2025 Joint Midyear Meeting PhotosMarch 2026The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association proudly co-hosted the 2025 Joint Midyear Meeting on December 11–12 at the JW Marriott Chicago, bringing members of the legal community together for two days of connection and collaboration.
The “90% Illinois Labor” Requirement for State-Funded Public Works Projects Goes Into EffectBy James S. Peters & Michael J. ZywicaJune 2026On May 27, 2026, the Illinois Department of Revenue emailed a “Notice to Public Bodies and Contractors” that the provisions of the Illinois Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act had been triggered. The Act is intended to increase job opportunities for Illinois laborers during certain periods of high unemployment by limiting the use of out-of-state labor on covered public works projects.
Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer ObligationsBy Daniel Canales & Jennifer LongApril 2026Governor J.B. Pritzer signed over 200 bills in late 2025, all of which have become effective on or by January 1, 2026. Several statutes may impact labor and employment law practice, including the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Wage Payment and Collection Act, Military Leave Act, and more.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinMarch 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?
FinCEN’s New Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Effective March 1, 2026By Ryan StoddenMarch 2026FinCEN has finalized a new rule requiring the filing of Real Estate Reports for certain residential real estate transactions. The regulation represents a significant expansion of federal AML and SAR oversight into the real estate sector to combat laundering illicit funds.
Illinois Supreme Court Breaks With Federal Courts on Pay for Preliminary and Postliminary Work ActivitiesBy Michael R. LiedJune 2026In Johnson v. Amazon.com Services, LLC, the Illinois Supreme Court recently concluded that the General Assembly did not signify any intention to incorporate the preliminary and postliminary activities exclusions set forth in the Portal-to-Portal Act. Rather, the General Assembly delegated the authority to define “hours worked” to IDOL. In turn, IDOL adopted a definition of “hours worked” that necessarily includes preliminary and postliminary activities, explicitly encompassing all time that an employee is required to be on an employer’s premises.
Love, Money, and the Family Business: Considerations to Prevent Private Disagreements From Becoming Public Legal BattlesBy Meghan E. TepasJune 2026Family wealth conflicts sit at the collision point of personal history and legal obligation. Understanding the duties that govern trustees, executors, directors, and officers; acknowledging the family dynamics that so often cause disputes; and designing plans that factor in reality can keep private tensions from boiling over in court.
Member Appreciation & Recognition Reception HighlightsJune 2026On May 14, 2026, ISBA members and colleagues gathered at the beautiful Morton Arboretum in Lisle to celebrate the 2025–26 ISBA Award Recipients, connect with fellow legal professionals, and enjoy an evening of meaningful conversation and camaraderie.
President Trump’s Cannabis Rescheduling Order: Implications for Employment Law and Workplace PracticeBy Keya Denner & Tammy WoolleyApril 2026Learn more about the Administrative Order, signed by Donald Trump, on December 18, 2025, directing the Attorney General to complete the rulemaking process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Although the Order focuses primarily on expanding medical marijuana and cannabidiol research, its language—and the federal findings it endorses—have potentially significant implications for employment law and workplace practices across the United States.
Responding To Work-From-Home Accommodation Requests in a Post-Covid EnvironmentBy Josh HeidelmanMarch 2026In the wake of the pandemic, it may be more difficult for employers to argue remote work is not a reasonable accommodation. Learn more about developing case law on the topic and steps employers can take to strengthen their positions in court.
