Federal Civil Practice

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

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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. 
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.