From the Editor: Proposed Rule 781By John H. MavilleSenior Lawyers, June 2026Proposed Illinois Supreme Court Rule 781 could provide a clear succession path for solo or small firm attorneys in the event of death, disability, or practice abandonment.
FSA Information CornerBy Nancy Metsker-HandeganAgricultural Law, August 2026Remember to always encourage your clients to deliver copies of any recorded deeds to the local FSA office because the FSA office needs copies of the deeds to insure their records remain current and appropriate parties are receiving information and payments in the event of death.
FSA Information CornerBy Nancy Metsker-HandeganAgricultural Law, July 2026Don't miss relevant deadlines for crop planting reports, especially if crop insurance is involved.
FSA Information CornerBy Nancy Metzker-HandeganAgricultural Law, April 2026Limited liability companies can be utilized as an estate tool to reduce estate tax, centralize management of farmland, and prevent partitions; however, changes under the OBBBA could limit payments due to each member of the limited liability company or shareholder of a corporation. These changes may impact payments due and owing after October 1, 2026.
GAL Lists Across CircuitsBy Amy SchellekensFamily Law, February 2026Even though the Illinois Supreme Court has a rule that specifically governs GAL qualifications, many circuits throughout the State of Illinois have adopted their own rules regarding GAL appointments. The differences between each circuit may pose difficulties in enacting the reciprocity requirement of Supreme Court Rule 906.
Gangs Are Not Separated in El Salvador’s PrisonsBy Ralph E. GuderianCriminal Justice, September 2026El Salvador has around 24 prisons, with a per-capita prison population of 1,659 inmates per 100,000 residents. The result has been a reduction in crime in El Salvador, forcing gang members to lose their power and autonomy, and granting many Salvadorans greater freedom to live their daily lives.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Illinois Civil Litigation: A Practical Guide for Practitioners and the Bench in Collections, Commercial Law & Bankruptcy PracticeBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, June 2026The courtrooms and law offices of Illinois are changing. Generative artificial intelligence—technology that can draft documents, synthesize case law, analyze financial records, and predict outcomes—is no longer a distant promise from a technology conference. It is here, it is being used by opposing counsel, and whether you have deliberately adopted it or not, it is already reshaping the competitive landscape of civil litigation.
Generic Speeding and Erosion of the “Mere Accident” RuleBy Anthony CameronTraffic Laws and Courts, April 2026This article discusses the continuing validity of the mere accident rule as it applies to moving violation prosecutions.
Geographical Indication Protection to Muñeca Lele of Santiago de MexquititlánBy Daniel KeganIntellectual Property, March 2026The USPTO protects Geographical Indications primarily through certification marks or collective marks, it has no separate GI Register. The Mexican IP Institute recently declared the traditional Otomi textile Muñeca Lele de Santiago de Mexquititlán (“Lele Doll”) a protected Geographical Indication. The Lele Doll is characterized by a round head (sometimes called a ball doll), two braided pigtails, ribbon adornments, and colorful textile clothing.
The Gift of UnderstandingBy Susan M. GoldbergMental Health Law, May 2026An anecdote, thinking back to years past: As a child, every year I noticed that there was always one present that remained under our Christmas tree for several days after Christmas. It was a small gift with a tag on it that said “For Luella.” My mother told me that Luella was a woman who was in “a mental hospital."
Graduations and New BeginningsBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, June 2026An introduction to the current issue of the newsletter, celebrating new beginnings and recognizing a former member.
Guidance to Parents and Guardians of Individuals Who Are to Become 18 Years OldBy Anne BennettWomen and the Law, August 2026Prior to a child turning 18 years old, parents should be aware this milestone makes them lose their status as legal guardian of their child and must understand the options that may be available to maintain access to information concering the child.
Health Care Fraud, Public Corruption in Focus in First Six Months of U.S. Attorney’s Service in Northern District of IllinoisBy Jay Schleppenbach & Nicholas HazenCriminal Justice, April 2026Previously serving as the co-chair of Shook Hardy & Bacon's Government Investigations and White Collar Practice, and as an assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros has made it clear that health care fraud, public corruption, and other types of fraud are a top white collar enforcement priority of the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
Health Care Fraud, Public Corruption in Focus in First Six Months of U.S. Attorney’s Service in Northern District of IllinoisBy Jay Schleppenbach & Nicholas HazenHealth Care Law, March 2026Previously serving as the co-chair of Shook Hardy & Bacon's Government Investigations and White Collar Practice, and as an assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros has made it clear that health care fraud, public corruption, and other types of fraud are a top white collar enforcement priority of the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
Health PrivacyElder Law, March 2026If a covered entity creates or maintains covered SUD records, its Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) must be updated to comply with the effective date of February 14, 2026. Learn more about what a new NPP must contain.
