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.
No Equitable Tolling of Missed Removal DeadlineBy Michael R. LiedFederal Civil Practice, June 2026If your defendant client really wants to be in federal court, pay close attention to the 30-day deadline for removal. If that’s a possible problem, review the various exceptions recounted in the Supreme Court’s opinion in Enbridge.
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.Real Estate Law, July 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 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.
The One About Passing AI Costs Through to ClientsBy Carolyn ElefantRural Practice, July 2026The question presented in this inaugural MyShingle Ethics Opinion: May lawyers pass the costs of artificial intelligence, from subscriptions and platform licenses to metered per-token usage charges, through to clients, and should they? The view of this Opinion is that firms should absorb all AI-related costs as overhead subject to two narrow situations only: extraordinary single-matter consumption that functions like an outside vendor charge, and tools the client directs the lawyer to use.
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.
People v. Bautista Flores: Another Reminder That HGN Evidence Demands Strict Compliance and the Importance of Timely Trial ObjectionsBy Larry A. DavisTraffic Laws and Courts, July 2026Although People v. Bautista Flores is a Rule 23(e)(1) order and therefore does not constitute binding precedent, the decision provides another example of useful application of the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision in McKown and reinforces the continuing obligation of trial courts to require a proper evidentiary foundation before HGN testimony is admitted.
Philip N. Hablutzel, 1935-2026Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, June 2026In memory of Philip N. Hablutzel, a dedicated husband, father, and attorney who served in various capacities throughout his life.
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.
Phone Calls Ignored, Emails Unanswered: Fixing the First Impression Problem for Law FirmsBy Mark C. PalmerRural Practice, February 2026The legal technology company Clio played “secret shopper” for its 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report. Clio reported dismal results on how law firms are doing on first impressions. The purpose was to test how easy it is for prospective clients to get in touch with law firms through phone or email, and how effectively law firms answered their questions. See how Clio's research can help you and your firm make a positive first impression on prospective clients.
Photos from the 2026 High School Mock Trial InvitationalLaw-Related Education for the Public, April 2026Highlights from the 43rd Annual Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational. Thank you to all members who volunteered!
Pleading on Information and Belief: Time for a ChangeBy Cathy A. PilkingtonCivil Practice and Procedure, January 2026Pleading "on information and belief" is an accepted part of pleading in Illinois; however, codified guidance from the legislature could provide needed clarity for the pleading stage.
