concussions-4-2-20,ph01 — A federal judge in Chicago has dismissed the Southeastern Conference from a proposed class-action suit brought by former University of Florida athletes who allege the conference and the NCAA didn’t adequately protect them from brain injuries. The case was originally filed in Indianapolis, where the NCAA is based, but later moved to Chicago. – Cal Sport Media/Stephen Lew via AP Images

Ex-Florida footballers can proceed vs. NCAA, not conference

The NCAA will go it alone defending against a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging football players at the University of Florida were not adequately protected from the effects of repeated concussions.

By Patricia Manson

Pritzker to stretch stay-at-home order

As part of the state’s effort to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will extend the statewide stay-at-home order through the end of April, he announced Tuesday.

By Timothy Eggert

‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic files $94M lawsuit over prosecution

A former Oklahoma zookeeper sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot has filed a federal lawsuit seeking nearly $94 million in damages, claiming among other things that he was convicted based on false and perjured testimony.

By The Associated Press

Springfield Dispatch

Comptroller’s new top attorney spent time at various state posts

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza hired Debjani D. Desai earlier this month as her office’s general counsel.

By Sarah Mansur

Springfield Dispatch

With law courses complete, Deputy Gov. Mitchell looks ahead

Earning a J.D. was an early goal for Illinois Deputy Gov. Christian L. Mitchell, who completed law school last month.

By Sarah Mansur

Law Firm Leaders

Attorney blends chemistry, law into interesting career brew

Caryn C. Borg-Breen, co-founder of Green, Griffith, Borg-Breen LLP, didn’t see herself using her chemistry background to pursue a legal career.

By Sarah Mansur

Hospitals, health care workers given civil immunity

An executive order issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday grants broad immunity from civil liability to health care workers and hospitals that are assisting during the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Sarah Mansur

Wrongful death claim valid after abortion

A wrongful death case against a surgeon can proceed on behalf of an aborted fetus, a state appeals panel ruled on Tuesday.

By Marc Karlinsky

Panel: Police name checks not a violation

A police process of checking individuals for outstanding warrants does not run afoul of the constitution, a federal panel has held.

By Andrew Maloney

Judge fast-tracks suit to free prisoners at risk of COVID-19

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections have until Monday to respond to a complaint filed in federal court this week that alleges the state is dawdling in its efforts to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus in its prisons.

By Timothy Eggert

CDLB People

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP promoted Marcella L. Lape to partner.

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP promoted David R. Clark to partner.

K&L Gates LLP associate Marvis A. Barnes II was recently honored by the National Black Lawyers Top 100 network.

In the News

2nd District rejects privacy order

Eager to keep and permanently use all of the “protected health information,” it was able to hoover-up about plaintiffs during personal injury litigation, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. intervened in two Lake County cases and requested the standard HIPAA “qualified protective order” used in Cook County.

By Steven P. Garmisa

Erin Clifford talks stress management

Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices, presented “Real Solutions to Attorney Wellness: Stress in the Legal Profession” before the First Municipal Advisory Committee’s March 4 meeting at the Daley Center. The program offered tips on managing stress and avoiding anxiety, fatigue and burnout. Photo provided by Clifford Law Offices

Work-from-home adventures

Corboy & Demetrio Partner Michelle M. Kohut and her family got a drive-by visit from the Lake Bluff Fire Department on March 26th for her daughter Evelyn’s fifth birthday. Michelle’s 6-year-old son, Charlie, is also pictured. The fire department is visiting area children who have birthdays during the statewide stay-at-home order. Document your own work-from-home adventures and send them our way: editor@lawbulletinmedia.com. Photo provided by Corboy & Demetrio P.C.

New Era Divorce kickoff

Family lawyers and Domestic Relations Division judges volunteered making meals at Ronald McDonald House as part of a March 4 kickoff event for New Era Divorce, a new group comprising attorneys from Berger Schatz, Beermann, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, Griffin McCarthy & Rice, Grund & Leavitt, Davis Friedman, and Jacobson Mediation. NED’s mission is to bring collegiality to the practice of family law. Photo provided by New Era Divorce/Berger Schatz/Schiller DuCanto & Fleck

Celebrating 60 years

Over 300 trial attorneys and Illinois judges were in attendance last October as the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Law Bulletin Media, hosted its annual reception and awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence. Fifty-four professionals from both sides of the trial bar received individual Trial Lawyer Excellence awards in one of 17 categories. Please click through and enjoy this review of the Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards.