Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinJanuary 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?
FOIA Case Law UpdateBy Matthew HarteMay 2026A summary of three recent appellate court cases that discuss when a public body is deemed to have received an electronic FOIA request, when delayed production may expose a public body to civil penalties, and whether a court may shift the burden of in camera review to a special master.
The Forum Non Conveniens Doctrine in Refiled SuitsBy Jeffrey A. ParnessMay 2026The Fifth District Appellate Court, in Richardson v. Husain, recently determined that a plaintiff's second choice of forum is entitled to "substantial deference," while one justice emphasized the importance of "public interest factors" when analyzing forum non conveniens challenges.
Hyman’s Holdings: Gnats, Camels, and LitigatorsBy Justice Michael B. HymanJanuary 2026In his column, Hyman's Holdings, featured in the Civil Practice & Procedure Newsletter, Justice Hyman explores various topics related to the legal profession.
Hyman’s Holdings: When One Is Greater Than TwoBy Justice Michael B. HymanMay 2026In his column, Hyman's Holdings, featured in the Civil Practice & Procedure Newsletter, Justice Hyman explores various topics related to the legal profession.
Lawyers Must Build Technical Competence Before Claiming AI CompetenceBy George BellasJanuary 2026Artificial intelligence is becoming an inevitable component of practicing law, but before implementing AI into your practice, ensure you have the correct technological competency to satisfy your ethical obligations.
Lessons From Skarbek v. Woodman’s Food Market: Absence of Rule 222(b) Affidavit Not a Proper Basis for Dismissing ComplaintBy Laura CastagnaMay 2026In Skarbek v. Woodman’s Food Market, the Second District held that a circuit clerk may not reject a complaint simply because it lacks an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 222(b) affidavit.This case reinforces the narrow scope of the clerk’s authority to reject filings. There are 24 permissible rejection categories under Rule 9; be familiar with those categories!
Pleading on Information and Belief: Time for a ChangeBy Cathy A. PilkingtonJanuary 2026Pleading "on information and belief" is an accepted part of pleading in Illinois; however, codified guidance from the legislature could provide needed clarity for the pleading stage.
