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
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…
Amendment to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act Makes College Employees and Coaches “Mandated Reporters”
By Robbins Schwartz |
On June 27, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn has signed an amendment to Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, Public Act 97-0711, to require “personnel of institutions of higher education”…
What to Do When Unsafe Properties Pose a Threat to the Welfare of the Citizens in Your Township
By Robbins Schwartz |
“What to Do When Unsafe Properties Pose a Threat to the Welfare of the Citizens in Your Township” by M. Neal Smith, Jr. was published in the January 2012 issue…
MBE and FBE Goals Applicable to School Construction Projects
By Robbins Schwartz |
On February 16, 2012, Governor Quinn announced that Illinois school districts statewide will receive more than $623 million for school construction. Under Public Act 96-1064, which became effective July 16,…
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…
Illinois Supreme Court Accepts Case Challenging the Illinois Public School Funding System
By Robbins Schwartz |
On January 25, 2012, the Illinois Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s education funding system, Carr v. Koch, (2011) Ill. App.…
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…
Non-Tenured Techer Dismissal Checklist
By Robbins Schwartz |
This In Brief will summarize school district’s obligations under The School Code for non-reemployment and dismissal of non-tenured teachers for performance reasons only. This summary does not apply to reduction-in-force (“RIF”) layoff of non-tenured…
Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist
By Robbins Schwartz |
A reduction-in-force (“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.…
Five RSNLT Attorneys Named in Illinois Super Lawyers
By Robbins Schwartz |
Robbins Schwartz is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been recognized in the 2012 edition of Illinois Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers selects only 5 percent of all lawyers in…