Illinois Medical Debt Relief ProgramElder Law, March 2026Last month, Governor Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois has erased over $1.1 billion in medical debt for more than half a million Illinoisans through the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program.
Illinois Multisector Plan for AgingElder Law, March 2026The Department on Aging recently has released EngAging Illinois: A Comprehensive Plan for Living Well, establishing a decade-long blueprint to support healthy aging in the state, while also addressing issues related to healthcare, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health.
Illinois New “Junk Fees” Alert for Residential LeasesBy Nicky SonntagReal Estate Law, July 2026Illinois has enacted House Bill 3564 which bans “junk fees” charged by landlords and adds new layers of transparency to residential lease agreements.
Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory BoardBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, June 2026Various issues were discussed at the April 16, 2026, Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory Board meeting, including approving past minutes, update on the plugging of orphan wells, update on the Mitigating Emissions for Marginal Conventional Wells Grant, revisions to OG-09 form and the new OG-09A form, and more.
Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory BoardBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, March 2026Key points from the Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory Board meeting, which occurred on January 22, 2026.
Illinois Reliable Information SourcesElder Law, July 2026Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has officially launched a landmark digital initiative to expand access to educational resources. Through this initiative, every resident can now access a comprehensive collection of trusted online resources, e-books, journals, and databases at no charge via local libraries or the Illinois State Library website.
Illinois’ Remote Retailer Tax Amnesty Program Begins August 1stBy Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, July 2026Last year, the IRS announced the 2026 Remote Retailer Tax Amnesty Program which presents a limited time opportunity for remote retailers to resolve past Illinois sales tax liabilities without associated penalties and interest. The program will run from August 1st through October 31st, 2026, which is the time period during which the Remote Retailer Tax Amnesty Application must be submitted.
Illinois Supreme Court AnnouncementsElder Law, April 2026The Illinois Supreme Court has announced revised Illinois Pattern Civil Jury Instructions, draft forms for public comment, and new juror compilation procedures.
Illinois Supreme Court Breaks With Federal Courts on Pay for Preliminary and Postliminary Work ActivitiesBy Michael R. LiedBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, June 2026In Johnson v. Amazon.com Services, LLC, the Illinois Supreme Court recently concluded that the General Assembly did not signify any intention to incorporate the preliminary and postliminary activities exclusions set forth in the Portal-to-Portal Act. Rather, the General Assembly delegated the authority to define “hours worked” to IDOL. In turn, IDOL adopted a definition of “hours worked” that necessarily includes preliminary and postliminary activities, explicitly encompassing all time that an employee is required to be on an employer’s premises.
Illinois Supreme Court Breaks With Federal Courts on Pay for Preliminary and Postliminary Work ActivitiesBy Michael R. LiedLabor and Employment Law, May 2026In Johnson v. Amazon.com Services, LLC, the Illinois Supreme Court recently concluded that the General Assembly did not signify any intention to incorporate the preliminary and postliminary activities exclusions set forth in the Portal-to-Portal Act. Rather, the General Assembly delegated the authority to define “hours worked” to IDOL. In turn, IDOL adopted a definition of “hours worked” that necessarily includes preliminary and postliminary activities, explicitly encompassing all time that an employee is required to be on an employer’s premises.
Illinois Supreme Court NewsElder Law, July 2026A compilation of updates from the Illinois Supreme Court, including amended First District Rules, amendments to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 795 and 9, and more!
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 300: New Procedures, Same Standard in Petitioning for Reasonable Attorneys’ FeesBy Michael RothmannTort Law, May 2026Effective July 1, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court adopted Rule 300,governing attorney fee petitions. The rule allows greater flexibility in fee arrangements and clarifies what courts must review when evaluating attorney compensation. It establishes procedures for filing fee petitions in actions where fees are authorized by statute, rule, contract, or court order, and recognizes a variety of permissible fee structures beyond traditional hourly billing.
The Illinois Supreme Court Wants Parents to Resolve Parenting DisputesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Rural Practice, May 2026Mediation is a requirement when parents are involved in a parenting allocation dispute. The sooner that you explain this requirement to clients, as well as the benefits of mediation, the less clients will feel defeated or caught off guard when a court inevitably orders the parties in a parental allocation matter to mediation.
