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.
Book Review: We the Women…the Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America By Norah O’DonnellBy Judge Naomi H. SchusterFamily Law, July 2026As we enter the 250th anniversary of America, it's important to remember the American heroines who helped change the course of history. We the Women follows 35 women throughout American history, across the span of 50 years, to discuss their contributions to and influences on our country.
Book Review: We the Women…the Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America By Norah O’DonnellBy Judge Naomi H. SchusterSenior Lawyers, June 2026As we enter the 250th anniversary of America, it's important to remember the American heroines who helped change the course of history. We the Women follows 35 women throughout American history, across the span of 50 years, to discuss their contributions to and influences on our country.
Boundaries AKA How to Survive the Practice of Family LawBy Matthew BensonFamily Law, August 2026This edition of the Chair's Column discusses the importance of setting boundaries in family law and offers a few ideas of how to set your boundaries in your own practice.
Budget UpdatesElder Law, March 2026A summary of federal and state budget updates that may impact resources and programs that serve the aging population.
California Law Banning ‘Sell By’ Labels Takes EffectBy Andy HanacekFood Law, August 2026A new California law allows food processors to use only “Best if Used By” or “Use By” labels (or both), instead of "Sell By" labels, on products sold in the state, hoping to eliminate confusion and food waste.
Call for ArticlesElder Law, July 2026Learn more about how you can submit your article for publication in the Elder Law Section Newsletter!
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 for Articles and ParticipationInsurance Law, June 2026Don't forget to submit your articles for consideration in The Policy newsletter or participate on the Insurance Law Section and the Council for opportunities to receive CLE credit!
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.
Careless Use of AI Kneecaps Another LawyerBy Michael R. LiedLabor and Employment Law, September 2026A recent case, Scott v. Illinois Human Rights Commission, highlights yet again the importance of reviewing AI-generated content, especially if being filed before a court; the necessity to acknowledge the hallucinated AI-generated content if flagged by a court; and the real consquences that may result if attorneys do not utilize AI responsibly.
Case BriefsBy ISBA ADR Section CouncilAlternative Dispute Resolution, August 2026A compilation of recent case summaries relevant to alternative dispute resolution, including federal court that stays action pending arbitration retains jurisdiction regarding arbitral award; non-signatory's use of service after learning contractual terms may amount to ratification; court could order party appealing confirmation of foreign arbitration award to pay opponent's attorney's fees; and more.
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.
