Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer ObligationsBy Daniel Canales & Jennifer LongJanuary 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. 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?
Can a Member of a Metal Band Be Fired at Will?By Robin SheaJanuary 2026Chris Beattie, a founder of and bass player for the metalcore band Hatebreed is suing over his dismissal from the band. Despite several claims relating to Mr. Beattie's termination from the band, it is highly likely his claims will be unsuccessful.
Illinois AI Employment Law Goes Live Soon: Are Your Hiring Practices Compliant?By Liisa Thomas & Julia K. KadishJanuary 2026An Illinois law addressing the use of AI in the workplace took effect on January 1, 2026. The law applies to employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations within Illinois that use AI for decisions like hiring, promotion, discharge, and other terms of employment. AI is defined broadly and includes not only generative AI but any machine-based system that generates outputs influencing employment decisions, with no specific exemptions provided.
President Trump’s Cannabis Rescheduling Order: Implications for Employment Law and Workplace PracticeBy Keya Denner & Tammy WoolleyJanuary 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.
When HR Becomes the Problem: A Worker Side Employment Lawyer’s Take on the $11.5m SHRM VerdictBy David J. FishJanuary 2026Even though human resources departments are supposed to be the internal guardrails, HR is often the accelerant. A look at the recent jury verdict against the Society for Human Resource Management highlights the importance of HR departments to protect the company and to protect fairness.