The Illinois Supreme Court Wants Parents To Resolve Parenting DisputesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Family Law, April 2026Mediation is a requirement when parents are involved in a parenting allocation dispute. The sooner that you explain this requirement to clients, as well as the benefits of mediation, the less clients will feel defeated or caught off guard when a court inevitably orders the parties in a parental allocation matter to mediation.
The Impact of In Re Marriage of Tronsrue on the Equitable Division of Certain Federal Pensions and PaymentsBy Judge Arnold F. Blockman, (ret.)Family Law, June 2026There are certain federal pension and other payments that by federal statute and federal law are not divisible by state courts in family law proceedings, including military disability retirement payments, V.A. disability pensions, social security benefits, certain railroad retirement benefits, and other payments. However, the Illinois Supreme Court analyzes this issue in In re Marriage of Tronsrue, 2025 IL 130596.
Impact of Rescission of Laws on DEI in Family Law: Implications to Access to JusticeBy Arlette G. PorterDiversity Leadership Council, June 2026The recent rescission of DEI laws has already had a profound effect on access to justice. It has had a tangible and perhaps detrimental consequence in the family law arena. Revocation of DEI initiatives significantly hinders divorcing parties’ and parentage parties’ access to justice, particularly those in vulnerable positions.
Important Resources and Upcoming CLE OpportunitiesElder Law, March 2026A compilation of resources that may be helpful for your practice or your clients, and don't miss upcoming CLE programs sponsored by the Elder Law Section Council and the Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services.
Important: Immediate Change to the Filing of Notices of AppealBy Mark Kevin Wykoff, Sr.Cannabis Law, May 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.
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.
Importing Food Products Into the United StatesFood Law, February 2026Under provisions of the U.S. law contained in the U.S. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, importers of food products intended for introduction into U.S. interstate commerce are responsible for ensuring that the products are safe, sanitary, and labeled according to U.S. requirements. Imported food products are subject to FDA inspection when offered for import at U.S. ports of entry.
The Imposter Takes the ChairBy Matthew BensonFamily Law, July 2026A note from the new chair of the Family Law Section Council, addressing the upcoming bar year, Imposter Syndrome, and the current Newsletter issue.
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.
Injured Worker Recovery Under Section 8(e) and 8(d)(2): An Analysis of Body Part Injuries and Injury to the Person-As-A-WholeBy Markham M. JeepWorkers’ Compensation Law, June 2026A recent case, Azcon Metals, seems to permit PAW benefits over and above section 8(e) specific loss benefits only if other body parts are involved; however, injured workers have the option to elect either the section 8(d)(1) or section 8(d)(2) remedy. Petitioner’s counsel should remember that certain precedent for additional PAW benefits in section 8(e)(18) cases where the injured worker also suffered other injuries to the “body part” of the head—for psychological injuries.
Intellectual Improbabilities™By Daniel KeganIntellectual Property, June 2026A compilation of recent events in all matters related to intellectual property, including PTO Trademark Center makeover appearance; CO inflation; AI pilot fee waived; advantages of utilizing USPS for shipping; sequestered scientific evidence guide; Argentina fee inflation; and more.
Intellectual Improbabilities™By Daniel KeganIntellectual Property, March 2026A round-up of recent events in the world of intellectual property, including NIL for minors, TRAIN Act, PH Highway, AI sanctions, and more.
The Intersection of Conventional Productivity Tips and TechnologyBy Jennifer M. DanishLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, January 2026Technology can be a powerful tool in an attorney's practice, from establishing task priority, minimizing interruptions, and increasing cognitive bandwidth; however, it is important that technology is used as an enhancer and not a substitute for independent judgment.
Introduction to the Brooks InstituteBy Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy, Inc.Animal Law, April 2026The Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy was born from the vision and ideals of Brooks McCormick Jr., who considered his companion animals his dearest friends and family until his death in 2015. Learn more about the Brooks Institute, animal law resources, and how you can utilize your law practice to make a difference in the lives of animals.
