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Making the Case Test your knowledge of settlements for cauda equina syndrome.
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A bronze sculpture of John Harvard sits on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will take up lawsuits claiming that Harvard, a private institution, and the University of North Carolina, a state school, discriminate against high-scoring Asian American applicants. A decision against the schools could mean the end of affirmative action in college admissions. – AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions

The conservative-dominated Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding another blockbuster case to a term with abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda.
By Mark Sherman
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Cook County judge put on restricted duties over disparaging comments 

A Cook County judge who mocked an attorney in comments broadcast live on YouTube has been placed on restricted duty off the bench.
By Grace Barbic
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Judge who tossed sexual-assault conviction reassigned to small claims

QUINCY, Ill. — A judge in western Illinois who sparked outrage when he threw out the sexual assault conviction of an 18-year-old man, saying the 148 days the man spent in jail was punishment enough, is no longer presiding over a criminal court docket.
By The Associated Press

How I Did It

Lessons from coming out in a job interview

As a young would-be associate, Eric Ledbetter sought a law firm that welcomed diverse attorneys. More than 15 years later, his experience revealing his own identity in a job interview informs how he leads as managing partner of Quarles & Brady’s Chicago office.
By Emma Oxnevad

Business can’t pursue lawsuit anonymously as XYZ Corp.

A company that filed a trademark-infringement lawsuit under the pseudonym “XYZ Corporation” must disclose its identity, a federal judge held.
By Patricia Manson

7th Circuit says suspect did not invoke right to counsel with mention of ‘lawyer’

A suspect being questioned in an attempted robbery did not unequivocally invoke his right to counsel when he asked law enforcement officers “Do I need a lawyer or something?” and said “I feel like I should have a lawyer,” a federal appeals court held.
By Patricia Manson

3 Illinois Gaming Board members must face civil conspiracy claims

The Illinois Gaming Board and three of its members must face claims alleging they conspired to deprive two video gaming businesses of licenses following a prior lawsuit, a federal judge held.
By Grace Barbic

Federal judge blocks challenge to city ordinance on short-term rentals

A federal judge knocked down a Chicago attorney’s request that the city’s short-term rental ordinance be declared unconstitutional, but ruled he can continue to pursue some claims against his homeowners’ association.
By Grace Barbic

Courts & Cases

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Contributors

Trial Notebook

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Judge adopts minority rule for legal malpractice

In malpractice cases where a law firm is accused of screwing up a lawsuit, does the unhappy client have the burden of proving that a judgment in the underlying case would have been collectable? Thirty jurisdictions have picked sides in this dispute.
By Steven P. Garmisa

Cotter’s Corner

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Filibuster of the filibuster: Senate rejects move to add one more to 160 exceptions

Sixteen years is not a long period of time in the grand scheme of our nation or generally. But on Capitol Hill, the sea shift in how our bodies operate have indeed changed mightily. One need not look any further than the failed battle late last week in the Senate over voting rights.
By Daniel A. Cotter

Employment Matters

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7th Circuit assesses class certification for disparate impact discrimination claims

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently clarified the criteria for class certification, particularly focusing on the application of class characteristics to Title VII disparate impact claims in Simpson, et al. v. Dart, et al. (No. 21-8028, Slip Op., Jan. 6, 2022). The decision cautions that the requisite inquiry may be different for disparate impact claims as compared to disparate treatment claims, and each must be considered separately.
By Laura B. Bacon

For the Defense

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Requirements of Rule 54(b) on display in recent oral arguments

Building on columns in this space on appellate jurisdiction from Nov. 25, 2020, and Dec. 22, 2021, two oral arguments before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week demonstrated two subtle, but important, distinctions between Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b) and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a).
By Donald P. Eckler

Sports Marketing Playbook

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Top prep football player’s surprise switch highlights new trend for HBCUs

Georgia high school student Travis Hunter is considered by many to be 2022’s No. 1 overall prospect in college football. So the cornerback’s decision to flip his longstanding commitment from Florida State University to Jackson State University in December shocked many in the college football world.
By Douglas N. Masters and Seth A. Rose

Opening Statement

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A dark journey into secrets of ‘The Moors’

“The Moors,” Jen Silverman’s play at A Red Orchid Theatre through Feb. 27, can be described in three little words — odd, weird and dark.
By Julian J. Frazin

Opening Statement

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Philosophical ‘Pooh’ will be just what we need in March

As Chicago’s live theaters continue to go dark for now because of the COVID-19 surge, there is a little light out there to brighten us. “Winnie-the-Pooh” is scheduled to open onstage March 15 at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport.
By Julian J. Frazin

Opening Statement

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For now, it’s back to video for our theater fixes

