X
Menu
Law Day 2022 Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change
policing-5-26-22,ph01
President Joe Biden signs an executive order on police reform in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, the second anniversary of the death of George Floyd. Floyd’s family and attorneys Antonio Romanucci and Ben Crump were among those attending. – AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Biden signs police reform order on anniversary of Floyd’s death

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday to improve accountability in policing — a meaningful but limited action on the second anniversary of George Floyd’s death that reflected the challenges in addressing racism, excessive use of force and public safety when Congress is deadlocked on stronger measures.
By Josh Boak and Chris Megerian
leak-5-24-22,ph01

Former Army colonel to tackle search for Supreme Court leaker

When Gail Curley began her job as Marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court less than a year ago, she would have expected to work mostly behind the scenes: overseeing the court’s police force and the operations of the marble-columned building where the justices work.
By Jessica Gresko
maps-5-23-22,ph01

New maps create challenge for women seeking reelection

Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 thanks to a record showing by Democratic female candidates. Two years later, a record number of GOP women won seats, bringing the number of women in the chamber to a historic high.
By Sara Burnett

How I Did It

Lessons from coming out in a job interview

As a young would-be associate, Eric Ledbetter sought a law firm that welcomed diverse attorneys. More than 15 years later, his experience revealing his own identity in a job interview informs how he leads as managing partner of Quarles & Brady’s Chicago office.
By Emma Oxnevad

Former Union Pacific machinist gets $4.5M after back injury

A former Union Pacific employee who required spinal fusion surgery after injuring his back working on a Metra locomotive received a $4.5 million settlement.
By Emma Oxnevad

Transgender man’s privacy suit against Cook County survives challenge

A federal judge cleared the way for a medical technician who used to work at the Cook County Jail to pursue a lawsuit alleging his supervisor invaded his medical privacy by telling his co-workers he is transgender.
By Patricia Manson

Plainfield Central sex-assault hazing case dismissed

The parents of two high school football players who were allegedly sexually assaulted by teammates as part of a hazing ritual do not have a case against the coaches or school district under Title IX, a federal judge held.
By Grace Barbic

Former House leader Arroyo sentenced for bribery scheme

A former Democratic leader in the Illinois House was sentenced Wednesday to nearly five years in prison for his role in a bribery scheme.
By The Associated Press

Courts & Cases

All Courts & Cases
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Be in the know. These must-read insider briefings will keep you
email envelope icon
informed of the latest legal developments in Chicago. Sign up today!

Contributors

Trial Notebook

TNB-5-26-22,ph01

Past-conduct rule blocked declaratory judgment for insurance company

Travelers Indemnity Co. asked for declaratory judgment blessing its decision to reject a condominium association’s demand for the appraisal procedure provided under an insurance policy.
By Steven P. Garmisa

Racial Justice

Ramon Ocasio-5-26-22,ph01

Racist views led to murder trial of 22, laid foundation for Zoot Suit riots

On Aug. 1, 1942, after one of them had been beaten up, members of the 38th Street Club returned to Sleepy Lagoon, a reservoir along the Los Angeles River popular with Mexican Americans, to find the perpetrators for payback. The next day, Jose Diaz, was found dead.
By Judge Ramon Ocasio III

For the Defense

Patrick Eckler-5-18-22,ph01

Big decisions await after oral arguments before Illinois Supreme Court, 7th Circuit

The month of May saw numerous and important oral arguments in courts of review in Illinois, which means substantial rulings are on the horizon.
By Donald P. Eckler

Be That Lawyer

Steve Fretzin-5-24-22,ph01

Are lawyers really like difficult teens?

One of the most wonderful experiences in life is raising children. They’re curious, interested and excited about the day ahead. Watching a child learn and apply what was learned is sometimes more exciting for the parent than for the child. We hope in our heart-of-hearts that they never stop learning and improving.
By Steve Fretzin

Opening Statement

Frazin-5-20-22,ph01

Jeff Daniels, Richard Thomas star in Nederlander Theatre’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’

Aaron Sorkin’s play “To Kill a Mockingbird” was adapted from Harper Lee’s novel depicting the inhuman and prejudicial way Blacks were treated in the South during the 1930s.
By Julian J. Frazin

Opening Statement

Frazin-5-13-22,ph01

‘Last Hermanos’ delves into brotherly love, sibling rivalry

There’s an old joke about two brothers lined up before a firing squad, about to be executed as prisoners of war.
By Julian J. Frazin

Opening Statement

Frazin-5-6-22,ph01

Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera bring 2 American classics to life

Premier dance company Joffrey Ballet signed a contract in 2017 to be the resident ballet company with the most distinguished Lyric Opera of Chicago and is at last in its inaugural season.
By Julian J. Frazin

