Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Becoming a Member of the Employee Benefits Section CouncilBy Bernard G. PeterEmployee Benefits, April 2026Interested in becoming a member of the Employee Benefits Section Council? Learn more about the benefits of Section Council membership, and how you can request to join, even though the appointment deadline has passed!
The Best Thing That Ever Happened to MeBy Curt W. FergusonElder Law, February 2026A reflection of a farmer's rags-to-riches story, and his hope for his children and grandchildren to reach success and happiness.
Beyond Admissions: Why the Practicing Bar Must Lead on Legal Diversity in a Post-SFFA EraBy Nicky BootheRacial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, May 2026In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard declared that race-based affirmative action in college admissions violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.The ruling sent shockwaves through higher education, raising immediate concerns about the future of diversity in institutions—including law schools.
Beyond the Cubicle, Behind the Bruises: Domestic Violence and Women in the WorkplaceBy Judge Megan GoldishMental Health Law, February 2026Employers can play a key role in detecting and protecting against domestic violence, which becomes especially important in the age of COVID when remote work became more dominant. Recent legislation has paved the way for workplace strategies to reduce the impact of DV, but employers can also implement policies to advance this goal.
Beyond the Trust: Leveraging Letters of IntentBy Lauren EvansTrusts and Estates, February 2026When creating or updating a trust, many individuals focus solely on the legal document itself. While the trust establishes the framework for asset management and distribution, it often leaves room for interpretation regarding the grantor’s personal wishes, preferences and instructions. This is where a Letter of Intent, also known as a Letter of Wishes or Letter of Instruction, becomes an invaluable companion to a trust.
BIPA Cases: 7th Circuit Rules Change to Illinois Law’s Damages Provision Retroactively Limits Defendant ExposureBy Jody Kahn Mason & Jason A. SelveyLabor and Employment Law, May 2026On April 1, 2026, the Seventh Circuit held that the 2024 amendment to BIPA’s damages provision applies retroactively, eliminating the possibility of “per-scan” statutory damages for cases pending at the time of enactment. The decision significantly limits defendants’ potential exposure in pending BIPA cases, as well as limits plaintiffs' recovery, and may require courts to reassess federal subject-matter jurisdiction.
Black History MonthElder Law, February 2026Chicago's rich history provides many landmarks that you can visit during Black History Month or any time of year: from the Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Monument, to Douglass Park, to the Obama Kissing Rock, and so many other sites.
The Board of Peace Makes Its Mark, but It May Be Heading for Conflict in the USPTOBy Steven L. BaronIntellectual Property, March 2026On February 19, 2026, President Trump’s newly created Board of Peace (“BOP”) held its inaugural gathering to discuss how to rebuild Gaza.Setting aside the propriety and potential efficacy of the BOP, there are now four pending intent-to-use trademark applications filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) for BOARD OF PEACE trademarks, two filed by the government and two filed by a non-profit.
Bock Food Law & Policy Conference Agrivoltaics ObservationsBy Alan E. StumpfEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, February 2026Esoteric subjects for most Illinois attorneys were presented in Carbondale, Illinois at the Simmons School of Law on September 19, 2025. However, after listening to the presentations (available online through ISBA) the information presented gives us a legal and policy background helpful to know when counselling our clients’ legal matters that relate to agricultural production.
Book Review: “Life, Law & Liberty”By Gary T. RafoolHuman and Civil Rights, May 2026A book review of Life, Law & Liberty, a memoir from Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, detailing his early life, rise to the United States Supreme Court, and prominent cases in which his legal expertise played a key role.
Book Review: “Life, Law & Liberty”By Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, February 2026A book review of Life, Law & Liberty, a memoir from Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, detailing his early life, rise to the United States Supreme Court, and prominent cases in which his legal expertise played a key role.
Book Review: “The Human Scale”By Gary T. RafoolSenior Lawyers, February 2026The book, The Human Scale, details the history of Palestine, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Gaza, and the Sini.
Budget UpdatesElder Law, March 2026A summary of federal and state budget updates that may impact resources and programs that serve the aging population.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, May 2026If you have an article that you'd like to share with the Elder Law Section, consider submitting it for publication in the Elder Law Newsletter!
Call for ArticlesEmployee Benefits, April 2026Don't miss your chance to become a published author in the Employee Benefits Section Newsletter--find out more about how to submit an article for consideration.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, April 2026Submit your article to the Elder Law Newsletter today!
Call for ArticlesElder Law, March 2026Learn how you can submit an article for the Elder Law Newsletter!
Call for ArticlesElder Law, February 2026Read about how you can submit your articles for the Elder Law Section Newsletter.
Call to Action: Build a Bridge From Courthouse to CommunityBy Margie Komes Putzler & Avery TenEcykWorkers’ Compensation Law, February 2026Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford is excited to unveil a forward and public-facing initiative: Build a Bridge from Courthouse to Community, founded on the premise that there is diminished confidence in our legal system, and it is the responsibility of lawyers and judges to make information about the operation of the courts more accessible and transparent to the people we serve.
Call to Action: Build a Bridge From Courthouse to CommunityBy Margie Komes Putzler & Avery TenEcykWomen and the Law, February 2026Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford is excited to unveil a forward and public-facing initiative: Build a Bridge from Courthouse to Community, founded on the premise that there is diminished confidence in our legal system, and it is the responsibility of lawyers and judges to make information about the operation of the courts more accessible and transparent to the people we serve.
Can a Member of a Metal Band Be Fired at Will?By Robin SheaLabor and Employment Law, January 2026Chris Beattie, a founder of and bass player for the metalcore band Hatebreed is suing over his dismissal from the band. Despite several claims relating to Mr. Beattie's termination from the band, it is highly likely his claims will be unsuccessful.
Case BriefsBy ISBA ADR Section CouncilAlternative Dispute Resolution, May 2026Select case summaries that are relevant to alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration agreement did not bind plaintiff absent clear evidence of intent, contractual waiver of right to appeal is not clear, arbitration agreement without both parties' signatures was unenforceable, and more.
Case BriefsBy ISBA ADR Section CouncilAlternative Dispute Resolution, March 2026A compilation of case summaries relevant to alternative dispute resolution, including topics such as waiver of arbitration, sua sponte findings, deference to arbitral tribunals, and more.
Case BriefsBy Deborah HawkinsAlternative Dispute Resolution, February 2026A collection of case summaries that discuss alternative dispute resolution, from staying a petition to compel arbitration, to arbitration fees, and more!
Case Law UpdateBy Meghan E. TepasTrusts and Estates, January 2026A summary and analysis of Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr., a 1st District of the Appellate Court unpublished decision.
Case Review: People v. Greer, 2025 IL App (1st) 232302-UBy David FranksTraffic Laws and Courts, May 2026(1) Defendant’s convictions for aggravated driving under the influence based on actual impairment were reversed where there was no evidence showing that defendant’s use of cannabis proximately caused the fatal crash. (2) There was no appellate jurisdiction to review the merits of defendant’s arguments with respect to two unsentenced, and therefore nonfinal, convictions for aggravated driving under the influence based on defendant’s THC concentration, requiring a remand for sentence on those counts. (3) Defendant’s conviction for reckless homicide was affirmed where evidence that defendant was traveling more than 90 miles-per-hour, combined with other circumstances, rationally supported the jury’s finding that his conduct was reckless, and where defendant’s remaining allegations of error either did not show an abuse of discretion or amount to clear and obvious error under the plain-error doctrine.
