Case Summary: People v. UseniBy James SternTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026The People v. Useni decision explores why base allegations are not sufficient to deny bail.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, May 2026Learn more about the new incoming Chair of the Family Law Section Council, Matthew Benson!
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, February 2026A note from the Chair of the ISBA Family Law Section Council.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, January 2026A note from the Chair of the Family Law Section Council.
Chair’s ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, March 2026Budgeting before, during, and after divorce: a roadmap for you and your clients.
Chair’s ColumnBy Natalia CurtoInternational and Immigration Law, February 2026A note from the Chair of the International and Immigration Law Section Council, reflecting on current events.
Chair’s CornerBy Julia Kaye WykoffCriminal Justice, January 2026A note from the Chair of the Criminal Justice Section Council regarding the current issue.
Changes Are A-Coming: SB3524 Child Support ChangesBy Nancy Chausow ShaferFamily Law, May 2026Child support disputes have often been dominated by "the Cliff," or the change in child support if the parenting time of each parent is at least 146 overnights. SB3524 would alter the current child support landscape, by providing additional adjustments for 110 to 146 overnights.
Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits CommitteeBy Lee PolkEmployee Benefits, January 2026The outline for the Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee Meeting, hosted on November 21, 2025, discussing various issues related to alternative assets, investments, and defined contribution plans.
Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits CommitteeBy Lee PolkCorporate Law Departments, January 2026The outline for the Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee Meeting, hosted on November 21, 2025, discussing various issues related to alternative assets, investments, and defined contribution plans.
CLE Chair ReportBy Andrew G. WhiteAgricultural Law, March 2026A recap of the 32nd Annual Ag Law Seminar, held on February 6, 2026, in Bloomington, Illinois.
CLE Deadline ReminderReal Estate Law, May 2026If your last name ends in A-M, your CLE reporting deadline is June 30, 2026. Don't forget to take advantage of ISBA-offered CLE's!
CLE Opportunities!International and Immigration Law, February 2026Don't miss upcoming CLE programming hosted by the International and Immigration Law Section!
Clerkships: An Insider’s PerspectiveBy Emma G. OvertonYoung Lawyers Division, February 2026An in-depth look at clerkships that allow attorneys early in their careers to sharpen their legal writing and analysis skills, gain meaningful insight into the inner workings of the judicial process, and help shape their future careers. Learn more about the application and interview process, as well as advice for a successful clerkship.
CoLT Tips and TricksBy Nerino J. Petro, Jr.Legal Technology, Standing Committee on, April 2026From tuning up your computer, snipping tools, connecting your cell phone to your computer, and iPad shortcuts, learn more about technology tips that you can incorporate into your practice today!
Confessions of a Young AttorneyBy Deborah CainYoung Lawyers Division, February 2026A reflection of the practice of law from a young attorney on doing your best.
Correct Analysis Regarding “Particular Social Group” in Asylum ClaimsBy Ralph E. GuderianInternational and Immigration Law, April 2026To be granted asylum in the United States, a person must demonstrate that he or she is a “refugee,” that he or she is not barred from asylum for any of the reasons listed in U.S. immigration laws, and that the decision-maker should grant asylum as a matter of discretion. However, case law has infused certain flaws into the analysis that must be addressed and corrected.
Court Addresses Vocational Rehabilitation in Three Recent CasesBy Lindsey BeukemaWorkers’ Compensation Law, April 2026Case summaries of three recent appellate cases, relating to: refusing a light duty return to work, affirming an award of permanent total disability benefits under the "odd-lot" theory, and denying a researcher with multiple advanced degrees vocational rehabilitation.
Court Holds OSHA Standard as Illinois Public Policy in Retaliatory Discharge Claim Against Nursing Home After Complaints of Glove ShortagesBy Lawrence A. MansonElder Law, April 2026In December 2025, the Illinois appellate court considered whether a formerly employed registered nurse could sue his former nursing home employer for retaliatory discharge after his complaints about the facility not maintaining an adequate supply of sterile gloves for staff. The appellate court found that the amended complaint did sufficiently plead the public policy element of a retaliatory discharge claim.
Court Holds OSHA Standard as Illinois Public Policy in Retaliatory Discharge Claim Against Nursing Home After Complaints of Glove ShortagesBy Lawrence A. MansonHealth Care Law, March 2026In December 2025, the Illinois appellate court considered whether a formerly employed registered nurse could sue his former nursing home employer for retaliatory discharge after his complaints about the facility not maintaining an adequate supply of sterile gloves for staff. The appellate court found that the amended complaint did sufficiently plead the public policy element of a retaliatory discharge claim.
Court NewsElder Law, March 2026Recent changes at the Illinois Supreme Court include new statewide forms and amendments to Supreme Court Rules 307, 10-101, and 9, while the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit is seeking public comments on potential changes to Circuit Rule 40(e).
Court Says the Illinois Emergency Medical Services Systems Act Sets a High BarBy Lawrence A. MansonHealth Care Law, March 2026The Illinois Emergency Medical Services Systems Act limits the liability of health care workers and others regarding the transport and care in both emergency and non-emergency situations. In late 2025, an Illinois appellate court considered what an injured patient must allege to overcome the limitations of the EMS Systems Act when injured during the transfer from a hospital to a nursing and rehabilitation facility.
Criminal Conduct When IntoxicatedBy Ted Hammel & Kristen MessamoreTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026A person who is intoxicated (a/k/a voluntarily wasted) is usually responsible for their criminal conduct, but…the Illinois Supreme Court held in 2023 that evidence of voluntary intoxication may be used to attack a state's claim that defendant had requisite specific intent to commit charged offense.
Custom ChatGPTs: Navigating Legal and Ethical Compliance for Public-Facing AI ToolsBy Carolyn ElefantAgricultural Law, April 2026Custom versions of ChatGPT for public use can raise legal and ethical considerations, including applications of these tools, ethical AI disclosure, attorney-client relationship, confidentiality, the unauthorized practice of law, and attorney supervision. While it is necessary to consider these factors, there are practical solutions you can implement to ensure compliance and protect both users and legal practitioners.
Cyber Risks and Insurance Gaps: Lessons From Villa Financial and Galey ConsultingBy Sophie StevanovichInsurance Law, January 2026Two recent decisions from the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court, Villa Financial and Galey Consulting, addressed issues relating to an insurer's liability to cover cyber-related incidents.
Cybersecurity in the International Maritime Industry: Threats, Risks, and the Expanding Scope of SeaworthinessBy H. Vincent DraaInternational and Immigration Law, April 2026The maritime industry is now one of the world’s most heavily targeted critical sectors. Digital transformation—though essential—has opened new avenues for malicious actors ranging from sophisticated APT groups to ransomware syndicates and cyber‑enabled pirates. Recent legal scholarship and regulatory changes confirm that cybersecurity has become inseparable from the doctrine of seaworthiness. Failure to address foreseeable cyber risks can give rise to contractual liability, regulatory sanctions, and operational failures.
David E. Hoy, 1948-2025Trusts and Estates, February 2026It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of attorney David E. Hoy who passed, at age 77, on December 18, 2025.