Opening Statement

Frazin-4-29-22,ph01

‘Intimate Apparel’ sheds light on outskirts of society

Skokie’s Northlight Theatre recently announced that it will be showing “Intimate Apparel” through May 15. Relax. This is not a titillating fashion show hosted by lingerie and beauty retailer Victoria’s Secret.
By Julian J. Frazin

Sports Marketing Playbook

Masters Rose-4-26-22,ph01

College basketball, women’s soccer seek to level playing field for female athletes

Significant recent developments across women’s sports signal that female athletes may finally be starting to get their due.
By Douglas N. Masters and Seth A. Rose
All Contributors

Social Scene

social-5-26-22,ph01

Seminar welcomes government officials

Lincolnwood Trustee Atour Sargon, from left, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson and Steven Elrod, managing partner of Elrod Friedman LLP, attended the 16th Biennial Seminar for Local Government Officials hosted by the firm. More than 200 officials gathered for discussions and updates on cases and legislation impacting local governments. Photo courtesy Elrod Friedman
social-5-25-22,ph01

ACTL hosts first Diversity in the Courtroom program

Maurice Jenkins, left, of Jackson Lewis LLP in Detroit, and Thomas J. Heiden of Latham & Watkins LLP taught trial advocacy skills to 50 young attorneys at the first Diversity in the Courtroom program hosted by the American College of Trial Lawyers. A national faculty of 18 ACTL Fellows participated. Heiden chaired the event this month in Chicago. Photo courtesy ACTL
social-5-16-22,ph01

CBA celebrates Law Day

The Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association hosted a Law Day celebration at Daley Plaza earlier this month. From left: Cook Circuit Judge Nichole Patton, CBA President E. Lynn Grayson, Law Day Event Organizer Margaret Mendenhall Casey, YLS Chair Tracy Brammeier and Chicago Bar Foundation Second Vice-President Kenya Jenkins-Wright. Photo courtesy CBA
social-5-17-22,ph01

Nordic Law Club hosts honors

The Nordic Law Club held its annual dinner honoring Scandinavian honorary consuls general at the University Club on May 12. From left: Karin Moen Abercrombie (Sweden), NLC Secretary (Hon.) Diane Larsen (ret’d.), NLC President Lynne Ostfeld, Deputy Counsel Rikke Krogh Andresen (Denmark), Einar Steinsson (Iceland), Susan Meyer (Norway). Photo by Mark Dobrzycki/courtesy Nordic Law Club

Special Publications

40 Under Forty 2021

40 Under Forty 2021

Law Bulletin Media announces the Class of 2021

Success at any age is impressive. But to achieve it at an early age is even more of a feat. Congratulations to 40 Under Forty honorees for 2021.
Salute! Women in Law

Salute! Women in Law

The 2nd class for Salute! Women in Law

Meet the exceptional women in law recognized in our 2nd annual Salute! awards.
40 Under Forty 2020

40 Under Forty 2020

Law Bulletin Media announces the Class of 2020

Success at any age is impressive. But to achieve it at an early age is even more of a feat. Congratulations to 40 Under Forty honorees for 2020.
See all special publications

Career Center

Career Center Job Listings

Photo gallery with Top Stories

President Joe Biden signs an executive order on police reform in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, the second anniversary of the death of George Floyd. Floyd’s family and attorneys Antonio Romanucci and Ben Crump were among those attending.
May
26
Thu

Biden signs police reform order on anniversary of Floyd’s death
U.S. Supreme Court Marshal Gail Curley was handed a bombshell of an assignment earlier this month: overseeing the investigation into the leak of a draft opinion in the case that could overturn Roe v. Wade. People who know Curley described the former Army colonel, a military lawyer by training, as the right kind of person to be tasked with investigating a highly charged leak: smart and unlikely to be intimidated but also apolitical and private.
May
24
Tue

Former Army colonel to tackle search for Supreme Court leaker
Rep. Marie Newman, D-Ill., speaks with supporters at a campaign fundraiser May 9 in Chicago. The first-term Democrat is among the women members of the U.S. House of Representatives whose reelection bid grew more difficult due to the drawing of new congressional boundaries.
May
23
Mon

New maps create challenge for women seeking reelection
Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards, is seen at City Club LA in Los Angeles in 2021. A Los Angeles judge ruled that California's landmark law mandating women be placed on corporate boards is unconstitutional. Berkhemer-Credaire lobbied in support of the law, which was closely watched in Illinois and other states.
May
17
Tue

California law mandating women on boards ruled unconstitutional
State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton speaks at a news conference Friday at Water Tower Place in the Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago, where Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that defines organized retail crime and creates stiffer penalties for ringleaders.
May
16
Mon

Pritzker signs legislation aimed at curbing organized retail crime
Coming back home to Decatur “really afforded me a lot of opportunities to get experience that might otherwise take longer to get in a bigger city,” Lisa Holder White said.
May
12
Thu

Get to know newly appointed justice Lisa Holder White