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
2025 Elections Infographic
By Samantha Kelly |
Stay informed! Learn more about key dates and requirements for elected officials here.
Important Updates Related to DEI, OCR Investigations, the U.S. Department of Education, and Transgender Students
By Samantha Kelly |
Robbins Schwartz continues to track and report on important federal and state updates impacting educational institutions and employers. Read the latest updates to keep you informed here.
DEI Updates: Understanding the Pending Litigation and New OCR FAQs
By Samantha Kelly |
The DEI landscape has changed once again. In the past two weeks, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction temporarily halting certain provisions of the Trump Administration’s executive orders related to DEI.
Federal Government Issues New Guidance on DEI Enforcement
By Samantha Kelly |
On February 14, 2025, the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), released a Dear Colleague letter to state and local educational institutions. The guidance and important implications are analyzed below.
Federal Government Issues Executive Order on Student Athletics and Sues Chicago, Cook County and Illinois Over Immigration Enforcement
By Samantha Kelly |
Read our latest law alert summarizing new executive order developments and their implications for institutions, including key timelines to note.
Executive Orders Impacting Educational Institutions… What You Need to Know
By Samantha Kelly |
Within hours of taking office, President Trump issued executive orders impacting educational institutions. Robbins Schwartz attorneys are closely monitoring the executive actions, and have identified two orders that administrators should be aware of.
2024 Title IX Regulations Struck Down
By Samantha Kelly |
On January 9th, a federal district court in Kentucky invalidated the 2024 Title IX regulations nationwide, ruling them unlawful for exceeding the Department of Education's authority, violating the Constitution, and being arbitrarily and capriciously enacted. Read more here.
Electronic Bidding for Construction Contracts Now Permitted Under Recent Amendment to the Public Community College Act
By Samantha Kelly |
The Illinois General Assembly amended Section 3-27.1 of the Public Community College Act to permit electronic submission of sealed construction bids, provided they comply with bid document authorization, electronic security measures, and secure receipt procedures. Read more here.
The Future of the 2024 Title IX Regulations: What to Do Now and What to Expect
By Samantha Kelly |
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education under President Biden’s Administration released its regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The 2024 Regulations, which went into effect on August 1, 2024, significantly changed the Title IX regulations that were implemented under President Trump’s Administration in 2020. Given the results of the Presidential election, the 2024 Regulations face an uncertain future.
New Amendment to Illinois Joint Purchasing Act Gives Public Bodies More Flexibility with Cooperative Purchasing
By Samantha Kelly |
The Governmental Joint Purchasing Act in Illinois has been amended by Public Act 103-0865, effective January 1, 2025, to provide governmental units greater flexibility and ease compliance when engaging in cooperative purchasing programs by allowing vendor selection based on qualifications and suitability rather than solely on competitive bidding rankings. Read more here.