Postal ChangesElder Law, February 2026In December 2025, the U.S. Postal Service announced several changes regarding postal processes, including changes to postmark dating, making change for cash transactions, and increases in rates for certain shipping services.
The Pre-Trial Conference in Family Law: Why It Matters, How It Works, and How To Make It BetterBy Hon. Bernadette Barrett & Rhonda J. ThompsonFamily Law, January 2026Pre-trial conferences are an integral part of family law, built into the statutes that govern domestic relations matters. Judges and attorneys can take steps to ensure that pre-trials are as successful as possible in protecting children, resolving financial issues fairly, and reducing the collateral damage of litigation.
Preparing Your Clients for Court Ordered Mediation and Interviews With the Guardian ad LitemBy Laura MiroballiFamily Law, April 2026Be sure to educate your clients about the purpose, role, and scope of Guardian ad Litems and mediators. Not only does this allow your client to feel more secure and educated going into the initial meeting, but the sessions can be more productive if the Guardian ad Litem or mediator does not have to waste time educating the client on the purpose of the meeting.
President Trump’s Cannabis Rescheduling Order: Implications for Employment Law and Workplace PracticeBy Keya Denner & Tammy WoolleyBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, April 2026Learn more about the Administrative Order, signed by Donald Trump, on December 18, 2025, directing the Attorney General to complete the rulemaking process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Although the Order focuses primarily on expanding medical marijuana and cannabidiol research, its language—and the federal findings it endorses—have potentially significant implications for employment law and workplace practices across the United States.
President Trump’s Cannabis Rescheduling Order: Implications for Employment Law and Workplace PracticeBy Keya Denner & Tammy WoolleyLabor and Employment Law, January 2026Learn more about the Administrative Order, signed by Donald Trump, on December 18, 2025, directing the Attorney General to complete the rulemaking process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Although the Order focuses primarily on expanding medical marijuana and cannabidiol research, its language—and the federal findings it endorses—have potentially significant implications for employment law and workplace practices across the United States.
President’s MessageBy Hon. Bridget C. DuignanDiversity Leadership Council, June 2026A note from ISBA Immediate Past President, Bridget C. Duignan, regarding the role of diversity in the legal profession and highlighting a previous CLE, Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession.
Profile Highlight of Ag Law Section Council Member: Lynne R. OstfeldAgricultural Law, May 2026Learn more about Lynne R. Ostfeld, an attorney with 40 years of experience, a member of multiple committees and sections across the ISBA and Chicago Bar Association, bilingual in English and French, and of counsel to a law firm in Paris, France!
Profile of Ag Law Section Council Member: Cari RinckerBy Sara Peska & Ean R. AlbersAgricultural Law, February 2026Get to know Cari Rincker, Agricultural Law Section Council Member and Editor of the Section Newsletter.
Profile of Ag Law Section Council Member: Garrett ThalgottBy Cari Brett RinckerAgricultural Law, January 2026This month's Agricultural Law Section Council highlight features Garrett Thalgott, an attorney with the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Proportionate Penalties Challenges Better Served on PostconvictionBy Julia Kaye WykoffCriminal Justice, April 2026In People v. Spencer, the Illinois Supreme Court considered whether a 20-year-old offender’s 100-year sentence violated the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution because it was a de facto life sentence, ruling that the 20-year-old offender’s 100-year sentence was not a de facto life sentence, where he had a meaningful opportunity for parole after 20 years.
A Proposed Resentencing Process for Older Persons in Illinois PrisonsBy William J. NissenCriminal Justice, April 2026The article proposes a resentencing process for older persons in Illinois prisons who are 55 or older, have been imprisoned for 25 years, and are not a public safety threat.
Protecting Aircraft Collateral Protects LendersBy Michael G. CortinaCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, April 2026Secured loans require collateral, and lenders usually protect the collateral with certain provisions—like requiring insurance in a certain amount. But insurance alone may not be sufficient for uncommon types of loans. Counsel for lenders should strongly encourage that their clients require aircraft borrowers have their aircraft be enrolled in a bank-approved engine program as part of the loan agreement.
