Aggravated DUI and One Act, One CrimeBy Natalia GalicaCriminal Justice, September 2026Under the one-act, one-crime doctrine, a defendant who kills or injures more than one person during the course of a single DUI should be convicted and sentenced for only one count of aggravated DUI. When a single aggravated DUI results in the deaths of two or more people, the Illinois Vehicle Code provides an enhanced sentencing range for that violation.
Agricultural Exceptionalism, Environmental Injustice, and U.S. Right To Farm LawsBy Danielle Diamond, Loka Ashwood, Allen Franco, Lindsay Kuehn, Aimee Imlay, & Crystal BoutwellFood Law, April 2026While the environmental justice movement has gained traction in the United States, the relationship between agri-food systems and environmental injustices in rural areas has yet to come into focus. United States agricultural exceptionalism and rural environmental justice can be examined through right-to-farm laws, demonstrating the justification for these statutes transfers power from rural communities to industrial agriculture by safeguarding agribusiness interests and certain types of production from lawsuits and liability.
AI and Law: An Opportunity to Improve Legal PracticeBy Damien RiehlTraffic Laws and Courts, July 2026Recent exponential leaps in advanced large language models have presented both opportunities and challenges that have the capacity to reshape the legal landscape.
AI Cloud Apologizes, After Caught in NonsenseIntellectual Property, September 2026PatentLawyer995 tried to file a U.S. patent application, using DOCS as client insisted, and received a warning message about antecedent basis problems with the claims. PatentLawyer995 could find no problems. Considering the PTO might use AI to check claims, he asked Claude what is wrong with this sample claim and the full exchange was captured for review.
The AI Ethics Overlay Has Entered the Illinois CourtroomBy George BellasCivil Practice and Procedure, August 2026For Illinois lawyers, the AI Ethics Overlay and the evidence overlay are no longer separate conversations. They are two sides of the same professional obligation. AI can help lawyers work faster and better, but it also gives opposing counsel new lines of attack. The lawyer who governs AI carefully in the office will be better prepared to authenticate it, challenge it, and explain it in court.
An AI “Girlfriend” Is Still a GirlfriendBy Jennifer Cunningham BeelerFamily Law, June 2026While AI has become an increasingly prominent topic as it relates to the practice of law, AI is seeping into family law in a unique way with the introduction of AI girlfriends and potential dissipation claims. AI girlfriend platforms are replacing the Match.com and Bumble monthly subscriptions for seeking romance outside of the marriage.
AI in the Small Law Firm—The Need for a Formal Written PolicyBy Edward J. Jarot, Jr. & William D. LohrmanRural Practice, April 2026For all the power that AI offers, small firms are strongly encouraged to develop and refine an express and comprehensive policy for the use of chatbots, generative AI, and the other AI tools.
All Great Men Have Mothers: A Book ReviewBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Diversity Leadership Council, June 2026The mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, and James Baldwin played a pivotal role in their sons' lives. While often discussed less, this book sheds light on how Alberta Williams King, Louise Little, and Berdis Jones Baldwin raised men who would change the country's landscape.
All Great Men Have Mothers: A Book ReviewBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Women and the Law, April 2026The mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, and James Baldwin played a pivotal role in their sons' lives. While often discussed less, this book sheds light on how Alberta Williams King, Louise Little, and Berdis Jones Baldwin raised men who would change the country's landscape.
Amendments to Oil and Gas ActBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, September 2026The Illinois Legislature amended portions of the Illinois Oil and Gas Act pursuant to Senate Bill 3113 which passed both houses on May 31, 2026, and was approved by the governor on July 10, 2026. The amendment became Public Act 104-0567, and included changes to sections 225 ILCS 725/1, 725/6, 725/8(a), 725/8(e), and 725/26.
Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Relating To In-House CounselBy Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D.Employee Benefits, January 2026Changes to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 706(g) and 716, effective as of January 1, 2026, set certain requirements and limits that are applicable to in-house counsel within Illinois.
Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Relating To In-House CounselBy Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D.Corporate Law Departments, January 2026Changes to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 706(g) and 716, effective as of January 1, 2026, set certain requirements and limits that are applicable to in-house counsel within Illinois.
American Bar Association Annual Meeting Recap: Proposed Resolutions Related to Internet-Dependent Bar ExamsBy Kassandra R. MorfinYoung Lawyers Division, September 2026Earlier this summer, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division reconvened in Chicago to consider and vote on various proposed resolutions, including addressing safeguards for jurisdictions administering the NextGen UBE or other internet-dependent bar examinations in light of the cancellation of the July 2026 Washington State bar exam due to severe technical and Wi-Fi bandwidth issues.
Annual Tea Celebrating Women’s History Month 2026Women and the Law, April 2026On Friday, March 13, 2026, the ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate Women’s History Month at Loews Chicago Hotel. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O'Brien was the keynote speaker.
Annual Tea To Celebrate Women’s History MonthWomen and the Law, February 2026Join the Women & the Law Committee for its 2026 Annual Tea at the Loews Chicago Hotel on Friday, March 13, 2026!
Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer ObligationsBy Daniel Canales & Jennifer LongBusiness Advice and Financial Planning, April 2026Governor J.B. Pritzer signed over 200 bills in late 2025, all of which have become effective on or by January 1, 2026. Several statutes may impact labor and employment law practice, including the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Wage Payment and Collection Act, Military Leave Act, and more.
Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer ObligationsBy Daniel Canales & Jennifer LongLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, February 2026Governor J.B. Pritzer signed over 200 bills in late 2025, all of which have become effective on or by January 1, 2026. Several statutes may impact labor and employment law practice, including the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Wage Payment and Collection Act, Military Leave Act, and more.
Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer ObligationsBy Daniel Canales & Jennifer LongLabor and Employment Law, January 2026Governor J.B. Pritzer signed over 200 bills in late 2025, all of which have become effective on or by January 1, 2026. Several statutes may impact labor and employment law practice, including the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Wage Payment and Collection Act, Military Leave Act, and more.
Anticipatory Discovery: Predicting Issues in LitigationBy Devin J. Piper & Mary DalenbergCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, June 2026Anticipatory discovery is not about expanding the scope of litigation, it is about ensuring your access to relevant evidence, and making sure you have what you need to best advocate for your client. By framing targeted early discovery, and sequencing strategically, counsel can optimize their position and set their case up for fair resolution.
Anticipatory Discovery: Predicting Issues in LitigationBy Devin J. Piper & Mary DalenbergYoung Lawyers Division, April 2026Anticipatory discovery is not about expanding the scope of litigation, it is about ensuring your access to relevant evidence, and making sure you have what you need to best advocate for your client. By framing targeted early discovery, and sequencing strategically, counsel can optimize their position and set their case up for fair resolution.
ARDC Intermediary ProgramBy Hon. James M. Radcliffe, (ret.)General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2026The ARDC Intermediary Program is a response to the experience of the ARDC that very often lawyers who do not respond to ARDC suffer from underlying substance abuse and/or mental health or cognitive decline issues attributed to aging. The goal for attorneys facing cognitive impairment issues is typically to facilitate transfering the attorney to permanent retirement status or another inactive status, rather than facing disciplinary action.
Are Civil Petitions for Rule to Show Cause Filed in Domestic Relations Matters Pleadings or Motions?By Judge James A. Shapiro, Judge Mitchell B. Goldberg, & Alison RimkusFamily Law, September 2026Correctly determining whether a court filing is a pleading or motion can have profound implications on the appropriateness of the responsive filing. A serious review of the differences between pleadings and motions and an understanding of the specific requirements of Petitions for Rule and the considerations involved in civil contempt, makes clear that Petitions for Rule are motions; they are not pleadings and, thus, not subject to dispositive motion practice.
Are Civil Petitions for Rule to Show Cause Filed in Domestic Relations Matters Pleadings or Motions?By Judge James A. Shapiro, Judge Mitchell B. Goldberg, & Alison RimkusBench and Bar, August 2026Correctly determining whether a court filing is a pleading or motion can have profound implications on the appropriateness of the responsive filing. A serious review of the differences between pleadings and motions and an understanding of the specific requirements of Petitions for Rule and the considerations involved in civil contempt, makes clear that Petitions for Rule are motions; they are not pleadings and, thus, not subject to dispositive motion practice.
The Art of Attorney Networking: From Sidebar to Social Hour (Part I)By Elizabeth H. Schaller & Robert V. SchallerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, January 2026This two-part article discusses the benefits of building a network for an attorney to grow their practice. Effective networking fosters genuine, long-term relationships with potential referrers—relationships that lead to recommendations when clients are in need.
The Art of Attorney Networking: From Sidebar to Social Hour (Part II)By Elizabeth H. Schaller & Robert V. SchallerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, February 2026Part II of this two-part article discusses the benefits of building a network for an attorney to grow their practice. Networking requires work, which may be difficult for the classic introvert; however, with a polished elevator pitch, prepared questions, and clearly defined requirements for a strategic partner, anyone can become a master networker.
Artificial Intelligence and the Evolving Insurance Claims Landscape: Coverage, Risk, and Professional ResponsibilityBy Jennifer DanishCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, August 2026Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a theoretical or emerging issue to a practical reality affecting nearly every aspect of the insurance industry. Over the past several months, the topic has become increasingly prominent in insurance industry programming, regulatory guidance, and professional discussions concerning claims handling, underwriting, litigation strategy, professional responsibility, and insurer governance.
Artificial Intelligence and the Evolving Insurance Claims Landscape: Coverage, Risk, and Professional ResponsibilityBy Jennifer DanishInsurance Law, June 2026Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a theoretical or emerging issue to a practical reality affecting nearly every aspect of the insurance industry. Over the past several months, the topic has become increasingly prominent in insurance industry programming, regulatory guidance, and professional discussions concerning claims handling, underwriting, litigation strategy, professional responsibility, and insurer governance.
Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice: What Every Attorney Needs to KnowBy James H. DawdyLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, June 2026Regardless of the specific area of practice, learning AI is becoming imperative to the practice of law in various contexts. The attorneys who thrive will be those who learn to use these tools well—who understand their capabilities, recognize their failure modes, and maintain the professional judgment that AI cannot replicate.