Hedge Funds: A Response to a Run on the FundBy Sylvia TolczykCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, February 2026By nature, hedge funds are highly leveraged and illiquid.Where investors rush to redeem investments, a self-reinforcing downward spiral can spread. This fear causes other investors to also request redemptions, further worsening the problem. When redemption demand outnumbers the fund’s underlying assets, hedge fund managers may face a “run on the fund.”
Here We Go Again: Challenges to FinCEN’s Residential Real Estate RuleBy Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, April 2026An update to the FinCEN real estate Final Rule saga: The Eastern District of Texas ruled that FinCEN lacked statutory grounds for issuing its 2024 Final Rule. While the Final Rule is likely to continue to be litigated, attorneys, tax practitioners, and real estate professionals should carefully watch as courts interpret the applicable laws and regulations and FinCEN responds.
HHS and CMS Announce New Healthcare Advisory CommitteeBy Sumaya M. NoushHealth Care Law, August 2026On March 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the formation and membership of a new Healthcare Advisory Committee, a federal advisory body tasked with providing recommendations to improve and modernize the U.S. healthcare system.
HIPAA Settlements Continue Emphasis on Risk AnalysisBy Rick L. Hindmand & Emily JohnsonPrivacy and Information Security Law, February 2026Learn more about the recommendations to mitigate or prevent cyber-threats promulgated by the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Housing RulemakingElder Law, March 2026On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development filed a notice of proposed rulemaking to prohibit the Secretary from making financial assistance available to persons other than United States citizens or certain categories of eligible noncitizens under specified housing programs.
How the First Female Detective Helped Stop a Plot to Assassinate President-Elect Abraham LincolnBy Meredith FrancisWomen and the Law, August 2026In 1856, a young widow walked into the Chicago offices of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency looking for work. The job she wanted didn’t yet exist—that is, not for women. But Kate Warne would change that when she became the nation’s first female detective, later playing a key role in foiling an apparent assassination plot against president-elect Abraham Lincoln.
How the Housing Crisis Impacts Our Animal Shelters: Innovative Ordinances and Laws To Keep Pets With Their PeopleBy Ledy VanKavageAnimal Law, February 2026The housing crisis impacts both people and pets. Housing is one of the top reasons why dogs and cats are relinquished to animal shelters. Loved pets ending up in shelters is not only emotionally wrenching for the owners and the animal-shelter workers but also a waste of tax dollars. Sheltering pets is expensive. It is much cheaper to keep them with their families.
How To Make How TosBy Kimberly HiltonLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, April 2026Technology can be useful for training purposes or just reminders on how to perform rare tasks. There are several technological tools that can be utilized to easily record "How To" videos, including Teams and ClipChamp.
How to Successfully Manage a Remote Law PracticeBy Marie SarantakisTraffic Laws and Courts, April 2026Tips for attorneys who want to run a profitable practice that operates as a virtual, remote office.
Hyman’s Holdings: Gnats, Camels, and LitigatorsBy Justice Michael B. HymanIntellectual Property, March 2026In his column, Hyman's Holdings, featured in the Civil Practice & Procedure Newsletter, Justice Hyman explores various topics related to the legal profession.
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.
Hyman’s Holdings: When One Is Greater Than TwoBy Justice Michael B. HymanCivil Practice and Procedure, May 2026In his column, Hyman's Holdings, featured in the Civil Practice & Procedure Newsletter, Justice Hyman explores various topics related to the legal profession.
Illinois AI Employment Law Goes Live Soon: Are Your Hiring Practices Compliant?By Liisa Thomas & Julia K. KadishLabor and Employment Law, January 2026An Illinois law addressing the use of AI in the workplace took effect on January 1, 2026. The law applies to employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations within Illinois that use AI for decisions like hiring, promotion, discharge, and other terms of employment. AI is defined broadly and includes not only generative AI but any machine-based system that generates outputs influencing employment decisions, with no specific exemptions provided.
