In Brief
We cultivate a collaborative, inclusive culture where our team shares knowledge and stays informed on legal developments. We value diversity, as different perspectives strengthen our ability to solve problems and advocate effectively. Beyond our legal services, we prioritize building relationships through internal events that promote camaraderie and a positive environment. This culture empowers us to deliver exceptional legal services and contributions to our clients and communities.
In Brief
Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist
By Robbins Schwartz |
A RIF of ESPs occurs whenever a district decides to decrease the number of ESPs employed by the school board or to discontinue a particular type of support service. A…
Court Rules on Attorney Fees and Civil Penalties under FOIA
By Robbins Schwartz |
Interpreting the attorney fees and civil penalty provisions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as amended in 2010, the Illinois Appellate Court for the Second District has opined that:…
SURS Return-To-Work: New Limits Affecting the Cost and Procedures to Employ SURS Annuitants
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 16, 2012, Governor Quinn signed HB 4996 into law as Public Act 97-968 (“Act”) after the bill passed both houses unanimously. The Act amends the SURS Article of…
Taxing Districts Fighting Back
By Robbins Schwartz |
In a time of declining property values, it is growing easier and easier for taxpayers in tax appeals to obtain appraisals showing that a property’s actual value is below its…
NLRB Acting General Counsel Issues a Report on Employer Social Media Policies
By Robbins Schwartz |
Are you concerned about an employee’s post or tweet containing confidential business information or inappropriate comments related to their working conditions? If you are, can you lawfully discipline or discharge…
Illinois Supreme Court to Hear Case Involving Contentious Arbitration Award Ordering Reinstatement of At-Will Paraprofessional
By Robbins Schwartz |
In Griggsville-Perry Community Unit School District No. 4 v. Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court addressed whether an arbitrator’s award ordering reinstatement of a paraprofessional…
FOIA Update: Binding Opinions and Case Decisions
By Robbins Schwartz |
This In Brief will provide you with a summary of the binding opinions issued by the Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) since our March 2011 publication[1] and two recent FOIA cases. Binding Opinions…
SB 7 Sequence of Dismissal RIF List Deadline Approaches
By Robbins Schwartz |
This In Brief will highlight the upcoming deadlines related to reductions-in-force (“RIF”) of teachers. It specifically addresses the timelines and additional requirements a district may have under SB 7. Timeline…
Anti-“Slapp” Law Strikes Only at Suits Filed Solely to Silence Citizen Participation in Government . . . Not Bona Fide Defamation Claims by Public Officials
By Robbins Schwartz |
Interpreting the state’s “anti-SLAPP” (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute enacted in 2007, the Illinois Supreme Court has opined that the law does not prevent public employees and officials from…