The Bar News

Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford Announces Formation of Judicial Screening Committee

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:53:22 +0000

Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois has announced the formation of a standing Judicial Screening Committee (Committee). The Committee has been formed for the purpose of assessing the qualifications of those who apply for appointment to vacancies in the Supreme Court’s 19th Judicial Circuit – Lake County.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies on the Circuit and Appellate Courts are filled on an interim basis by Supreme Court appointment. Appointed individuals then must run in the next election to maintain the seat.

The Committee consists of a former judge as well as attorneys who reside and practice in Lake County.

The members of the Committee are: Hon. Nancy Waites (ret.), Julio Argueta of Soffietti, Johnson, Teegan, Argueta, Bawcum & Barone, Ltd., Marisa Schostok of Buckley of Dudley & Lake LLC, LaTonya Burton formally of Bur-Men Law Group, P.C., and Stephen Rice of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The Hon. Nancy S. Waites (ret.) will serve as chair of the Committee.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

Second District Appellate Court Announces New Program to Assist Self-Represented Litigants

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:10:00 +0000

The Illinois Appellate Court Second District is pleased to announce the launch of a new pilot program aimed at assisting self-represented litigants (SRLs) in the appellate court. The number of appeals filed by SRLs now makes up approximately 50 percent of filings and continues to increase. This innovative program is designed to address the difficulties experienced both by SRLs and the other party by offering free mediation with volunteer attorneys as mediation advocates.

“I have seen first-hand the difficulties litigants without attorneys face in court,” said Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford, who launched the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit’s Self Represented Litigant’s first family law courtroom when she was on the trial court. “The legal jargon is daunting and our rules around courtroom procedures mystify SRLs. We are confident that the Second District’s program will be a welcome resource for SRLs.”

The new program will feature mediation, which is a settlement conference facilitated by a trained mediator with the goal of resolving the matter that brings the litigants to court by voluntary agreement. During mediation, a volunteer lawyer will provide guidance and support to the SRL, helping them to better understand the process.

“We think the program will improve the experience of those involved with appeals brought by SRLs. People without attorneys who file appeals have a difficult time navigating our rules of procedure,” said Second District Presiding Justice Christopher M. Kennedy. “Our goal is to solve the problem that brought the parties to court in the first place. A trained mediator may be able to end the controversy in a way that satisfies both sides.”

The program is funded by a grant from the Access to Justice Commission, chaired by Judge Jorge Ortiz of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in Lake County.

“This initiative provides a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to improving the appellate process for court users who most need support,” Judge Ortiz said. “We expect this pilot program to enhance access to justice and the quality of engagement, understanding, and resolution for the litigants it serves.”

The program will require both lawyer-mediators and pro bono mediation attorneys. Please watch for future announcements regarding free CLE trainings coming this fall hosted by the Appellate Lawyers Association and the Public Interest Law Initiative.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

Illinois Supreme Court Releases 2025 Annual Report

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:23:20 +0000

The Illinois Supreme Court has released the Illinois Courts 2025 Annual Report.

The Report contains a summary of the day-to-day operations of the Supreme, Appellate and Circuit Court, and highlights the work of Illinois judges, court managers, committees, AOIC and other justice partners who keep the trains running for the third branch of government.

It contains an overview of the state and local funding required for the operation of the Illinois court system and information on the judicial officers and employees who provide the residents of Illinois with a court system that fairly and impartially administers justice and efficiently resolves disputes. It contains an overview of the state and local funding required for the operation of the Illinois court system and includes statistical summaries and trends of the Courts based on data from the past five years.

The Annual Report also includes caseload data pertaining to the Appellate and Circuit Courts, as well as highlights of some of the major initiatives undertaken and implemented by the Courts in 2025.

The Annual Report can be found on the Supreme Court's website.

ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law Donation Drive

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:49:54 +0000

The ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law (WATL) is excited to announce its annual charity drive! This year, the focus is on supporting families of critically ill children through Ronald McDonald House Charities. WATL is graciously accepting monetary donations via Venmo and Zelle that will aid the Ronald McDonald House in purchasing ingredients that they will use to prepare meals for families affected by critical childhood illnesses. All donations will support the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Donations will be accepted by WATL now through October 9, 2026.

