The Bottom Line

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics

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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.
Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer Obligations By Daniel Canales & Jennifer Long February 2026 Governor 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. 
The Art of Attorney Networking: From Sidebar to Social Hour (Part I) By Elizabeth H. Schaller & Robert V. Schaller January 2026 This two-part article discusses the benefits of building a network for an attorney to grow their practice. Effective networking fosters genuine, long-term relationships with potential referrers—relationships that lead to recommendations when clients are in need. 
The Art of Attorney Networking: From Sidebar to Social Hour (Part II) By Elizabeth H. Schaller & Robert V. Schaller February 2026 Part II of this two-part article discusses the benefits of building a network for an attorney to grow their practice. Networking requires work, which may be difficult for the classic introvert; however, with a polished elevator pitch, prepared questions, and clearly defined requirements for a strategic partner, anyone can become a master networker.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation Champion By Jessica R. Durkin January 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?
The Intersection of Conventional Productivity Tips and Technology By Jennifer M. Danish January 2026 Technology can be a powerful tool in an attorney's practice, from establishing task priority, minimizing interruptions, and increasing cognitive bandwidth; however, it is important that technology is used as an enhancer and not a substitute for independent judgment. 
Multi-Factor Authentication Is No Longer Optional for Legal Professionals By Brandon P. Woudenberg February 2026 This article emphasizes that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential for legal professionals, not just a 'best practice.' It highlights the increasing cyber threats in the legal industry and the need for attorneys to protect clients' data. It offers simple MFA options and discusses the risks of not using this security feature. Ultimately, the minor inconvenience of setting up MFA is worthwhile for the protection it provides against data breaches, reputational damage, malpractice claims, and disciplinary issues.
A Retainer Reminder and Refresher By Michael J. Maslanka January 2026 At the outset of any engagement, attorneys must be precise about the nature of the fee arrangement being offered to the client. This article underscores the importance of compliance for every stage of the attorney-client relationship, including the initial retainer phase.