Section Newsletters

Articles From 2013

Pro bono spotlight Federal Taxation, March 2013 Pro bono opportunities for tax attorneys.
Pro se, alias, service of process, return of service—What language is this? By Jenea Wilson, Jessy Richert, & Hon. E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. Bench and Bar, September 2013 A guide for average people (and maybe lawyers and judges) to help navigate through the tempestuous waters of filing or defending a small case in court.
Professionalism on tap on April 18 By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, March 2013 On April 18, 2013, the Bench and Bar Section of the Illinois State Bar Association will provide members of the Illinois bar with a unique opportunity to obtain the six hours of professionalism credit they need through Civility and Professionalism in 2013.
Professionalism: The spirit of the 17th Judicial Circuit By Jayne Reardon Bench and Bar, January 2013 The American Bar Association’s Committee on Professionalism awarded the 17th Judicial Circuit the prestigious Gambrell Professionalism Award at the ABA’s 2012 Annual Meeting.
Prohibited areas and signage: The hidden issues that remain for local governments with concealed carry By Brad Stewart Local Government Law, December 2013 Local governments are highly advised to understand the nuances of restricted areas for carrying concealed weapons pursuant to the Concealed Carry Act.
The proposed changes to the Animal Welfare Act do not solve the so-called “puppy mill” problem By Laura McFarland-Taylor Animal Law, January 2013 This article serves as a counterpoint argument to the benefits of the proposed federal rule designed to address puppy mill problems expressed in “The point-and-click puppy mill problem", supra. Both articles, when read together, express the pros and cons of expanded federal regulation in this area.  
Protecting contractor rights in bankruptcy By Samuel H. Levine Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, August 2013 A discussion of the bankruptcy issues most often encountered in the construction setting.
Protecting contractor rights in bankruptcy By Samuel H. Levine Construction Law, May 2013 A discussion of the bankruptcy issues most often encountered in the construction setting.
Prudent investor rule chiseled away in Carter v. Carter By Robert S. Held Trusts and Estates, May 2013 Practitioners, mindful of the Carter opinion, must now consider amending existing trust documents or advising their current clients of the altered landscape affecting the duties of a trustee.
Public Access Counselor opinion on a school district’s “obligations” to de-identify student test score data in order to properly respond to a FOIA request By Everett E. Nicholas & Catherine Locallo Education Law, March 2013 On December 11, 2012, the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor issued a binding opinion to Pleasantdale School District 107 regarding disclosure of student test scores under FOIA.
Public Act 98-0513 clarifies provisions on personnel evaluations By Everett E. Nicholas, Jr. Education Law, October 2013 Public Act 97-008, which was signed into law on June 13, 2011, had several issues which created confusion. Now a new law, which became effective on August 20, 2013, resolves some of those issues.
Public sector qualifications based selection of design professionals in Illinois By Bruce S. Bonczyk Construction Law, March 2013 Illinois is one of several states that uses a statutory system of qualifications based selection for design professionals seeking projects on the state and local levels.
Putting the short into short sales By Philip J. Vacco Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, January 2013 Effective November 1, 2012, Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s new and improved preforeclosure sales program will officially be known as “Standard Short Sale/HAFA II.
QBE Insurance: A cautionary tale By Kenneth F. Werts Workers’ Compensation Law, October 2013 In this recent case, QBE filed a motion with the Commission requesting that it be named a party to the case citing Section 4(g) of the Act.
Radon testing now required in Illinois daycare centers By Steve Sawyer Environmental Law, February 2013 Effective January 1, 2013, licensed daycare centers must have their facility tested for radon at least every three years.
Railroads gain more ground: Illinois appellate court reverses $700,143.70 jury verdict after Choate decision By Hon. Russell W. Hartigan & Christina Faklis Civil Practice and Procedure, May 2013 Immediately after the Illinois Supreme Court decided Choate v. Indiana Harbor Railroad Co.,  it used its supervisory authority and ordered the First District Appellate Court to vacate its prior ruling in McDonald v. Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp.
Raising the age of adult criminal prosecutions By Betsy Clarke Child Law, May 2013 The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission has recommended raising the misdemeanor age to include 17-year-old youth charged with felony offenses (but not violent felonies subject to automatic transfer to adult court).
Ramadan By Amina Saeed Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, October 2013 An overview of the Muslim holiday to help legal professionals prepare for meetings with Muslim clients and employees.
1 comment (Most recent October 2, 2013)
Rapists’ rights in Illinois: The new law and what other states can learn from it By Randi Burggraff & Kerrianne Waters Women and the Law, December 2013 What are parental rights and why is it so alarming that in a majority of states' rapists retain these rights?
1 comment (Most recent December 19, 2013)
Rarely-performed task can still be essential By Michael R. Lied Labor and Employment Law, May 2013 A summary of the recent case of Knutson v. Schwan’s Home Service, Inc.
Real estate in Israel—Prepare for probate By Deborah Opolion-Elovic Trusts and Estates, November 2013 A look at the Israeli laws and procedures relating to a U.S. citizen who dies leaving real estate in Israel, and practical advice to those who currently hold real estate in Israel to ease the property's future transfer.
1 comment (Most recent November 24, 2013)
Reasonable accommodations overview under Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended By Mary Anne Spellman Gerstner General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2013 Do you get inquiries about requests for accommodations? This overview of pertinent standards under Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act may facilitate an efficient response.
Reasonable attorney fees & ISBA Advisory Opinion No. 13-01 By Thomas Bransfield & Darrell Dies Trusts and Estates, May 2013 For those of you who represent representatives of decedent’s estates, the ISBA Advisory Committee Opinion No. 13-01 issued January 2013, is a must-read. This is part I of a two-part article looking at the opinion and its ramifications.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, November 2013 Recent changes in Illinois' Judiciary.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, September 2013 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, August 2013 Recent changes in Illinois' Judiciary.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, June 2013 Changes in Illinois' Judiciary.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, May 2013 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, April 2013 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.
Recent appointments and retirements Bench and Bar, March 2013 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.