2025 Annual Department of Justice ReportTrusts and Estates, January 2026The United States Department of Justice's 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Department of Justice Activities to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse was recently released, summarizing activities during the prior fiscal year that were intended to promote elder justice through enforcement, raising public awareness, capacity building, victim support and recovery, and sharing data and research.
Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Relating To In-House CounselBy Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D.Employee Benefits, January 2026Changes to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 706(g) and 716, effective as of January 1, 2026, set certain requirements and limits that are applicable to in-house counsel within Illinois.
Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Relating To In-House CounselBy Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D.Corporate Law Departments, January 2026Changes to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 706(g) and 716, effective as of January 1, 2026, set certain requirements and limits that are applicable to in-house counsel within Illinois.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinEmployee Benefits, January 2026At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinInsurance Law, January 2026At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinCivil Practice and Procedure, January 2026At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Case Law UpdateBy Meghan E. TepasTrusts and Estates, January 2026A summary and analysis of Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr., a 1st District of the Appellate Court unpublished decision.
Case SummariesInsurance Law, January 2026Case summaries from E-Clips, including an in-depth summary of Reynolds v. State Farm Life Insurance Co., considering whether the Genetic Information and Privacy Act applies to life insurance underwriting.
Case Summary: People v. UseniBy James SternTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026The People v. Useni decision explores why base allegations are not sufficient to deny bail.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, January 2026A note from the Chair of the Family Law Section Council.
Chair’s CornerBy Julia Kaye WykoffCriminal Justice, January 2026A note from the Chair of the Criminal Justice Section Council regarding the current issue.
Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits CommitteeBy Lee PolkEmployee Benefits, January 2026The outline for the Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee Meeting, hosted on November 21, 2025, discussing various issues related to alternative assets, investments, and defined contribution plans.
Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits CommitteeBy Lee PolkCorporate Law Departments, January 2026The outline for the Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee Meeting, hosted on November 21, 2025, discussing various issues related to alternative assets, investments, and defined contribution plans.
Criminal Conduct When IntoxicatedBy Ted Hammel & Kristen MessamoreTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026A person who is intoxicated (a/k/a voluntarily wasted) is usually responsible for their criminal conduct, but…the Illinois Supreme Court held in 2023 that evidence of voluntary intoxication may be used to attack a state's claim that defendant had requisite specific intent to commit charged offense.
Cyber Risks and Insurance Gaps: Lessons From Villa Financial and Galey ConsultingBy Sophie StevanovichInsurance Law, January 2026Two recent decisions from the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court, Villa Financial and Galey Consulting, addressed issues relating to an insurer's liability to cover cyber-related incidents.
Defendant’s Disappearing Act Yields No Evidentiary MagicBy Adam M. MillerTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026A case summary of People v. Talley, 2025 IL App (4th) 250432-U, and practical implications for the timeline of evidence preservation and discovery requests.
Deviation From Maintenance Guidelines Is Supported With Sufficient FindingsBy Christopher W. BohlenFamily Law, January 2026When dealing with a deviation from guideline maintenance, the court must make specific findings as to the amount and duration of non-guideline maintenance, as well as justify why the court chose to depart from guidelines.
From the EditorBy James NyesteInsurance Law, January 2026A note from the Editor of the The Policy, the newsletter of the Insurance Law Section.
Hyman’s Holdings: Gnats, Camels, and LitigatorsBy Justice Michael B. HymanCivil Practice and Procedure, January 2026In his column, Hyman's Holdings, featured in the Civil Practice & Procedure Newsletter, Justice Hyman explores various topics related to the legal profession.
Illinois Cannabis Transportation Law: Concerns and Possible SolutionsBy Anthony B. Cameron & Evan BrunoTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026While Illinois has made itself the sole United States jurisdiction to criminalize the odor of cannabis, the odor-proof container rule arguably does nothing to eliminate public harm, highlighting the necessity for amendment.
Important: Immediate Change to the Filing of Notices of AppealBy Mark Kevin Wykoff, Sr.Criminal Justice, January 2026Familiarize yourself with the changes to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 13, 605, and 606, which brings changes to how to file a Notice of Appeal in criminal cases.
Income Shares Model: Progress, Not PerfectionBy Lacey K. BoulwareYoung Lawyers Division, January 2026A look at the current child support scheme in family law and suggestions for improvements to increase calculation flexibility to best serve children of all families.
ISBA Midyear Meeting Highlights From the Federal Taxation SectionBy Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, January 2026The Federal Taxation Section Council met during the Joint Midyear Meeting to discuss business and issues relevant to the tax community, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Lawyers Must Build Technical Competence Before Claiming AI CompetenceBy George BellasCivil Practice and Procedure, January 2026Artificial intelligence is becoming an inevitable component of practicing law, but before implementing AI into your practice, ensure you have the correct technological competency to satisfy your ethical obligations.
Medicare Considerations for Senior Lawyers, RevisitedBy David ChroustTrusts and Estates, January 2026Learn more about your Medicare options, including the potential limitations on your ability to change between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, and then choose the best Medicare option for you by considering your personal preferences and circumstances.