It’s déjà vu all over again. With new strains of the COVID-19 virus plaguing our world and the number of cases increasing every day, the winter looks uncertain at best for live theater.
By Julian J. Frazin

Opening Statement

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Here’s hoping we can enjoy live theater highlights of 2022

It is traditional this time of year to look back on the past year to review the good things that took place. Unfortunately, 2021, like 2020 that preceded it, does not have a lot to commend.
By Julian J. Frazin
All Contributors

Social Scene

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Sotomayor to speak via Chicago Public Library

Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor holds her new children's book “Just Help! How to Build a Better World” on Capitol Hill last week. The book, her third for young readers and published in both English and Spanish, comes out Tuesday. Sotomayor will appear in a Zoom conversation hosted by the Chicago Public Library at 6 p.m. Feb. 2 with Chicago author and sociologist of education Eve L. Ewing to discuss her life and her writing. Visit chipublib.org for more information. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
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WILPOWER panel examines paid family leave

Lauren Tuckey, president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, speaks at a panel discussion about how to pass a paid family leave bill in Illinois. The discussion and fundraiser was organized by WILPOWER, a political action committee of the WBAI. Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, serves as chair of the PAC. Among the speakers at Dentons in Chicago on Dec. 22 were U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Reps. Kam Buckner and Eva Dina Delgado, and New Trier Township Supervisor Gail Eisenberg. Photo courtesy of Clifford Law Offices
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Family Law Foundation awards $5,000 grants

James M. Quigley, left, partner at Beermann LLP and president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), presents a check to Susan Shulman, executive director of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic in Highland Park. The AAML Foundation provided $5,000 grants to the clinic and to WINGS, a support and advocacy organization for survivors of domestic violence. Photo by Shin Lim/Courtesy AAML
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Smokeball celebrates 4th Season of Giving

Alison Lupel, center, director of client quality assurance at Smokeball, presents a check for $22,500 to Richard Klos, institutional giving manager, and other members of the Howard Brown Health team. Every year, Smokeball legal practice management software donates to charity as part of its Season of Giving event. HBH and Equip for Equality, which works to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities in Illinois, were the 2021 beneficiaries. — Photo courtesy of Smokeball

Special Publications

40 Under Forty 2021

40 Under Forty 2021

Law Bulletin Media announces the Class of 2021

Success at any age is impressive. But to achieve it at an early age is even more of a feat. Congratulations to 40 Under Forty honorees for 2021.
Salute! Women in Law

Salute! Women in Law

The 2nd class for Salute! Women in Law

Meet the exceptional women in law recognized in our 2nd annual Salute! awards.
40 Under Forty 2020

40 Under Forty 2020

Law Bulletin Media announces the Class of 2020

Success at any age is impressive. But to achieve it at an early age is even more of a feat. Congratulations to 40 Under Forty honorees for 2020.
See all special publications

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Photo gallery with Top Stories

A bronze sculpture of John Harvard sits on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will take up lawsuits claiming that Harvard, a private institution, and the University of North Carolina, a state school, discriminate against high-scoring Asian American applicants. A decision against the schools could mean the end of affirmative action in college admissions.
Jan
24
Mon

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions
Attorney Jennifer Bonjean, left, approaches members of the media outside client Bill Cosby's home in 2021. Cook County Circuit Judge William Raines has been placed on restricted duties after he mocked Bonjean in his courtroom.
Jan
19
Wed

Cook County judge put on restricted duties over disparaging comments 
Judge Robert Adrian presides over court in Adams County, Illinois, in 2020. Adrian, who found an 18-year-old man guilty of sexual assaulting a 16-year-old girl, was reassigned from criminal to small claims court in the 8th Judicial Circuit after throwing out the conviction this month, saying the 148 days the man spent in jail was punishment enough.
Jan
14
Fri

Judge who tossed sexual-assault conviction reassigned to small claims
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, who opposes mandates, speaks outside the Supreme Court after arguments about vaccine-or-testing requirements on Friday in Washington with deputy Louisiana Attorney General Bill Stiles. On Thursday, the Court halted a rule applying to large employers but allowed another to stand for most health care workers.
Jan
13
Thu

Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for large employers

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, marks a year in the role this week. Above, he holds his first news conference after taking the Oath of Office to become speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in the 102nd General Assembly on Jan. 13, 2021, at the Bank of Springfield Center.
Jan
12
Wed

Welch reflects on first year as Illinois House speaker
A man wears a mask as he sits in a Metra train at the Glenview Amtrak/Metra Station in Glenview last year. A federal judge ruled a dispute between Metra and several unions must be resolved under binding arbitration, and the unions and their members cannot lawfully strike over the matter.
Jan
11
Tue

Unions denied stop of Metra vaccine mandate