Contributors

Trial Notebook

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Judge calls LLC officer duties an ‘undertheorized’ area of law

In a case about a squeeze-out merger that presented what a Delaware chancellor called an “undertheorized” issue about officer duties and a “conundrum” about competing obligations, the minority owners of a Delaware limited liability company sued three of the LLCs’ officers.

Racial Justice

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Professor’s study of Chicago recounts quest for Latinx representation in politics

The Hispanic/Latinx/Latine label encompasses a wide range of peoples with origins in Spain and their former colonies in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Cotter’s Corner

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Derailed BIPA suit settles in wake of call for damages trial

In 2022, a federal jury awarded $228 million to a class of truck drivers after finding that BNSF Railway Company had collected the drivers’ fingerprints without consent, in violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The case was then remanded for damages. It now appears to be settled.

For the Defense

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Social media posts could cost millions in vacated verdicts

Social media is a boon and scourge at the same time, and that is nowhere more in evidence than in two recent circumstances in the Circuit Court of Cook County — one that has resulted in an order for a new trial, White v. Chicago Transit Authority, 19 L 2083, and one that may yet yield a second retrial after in-court conduct led to the first retrial in Kroft v. Viper Trans, Inc., 16 L 9466.

Employment Law

Title VII: Can medical care giver refuse to vaccinate a patient?

Plaintiff Sonja Petermann was a nurse for defendant Aspirus, Inc. until she was terminated in December 2021.

Insurance Matters

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No defense obligation found based on claim preclusion

The 3rd District Appellate Court, applying res judicata principles, recently relieved an insurer of a defense obligation based on a finding of the insureds’ lack of cooperation in a related prior lawsuit.

Sports Marketing Playbook

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Generative AI promises more innovation and legal headaches

Artificial intelligence applications have become part of the sports toolbox. But AI is quickly moving beyond learning to recognize data and patterns and on to using those data and patterns to create new content.

Opening Statement

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‘No Man’s Land’ gives nod to existentialism

“To attempt a faithful description of this play is a daunting task.” Thus began the first sentence of the program guide notes for Steppenwolf Theatre’s current production of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land.” Directed by Les Waters, the show is playing through Aug. 20 on Steppenwolf’s downstairs main stage.

Sports Marketing Playbook

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PGA Tour’s deal with LIV Golf prompts federal investigations

A little over a year ago, the launch of the new Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf International Series roiled the world of men’s professional golf. LIV Golf offered players millions in prize money and, after some of the biggest names in golf joined the LIV Golf Invitational tournament series, the PGA Tour suspended those players indefinitely. Naturally, legal action followed.

Opening Statement

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‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ make spectacular family musicals

A few weeks ago, I wrote a glowing column praising the revitalized production of “The Who’s Tommy” at Goodman Theatre, playing through Aug. 6.

Opening Statement

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Studebaker Theater honors Black musician with ‘Personality’

Songwriter Peter Allen, collaborating with Carole Bayer Sager, once wrote a song called “Everything Old Is New Again.” That sentiment is still true today.

Opening Statement

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Goodman’s outstanding ‘The Who’s Tommy’ is a blast

If you have been wondering about loud noises coming out of Chicago’s Loop lately and thinking it is coming from the city’s preparations for the NASCAR races this weekend — you could be wrong!
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