books-3-23-23,ph01 — Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Naperville, speaks on the Illinois House floor Wednesday in Springfield. – Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki

Illinois House passes bill prohibiting book bans

The Illinois House passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit libraries from banning books or other material because of partisan or doctrinal pressure, prompting strong opposition from Republicans who called it an assault on local control.

By Peter Hancock

Supreme Court chews on Jack Daniel’s dog toy dispute

A dispute between Jack Daniel’s and the makers of a squeaking dog toy that mimics the whiskey’s signature bottle gave the Supreme Court a lot to chew on Wednesday.

By Jessica Gresko

Supreme Court rules for deaf student in education case

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday for a deaf student who sued his public school system for providing an inadequate education. The case is significant for other disabled students who allege they were failed by school officials.

By Jessica Gresko

In Trump probe, NYC grand jury hearing from final witnesses

A grand jury was hearing from final witnesses Monday in the investigation into Donald Trump as law enforcement officials accelerated security preparations in advance of a possible indictment and as fellow Republicans staked out positions in a criminal probe expected to shake up the 2024 presidential race.

By Eric Tucker and Michael R. Sisak

How I Did It

Chicago civil rights attorney pivots to launch Jamaican resort

Longtime civil rights attorney Dana L. Kurtz traded the courtroom for an ocean view when she left her practice in 2019 to launch a boutique hotel in Jamaica.

By Emma Oxnevad

ARDC board advises suspending attorney who made false statements

An attorney who made false representations in a foreclosure matter should be suspended for two years, according to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission hearing board.

By Emma Oxnevad

DePaul Law professors dissect ‘Succession’ with legal scholars

“Succession,” HBO’s critically acclaimed drama on the fight for power within a family-run media conglomerate, undoubtedly inspires discussion. Which of the Roy children will inherit the throne from their ailing father? And what’s really going on between fan favorites Tom and Greg?

By Emma Oxnevad

Band royalties dispute does not belong in federal court, judge holds

The two plaintiffs in a lawsuit accusing the rock band The Ides of March of fraud and breach of contract colluded with each other to create diversity jurisdiction, a federal judge held.

By Patricia Manson

House narrowly passes bill allowing all-gender bathrooms

The Illinois House narrowly passed a bill Thursday that would allow businesses, universities and other building owners to designate multi-occupancy all-gender bathrooms if they choose to do so.

By Peter Hancock

CDLB People

Blank Rome added Sheherbano “Sherry” R. Mirza as an associate to its finance, restructuring and bankruptcy practice group in Chicago.

Benesch partner J. Scott Humphrey was a part of a panel titled “The Changing Shape of Trade Secret Trials: Increasing Shift to Juries.”

Polsinelli shareholder Linas Grikis was a speaker at the firm’s “Spotlight on Academic Medical Centers” discussion series.

CDLB People

Ownership and risk considered in dog-bite case

Reversing summary judgment for the defendant in a dog-bite case under the Animal Control Act, the Illinois Appellate Court considered both of the approaches courts have taken when “analyzing whether a plaintiff has a relationship with either the animal’s legal owner or the animal itself so as to objectively exclude the plaintiff from the act’s protections.”

By Steven P. Garmisa

Are movie theaters a dying breed?

The good news is that President Joe Biden recently announced his plans to end COVID-19 emergency declarations in May — making the pandemic an endemic. The bad news is that Chicago is still feeling the aftermath of enforced quarantines, mandatory masks and isolation. It may feel it for several more years.

By Julian J. Frazin

Women’s empowerment event returns

BatesCarey revived its event “Tea Talk: Women Empowering Women” last week for the first time since the pandemic began. Led by attorneys Abigail Rocap and Allyson Spacht, the firm hosted “Let’s Talk About Equality: Overcoming Obstacles to Women in Leadership.” Speakers included Julie Cutter, president of Women Helping Others; Mary Robinson, partner at Robinson, Stewart, Montgomery & Doppke, and Laura Zaroski, managing director of the Law Firms Group at Gallagher. Photo courtesy BatesCarey

Wallach accepts Les Turner foundation award

Brian S. Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, winners of the Harvey and Bonny Gaffen award, speak at the Hope Through Caring Gala benefiting the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Wallach is an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and former staffer for President Barack Obama who advocates for ALS treatments. Photo by Jean Lachat

Attorney honored with memorial award

Hall Prangle & Schoonveld honored partner Amy Kane, who died in March 2022 after an illness, by creating a memorial award in her name. Shelley Doi-Taketa, a partner in the firm’s Salt Lake City office, was its first recipient. Shown at an event marking the occasion are Salt Lake City partner Tawni Anderson, from left, Chicago partner Eric Schoonveld, Doi-Taketa and Chicago partner Jennifer Ries-Buntain. Photo courtesy of Hall Prangle & Schoonveld

CDEL honors volunteers

The Center for Disability & Elder Law celebrated its 2023 Winter Awards Benefit, “Light Up the Loop,” at Baker McKenzie in late February. Shown from left are award recipients Crofton Kelly, Addison Braendel and Stephen S. Phalen; CDEL Governing Board president Theresa Jaffe; Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, recipient of the Impact Award; benefit chair Andrew Lillis; honorees Shane Kelly and Lisa Kistler; CDEL executive director Caroline Manley and benefit vice chair Terri Ahrens. Photo courtesy of CDEL

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Sports Marketing Playbook

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Women’s empowerment event returns

Wallach accepts Les Turner foundation award

Attorney honored with memorial award

CDEL honors volunteers

Special Publications

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

Salute! Women in Law 2022

The 3rd class for Salute! Women in Law

Experienced Associate Attorney: Labor&Personnel Practice Group

Associate Attorney

Litigation Associate

Associate

Illinois House passes bill prohibiting book bans

Supreme Court chews on Jack Daniel’s dog toy dispute

Supreme Court rules for deaf student in education case

In Trump probe, NYC grand jury hearing from final witnesses

Supreme Court remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Mobile sports bets booms in some states 5 years after high court ruling