Updates & ResourcesElder Law, June 2025Updates and resources on various topics of interest to Elder Law practitioners.
Updates & ResourcesElder Law, May 2025Updates and resources on various topics of interest to Elder Law practitioners.
Updates & ResourcesElder Law, February 2025Updates and resources on various topics of interest to Elder Law practitioners.
Updates To Leveraging AI and ChatGPT as a Divorce Attorney in IllinoisBy Rachael ToftFamily Law, October 2025AI can be a useful tool in streamlining time-intensive tasks; however, it is imperative that attorneys and staff take great care to ensure that AI usage is respecting ethical and professional standards.
Urge Illinois Attorney General To Hold USDA AccountableFood Law, August 2025Review the Petition to Attorney General Kwame Raoul, asking for legal action against the Untied States Department of Agriculture for breaking its contract with the State of Illinois for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program, known as IL EATs.
U.S. EPA Extends Deadlines in Clean Air Act RuleBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, September 2025A brief summary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's interim final rule to extend several compliance deadlines in the 2024 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emissions Guidelines for oil and gas operations commonly known as OOOOb\c.
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.
Virginia Administrator Liability for Attack by First GraderBy Loraina R. Trujillo & Roland R. CrossEducation Law, December 2025On November 6, 2025, a Virginia jury found that an elementary school assistant principal, Ebony Parker, acted with gross negligence when a six-year-old student shot his first-grade teacher in 2023. In the civil case, the jury awarded the injured teacher $10 million in damages, including interest back to June 1, 2024. Criminal charges against the administrator remain pending.
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!
Waiver of Consequential Damages in Construction ContractsBy Werner SaboConstruction Law, December 2025Whether to include a waiver of consequential damages provision in a construction contract can have significant implications if something goes wrong. Consultation with a knowledgeable construction attorney who can investigate the requirements of the project to adequately protect the client is important.
WATL Donation Drive: Support Special Olympics Illinois!Women and the Law, December 2025This year, WATL is proud to support Special Olympics Illinois through our annual Donation Drive. We are gratefully accepting contributions in the form of Amazon Wishlist items from Special Olympics Illinois ormonetary donations. Every donation directly supports athletes and their volunteer coaches at pools across Illinois.
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’GaraBench and Bar, December 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.
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.