The Public Official Safety and Privacy ActBy Robert P. OsgoodGovernment Lawyers, March 2026The General Assembly passed the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act last year, which is intended to combat harassment and “doxing." Broadly, the Act prohibits the displaying or posting of personal information about public officials and their immediate family members.
Putting the Cart Before the Divorce: Pre-Decree Relocation Under 750 ILCS 5/603.5 and 5/609By John P.M. PeskindFamily Law, February 2026The relocation statute presumes that an Allocation Judgment has already been entered in a matter; however, family law practitioners know that seeking relocation during the pendency of a proceeding is sometimes necessary. If, after considering the potential impact of a relocation on the non-relocating parent, a court finds that a relocation would serve the children’s best interest—then the children should relocate. It is difficult to see why the pre- or post-decree status of the case should have any bearing on this analysis.
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, April 2026A compilation denoting newly appointed circuit judges, associate judges, and appellate justices; retired judges; and deceased judges.
Recent Appointments and RetirementsBench and Bar, February 2026Summary of individuals who have been appointed to, and retired, recalled, and resigned from the bench.
Recent Court Rulings Warrant Review of Health Care HR PoliciesBy Lawrence A. MansonHealth Care Law, June 2026Summaries of three recent cases that may be applicable in the health care law context, including hiring practices and arbitration agreements; compensable work time; and new employee training under the Gender Violence Act.
Recent Developments in Motions for Substitution of Judge as a Matter of RightBy Dennis M. LynchTort Law, March 2026Substitution of judge motions can be some of the most impactful motions in a case. Two recent appellate decisions have expanded the landscape of case law on substitution of judge motions and provide further guidance to judges and practitioners as to proper motion practice.
Recent Developments in Motions for Substitution of Judge as a Matter of RightBy Dennis M. LynchBench and Bar, February 2026Substitution of judge motions can be some of the most impactful motions in a case. This is especially true because if the motion is erroneously denied, all subsequent orders may be deemed void. Two recent appellate decisions have expanded the landscape of case law on substitution of judge motions and provide further guidance to judges and practitioners as to proper motion practice.
Recent Rule Making Matters of NoteEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, February 2026Learn more about recent rules regarding environmental law, including regulation of five phthalates and one dozen 1,3-butadiene uses, proposing "threshold" risk for fomaldehyde, and more.
Recent Trademark Registration Solicitation SchemesBy David C. BrezinaIntellectual Property, March 2026It may be the new year, or it may be new scams, but several have come out from law firms that make one wonder about ethics. Trademark records are public. If a law firm discovers an unregistered business name and can turn the filing into its business, it can bill. It might bring in a “good” client with multiple marks, or other work. But neither the “existing” client’s intent, nor that they will truthfully file is apparent. Indeed, both are logically contradicted.
A Refresher on Personal Injury Settlements for MinorsBy Josephine ShaneYoung Lawyers Division, May 2026Resolving a personal injury settlement for an adult client is usually very straightforward. However, for individuals under 18 years old involved in a personal injury matter, additional steps are required to ensure the minor’s settlement is fair and reasonable, which means court approval must be obtained.
A Reminder to Our Section MembersReal Estate Law, March 2026The Real Estate Law Section is intended to enhance the abilities of real estate legal practitioners, disseminate information on real estate law development, educate the the public on rights and procedures associated with property ownership, and more!
REMINDER!Real Estate Law, February 2026The CLE deadline for last names A-M is fast approaching--utilize your free CLE credits included in your ISBA membership!
Report From the ChairBy Garrett ThalgottAgricultural Law, June 2026Parting remarks from the current Chair of the Agricultural Law Section Council, discussing the Right to Repair lawsuit against John Deere.
Report From the ChairBy Garrett ThalgottAgricultural Law, March 2026A note from the Chair of the Agricultural Law Section Council.
Report on the Committee’s 2026 Washington, D.C. TripBy Michael DuhnFederal Taxation, June 2026On May 7-8, 2026, delegates from the Federal Taxation Committee met with Congression representative offices to discuss potential changes in tax law to exclude farmers from the concept of "constructive receipt" regarding delivery and payment of their crops to their respective elevators.
