Illinois

Bench trial by video? This lawyer says it went better than expected

Kathy Ehrhart and her firm represented two of three defendants in a civil case focused on alleged breach of contract over a real estate transaction. The video proceedings had some tech challenges, but the overall experience was better than she expected.

Aug 19, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

Macy’s uses facial recognition software to identify customers on security cameras, lawsuit claims

A would-be class action lawsuit alleges that the Macy’s department store chain violates Illinois law when it identifies customers recorded on its surveillance cameras by using facial recognition software.

Aug 12, 2020 3:36 PM CDT

Federal gun prosecutions increase in Chicago after feds send more agents there

Federal gun prosecutions are on the rise in Chicago following an increase of federal agents in the city.

Aug 5, 2020 1:54 PM CDT

Second BigLaw firm litigates over rent on unoccupied offices during COVID-19 pandemic

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has filed a lawsuit contending that it is entitled to return of rent on unoccupied New York City offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jul 29, 2020 10:24 AM CDT

Lawyer is accused of sexually assaulting client and several employees, disciplinary commission says

A Chicago family lawyer has been accused of offering to help a woman get custody of her children in exchange for having sex with him.

Jul 24, 2020 2:10 PM CDT

New York and Illinois join others moving to October online bar exam; another jurisdiction grants diploma privilege

In light of public health concerns, Illinois and New York have joined the growing list of states that canceled in-person bar exams, with plans for an October remote test offered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Jul 23, 2020 12:02 PM CDT

Should there be an Aspen Dental equivalent for lawyers? Task force backs rule changes

"Antiquated" legal ethics rules are interfering with access to justice and a more sustainable legal profession, according to a bar association task force.

Jul 23, 2020 11:39 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: TRO to stop court reopening is denied; third federal inmate is executed

Judge rejects TRO in suit to stop court reopening U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter Jr. refused to issue on Friday a temporary restraining order preventing in-court appearances in nonemergency criminal matters in New York City. Carter will host a telephone hearing July 21 to discuss a request for a preliminary…

Jul 20, 2020 4:58 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: BigLaw’s big bankruptcy bucks; polyamorous ties recognized

Some BigLaw firms will earn big bucks in retail bankruptcies Several large law firms will likely earn millions of dollars representing retailers such as Neiman Marcus, J. Crew and J.C. Penney in Chapter 11 bankruptcies. Kirkland & Ellis partners are billing up to $1,845 per hour. (Law.com) Town recognizes polyamorous…

Jul 7, 2020 4:27 PM CDT

2-year suspension recommended for lawyer over ‘aggressive tactics and relentless vindictiveness’

Chicago lawyer Joel Brodsky, best known for representing an Illinois police officer convicted of murdering one of his ex-wives, should be suspended for two years for misconduct, the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission said Tuesday.

Jun 26, 2020 10:25 AM CDT

Fighting landlord’s suit, Jenner & Block says COVID-19 pandemic entitles it to rent abatement

Jenner & Block says abatement provisions in its Chicago lease cover situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is entitled to an $840,000-plus credit for overpayment.

Jun 24, 2020 12:49 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Prosecutor says Trump ally got break; lawyers’ extortion plea

Prosecutor to testify that Trump ally was treated better A prosecutor who resigned in the Roger Stone case plans to tell Congress on Wednesday that his supervisors told him that Stone was given favorable treatment because he was an ally of President Donald Trump. The prosecutor, Aaron Zelinsky, says he…

Jun 23, 2020 4:44 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Oklahoma top court won’t block Trump rally; cop union loses bid to destroy records

Oklahoma’s top court refuses to block Trump rally The Oklahoma Supreme Court refused to block a campaign rally Friday for President Donald Trump that is scheduled for Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The plaintiffs had argued that the indoor event should be stopped to protect against the COVID-19 risk. (The Oklahoman)…

Jun 19, 2020 3:25 PM CDT

Lethal force laws reexamined after police killings; is reasonableness standard too easy?

Lawmakers in several states are considering revisions to police lethal force laws following the deaths of George Floyd and others during encounters with officers.

Jun 19, 2020 11:23 AM CDT

7th Circuit upholds former cap on religious congregants in Illinois

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Chicago refused Tuesday to block a 10-person cap on religious congregants in a free exercise lawsuit filed by two Illinois churches.

Jun 17, 2020 10:45 AM CDT