The September Illinois Bar Journal introduces the concept of  “collaborative practice,” a model of conflict resolution that can be preferable to a litigated case, promoting civility, greater control over the process, and more amicable outcomes. This is according to presenters from “The Collaborative Team Process: A Primer for Family Lawyers and Judges,” an ISBA continuing legal education program.

 In her August Illinois Bar article, Louise Simpson addresses epigenetic testing, the study of heritable traits that occur through the modification of gene expression rather than changes to the DNA sequence itself. Simpson writes that the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act protects against certain forms of discrimination over genetic testing data, but it fails to protect interpretations of epigenetic data gleaned from epigenetic testing. Currently, she argues, no nondiscrimination law has been implemented offering protections for consumers of epigenetic testing, leaving commercial and medical epigenetic testing ripe for abuse.

 For more than a decade, Legal Research provider Fastcase has been a standard benefit for Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) members. Its especially deep trove of Illinois materials spans a complete collection of caselaw; statutes; attorney general’s opinions; and the state’s court rules, constitution, and administrative code. During the second half of 2024, vLex Fastcase, comprising two namesake companies that merged in 2023, will roll out an update that will gallop ahead of the previous version’s capabilities with “nonhallucinatory” AI, a “negative” Cert citator that identifies nonprecedential decisions, and several other updates.

 It is well known that disputes often arise between unit owners and their condominium association and that these disputes frequently lead to litigation. As John J. D’Attomo notes in his July Illinois Bar Journal article, “Condo Officers and Directors Beware,” Illinois law permits unit owners to assert claims against various potential defendants, including the condominium association and the board of the condominium association. Although often overlooked or misunderstood, D’Attomo shows how unit owners may also assert claims against the officers of the association in their individual capacity and board members in their individual capacity. A unit owner armed with this knowledge, D’Attomo suggests, may achieve significant legal and practical advantages in litigation.