Legal News & Updates

We monitor legal developments to provide timely, insightful guidance, keeping our clients informed of the latest changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends. Our team stays engaged in the evolution of the law, enabling us to proactively address emerging issues and offer strategic counsel for both current and future challenges.

Latest Updates & News

Gov. Pritzker Renews His Call to Ban Cell Phones in Illinois Classrooms

During his annual State of the State address, Governor Pritzker renewed his call to ban cell phone use during school hours, stating, “It’s time to get cell phones out of the classroom.” The Governor’s office cited research showing that “72% of high school teachers identified cell phone distraction as a ‘major problem’ in their classroom.”

ISSRA, Not FOIA: Clarifying Parents’ Avenue to Access Educational Records

Parents have the right to access their student’s educational records. However, there can be confusion as to which avenue under the law they can or should pursue for access to these student records.

Illinois PAC Issues Binding Opinion on Improper Restrictions on Public Comment

The Illinois PAC issued binding opinion 26-001, finding that the Village of Sauk Village violated the Open Meetings Act by impermissibly restricting a member of the public from addressing the Village Board during a committee meeting.

Governor’s Executive Order Suspends Requirement for Annual Town Meeting

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-22.  The Illinois Township Code requires that each Illinois township hold an annual town meeting for calendar year 2020 on either April 14…

The Department of Labor’s Portal for Certified Payroll Is Now Open

On January 15, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 100-1177, amending the Prevailing Wage Act (the “Act”) in several respects. One of the most significant amendments to the Act required…

Recommendations for Higher Education Institutions Responding to a Report That a Student or Employee Has Tested Positive for COVID-19

We have prepared the following guidance to assist institutions when responding to these reports and determining what information should be shared with the community.

Governor Declares Second Disaster Proclamation and Continues Executive Orders

Last night, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-18 in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.  Through this Order, a second disaster proclamation was declared for the entire State and continued all prior…

Webinar & Materials: COVID-19 Legal Panel Discussion on Critical Issues Facing K-12 Schools

Join us for a comprehensive, high-level panel discussion on frequently asked questions facing Illinois K-12 schools as a result of the frequently evolving COVID-19 crisis. Attorneys from our labor and…

Transitioning from “Act of God” Days to “Remote Learning Days”

Last night, the Governor issued Executive Order 2020‐15 focused on schools and “days” after March 30, 2020. Emergency rules, guidance and joint statements followed from many agencies dedicated to chartering…

Governor’s Focus on School Districts in New Executive Order

Today, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-15 which is aimed at ensuring that critical demands for continuity of education of students, as well as continuity of school construction projects and…

DOL Issues Model Notice and More on Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded FMLA

Today and yesterday, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance  for employer regarding the emergency paid sick leave and expanded Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).…

COVID-19: Guidance Following the “Stay at Home” Order

Information surrounding COVID‐19 continues to evolve at a rapid pace. We will continue to provide relevant updates for our clients. We plan to issue further guidance for K‐12 institutions relevant…

Executive Order 2020-10’s Effect on Construction Projects

In addition to requiring Illinoisans to stay at home, Executive Order 2020‐10 also requires non‐essential businesses and operations to cease. However, the Order states that “[a]ll Essential Businesses and Operations…
Legal Updates & News