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
Attorney General: Disclosure of Certain Private Email and Cell Phone Records Required by FOIA
By Robbins Schwartz |
On November 15, 2011, the Attorney General issued a binding opinion examining what is a “public record” subject to request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In Public…
Further Guidance for Compliance with New Posting Obligations for IMRF Employers
By Robbins Schwartz |
In September we issued a Law Alert regarding Public Act 97-609 (the “Act”), which requires IMRF-covered employers to post the total compensation package (“TCP”)[1] for: (1) every IMRF-covered employee earning a TCP…
Amendment to The Code of Civil Procedure Allows Municipalities to Evict Tenants for Criminal Activities
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Illinois Code of Civil Procedure has recently been amended by Public Act 97-236 to provide municipalities with an important new tool to enforce crime free housing ordinances and to…
New Posting Obligations for IMRF Employers
By Robbins Schwartz |
Public Act 97-609, effective January 1, 2012[1], adds a new section to the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/7.3), creating two new posting obligations for IMRF employers: The total compensation…
New FOIA Amendments Ease Burden on Public Bodies
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 27, 2011, Public Act 97-579 was signed into law, which amends FOIA by: (1) eliminating the “pre-authorization” process when asserting a denial under Section 7(1)(c) or 7(1)(f) of…
New Law Mandates Training for All Board Members
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 23, 2011, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 97-504 (the “Act”), which amends the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) by requiring all elected and appointed members of a public body…
An Overview of Public Act 97-0008 – 2011 Education Reform Act
By Robbins Schwartz |
On June 13, 2011, Governor Quinn signed SB 7 into law during a bill signing ceremony in Maywood, Illinois. A proper assessment of Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) begins with…
Court Decision Raises Questions about Multi-year Administrator Contracts
By Robbins Schwartz |
A recent federal district court decision in Illinois has raised questions about the inclusion of performance goals and the enforceability of multi-year employment agreements for school superintendents. In Wynn v.…
Pension Reform Bill Stalls in the Illinois House of Representatives
By Robbins Schwartz |
A pension reform plan that was making its way through the Illinois General Assembly has stalled. Senate Bill 512 would have created a three-tiered retirement system for most state employees,…
Beware of Property Tax Appeal Letters
By Robbins Schwartz |
In these tough economic times, increasing numbers of residential, commercial and industrial property owners are going to greater lengths in an effort to minimize property tax liability and save money.…