Donations can be sent to Olga Beznashchuk via Venmo or Zelle. Please note that the donation is for WATL in the transaction description.

Justice Elizabeth Rochford Seeks Comment on Applicants for Nineteenth Circuit Vacancy

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:19:07 +0000

Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois seeks public comment on the applicants for a Circuit Judge vacancy in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Third Subcircuit.

The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Charles W. Smith, effective Aug. 31, 2026. Under the Illinois Constitution, the vacancy will be filled by Supreme Court appointment.

Applicants being considered for appointment to the judgeship are:

Sang Won Shim, Hawthorn Woods
Katharine Sarafina Hatch, Lake Bluff
Keith Daniel Barnstein, Vernon Hills
Lawrence Wade, North Chicago

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments concerning the applicants to Stacie Ryan at sryan@illinoiscourts.gov. Comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Anonymous letters will not be accepted. All comments will be held in the strictest confidence by the Judicial Evaluation Advisory Committee.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

8 MORE Movie-Lawyers Who Would Be Disciplined in Real Life

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:28:47 +0000

8 MORE Movie-Lawyers Who Would Be Disciplined in Real Life

Live Webcast

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit (subject to approval)

Did you miss Stuart Teicher’s first installment, 8 Movie-Lawyers Who Would Be Disciplined in Real Life? You can access it now via the ISBA’s On-Demand Catalog. Note: Watching the first installment is not required to attend or fully enjoy our upcoming program.

Stuart Teicher returns by popular demand to discuss legal ethics through the lens of Hollywood. Listen as he analyzes eight films where cinematic attorneys cross the line into misconduct, incivility, and unprofessionalism. This program explores the rules of professional conduct by examining both blatant infractions and subtle violations found throughout famous movie examples, including: "Idiocracy": Exploring competence under Rule 1.1; "Legally Blonde": Reviewing respect for third-party rights under Rule 4.4; and "The Devil's Advocate": Assessing supervisory responsibilities under Rule 5.1. Register here.

Illinois Lawyer Finder Makes Over 1,200 Referrals in August

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:47:51 +0000

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder Service provides referrals to local lawyers Mondays through Fridays. The Service makes referrals in a number of areas of law. For the month of August, 2026, the ISBA helped 1,267 people in need of legal services find lawyers.

This number does not include additional referrals made through the online Illinois Lawyer Finder service.

Want to be part of the ISBA Lawyer Finder Service? Call (800) 252-8908 and ask for the Legal Department, or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com

Potential clients should call (800) 922-8757.

Judge Arthur C. Perivolidis (1941-2026)

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:11:04 +0000

The Honorable Arthur C. Perivolidis of Mount Prospect, Illinois, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family on August 29th, 2026. He was born on November 1st, 1941 in Oak Park, Illinois, and lived a long, happy and healthy life of eighty-four years.

Judge Perivolidis is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Phyllis Perivolidis, née Pergakes, and his two children, Chris (Jorie) Perivolidis and Marisa Nash. He was the proud papou of three grandchildren, Reese, Jane, and Allison, and he had many cherished canine companions throughout the years, including Snowball, Molly, and his grand-pup Foster. He is also survived by two dear sisters-in-law, Bess Shizas and Janet Reyes. Judge Perivolidis held all of his immediate and extended family very close to his heart and is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and close friends alike.

Judge Perivolidis was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Antonia Perivolidis, his two brothers, Stanley (Peggy) Perry and George (Evelyn) Perivolidis, and brothers-in-law, Spero Shizas and José Reyes.

The Honorable Arthur C. Perivolidis served his community as an associate circuit court judge in Cook County for thirty-six years, spending most of his time in the probate division where he was fondly known as the “Peacemaker of Probate.” His passion for bringing families together during what was arguably the most difficult time in their lives propelled him throughout an extremely successful and rewarding career. As a decades-long resident of Mount Prospect he took pride in his local community and served as an active member of various organizations and charities dedicated to helping others in need.

Memorial donations may be made in Judge Perivolidis’ name to either The Humane Society of the United States or The Gary Sinise Foundation.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 at the Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 1104 Waukegan Road, Glenview, Illinois 60025 (one block north of Glenview Rd. directly next to Heinen’s Grocery Store. Parking is in the rear of the building with additional parking available at Heinen’s). A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. at Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview, Illinois. Interment will occur at the Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 Thatcher Avenue, River Grove, Illinois.

