News
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.
News
Concealed Carry Act and Community Colleges
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Firearm Concealed Carry Act, 430 ILCS 66/1 et seq. (the “Act”), effective July 9, 2013, directly addresses the carrying of concealed firearms on community college campuses and imposes reporting duties…
FMLA Coverage Extended To Same-Sex Spouses
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 9, 2013, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued an internal memorandum to DOL staff members stating that same-sex couples are now eligible to take leave under the Family…
Posting of Employment Vacancies on State of Illinois Job Board Is Now a Requirement for Illinois Community Colleges
By Robbins Schwartz |
On July 23, 2013, Governor Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Skills Match Program (re-titled as IllinoisJobsLink.com) which, amongst other things, requires state agencies and the parties they enter into…
General Assembly Makes School District Electoral Boards a Thing of the Past
By Robbins Schwartz |
Public Act 98-0115, signed into law July 29, 2013, has eliminated school district electoral boards and removed the election functions of school district board secretaries. Section 9-10 of the School…
Illinois Expands Public College Tuition Waivers and “In-State” Tuition for Veterans
By Robbins Schwartz |
Registrars and Bursar’s Offices take note: Beginning with the 2013-14 academic year, any veteran using benefits under the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill is entitled to be treated as an Illinois…
Board Members’ Communications on Personal Electronic Devices During Public Meeting Regarding “Public Business” Is Subject to FOIA Request
By Robbins Schwartz |
Affirming part of a binding opinion issued last year by the Illinois Attorney General (“AG”), the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court holds communications “pertaining to public business” which…
ERO Extended – But Eligibility Now Determined Locally
By Robbins Schwartz |
Public Act 98-0042, effective June 28, 2013, extends the state Early Retirement Option (“ERO”) for TRS employees through June 30, 2016. The new law provides that a local school district…
School District’s PTAB Appeal Results in Increased Tax Revenues
By Robbins Schwartz |
As most taxing district officials know, when a taxpayer wins a property tax appeal at the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (“PTAB”), that taxpayer receives a refund that…
Health Care Employer Mandate and Penalties Delayed until 2015
By Robbins Schwartz |
Late yesterday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a one year delay in implementation of the Affordable Care Act (“Act”) employer mandate and penalties until 2015. The decision was announced via…
“Could Your Township Benefit From the Work of a Committee?”
By Robbins Schwartz |
Guy C. Hall and M. Neal Smith, Jr. authored “Could Your Township Benefit From the Work of a Committee?” which was included in the July/August 2013 issue of Township Perspective…