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.
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.
Property Tax Charitable Exemption Was Proper for a Single-Family Residence Used for Ministry HousingBy Stanley R. KaminskiState and Local Taxation, September 2026In the recent case of First United Methodist Church of Pekin, Illinois, the Fourth District Appellate Court held that a single-family residence donated to a church for its ROCHouse Ministry qualified for the property tax charitable exemption under section 15-65 of the Illinois Property Tax Code.
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.
Purdue Releases 2025 Large Commercial Producer Survey ResultsFood Law, August 2026The 2025 Large Commercial Producer Survey from Purdue University's Center for Food and Agricultural Business is now available. Conducted every five years, the study captures insights from more than 1,150 large U.S. farming operations, making it one of the industry's leading benchmarks for understanding commercial producers' business priorities, purchasing behavior, technology adoption, and growth plans.
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, August 2026A compilation of judges who have recently been appointed, retired, or resigned.