A Quick-Start Guide to AI

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:19:37 +0000

At this year’s ISBA Solo and Small Firm Conference, Sept. 17-18 at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette, many sessions will provide hands-on tactics and tips for small-firm and solo attorneys. Presenters will discuss how to use artificial intelligence (AI) smartly, ethically, and confidently in the practice of law. For the September Illinois Bar Journal's cover story, "A Quick-Start Guide to AI," the IBJ interviewed some of the conference's presenters for overviews of their AI-related sessions. The resulting article provides some of the presenters' best tips and guidance on using AI in the practice of law.

Read, "A Quick-Start Guide to AI," in the September Illinois Bar Journal.

When the Subject Has Four Legs and a Tail: Illinois Replevin Statute Amendment

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:18:13 +0000

When the Subject Has Four Legs and a Tail: Illinois Replevin Statute Amendment

Live Webcast

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

12:00 – 1:35 p.m.

1.50 hours MCLE credit

Get the information you need as we discuss the 2026 Illinois legislative amendment designed to safeguard the well-being of companion animals during replevin actions. Gain insight into how courts are adapting to these new statutory provisions, including: the origins, intent, and precise mechanics of the 2026 amendment; why horses are specifically included, and how judges may distinguish a beloved companion horse from a commercial business asset; and the specific legal framework courts use to evaluate and verify assistance animal status. Listen as a sitting judge and a seasoned practitioner draw upon their experiences to offer practical strategies for handling high-stakes pet replevin cases. Register here.

Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Gregory T. Mitchell as At-Large Judge in Circuit Court of Cook County

Marybeth Stanziola — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:12:53 +0000

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the appointment of Gregory T. Mitchell as an At Large Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mr. Mitchell is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Daniel Kubasiak. Mr. Mitchell’s appointment is effective October 2, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028.

Mr. Mitchell has over 30 years of litigation and trial experience and established his own solo practice in 2021. He previously served as a Staff Judge Advocate and trial attorney in the United States Marine Corps (where he served in active duty from 1980 to 1992), and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Chicago Office of the United States Attorney, for the Northern District of Illinois (from 1992 to 1997).

Mr. Mitchell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University, his Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law.

His professional affiliations include, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Cook County Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. A resident of Flossmoor, he currently serves as the Chair of the Flossmoor Planning Commission and as a member of the Flossmoor Veteran's Memorial Committee.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

Chief Justice Neville Led First-Year Students at DePaul University College of Law in the Pledge of Professionalism

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:18:38 +0000

Chief Justice Neville led first-year students at DePaul University College of Law in the Pledge of Professionalism during DePaul’s law school professionalism orientation, which was held on Monday, August 17.

For the past 20 years, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has partnered with Illinois law schools to host professionalism orientations for 1L students at Illinois law schools. These orientations explain a lawyer's responsibility to practice law with civility and professionalism, and to work to improve the profession for their generation and future lawyers.

During the orientation, justices and judges address the students and lead them in the Pledge of Professionalism, during which they commit to upholding the ideals of civility, professionalism, and integrity in law school and throughout their careers.

Case Law Update: Construction Defect Claims and Comprehensive Liability Coverage

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:23:46 +0000

Case Law Update: Construction Defect Claims and Comprehensive Liability Coverage

Live Webcast

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

Don’t miss this in-depth overview of how the comprehensive general liability (CGL) policy is structured and how courts are interpreting “property damage” after the Illinois Supreme Court’s landmark Acuity v. M/I Homes ruling. A discussion on three exclusions that can affect the outcome of modern coverage disputes – the professional liability exclusion, the pollution exclusion, and the prior work exclusion – are also included, as well as a look at how courts are drawing the boundaries of the exclusions, and how small shifts in policy language or factual framing can dramatically change the coverage analysis. Register here.

Notice of Vacancy Posted For Boone County Public Defender

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:32:42 +0000

ROCKFORD, IL – Brendan A. Maher, Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit, has officially posted a notice of vacancy for the position of Boone County Public Defender. This vacancy is based on the selection of Public Defender Kathryn J. Cross to serve as an associate judge, with her swearing-in scheduled for September 2, 2026.

