The Corporate Lawyer

The newsletter of the ISBA’s In-House Law Departments Section

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2026 Articles

2025 Joint Midyear Meeting Photos February 2026 The 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.
2026 Annual Meeting Photos September 2026 ISBA members and guests gathered at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis on June 11–12, 2026, for the Annual Meeting, which featured outstanding CLE programming, networking, and business meetings. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Annual Meeting a success!
Amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Relating To In-House Counsel By Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D. January 2026 Changes to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 706(g) and 716, effective as of January 1, 2026, set certain requirements and limits that are applicable to in-house counsel within Illinois. 
Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee By Lee Polk January 2026 The outline for the Chicago Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee Meeting, hosted on November 21, 2025, discussing various issues related to alternative assets, investments, and defined contribution plans. 
Enhancements to the Wells Process in SEC Enforcement By Junaid Zubairi, Brooke Conner, & Paris Mayfield February 2026 Since assuming the top leadership role of the Securities and Exchange Commission in April 2025, Chairman Paul S. Atkins has focused on instituting various reforms and enhancements to the Commission’s policies and practices, with a focus on the role of the “Wells process” in enforcement matters, describing the Wells process as an extension of due process and fundamental constitutional rights.
Ethical Considerations for Lawyers Using AI-Generated Audio To Summarize Documents By Mark C. Palmer April 2026 The power of AI is not limited only to its ability to summarize large text, answer questions, or to point out inaccuracies. AI can also create: Tools such as NotbeookLM, Wondercraft, and Monica Podcast have the power to condense voluminous documents into short soundbites that can be audibly consumed with ease. 
Frivolous Appeal Results in Sanctions By Michael R. Lied April 2026 In Girard v. Girard, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently reminded litigants that an order remanding a removed case to state court is almost never reviewable on appeal and frivolous appeals really can result in sanctions under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 38. 
Legal and Regulatory Issues That Corporate Law Departments Should Monitor During the Remainder of 2026 By Brooke Conner & Eric Hyla September 2026 Updates that may be of interest to attorneys practicing business and securities law, including updates from the SEC Fiscal Year 2025 Enforcement Results Announcement; key insights from the DOJ's department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy; updates on developments in SEC's approach to examinations, regulation, enforcement, and litigation; and highlights from American Law Institute's Accountants' Liability Conference. 
Legislative Proposals for January 2026—Quick Summary March 2026 A roundup of proposed Illinois legislation from the House and Senate, including Mental Health Warning for Social Media Act, amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003, Surveillance-Based Wage Discrimination Act, amendment to the Property Tax Code, the Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy Act, and more. 
Legislative Proposals for January 2026—Quick Summary February 2026 A collection of summaries of legislation that may be of interest to members of the Corporate Law Departments Section, including adult changing stations, consumer fraud solicit loans, freedom to work relating to health care, Tarriff Transparency Act, and more. 
Philip N. Hablutzel, 1935-2026 March 2026 In memory of Philip N. Hablutzel, a dedicated husband, father, and attorney who served in various capacities throughout his life. 
Securities Regulations By Christopher Barrett & Jordan Mulevicz McMath February 2026 On December 4, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor Advisory Committee published its recommendation that the SEC consider adopting Artificial Intelligence disclosure rules, noting the benefits of a standardized “materiality-informed” disclosure framework that reflects the impact of AI on a company’s growth and financial results, as well as the barriers to and risks of adoption. 
There’s Still Time To Nominate Yourself By Margo Lynn Hablutzel, J.D. March 2026 Learn how to get involved in the Corporate Law Departments Section, from CLE programs, to writing an article for the newsletter!
Tribute to Bernard G. Peter, Jr. By Margo Lynn Hablutzel September 2026 In remembrance of Bernard G. Peter Jr., a devoted member of this Section Council; Editor of Corporate Law Departments Newsletter and Employee Benefits Newsletter; and supporter of the Illinois Bar Foundation.