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.
Court Addresses Vocational Rehabilitation in Three Recent CasesBy Lindsey BeukemaApril 2026Case summaries of three recent appellate cases, relating to: refusing a light duty return to work, affirming an award of permanent total disability benefits under the "odd-lot" theory, and denying a researcher with multiple advanced degrees vocational rehabilitation.
Injured Worker Recovery Under Section 8(e) and 8(d)(2): An Analysis of Body Part Injuries and Injury to the Person-As-A-WholeBy Markham M. JeepJune 2026A recent case, Azcon Metals, seems to permit PAW benefits over and above section 8(e) specific loss benefits only if other body parts are involved; however, injured workers have the option to elect either the section 8(d)(1) or section 8(d)(2) remedy. Petitioner’s counsel should remember that certain precedent for additional PAW benefits in section 8(e)(18) cases where the injured worker also suffered other injuries to the “body part” of the head—for psychological injuries.
Member Appreciation & Recognition Reception HighlightsJune 2026On 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.
The Unconstitutional Barrier Blocking Review of Errant Rulings by the Appellate Panel of the Worker’s Compensation DivisionBy Kurt NiermannJune 2026As with every other decision-making body in the world, decisions from the workers' compensation appellate panel are not always consistent with precedent, the text of the Act, or even the goals of the underlying system.The problem comes from a gatekeeper feature in Supreme Court Rule 315(a), governing workers’ compensation appeals to the Supreme Court.
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.
