New Member Spotlight: Aggie BaumertWomen and the Law, April 2026Learn more about Aggie Baumert, who not only brings a wealth of experience in family law to the committee—she embodies grit, passion, and dedication against all odds, a true testament to everything that the committee represents.
The New Receivership Act: Claims Filing, Automatic Stays, and Receivership Sales of Real EstateBy Paul PetersonCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, February 2026This article higlights some of the key sections of the Receivership Act that should be considered in practice, including purpose, scope, notice, status of receiver as lien creditor, sale of real estate, contracts, injunctions, claims bar date, and discharge of the receiver.
The New Receivership Act: Claims Filing, Automatic Stays, and Receivership Sales of Real EstateBy Paul PetersonAgricultural Law, January 2026This article higlights some of the key sections of the Receivership Act that a real estate practitioner or mechanics lien claimant should consider, including purpose, scope, notice, status of receiver as lien creditor, sale of real estate, contracts, injunctions, claims bar date, and discharge of the receiver.
The New Receivership Act: Claims Filing, Automatic Stays, and Receivership Sales of Real EstateBy Paul PetersonReal Estate Law, January 2026The new Illinois Receivership Act brings a host of changes to receiverships in Illinois under certain circumstances. One of the purposes of the Act is to facilitate sales that can bring in more proceeds than would otherwise be obtained through a mortgage foreclosure, creating the necessity for all real estate practitioners to consider.
New Residential Real Estate Reporting to FinCEN Begins March 1, 2026By Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, March 2026Effective March 1, 2026, a new regulation promulgated by the FinCEN requires a new information report each time a qualifying residential real estate transaction or settlement closes. The new regulation is the next step under the DOT’s longstanding effort to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit financial activities.
News CornerElder Law, March 2026A roundup of recent news, including Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, scam alerts, and an update for the National Strategy for Financial Literacy.
The NextGen Bar ExamBy Michael G. CortinaBench and Bar, April 2026We all likely remember taking the usual classes in law school—Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law—but very few courses focused on the practical skills of lawyering. Some schools had more courses that were skills-based, but most classes focused on teaching students legal concepts and principles. The times, they are a changin’. The next generation of attorneys may enter practice with a stronger skillset thanks to the new Bar Exam.
No Access to Justice Without Access to a Lawyer: Part IIBy Judge James A. Shapiro & James J. HerdegenBench and Bar, February 2026Part II of this two-part series explores the difficulties that self-represented litigants face in the court system, particularly as it relates to Domestic Relations cases and the inability to afford an attorney, and offers solutions to increase access to justice.
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act: Key Provisions and Impacts for Local GovernmentsBy Megan M. OlsonLocal Government Law, February 2026On December 16, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed a new transit funding bill known as “The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act” (NITA) into law. The law replaces the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) with the newly created Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA).
Not So Exclusive Remedy: Allergic Reactions at WorkBy Dennis M. LynchTort Law, March 2026A look at Rivas v. Benny's Prime Chophouse, a First District Appellate Court case that illustrates the important interplay between workers’ compensation law and direct liability claims against an employer.
NOTEReal Estate Law, January 2026Quick summaries of new laws for 2026 that may impact the practice of real estate law.
Nuclear Tesla Verdict & the “Full Self-Driving” HustleBy Michael AlkarakiEnergy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, February 2026The number of people who have been injured due to Tesla's alleged self-driving cars is increasing; however, Tesla is doubling down that user is to blame, not the faulty Tesla feature.
Oil and Gas Law for the Non-Oil and Gas LawyerBy John C. Robison, Jr.Mineral Law, March 2026An overview of oil and gas law is presented for the practitioner who only occasionally encounters real estate with oil and gas issues.
Oil and Gas Law Ownership Rights and Surface IssuesBy David M. ForemanEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, March 2026Historically, an owner of real estate, in fee simple absolute, was thought to own a pie shaped cubit, extending from the center of the Earth, all the way up to the heavens. This traditional rule of ownership is a gross over simplification which, as we shall see, does not truly apply in the case of oil and gas.
Oil and Gas Law Ownership Rights and Surface IssuesBy David M. ForemanAgricultural Law, February 2026Historically, an owner of real estate, in fee simple absolute, was thought to own a pie shaped cubit, extending from the center of the Earth, all the way up to the heavens. This traditional rule of ownership is a gross over simplification which, as we shall see, does not truly apply in the case of oil and gas.
Oil and Gas Law Ownership Rights and Surface IssuesBy David M. ForemanReal Estate Law, February 2026Historically, an owner of real estate, in fee simple absolute, was thought to own a pie shaped cubit, extending from the center of the Earth, all the way up to the heavens. This traditional rule of ownership is a gross over simplification which, as we shall see, does not truly apply in the case of oil and gas.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Tax Changes for 2026 for Large and Small BusinessesBy Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, January 2026The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings many changes to provisions relating to businesses, including business taxes, incentives for rural and agricultural ventures, paid family and medical leave credit, business interest deductions, excess business loss limitations, bonus depreciation, and charitable contributions.
One Year After Wisconsin v. Catholic Charities, Illinois Appellate Court Decides First Religious Exemption CaseBy Jake A. LeahyState and Local Taxation, April 2026The First District Appellate Court invoked the holding of Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin, a United States Supreme Court case, determining that The Salvation Army is a church as a matter of settled law, and therefore services performed in its employ fall outside the Act’s definition of employment, regardless of whether those services are religious in nature.
Overview of Proper Witness Disclosures Under Illinois Rule 213By Gregory R. JonesYoung Lawyers Division, May 2026In Illinois, it is incumbent on practitioners to know how to make proper witness disclosures to avoid witness or testimony exclusions at or before trial. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213 sets forth various requirements for different types of witness disclosures in civil litigation, as well as the limitations on testimony resulting from disclosures. This article examines the applicable rules and requirements.
Overview of Proper Witness Disclosures Under Illinois Rule 213By Gregory R. JonesTort Law, April 2026In Illinois, it is incumbent on practitioners to know how to make proper witness disclosures to avoid witness or testimony exclusions at or before trial. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213 sets forth various requirements for different types of witness disclosures in civil litigation, as well as the limitations on testimony resulting from disclosures.
Part I: An Eye for an Eye—Religion and Law Combined—Saudi ArabiaBy Ralph E. GuderianInternational and Immigration Law, February 2026Part I of this article provides an analysis of the historical influence of Saudi Arabia, Islam, and the Saudi ruling royal family.
Payments From a Deceased ProducerBy Nancy M. HandeganAgricultural Law, May 2026A recent FSA newsletter discussed obtaining payments due to a deceased producer. When in doubt, the local and state FSA staff are able to help in dealing with payment issues.
Philip N. Hablutzel, 1935-2026International and Immigration Law, April 2026In memory of Philip N. Hablutzel, a dedicated husband, father, and attorney who served in various capacities throughout his life.
Philip N. Hablutzel, 1935-2026Corporate Law Departments, March 2026In memory of Philip N. Hablutzel, a dedicated husband, father, and attorney who served in various capacities throughout his life.
Philip N. Hablutzel, 1935-2026Business and Securities Law, February 2026In memory of Philip N. Hablutzel, a dedicated husband, father, and attorney who served in various capacities throughout his life.
Philip N. Hablutzel, 1935-2026Senior Lawyers, February 2026In memory of Philip N. Hablutzel, a dedicated husband, father, and attorney who served in various capacities throughout his life.
