Law Alerts
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.
Law Alerts
Fifth District Appellate Court’s Decision Requiring the State of Illinois to Continue Employee Step Increases during Contract Negotiations Let Stand by Illinois Supreme Court
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court’s 2017 ruling in American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees, Council 31 v. Illinois Labor Relations Board, State Panel, that refusal to pay step…
School District Boundary Changes – Annexation/Detachment Update
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Second Judicial District has issued the first Illinois Appellate Court decision interpreting School Code Section 7-6’s requirements for deciding annexation/detachment petitions, as altered by Public Act 99-475 effective January…
New FOIA Guidance Regarding a Vendor’s Proprietary Information
By Robbins Schwartz |
Most public bodies utilize statutory bidding and requests for proposals (“RFPs”) to procure supplies, materials, equipment, and services needed for operations. These bid documents are often the subject of FOIA…
Judge Rejects Age Discrimination Lawsuit filed by SURS Annuitants
By Robbins Schwartz |
Robbins Schwartz Achieves Important Victory for Oakton Community College in Class Action Lawsuit On February 27, 2018, Judge Kennelly of the United States District Court for the Northern District of…
School Walkouts, Marches and Protests – Legal Considerations for School Districts
By Robbins Schwartz |
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and other recent events involving gun violence, school communities across the country are organizing…
Court of Appeals Affirms Employer’s Right to Request Psychiatric Fitness for Duty Examination in Response to Workplace Safety Concerns
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“Seventh Circuit”) recently issued a decision, Painter v. IDOT, which affirms an employer’s right to require multiple psychiatric fitness for duty examinations if such inquiries…
General Considerations for Selecting Your Construction Professionals
By Robbins Schwartz |
As we look ahead to another busy summer construction season, many of our public sector clients are commencing the process of selecting their construction teams. While private property owners have…
Back to Back Illinois Decisions and a Statutory Amendment Impacting Transgender Student Issues
By Robbins Schwartz |
I. Request for Injunction by Students and Parents for Privacy Denied, December 28, 2017 The Students and Parents for Privacy brought a lawsuit challenging Township High School District 211…
Update on Lead Testing Requirements for School Districts
By Robbins Schwartz |
In August of 2017, the Governor signed Public Act 100-103 which amended 225 ILCS 320/35.5, the law requiring school districts to collect and test samples of potable water at certain schools. We previously…
Seventh Circuit Rules Indiana’s Reduction-In-Force Statute Unconstitutional as Applied to Tenured Teachers
By Robbins Schwartz |
In a note-worthy and important decision for Illinois school districts to monitor, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin) recently ruled that Indiana’s newly enacted…