Cybersecurity in the International Maritime Industry: Threats, Risks, and the Expanding Scope of SeaworthinessBy H. Vincent DraaPrivacy and Information Security Law, September 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.
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.
Defendant’s Disappearing Act Yields No Evidentiary MagicBy Adam M. MillerTraffic Laws and Courts, January 2026A case summary of People v. Talley, 2025 IL App (4th) 250432-U, and practical implications for the timeline of evidence preservation and discovery requests.
Detinue: A Remedy for Recovering Personal Property in Illinois When an Unmarried Ex Won’t Return the Dog! (Or Other Belongings)By Kelli E. GordonFamily Law, September 2026Dealing with family law matters that may involve contentious personal property issues necessitates knowing the difference between detinue and replevin actions. To bring a detinue claim, be sure to identify property with specificity, gather evidence of superior possessory right, make formal demand, file verified complaint, and be prepared to prove value.
Deviation From Maintenance Guidelines Is Supported With Sufficient FindingsBy Christopher W. BohlenFamily Law, January 2026When dealing with a deviation from guideline maintenance, the court must make specific findings as to the amount and duration of non-guideline maintenance, as well as justify why the court chose to depart from guidelines.
Discovery in Misdemeanor Cases: Why Schmidt Isn’t Enough and the “Legal Begging” for More!By Ted HammelTraffic Laws and Courts, April 2026It would be a most judicious amendment to our legal code to formally codify discovery in all misdemeanor cases, ensuring a new transparent and predictable legal process for receiving such information, rather than relying on the present system of selective benevolence and arduous supplication.
Discussion of Section 2-911 of the Cook County CodeAdministrative Law, March 2026Sec. 2-911 of the Cook County Code provides that findings in administrative proceedings shall be based on the preponderance of evidence. Administrative law judges have no authority to apply an alternative standard. However, courts face issue with this standard and familiarity with the decisions that address this issue may assist in making a record for the court.
Does Iran Possess the Right to Close the Strait of Hormuz Under International Law?By Mohammad YousefInternational and Immigration Law, May 2026In the aftermath of the American-Israeli aggression with Iran, one of the most important issues may be Iran’s partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels and oil tankers belonging to the United States, Israel, or their allies. In practice, the Strait has historically remained open to most commercial traffic despite Iranian threats. While the U.S. believes that Iran lacks a clear legal right to close the Strait, the non-ratification of UNCLOS, its status as a “persistent objector” to transit passage, and the customary nature of the 1958 Convention as universally accepted provisions, give Iran some room to contest the rules.
Does Medical Record Discovery Include Audit Trails?By Lawrence A. MansonElder Law, April 2026A First District Appellate Court case, Burnette v. Nockels, 2025 IL App (1st) 240485, explores a potential conflict between federal HIPAA law and Illinois discovery rules concerning the audit trail of medical records.
Does Medical Record Discovery Include Audit Trails?By Lawrence A. MansonHealth Care Law, March 2026A First District Appellate Court case, Burnette v. Nockels, 2025 IL App (1st) 240485, explores a potential conflict between federal HIPAA law and Illinois discovery rules concerning the audit trail of medical records.
Dogs Rule(s)!: “Dangerous” and “Vicious Dog” Determinations and Their ConsequencesBy Hon. Joel ChupackAnimal Law, February 2026Dogs Rule(s)!: “Dangerous” and “Vicious Dog” Determinations and Their Consequences: As this article is being written at the beginning of a new year, I will make my wish known. I hope to never have another case where an owner puts in jeopardy the life of their dog.
Domestic Violence and Attorney SolicitationBy Maxwell SharkeyRural Practice, August 2026Illinois Professional Rule of Conduct 7.3 covers the solicitation of clients by attorneys; however, attorneys are still able to solicit prospective clients in domestic relations cases. This can remove autonomy from the filing spouse from being able to share the news in a safe manner, necessitating rule amendments that create time limitations for solication in domestic relations cases.
Domestic Violence and Attorney SolicitationBy Maxwell SharkeyFamily Law, July 2026Illinois Professional Rule of Conduct 7.3 covers the solicitation of clients by attorneys; however, attorneys are still able to solicit prospective clients in domestic relations cases. This can remove autonomy from the filing spouse from being able to share the news in a safe manner, necessitating rule amendments that create time limitations for solication in domestic relations cases.
Don’t Taste Your Hands: How Not To Invent a Blockbuster Sweetener Like Constantin FahlbergBy Adam SussmanFood Law, April 2026Saccharin is used to sweeten drinks, candies, baked goods, tobacco products, excipients, and as a masking agent in medicines. Since saccharin’s discovery by Fahlberg as the first artificial sweetener, additional sweeteners have been developed including aspartame, steviol glycoside, and sucralose.
The Double-Edged Sword: Artificial Intelligence in Illinois Litigation PracticeBy Matthew WilgerYoung Lawyers Division, February 2026As we navigate through 2026, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly prevalent tool in legal practice, fundamentally transforming how attorneys approach litigation. Be sure you familiarize yourself with the advantages and pitfalls of AI prior to utilizing in your practice!
Dual Roles in Illinois Child-Welfare Proceedings: Detailed Analysis of In re E.L. and In re D.S.By Pedram HossChild Law, May 2026By focusing on In re E.L. and examining related cases, it is clear that Illinois courts approve dual representation when the attorney’s advocacy aligns with the child’s best interests and no concrete conflict exists. Courts and practitioners should continue to evaluate each case individually, ensuring that representation remains faithful to the child’s welfare and grounded in statutory authority and judicial precedent.
E-Clips Summaries From April 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026Insurance Law, June 2026A compilation of Illinois appellate and federal court cases discussing notice of accident, UIM coverage, bad faith, declaratory judgment actions, stacking, and set-offs.
E-Clips Summaries: January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026By James NyesteInsurance Law, April 2026Select case summaries from E-Clips covering insurance-related issues, including long term care insurance, pollution exclusion, trucking insurance, and life insurance.
Editor’s NoteBy Sandra BlakeDiversity Leadership Council, June 2026As Editor of Diversity Matters, Sandra Blake introduces the current edition of this newsletter, emphasizing the representation of diversity across multiple committees and sections of the ISBA.
Editor’s NoteBy Sandra BlakeMental Health Law, May 2026A note from the Editor of Mental Health Matters, discussing Mental Health Awareness Month.
Editors’ NoteBy William J. AnayaEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, March 2026A note regarding the current issue and a reminder to register for the award winning Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section's Spring Conference!
Editors’ NoteBy William J. AnayaEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, February 2026A preview of the topics covered in this month's issue of the Environmental Law Newsletter.
Editor’s Note: Save the Date for Annual!By Kimberly DudaBench and Bar, February 2026Don't miss the ISBA's 2026 Annual Meeting, which will occur on June 11-12, 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis!
Editor’s Note: What CRGA Means for Energy Laws and LawyersBy Nick OliverEnergy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, February 2026A note from the Editor of the EUTT Section Council Newsletter regarding the CRGA, the most impactful piece of Illinois energy legislation since the state’s landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
Education and AI AboundBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, April 2026A note from the Co-Editor of the Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy Section Newsletter, including a look at benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence.
The Education Freedom Tax Credit of the OBBBABy Philip D. SpeicherFederal Taxation, May 2026One of the lesser discussed provisions of 2025’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is the Education Freedom Tax Credit (“EFTC”). The EFTC provides a federal tax credit for contributions to approved scholarship organizations who provide funding for various educational resources, including private school tuition, tutoring, special education services, and other elementary and secondary education expenses.
