2025 Joint Midyear Meeting PhotosFebruary 2026The 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.
Call to Action: Build a Bridge From Courthouse to CommunityBy Margie Komes Putzler & Avery TenEcykFebruary 2026Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford is excited to unveil a forward and public-facing initiative: Build a Bridge from Courthouse to Community, founded on the premise that there is diminished confidence in our legal system, and it is the responsibility of lawyers and judges to make information about the operation of the courts more accessible and transparent to the people we serve.
Use Caution With Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of LawBy Michelle PorroFebruary 2026AI is here to stay. Due to the federal void in guidance regarding the use of AI generated content, the Illinois Supreme Court published its policy regarding the use of AI effective on January 1, 2025. Attorneys must be sure to familiarize themselves with AI guidance and rules to uphold ethical obligations and professional standards.
When “Owner-Operator” Really Means “Independent Contractor”By Gregory S. KeltnerFebruary 2026In Boyce v. Redbird Carriers, 25 IWCC 0327, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission affirmed and adopted, without modification, the Arbitrator’s decision denying benefits on the basis that no employer-employee relationship existed between the petitioner truck driver and respondent motor carrier.