Employment responsibilities, qualifications, and instructions on how to apply are provided in the attached Notice of Vacancy. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The vacancy will be filled by vote of the Circuit Judges in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

Applications for 2027-28 ISBA Rural Practice Fellowship Program Are Now Open!

Marybeth Stanziola — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:32:11 +0000

Now accepting applications for the 2027-28 season!

The ISBA’s Rural Practice Initiative Committee created the Rural Practice Fellowship Program in 2020 to increase access to attorneys in rural areas of Illinois. The Program connects rural and small-town attorneys and law firms looking to hire summer law clerks and full-time associates with law students and attorneys interested in practicing law in rural communities in Illinois.

As of 2020, data showed that more than half of Illinois counties have less than 0.7 lawyers in private practice per 1,000 residents. Thirty-five Illinois counties have ten or fewer attorneys total in private practice, and 13 counties have five or fewer attorneys total in private practice. Learn more about legal deserts.

The ISBA Rural Practice Section offers the Rural Practice Fellowship to address the issue.

The Summer Clerk portion of the Program connects law students with rural practitioners to give them experience working in rural communities before they leave law school. Summer Law Clerk Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend, mentoring, support, and training.

The Associate portion of the Program places attorneys as associates with rural practitioners where they serve both paying and pro bono clients. Associate Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend to be paid $5,000 at the beginning of the fellowship and $5,000 to be paid after the first year of the fellowship, mentoring, support, and training.

Deadline for applications is September 18, 2026.

Learn more about the programs and apply.

Email RPFellows@isba.org with questions.

Insurance and Risk Transfer for Data Centers

Marybeth Stanziola — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:23:36 +0000

Insurance and Risk Transfer for Data Centers

Live Webcast

Thursday, October 8, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

1.0 hour MCLE credit

Data centers are rapidly emerging as the next big industry in Illinois, and with it comes a myriad of risks that attorneys must be prepared to navigate. Construction law attorneys, energy and utilities counsel, environmental practitioners, privacy and information security attorneys, and anyone tracking this fast-moving industry will leave this online seminar with a better understanding of: where development is concentrated and why the industry is accelerating; the key risk categories to be aware of, including: cyber and data-privacy vulnerabilities, construction defects, environmental impacts, and energy-supply challenges; identifying appropriate insurance policies and terms; how to allocate risk among constructors, owners, operators, and customers through indemnities, service agreements, and vendor relationships; and much more. Register here.

ISBA Sports and Entertainment Law Section WNBA Night Out

Marybeth Stanziola — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:34:31 +0000

On August 18, 2026, the ISBA Sports and Entertainment Law Section hosted an evening of fun, food, and women’s basketball as the Chicago Sky took on the New York Liberty at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. 🏀

Justice Elizabeth Rochford Announces Notice of Vacancy for Circuit Judge in Nineteenth Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:45:10 +0000

Justice Elizabeth Rochford of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Resident Circuit Judge vacancy in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Third Subcircuit. The vacancy will be created by the retirement of Judge Charles W. Smith effective Aug. 31, 2026.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to full Court approval.

The application form and instructions may be obtained by visiting the Illinois Supreme Court’s website and following the instruction in the latest news scroller announcing the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit vacancy. Please submit application and supporting documents to Stacie Ryan at sryan@illinoiscourts.gov.

Deadline for submission of an application is September 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The person selected to fill the vacancy will serve until the first Monday in December following the November 2028 general election.

To be eligible for consideration for appointment, the applicant must be a lawyer licensed to practice law in Illinois and a resident of the Nineteenth Circuit.

Any candidate seeking appointment to this vacancy shall, at the time of appointment, reside within the Subcircuit No. 3 boundaries. A map of the subcircuit boundaries can be found here.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)

Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:24:03 +0000

Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Natalie M. Stec as an associate judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Stec received her undergraduate degree in 1997 from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois and her Juris Doctor in 2000 from New York Law School in New York, New York. Ms. Stec is currently affiliated with Wolfe and Stec, Ltd. in Woodridge, Illinois.

Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

Marybeth Stanziola — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:23:14 +0000

Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced that the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Kathryn J. Cross as associate judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Cross received her undergraduate degree in 2008 from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois and her Juris Doctor in 2011 from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Ms. Cross is currently affiliated with the Boone County Public Defender's Office in Belvidere, Illinois.