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.
Importing Peruvian Food Products Into Illinois: Key Legal Checkpoints for U.S. CounselBy Dr. Alberto MirandaFood Law, August 2026When an importer, distributor, or Illinois lawyer evaluates bringing Peruvian food products into the U.S. market, the multi-layered legal analysis should begin long before the first shipment arrives. Pertinent questions include: Under what regulatory framework will the product enter, and which agency will govern it? Where will liability concentrate if the documentation, labeling, or foreign-supplier controls fall short?
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, September 2026A compilation of updates regarding trademarks, copyrights, patents, IP, the PTO, and foreign actions. Learn more about the TTAB Manual, AI evidence strength, PACER Pass, PTO Patent Bar evololution, the EU's Digital Services Act, and more.
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.
“Invisible” Abuse: Should Illinois Recognize Coercive Control as Domestic Violence?By Judge Megan GoldishWomen and the Law, May 2026Illinois is on the cusp of a significant shift in domestic violence law. Recognizing coercive control would move the state beyond a narrow focus on physical harm toward a more accurate understanding of abuse. But recognition alone is not enough. The question is no longer whether coercive control exists. It is whether Illinois law and its courts are prepared to fully acknowledge coercive control as a form of abuse and respond appropriately.
IPRB Releases 2025 Illinois Oil ProductionBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, March 2026New data is available from the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board regarding the volumes of crude oil produced in the State of Illinois for 2025.
IRS & FinCEN Tax News Updates From August 2026By Sandra D. MertensFederal Taxation, September 2026A compilation of updates from the IRS and FinCEN, including digitally authenticated Tax Compliance Report; reminder of the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Account filing obligations; a final rule that premanently removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. person to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN; and more.
Is It a Gift? Charitable Deductions Under IRC § 2055By Jake A. LeahyTrusts and Estates, August 2026Estate of Starkey acts as a useful reminder for practitioners to be diligent when drafting language. For trusts and estates practitioners, a drafting ambiguity can become an estate tax problem.
Is Probate Ever “Desirable”? Practical Takeaways From the April Meeting of the ISBA Subcommittee on Lawyers New to Trusts & EstatesBy Emily R. VivianTrusts and Estates, June 2026A recap of the Zoom program, hosted by the ISBA Subcommittee on Lawyers New to Trusts and Estates, on April 23, 2026, exploring when probate may be a good idea. Featuring three panelists, this educational program contained a wealth of information, including discussion of standing, leverage, and insurability; Letters of Office; digital assets; and guardianship and planning alternatives.
ISBA Ag Law Section Board Liaison Profile: Ted M. NiemannAgricultural Law, August 2026Learn more about Ted M. Niemann, ISBA's Treasurer, Member of the ISBA Board of Governors for Area VI, Board Liaison to Rural Practice, Real Estate, and Agricultural Law Section Councils, and general partner of Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu and Mitchell LLP, located in Quincy, Illinois.
ISBA General Assembly Adopts Resolutions To Protect Noncitizens’ Constitutional RightsBy Cindy G. BuysInternational and Immigration Law, February 2026At the ISBA Midyear Meeting in December 2025, the International and Immigration Law Section Council sponsored, and the General Assembly adopted, a resolution in support of certain actions taken by the American Bar Association (ABA) to protect the constitutional rights of noncitizens in the United States.
ISBA General Assembly Adopts Resolutions To Protect Noncitizens’ Constitutional RightsBy Cindy G. BuysHuman and Civil Rights, February 2026At the ISBA Midyear Meeting in December 2025, the International and Immigration Law Section Council sponsored, and the General Assembly adopted, a resolution in support of certain actions taken by the American Bar Association (ABA) to protect the constitutional rights of noncitizens in the United States.
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.
ISBA Rural Practice Section Council Attorney Profile: Elizabeth Eberspacher NohrenRural Practice, June 2026Meet Elizabeth Eberspacher Nohren, an attorney and member of the Rural Practice Section Council, who primarily serves white collar business owners, understands the importance of work-life balance, and is heavily involved within her personal and professional community.
