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.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
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…
| Law Alerts
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…
| COVID-19, In Brief
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.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
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…
| COVID-19, Education
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…
| COVID-19, In Brief
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…
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
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…
| COVID-19, In Brief
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, In Brief
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…
| COVID-19, In Brief
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…