tax-deferred investment accounts, 529 plans, limitations on charitable deductions, and Pease limitations.
One Big Beautiful Bill ActBy Aaron D. EvansCorporate Law Departments, August 2025This article discusses the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including tax cuts, increased basic exclusion amount, SALT limitations, tax-deferred investment accounts, 529 plans, limitations on charitable deductions, and Pease limitations.
One Big Beautiful Bill ActBy Aaron D. EvansEmployee Benefits, August 2025This article discusses the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including tax cuts, increased basic exclusion amount, SALT limitations, tax-deferred investment accounts, 529 plans, limitations on charitable deductions, and Pease limitations.
One Big Beautiful Bill ActBy Aaron D. EvansTrusts and Estates, August 2025This article discusses the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including tax cuts, increased basic exclusion amount, SALT limitations, tax-deferred investment accounts, 529 plans, limitations on charitable deductions, and Pease limitations.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Considerations for Charitable PlanningBy Philip M. PurcellCorporate Law Departments, September 2025A look at provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and how this Act impacts income tax, estate tax, and other miscellaneous changes.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Considerations for Charitable PlanningBy Philip M. PurcellTrusts and Estates, September 2025A look at provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and how this Act impacts income tax, estate tax, and other miscellaneous changes.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Tax Changes for 2026 for Individuals, Families, and EstatesBy Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, December 2025The One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains several provisions that will impact tax law in 2026, including tax rates and tables, no tax on tips, no tax on car loan interest, senior bonus deduction, adoption credits, Trump accounts, and more.
