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

Cook County Adopts Its Own Paid Leave Ordinance Covering School Districts, Community Colleges, Park Districts, and Units of Local Government

The Cook County Board of Commissioners recently adopted a Paid Leave Ordinance, which closely mirrors the State’s Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Learn more about this update in our recent Law Alert.

Federal Scholarship Program Geared Toward Low-Income, First Generation and Underrepresented College Students Challenged as Discriminatory

A federal scholarship program administered through the University of Colorado is facing a complaint of unlawful discrimination and civil rights violation before the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”). Read our recent Law Alert on the complaint here.

2024 General Primary and General Election Calendar

The General Primary Election on March 19, 2024 will see candidates for State Senator and Representatives in the General Assembly nominated as well as candidates for county office. Those nominated will stand for election on November 5, 2024. Read more here.

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.

Recent Circuit Court Case Demonstrates Risk of Using Transportation Funds for Non-Transportation-Related Expenditures

A Cook County Circuit Court ruled that the County violated the 2016 transportation tax “lockbox” amendment by improperly spending over $243 million in transportation tax revenue on non-transportation purposes.

“Moral Conscience” Isn’t Enough for Religious Accommodation

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision clarifying the requirements of school employers related to the vaccinate or test requirements under Governor Pritzker’s executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Reminder: Public Bodies May Not Hold a Public Meeting on March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026 is the date of the general primary election. If your regular Board meeting is scheduled for March 17, it will need to be rescheduled.

Illinois Appellate Court Upholds TIF Despite Preexisting Development

In a significant decision for local governments and taxing bodies, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the Village of Winfield’s creation of a new TIF, even though substantial redevelopment by Central DuPage Hospital had already begun prior to its formal enactment.

New Proposed FOIA Legislation Seeks Practical Relief for Public Bodies

The Illinois General Assembly is back in session. We worked with partner firms to introduce FOIA legislation sponsored by Representative Daniel Didech to address public sector client concerns while preserving FOIA’s purpose. The bills have not yet been voted on and may be amended. A summary follows.

2026 Refresher on Educational Support Personnel RIF Procedures and Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines

As we head into the second half of the 2025-26 school year, school districts must begin to make important decisions about their staffing needs for the 2026-2027 school year.

Regulating Intelligence: New A.I. Laws and their Impact on Higher Education

The new year brings new compliance obligations for Illinois community colleges concerning the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Two new laws, both effective on January 1, 2026, place parameters on the evolving world of A.I.

ISBE RTO Guidance: Key Changes and Clarifications

In November 2025, ISBE released revised nonbinding Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the use of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint (collectively referred to as “RTO”) in Illinois schools.

2026 Legislative Updates for Illinois Employers to Know

As we approach the new year, Illinois employers should pay close attention to the myriad of new employment-related statutory requirements taking effect in 2026.
Legal Updates & News