Local Government Law

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Section on Local Government Law

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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 October 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!
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation Champion By Jessica R. Durkin February 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?
A Brief Recap and Update Regarding the Illinois Local Fire and Police Pension Consolidation Law (2019) By Joe McMenamin October 2026 One of the primary purposes of consolidating Illinois’ local police and fire pension funds was to boost investment returns, especially for the medium to small sized funds. Now with the passage of time, we can assess the consequences of this reform legislation, which appears to have been highly favorable.
Energy Is the New Currency: Powerful Tax Incentives in Data Center Site Selection By Eric M. Anderson, Laura Moran, & Scott S. Nelson June 2026 For decades, the calculus behind data center site selection revolved around the familiar checklist: property tax abatements, sales tax exemptions, investment credits, and job creation incentives. But the new era of hyperscale computing and artificial intelligence has rewritten the playbook. In today’s landscape, megawatts matter just as much as marginal tax rates.
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.
Municipal Fire Academy Instructors Entitled to Discretionary Tort Immunity for Decisions Relating to Planning and Conducting a Fire Training Drill By Michael D. Bersani October 2026 Municipalities that run training facilities for internal personnel and outside agencies should be familiar with the recent ruling in Hidalgo v. Village of Romeoville, where the Appellate Court confirmed that the operational discretionary decisions of instructors during firefighter certification courses are insulated from civil tort liability. 
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act: Key Provisions and Impacts for Local Governments By Megan M. Olson February 2026 On December 16, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed a new transit funding bill known as “The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act” (NITA) into law. The law replaces the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) with the newly created Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA).
Save the Date for the Annual Meeting! February 2026 Don't miss the 2026 Annual Meeting, on June 11-12, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis! 
What Happens When Your Client “Asks Claude”: United States v. Heppner and the AI Privilege Problem By William M. Tasch June 2026 A federal court's written opinion holding that a defendant's AI chats were unprivileged sends a clear signal to practitioners: clients must be counseled, early and explicitly, not to discuss their cases with AI tools—and the stakes may be higher than they first appear.
When AI Notetakers Enter Your Client Meetings: Ethical Duties and Risks for Lawyers By Mark C. Palmer October 2026 AI notetaking in legal practice is a reality that demands immediate attention. These tools are not inherently off-limits, but their use requires the same judgment lawyers bring to every other aspect of client representation. Competence, confidentiality, and candor do not pause when a recording starts.