U.S. Senate Committee Unanimously Reports Brownfields Reauthorization LegislationBy Michael GalanoEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, March 2025The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) on Feb. 5, 2025, held a markup on the Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S. 347), where the legislation was unanimously reported to the full Senate. To date, floor consideration has not been scheduled, and a U.S. House of Representatives companion measure has not yet been introduced in the 119th Congress.
The Use of a Police Report at Trial to Refresh the Recollection of an Investigating Officer and the Application of the Hearsay Rule and the Exceptions: Capsel v. BurwellBy Richard L. Turner, Jr.Tort Law, April 2025In analysis of Capsel v. Burwell, 2024 IL App (3d) 230170. In this case, the truth and accuracy of the officer’s report could not be established in that he did not witness the collision and could not identify who provided the statements. The officer’s testimony lacked the necessary foundation and was inadmissible under the past recollection recorded exception, or any other exception, to the hearsay rule. The appellate court then found that the trial court’s act of admitting the statements in the report into evidence constituted reversible error meriting a new trial.
The Use of a Police Report at Trial to Refresh the Recollection of an Investigating Officer and the Application of the Hearsay Rule and the Exceptions: Capsel v. BurwellBy Richard L. Turner, Jr.Rural Practice, April 2025In analysis of Capsel v. Burwell, 2024 IL App (3d) 230170. In this case, the truth and accuracy of the officer’s report could not be established in that he did not witness the collision and could not identify who provided the statements. The officer’s testimony lacked the necessary foundation and was inadmissible under the past recollection recorded exception, or any other exception, to the hearsay rule. The appellate court then found that the trial court’s act of admitting the statements in the report into evidence constituted reversible error meriting a new trial.
The Use of a Police Report at Trial to Refresh the Recollection of an Investigating Officer and the Application of the Hearsay Rule and the Exceptions: Capsel v. BurwellBy Richard L. Turner, Jr.Civil Practice and Procedure, January 2025In analysis of Capsel v. Burwell, 2024 IL App (3d) 230170. In this case, the truth and accuracy of the officer’s report could not be established in that he did not witness the collision and could not identify who provided the statements. The officer’s testimony lacked the necessary foundation and was inadmissible under the past recollection recorded exception, or any other exception, to the hearsay rule. The appellate court then found that the trial court’s act of admitting the statements in the report into evidence constituted reversible error meriting a new trial.
Using AI to Help Run Your Law PracticeBy Claudia BadilloCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, May 2025A seasoned consumer bankruptcy attorney describes how they overcame reluctance to use AI tools in their legal practice, particularly for improving client communication in Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Struggling to clearly convey complex legal obligations to clients post-filing, the attorney used ChatGPT to generate a comprehensive FAQ section for their website.
Using Large Language Models for Deposition PreparationBy James H. DawdyLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, October 2025AI can be a useful tool when preparing for depositions, particularly when it comes to providing an extensive list of questions that can be tailored to the unique needs of your case.
The Value—and the Challenges—of Bar Association Membership for Your Firm: Cultivating Meaningful Participation from Day OneBy Jennifer M. DanishLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2025This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of membership in bar associations and professional organizations, with particular emphasis on the meaningful integration of new attorneys into these networks. The discussion will highlight how supportive law firm leadership facilitates young lawyers' navigation and maximization of benefits within these organizations. While the ISBA serves as a prime example, the principles discussed are applicable to other local, national, and practice-specific associations. Ultimately, a thoughtful and strategic approach, particularly one that invests in junior attorneys, can yield significant returns in professional growth, firm cohesion, and business development.
A Victory for Injured Workers Who Suffered Catastrophic AmputationsBy Audrey E. GardnerWorkers’ Compensation Law, May 2025A recent decision by the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court in The American Coal Co. v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission has significant implications for workers who have suffered catastrophic injuries, particularly multiple limb amputations, under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
Victory! Federal Court Orders Terminated USDA Farmer and Community Grants To Be ReinstatedFood Law, September 2025The United States District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order granting the restoration of six USDA grants for farmers and communities that support tree planting, growing food in underserved communities, training new farmers, and helping farmers adopt climate-friendly practices.
Voila! The Pop-Up Timer for Turkeys Saved the DayBy Adam SussmanIntellectual Property, December 2025You can thank Eugene Beals for the meat thermometer you used this Thanksgiving to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection.
Voila! The Pop-Up Timer for Turkeys Saved the DayBy Adam SussmanFood Law, October 2025You can thank Eugene Beals for the meat thermometer you will use this Thanksgiving to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection.
Voir Dire: Setting the Tone for Trial SuccessBy Courtney A. BerlinYoung Lawyers Division, August 2025It is often said that you cannot win a case in voir dire, but you can lose one there. Make sure you're prepared for voir dire in your next jury trial!
