Mental Health – The Key to the KingdomBy Robert E. Wells, Jr.Mental Health Law, May 2024Mental health plays a large role in our everyday lives and, although often underfunded, various federal and state programs are intended promote increased awareness of and access to mental health services.
Message From the ChairBy Colleen L. SahlasTrusts and Estates, July 2024A note from the chair.
Mineral Tenancy in Common LitigationBy Craig R. HedinMineral Law, March 2024The appellate court recently held that a mineral tenant in common does not have a legal right to take oil and gas from a common property without the permission of the co-tenants who may file a civil action to seek damages to redress the injuries to their respective interests.
Municipal Case SummariesBy James Ferolo, Phil Lenzini, Matt Dione, Brian Flynn, Chris Jump, Lisle Stalter, Todd Flemming, & Josh HermanLocal Government Law, October 2024Municipal case summaries of interest to local government law practitioners.
Municipal Case SummariesBy James Ferolo, Phil Lenzini, Matt Dione, Brian Flynn, Chris Jump, Lisle Stalter, Todd Flemming, & Josh HermanLocal Government Law, August 2024Brief summaries of recent cases of interest to local government law practitioners.
Municipal Case SummariesBy James Ferolo, Phil Lenzini, Matt Dione, Brian Flynn, Chris Jump, Lisle Stalter, Todd Flemming, & Josh HermanLocal Government Law, April 2024Summaries of recent cases of interest to local government practitioners.
Municipal Pension Fund Attorney Entitled to a PensionBy Nemura PencylaEmployee Benefits, May 2024The appellate court recently reversed the Retirement Board of the Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago's decision to deny an application for a widow's annuity in Heiss v. Retirement Board of the Municipal Employees' Annuity & Benefit Fund.
The NAR Settlement: Will Buyers Really Be Forced to Pay Their Agent?By Philip J. VaccoReal Estate Law, June 2024The recent settlement reached with the National Association of Realtors over alleged antitrust practices has some individuals heralding the end of high sales commissions, but a closer examination reveals that the death of the seller-based commission model may be a bit exaggerated.
Navigating a New (and Confusing) Law for Access to Mental Health RecordsBy Matthew R. DavisonMental Health Law, April 2024Of all the new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2024, the one to cause confusion and concern regarding access to records of mental health recipients is the amended Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
Navigating Family Law: Why Anger Management Isn’t Enough in Domestic Violence CasesBy Agnes Zielinski OlechnoFamily Law, November 2024In Illinois family and domestic violence courts, courts may face the task of determining the appropriate intervention for individuals displaying harmful behavior, particularly in high-conflict parenting or divorce cases. Pursuant to Section 607.6 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the court may order individual counseling for the child, family counseling for one or more of the parties and the child, or parental education for one or more of the parties.
Navigating the Future of Commercial Litigation: Top Five Trends to Watch in 2025By Hon. Michael J. ChmielBench and Bar, December 2024As we approach 2025, the landscape of commercial litigation continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks, and changing business practices. For attorneys practicing in the commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for effective representation and strategic planning. This article explores five of the hottest topics in commercial litigation that are likely to shape the field in the coming years.
Navigating the Future of Commercial Litigation: Top Five Trends to Watch in 2025By Hon. Michael J. ChmielCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, December 2024As we approach 2025, the landscape of commercial litigation continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks, and changing business practices. For attorneys practicing in the commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for effective representation and strategic planning. This article explores five of the hottest topics in commercial litigation that are likely to shape the field in the coming years.
Navigating the Sale of a Marital Residence During the Pendency of a CaseBy Rebecca Berlin-MelzerFamily Law, February 2024Understanding the various legal options for handling marital property in divorce under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act will help lawyers give clients quality, comprehensive advice.
New Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act & CCS Project UpdateBy Laura HarmonMineral Law, December 2024On July 18, 2024, Governor Pritzker signed SB1289 creating the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration, which addresses environmental and safety regulations, prohibition of the injection of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, ownership of pore space, integration and unitization of pore space for CO2 sequestration before the IDNR.
New Changes to the Illinois Radon Gas Awareness ActBy Nicky SonntagEnvironmental and Natural Resources Law, February 2024The Illinois Radon Act will be substantially revised effective as of January 1, 2024, imposing additional obligations on landlords and providing additional rights to tenants.
New Department of Justice Local Government Website RulesBy Phillip LenziniGovernment Lawyers, November 2024On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice published its final rule updating the regulations under Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the critical date for determining the compliance date. The rule has specific requirements to ensure that web content and mobile apps of units of government are accessible to people with disabilities.
New Federal Reporting Requirement for Your Law Firm This YearBy Annette FernholzAlternative Dispute Resolution, November 2024A new rule under the Corporate Transparency Act now requires many businesses in the United States, including small law firms, to report information about who ultimately owns or controls them to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
New Federal Reporting Requirement for Your Law Firm This YearBy Annette FernholzFamily Law, August 2024A new rule under the Corporate Transparency Act now requires many businesses in the United States, including small law firms, to report information about who ultimately owns or controls them to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
The New Harmony (Harmony Way) Bridge Restoration Project Saving the Historic BridgeBy Ellen Schanzle-HaskinsEnergy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, May 2024In 2019, Illinois and Indiana both passed legislation creating the State of Illinois New Harmony River Bridge Authority and the Indiana New Harmony and Wabash River Bridge Authority to restore the Harmony Way Bridge, which had closed in 2012 due to a lack of funding.
New Law Ends Failure to Appear Driver’s License SuspensionsBy Larry A. DavisTraffic Laws and Courts, November 2024Traffic practitioners should be aware of a significant change to 625 ILCS 5/6-308 (P.A. 103-0789) which addresses defendants who fail to appear on petty offenses (excluding those defined as business offenses (730 ILCS 5/5-1-2); overweight violations (265 ILCS 5/15-111); and registration fee violations (625 ILCS 5/3-401)).
New Law Supports Recovery for Youth Trafficking SurvivorsBy Tayler MatthewsHuman and Civil Rights, May 2024A new law, Public Act 103-0191, follows federal sentencing reform efforts to amend the unfair sentencing practices that impact criminalized youth trafficking survivors.