Rural Practice Fellowship ProgramTrusts and Estates, September 2025Find out more about the 2026-2027 Rural Practice Fellowship Program. Applications will close on September 19, 2025.
Rural Practice Fellowship ProgramFederal Taxation, September 2025Find out more about the 2026-2027 Rural Practice Fellowship Program. Applications will close on September 19, 2025.
S. Ct. Rule 215 Neuropsychological Exams Versus 735 ILCS 5/2-1003(d)By Michael RothmannTort Law, April 2025In tort claims, the Defendant usually seeks a Rule 215 neuropsychological exam of an injured party suffering from prolonged post-concussion symptoms or more significant traumatic brain injury. Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/2-1003(d) (2025), plaintiffs have the right to have their attorney present and have the right to video record the examination. Defendants invariably argue that no person, other than the injured party, can be present during the neuropsychological exam to ensure the validity of the test and protect the intellectual property of the test and test materials. These arguments do not overcome the statute and fail even if no such statute existed.
Safety Act Detention Hearing Timelines Following People v. CooperBy Hon. Joseph PedersenCriminal Justice, August 2025A summary of the recent Illinois Supreme Court case, People v. Cooper, which answered the following questions: What if the trial court fails to hold a detention hearing within those time periods as required by 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1(c)(2)? Is the trial court then required to release the defendant on conditions?
The “Scarcity of Success”: How Law Schools’ Hyper-Competitive Cultures Fuel BullyingBy Rachel KolbBench and Bar, September 2025The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professional's survey found that 1 in 4 attorneys experienced bullying in the workplace. Perhaps if anti-bullying practices and mindsets started in law schools, the legal profession would be less accustomed to bullying.
SEC v. Equity Build, Inc., et al. and Public Act 104-0101: Bad Case and Good LawBy Joseph W. RogulReal Estate Law, October 2025A case summary of SEC v. Equity Build, Inc., its impact on representing sellers in real estate transactions, and a look forward at new Illinois legislation that hopefully extinguishes the stain of bad caselaw.
Senate Bill Addresses Bonding Requirements for WellsBy Craig H. HedinMineral Law, March 2025Senate Bill 2463 was introduced on February 7, 2025, to amend 225 ILCS 725/6 of the Illinois Oil and Gas Act as to the amounts required as a bond for plugging obligations and other matters. The current Act provides that permittees who have not paid well fees for two consecutive years shall submit to the Department a bond to cover the costs of plugging a well and restoring the well site in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00 or as determined by the Department by rule or submit a blanket bond not to exceed $100,000.00 for all wells. In the alternative to a surety bond, an applicant may provide cash, a certificate of deposit, or an irrevocable letter of credit. Once the applicant has paid well fees for two consecutive years, the bond or letter of credit is released, or the certificate of deposit funds is returned.
Seventh Circuit Holds That Non-Disabled Employee Is Entitled to Back Pay Under Americans with Disabilities ActBy John F. Kuenstler & Doug M. OldhamLabor and Employment Law, May 2025The Seventh Circuit recently held that an employee who was neither disabled nor perceived as disabled was entitled to back pay damages under the ADA. The court found that a medical exam requirement constituted a form of disability discrimination, even though the plaintiff had no actual or perceived disability. Given this ruling, employers should be cautious when requiring medical examinations and ensure the examinations are clearly job-related and consistent with business necessity.
Seventh Circuit Reviews Scope of Free Speech Rights of Public EmployeesBy Walter J. Zukowski & James S. PetersEducation Law, October 2025A case summary of Hedgepeth v. Britton, a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals case, that explores the range of what's appropriate for a public employee to post on social media.
SEVIS Termination Crisis: 2025By Likitha Reddy PeesariInternational and Immigration Law, May 2025In early 2025, thousands of international students in the U.S. lost their F-1 status due to the abrupt termination of their SEVIS records, often triggered by minor infractions, administrative errors, or vague national security concerns. These terminations caused severe legal, academic, and emotional distress for students. Legal challenges, led by organizations like the ACLU, have resulted in court-ordered reinstatements of SEVIS records for many students. The crisis highlights systemic flaws in the immigration process and has broader implications for U.S. higher education, including declining international enrollment and calls for immigration reform.
“Show Me the Money” Illinois’ New Job Posting Requirements That Took Effect January 1By Michelle T. Olsen & Ariel M. KellyLabor and Employment Law, January 2025Illinois joined a growing number of jurisdictions, including California, Colorado, New York, and Washington, that require employers to include pay and/or benefits information in job postings. This article summarizes January 1's changes to posting requirements, recordkeeping, noncompliance consequences, and more.
Silas Marner, a Novel, by George EliotBy Hon. Michael S. JordanHuman and Civil Rights, August 2025The article discusses Silas Marner by George Eliot, who wrote under a male pseudonym due to gender biases in her time. The story follows Silas, a reclusive weaver betrayed by his community, who finds redemption and love after adopting a lost child, Eppie. The novel explores themes of class, religion, judgment, and human connection. The author of this article reflects on its deeper value when read later in life.
Silas Marner, a Novel, by George EliotBy Hon. Michael S. JordanSenior Lawyers, June 2025The article discusses Silas Marner by George Eliot, who wrote under a male pseudonym due to gender biases in her time. Initially disliked by the writer when read in high school due to its complex language and structure, the book eventually grew on them. The story follows Silas, a reclusive weaver betrayed by his community, who finds redemption and love after adopting a lost child, Eppie. The novel explores themes of class, religion, judgment, and human connection. The writer reflects on its deeper value when read later in life.
“Small” Estates Are Now LargerBy Gary R. Gehlbach, Colleen L. Sahlas, & Robert W. KaufmanSenior Lawyers, October 2025The small estate procedure is broadened to personal estates up to $150,000, excluding the value of motor vehicles, effective for decedents dying on or after August 15, 2025.
“Small” Estates Are Now LargerBy Gary R. Gehlbach, Colleen L. Sahlas, & Robert W. KaufmanTrusts and Estates, September 2025The small estate procedure is broadened to personal estates up to $150,000, excluding the value of motor vehicles, effective for decedents dying on or after August 15, 2025.
A Snapshot of State Appliance Standards in 2025By 2050 PartnersEnergy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, November 2025A look into codes and standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy bills, and bolstering grid resilience. This article discusses current codes and standards that exist and expands upon opportunities for regulatory standards, opportunities for states, and appliance efficiency through building codes.
So You Want To Seal a Family Law Case? Confidentiality Issues in Family LawBy Hon. Anna M. BenjaminFamily Law, October 2025Sealing a case in family law court is a complicated issue, requiring compelling reasons that go far and above an agreement between the parties. Learn the requirements that are necessary to successfully request to seal a file.
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023Employee Benefits, August 2025The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, signed in early 2025, eliminates WEP and GPO, which had reduced Social Security benefits for many public workers. The SSA is now issuing retroactive payments (back to January 2024) and increasing monthly benefits. No action is needed if your contact info is up to date. Those previously denied benefits due to WEP/GPO can now apply.
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023Elder Law, May 2025The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, signed in early 2025, eliminates WEP and GPO, which had reduced Social Security benefits for many public workers. The SSA is now issuing retroactive payments (back to January 2024) and increasing monthly benefits. No action is needed if your contact info is up to date. Those previously denied benefits due to WEP/GPO can now apply.
