June 2020 Bench and Bar Newsletter

By Valerie Brummel

The recent death of George Floyd has sparked renewed advocacy for changes to laws that hinder the ability of victims of police misconduct to recover damages in civil lawsuits—most notably, the doctrine of qualified immunity.

By Hon. Jesse G. Reyes

With non-traditional avenues of providing justice on the rise, the question then becomes: Can trials be constitutionally conducted over remote video conferencing platforms where the participants will not be face-to-face?

By Michael B. Hyman, E. Kenneth Wright Jr., & Erin Clifford

Suggestions to better manage working from home during COVID-19.

By Hon. Steve Pacey (ret.)

A look at whether there is a case to be made that some pleadings are not very civil even if they fo not rise to the Rule 137 level.

By Edward Casmere

The Illinois Supreme Court recently solidified the boundaries of the economic loss doctrine and the collateral source rule in a class action case asserting a civil conspiracy claim.

By Justice Michael B. Hyman

Lawyers are perfectly suited to find ways to dismantle systemic barriers, to promote inclusivity and diversity, to combat overt or explicit bias, to advocate for a legal system accessible to all, and to illuminate the nature of unconscious bias and address its root causes.

By Robert Fioretti, Nicki Pecori Fioretti, & Mary Petruchius

A look at our realities during COVID-19 and advice on how to take care of yourself during this time.

Recent changes to Illinois' judiciary.