Other UpdatesElder Law, December 2025The IRS has announced annual inflations and adjustments that will impact the 2026 tax year; Vanderbilt University researchers are conducting an interview study to learn more about the role of caregivers in memory loss or dementia; and the Long Term Care Community Coalition has launched the Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center.
Overcoming the Fear of ArbitrationBy Hon. Lisa R. Curcio, (ret.)Construction Law, January 2025Parties avoid arbitration because of several common fears. Besides the limited right to appeal, parties fear an arbitrator who will “split the baby” or treat the arbitration like litigation, increasing the cost of resolving the dispute, or an arbitrator who does not know the law or ignores the law. Yet there are concrete ways that parties can take advantage of the benefits of arbitration while overcoming these fears.
Pain Is Enough… Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions: Tazewell County v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, 2025 IL App (4th) 230754WCBy Gregory H. BoothWorkers’ Compensation Law, May 2025On January 31, 2025, the Appellate Court, 4th District, published an opinion in the case of Tazewell County v. Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, 2025 IL App (4th) 230754WC. This case establishes the precedent in Illinois that pain alone, arising from repetitive work activities, can be a sufficient basis for a compensable workers’ compensation claim, even in the absence of structural changes to a pre-existing condition.
Paris and the Rule of 10-10-10By Diane E. ElliottWomen and the Law, December 2025The Rule of 10-10-10 can be utilized to make decisions in all facets of life. Just ask yourself these three questions: What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes? In 10 months? And in 10 years?
Part II—Pet Peeves and Practice Tips: Views From the Bench and BarBy Hon. Jeanne M. ReynoldsFamily Law, December 2025This two-part series explores the "pet peeves" of family law practitioners and judges. Part II: Views from the bar highlights the "pet peeves" and "best practices" as told by various attorneys practicing family law.
Passing Judgment on the Consumer Debt Judgment StatuteBy Keith BarnsteinCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, September 2025There is not a legal presumption that any particular debt is a consumer debt judgment. Therefore, absent an evidentiary finding by the trial court, a judgment should not automatically be assumed to be a consumer debt judgment.
Patents and Trade Secrets in Food LawBy Adam SussmanFood Law, December 2025Ever been curious how Coca-Cola has persevered as a prominent brand for over 100 years? By understanding how trade secrets and patents serve competing interests and public policies, a company can optimize its intellectual property strategy and achieve an enforceable right to exclude while maintaining confidentiality of the details of its trade secret.
People v. Yankaway: Ready or Not, Here We ComeBy Hon. Robert McIntireCriminal Justice, August 2025In People v. Yankaway, 2025 IL 130207, the Illinois Supreme Court analyzed how to deal with a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in the context of statutory speedy trial provisions.
People vs. Bias: Discretionary Juvenile Transfer and the Importance of HistoryBy Judge Chad S. BeckettChild Law, April 2025On the afternoon of November 17, 2021, outside Springfield’s Lamphier High School, a troubled 15-year-old female student stabbed two older teenage males as they boarded a bus home, wounding one and killing the other. Judge Beckett's article dives into the Fourth District Appellate Court's reversal in the Bias case. Bias is a cautionary tale for judges and juvenile justice partners as they make future decisions in extraordinary juvenile cases.
Perspective: A Farmer’s Legacy Shouldn’t Be a Tax Nightmare for Their KinBy Amanda ZaluckyjFood Law, June 2025The article warns that the upcoming reduction in the federal estate tax exemption could force farm families to sell land to pay taxes. With farm wealth tied up in land and equipment, the lower exemption creates uncertainty and threatens generational farms. It urges families to plan ahead despite unclear future tax laws.
Perspective: The U.S. Produces Plenty of Food — Other Factors Make Us Food InsecureBy Amanda ZaluckyjFood Law, May 2025Did you know that almost 40 percent of all food in the United States goes to waste? Food that is safe to eat, nutritious, and available goes in our collective trash cans. We throw away 133 billion pounds of food each year. It’s a staggering statistic, especially when you consider that some of our neighbors are food insecure.
“Pet Peeves” and Practice Tips: Views From the Bench and BarBy Hon. Jeanne M. ReynoldsFamily Law, November 2025This two-part series explores the "pet peeves" of family law practitioners and judges. Part I: Views from the bench highlights the "pet peeves" and "best practices" as told by various judges in the domestic relations division.
Phone Calls Ignored, Emails Unanswered: Fixing the First Impression Problem for Law FirmsBy Mark C. PalmerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2025The legal technology company Clio played “secret shopper” for its 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report. Clio reported dismal results on how law firms are doing on first impressions. The purpose was to test how easy it is for prospective clients to get in touch with law firms through phone or email, and how effectively law firms answered their questions. See how Clio's research can help you and your firm make a positive first impression on prospective clients.
Phone Calls Ignored, Emails Unanswered: Fixing the First Impression Problem for Law FirmsBy Mark C. PalmerLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, February 2025The legal technology company Clio played “secret shopper” for its 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report. Clio reported dismal results on how law firms are doing on first impressions. The purpose was to test how easy it is for prospective clients to get in touch with law firms through phone or email, and how effectively law firms answered their questions. See how Clio's research can help you and your firm make a positive first impression on prospective clients.
A Positive Outlook for the Child Welfare System: Proposed Bill Would Require Human Trafficking Training for State’s Attorneys and Child Welfare WorkersBy Jessica VisageChild Law, April 2025The Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act was introduced to the Illinois 104th General Assembly. If adopted, it would require a number of different agencies to develop human trafficking training for their employees. SB2323 would require “trauma-informed human trafficking training for caseworkers, treatment providers, investigators, foster parents, and residential home personnel” and would require training on human trafficking and trauma-informed response for State’s Attorneys.
Powerful or Powerless?By Thomas N. Osran & Robert S. HeldTrusts and Estates, January 2025Do recent amendments to the Power of Attorney Act solve an old problem?
Practical Tips for New Lawyers: Insights From a Young LawyerBy Taylor TylerYoung Lawyers Division, October 2025Five tips that you can implement into your schedule to help ease the adjustment from law school to practice and set the foundation for long-term success.
Practice TipBy Michael J. MaslankaReal Estate Law, August 2025Don't learn the hard way--ensure that the Spam folder of your email system is being checked at least daily in your practice.
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.