We Can End the Suffering: Illinois’ Child Marriage ProblemBy Nancy Chausow Shafer & Fraidy ReissFamily Law, May 2025Thousands of Illinois girls are being legally married off to adult men, without any input from the girls, often before the girls are legally old enough to consent to sex. Always before the girls are old enough to enter a domestic violence shelter. Or old enough to file for divorce. But we can end the suffering.
We Lost a Great Man, Fortunately We Have His Memoir: A Review of Compassion in the CourtBy Hon. John J. O’GaraLaw-Related Education for the Public, November 2025A book review of Compassion in the Court, a memoir by Hon. Frank Caprio, details Judge Caprio's life, his rise to the bench, and his journey to reimagine justice not only as a set of rules, but as a process shaped by understanding, fairness, and compassion.
Well Security Requirements AmendedBy Craig R. HedinReal Estate Law, August 2025Senate Bill 2463 was amended and subsequently the bill passed in the Senate on April 10, 2025, and passed in the House on May 22, 2025. The bill amends the amounts required for security and the right to provide cash security.
Well Security Requirements AmendedBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, June 2025Senate Bill 2463 was filed on February 7, 2025. The bill was amended by Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 filed on April 4, 2025. The amended bill passed in the Senate on April 10, 2025, and passed in the House on May 22, 2025. The bill amends the security that is required of new permittees for wells. The amendment follows the structure of the previous statute and regulations, but amends the amounts required for security and the right to provide cash security.
What a Difference a Word Can Make: Understanding the Rule of LawBy Junaid AfeefHuman and Civil Rights, April 2025The rule of law ensures that legal frameworks are applied equally, uphold fundamental rights, and constrain government power. It “describes a political ideal in which the executive arm of the state exercises coercive power against individuals only when this is authorized by settled principles of law.” In contrast, rule by law describes a system where laws exist primarily as tools of the state to exert control, often benefiting the ruling elite rather than protecting citizens. Rule by law allows for arbitrary governance, where the law is selectively applied to maintain power rather than to ensure justice.
What Constitutes a Prima Facie Case?By Brian FlifletState and Local Taxation, July 2025This article discusses the interpretation of prima facie cases and the recent Supreme Court Opinion, Marathon Petroleum Co. LP v. Cook County Department of Revenue, 2024 IL 129562.
What Do We Mean by “Human Rights?” Can We Agree?By Sandra Crawford, J.D.Human and Civil Rights, August 2025While there may not be a universal definition of "human rights," this article explores the origins of human rights and how everyone's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of security of person must be protected.
What Is a Motion for Relief?By Justice Judy CatesBench and Bar, March 2025Ever heard of a motion for relief? No—not a motion to reconsider, or motion for new trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict—but a motion for relief. The motion for relief is a procedural prerequisite to jurisdiction in the appellate court. A party seeking to appeal is tasked with filing a motion for relief, or “mini-brief,” in the trial court, setting forth the alleged errors that occurred during the detention proceedings and the grounds for the relief requested. The motion for relief will also serve as the argument of the appellant on appeal, as the appellant may file, but is not required to file, a memorandum in the appellate court. Ill. S. Ct. R. 604(h)(7) (eff. Apr. 15, 2024).
What Is Mediation and ADR: History, Models, and PrinciplesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2025An overview on the origins of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, different models of mediation, and the core principles of mediating disputes.
What Is Mediation and ADR: History, Models, and PrinciplesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Family Law, August 2025An overview on the origins of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, different models of mediation, and the core principles of mediating disputes.
What Is Mentorship and Where to Find It in the Food Industry?Food Law, June 2025When asked about their career journeys, many successful professionals credit mentorship as a defining factor in their growth. No one advances in a vacuum; those who actively seek and apply guidance from experienced individuals set themselves apart. From academic advisors to professional mentors, having someone to offer insights, challenge blind spots, and encourage risk-taking can make all the difference.
What Is New in PFAS Remediation Technology?By Eric BerryEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, March 2025PFAS are found virtually everywhere, are highly durable, and are regulated at very low levels (parts per trillion) at both state and federal levels. This article discusses utilizing effective treatment technology to remediate PFAS.
What Is the Remote Practice of Law?By Stephen B. CohenRural Practice, October 2025In this article, the author emphasizes and describes how a major event affecting all aspects of society has changed many traditional aspects of the practice of law.
What Is the Remote Practice of Law?By Stephen B. CohenAlternative Dispute Resolution, January 2025In this article, the author emphasizes and describes how a major event affecting all aspects of society has changed many traditional aspects of the practice of law.
