Federal Civil Practice

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Section on Federal Civil Practice

ISBA Members, please login to join this section

2026 Articles

2025 Joint Midyear Meeting Photos March 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.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation Champion By Jessica R. Durkin March 2026 At 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?
Frivolous Appeal Results in Sanctions By Michael R. Lied March 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. 
Meet Magistrate Judge Michael Iasparro By John J. Holevas March 2026 Michael Iasparro, the newest Magistrate Judge of the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division, offers a look into his path to becoming an attorney and rising to the bench. 
Member Appreciation & Recognition Reception Highlights June 2026 On 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.
No Equitable Tolling of Missed Removal Deadline By Michael R. Lied June 2026 If your defendant client really wants to be in federal court, pay close attention to the 30-day deadline for removal. If that’s a possible problem, review the various exceptions recounted in the Supreme Court’s opinion in Enbridge. 
Timko v. NSPA Lounge LLC: Court Dismisses Claims Where Passive Voice and Group Pleading Obscured Liability By Thomas O’Connell March 2026 A recent case from the Western District Court of Pennsylvania highlights the importance of legal writing and how passive voice and group allegations at the pleading stage can lead to dismissal. 
Waving New Arguments Goodbye: The Seventh Circuit Contributes to the Waiver vs. Forfeiture Discussion With a Strict Rule for Appellants By Alexandra Avvocato June 2026 The distinction between waiver and forfeiture is a common subject in appellate decisions. In theory, that distinction is straightforward. That distinction matters: several circuits have stated that they have some discretion to review forfeited arguments but have no power to review waived arguments.
When Client Dies During Litigation: Steps to Take and Steps to Avoid By Janaan Hashim June 2026 While law school taught us much about rules of procedure, one thing my federal civil procedure course did not include is what to do when a client dies during the litigation process. Recently, this sad reality fell upon me in which a client unexpectedly passed away before my legal representation concluded.