lewis-9-26-23,ph02 — Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kimberly D. Lewis is sworn in as president of the Illinois Judicial Council last week. – Photo courtesy of IJC

Kimberly Lewis sets agenda as new leader of Illinois Judicial Council

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kimberly D. Lewis, the new president of the Illinois Judicial Council, said she will prioritize continued community outreach and education under the theme “Fortifying Our Legacy.”

By Emma Oxnevad

State’s high court opens new interactive learning center

In 1946, the Illinois Supreme Court heard a case that would eventually become a landmark in American legal history.

By Peter Hancock

As SAFE-T Act goes live, hearings have been longer, more deliberative

In courtrooms around the state this week, judges conducted the first hearings under a new system that determines whether a defendant will be jailed while awaiting trial based on dangerousness and risk of fleeing prosecution, rather than their ability to post bail.

By Beth Hundsdorfer and Hannah Meisel

Belief in change, plenty of espresso fuel Judge Mary Marubio in seismic bail shift

For Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mary C. Marubio, being at the forefront of the cultural shift around cash bail has been an exciting opportunity.

By Grace Barbic

Beyond the Bench

Justice David Navarro talks running, role changes and Latinx representation

Justice David R. Navarro’s spacious office at the Michael A. Bilandic Building is chock-full of personal effects: framed degrees from the University of Chicago and University of Iowa, a stocked bookshelf and a poster of Superman with a skull for a head labeled “Super Muerto,” a nod to his Hispanic heritage.

By Emma Oxnevad

$19.3M awarded to Illinois woman who alleged sex abuse as inmate

A federal jury in Illinois awarded $19.3 million to a woman who alleged she was regularly sexually assaulted by an employee while she was an inmate at the Logan Correctional Center in Logan County.

By Grace Barbic

Alderman Gardiner can’t bar Facebook critics, must set policy fitting 1st Amendment

Chicago Alderman James Gardiner violated the First Amendment when he deleted critical comments from his official Facebook page and sometimes blocked the critics themselves, a federal judge held Monday.

By Patricia Manson

Legal malpractice suit over opt-out notices revived

A law firm must face a suit claiming it fraudulently concealed legal deficiencies in mandated telemarketing notices published by a client.

By Emma Oxnevad

Judge rules Donald Trump defrauded banks, insurers

A judge has ruled that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.

By Michael R. Sisak

CDLB People

Griffin Williams McMahon & Walsh LLP elected Kristin N. Suchy partner.

Griffin Williams McMahon & Walsh LLP elected Scott Drumheller partner.

McSwain Nagle Giese & Rapp P.C. hired Matthew P. Karstens as an associate at the family law firm.

CDLB People

Judge erred in weighing factors for qui tam case

Reinstating a qui tam case against Care Alternatives Inc. that involved a hospice provider allegedly submitting false certifications to the federal government, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals explained that the district judge erred in giving “dispositive weight” to a single factor in what should have been a “holistic” three-factor analysis of materiality.

By Steven P. Garmisa

Derailed BIPA suit settles in wake of call for damages trial

In 2022, a federal jury awarded $228 million to a class of truck drivers after finding that BNSF Railway Company had collected the drivers’ fingerprints without consent, in violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The case was then remanded for damages. It now appears to be settled.

By Daniel A. Cotter

Social media posts could cost millions in vacated verdicts

Social media is a boon and scourge at the same time, and that is nowhere more in evidence than in two recent circumstances in the Circuit Court of Cook County — one that has resulted in an order for a new trial, White v. Chicago Transit Authority, 19 L 2083, and one that may yet yield a second retrial after in-court conduct led to the first retrial in Kroft v. Viper Trans, Inc., 16 L 9466.

By Donald P. Eckler

‘No Man’s Land’ gives nod to existentialism

“To attempt a faithful description of this play is a daunting task.” Thus began the first sentence of the program guide notes for Steppenwolf Theatre’s current production of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land.” Directed by Les Waters, the show is playing through Aug. 20 on Steppenwolf’s downstairs main stage.

By Julian J. Frazin

PGA Tour’s deal with LIV Golf prompts federal investigations

A little over a year ago, the launch of the new Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf International Series roiled the world of men’s professional golf. LIV Golf offered players millions in prize money and, after some of the biggest names in golf joined the LIV Golf Invitational tournament series, the PGA Tour suspended those players indefinitely. Naturally, legal action followed.

By Douglas N. Masters and Seth A. Rose

WBAI celebrates women’s soccer

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois members and supporters pose with a trophy from the legendary U.S. win in the 1999 Women’s World Cup at the Chicago Red Stars’ World Cup Welcome Back soccer match. From left are WBAI board member Chandler Caswell, Hon. Antara Nath Rivera, Joe DiPasquale, WBAI President Whitney K. Siehl, Hon. James A. Shapiro, ISBA President-elect Sonni Choi Williams and Pareesa Farazandeh. Photo courtesy of WBAI

Polish American Judges Association leaders sworn in

Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans swore in leaders of the new Polish American Judges Association at the Polish National Museum earlier this week. From left are Evans and judges Ursula Walowski, Steven A. Kozicki, James P. Pieczonka, Daniel J. Kubasiak, Aurelia Pucinski, Joel Chupack, Jonathan Clark Green, Michele Gemskie, Diane Pezanoski and Pamela Stratigakis. PAJA’s new president, Presiding Judge Diann K. Marsalek, was sworn in afterward. Photo by James A. Shapiro

RSHC holds day of service

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila held its annual Chicago Day of Service earlier this month at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, packing 8,400 pounds of potatoes for 7,000 meals. The food will be distributed throughout Chicago, where one in five households are experiencing food insecurity. Photo courtesy of RSHC

Beyond the Bench

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Case Summaries

Trial Notebook

Cotter’s Corner

For the Defense

Employment Law

Sports Marketing Playbook

Opening Statement

Sports Marketing Playbook

Opening Statement

Opening Statement

Social Scene

WBAI celebrates women’s soccer

Polish American Judges Association leaders sworn in

RSHC holds day of service

Clifford accepts Joel Flaum Award

Special Publications

Law Day 2023

Civility and collaboration

JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards 2022

The commemorative magazine for the 2022 Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards is now available!

40 Under Forty 2022

Law Bulletin Media announces the Class of 2022

Associate

Attorney

Paralegal

Paralegal

Kimberly Lewis sets agenda as new leader of Illinois Judicial Council

State’s high court opens new interactive learning center

As SAFE-T Act goes live, hearings have been longer, more deliberative

Belief in change, plenty of espresso fuel Judge Mary Marubio in seismic bail shift

Jackson speaks at 60th anniversary of Alabama church bombing

Hunter Biden indicted on federal firearms charges