News from March 2023
Fox Focus: Labor Management Relations on March 9 ,2023
Union organizing is front page news – with petitions filed at major retailers and a self-proclaimed “most pro-union” administration in history, employers in all sectors are facing increased organizing and enforcement efforts.
Lawsuit: Chicago illegally towing, seizing, selling off vehicles over other people's unpaid ticket debt
Another class action lawsuit has been filed by the firm of Myron Cherry & Associates against the city over its vehicle ticketing and impoundment policies and processes.
Appeals panel: IL wage law doesn't necessarily require businesses to include bonuses when calculating OT
Judges sided with Chicago electrical components maker in dispute with factory workers over claims they were shorted overtime pay
Reed Smith partner Sid Bale named a top deals lawyer in the Americas by Global M&A Network
Hungry for the latest food law insights and developments?
Judge ends nearly all of class action vs Rush University Health over MyChart data
Plaintiffs alleged private data improperly ended up with Facebook, Google, Bidtellect
Class action OK to continue vs Vee Pak, Staffing Network over alleged discrimination vs Black temp workers
Black plaintiffs say Latino workers given work instead of them under company policies preferring Hispanic temp workers
Reed Smith advises TriMas Corp. on its agreement to acquire Weldmac Manufacturing Company
Global law firm Reed Smith announced that it has advised TriMas Corp. (TriMas) on its agreement to acquire the operating net assets of Weldmac Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of engineered components and assemblies for the aerospace, defense, commercial power and space launch end markets.
Macon County judge declares IL 'assault weapons' ban unconstitutional
Ruling sets up immediate appeal of the state law based case to the Illinois Supreme Court. The ruling does not impact the Second Amendment cases pending in federal court.
Deal or no deal? Panera accused of hiding price increase
Fast casual chain Panera accused of misleading customers with delivery "deal" while secretly raising online prices to more than make up for any losses
Class action accuses Northwestern Business College of illegally withholding student transcripts over unpaid tuition
Illinois made it illegal in 2022 for colleges and universities to withhold student transcripts over unpaid fines, tuition or other forms of student debt
Baker McKenzie most widely ranked firm in 2023 World Trademark Review 1000
Baker McKenzie retains its position as the most widely ranked firm in the World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000), which lists the world’s leading trademark professionals.
IL state officials oppose injunctive relief from 'assault weapons' ban in southern district court; County officials support plaintiffs
Illinois state officials have responded in opposition to requests for preliminary injunction from the Protect Illinois Communities Act in southern district court, arguing that semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines are not protected as “arms” under the Second Amendment. Specifically, they argue that while the weapons regulated by the law are widely owned, they claim the weapons are not used for self-defense but are commonly used in mass shootings.
Smollett wants appeals court to agree his prosecution for lying to cops about his alleged assault hoax was illegal, politically motivated
Convicted actor Jussie Smollett said a Cook County judge should never have appointed special prosecutor and his deal with Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx satisfied the demands of the law
'Recipe for increases in crime': Chicago cops warn IL Sup Ct cash bail abolition tramples courts, cops, favors criminals
The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police union filed a brief backing the constitutional challenges to the provisions in Illinois' SAFE-T Act abolishing cash bail. They warn Illinois should expect much more crime if the state is allowed to abolish cash bail, an action the police argue is unconstitutional
Chicago Police Supt. David Brown resigning, taking job at Texas law firm
DALLAS - Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown will resign his position on March 16 and return to Texas to work at a personal injury law firm.
Barnes & Thornburg Intellectual Property Attorneys Recognized In World Trademark Review 1000
Ten Barnes & Thornburg attorneys earned recognition in the 2023 World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000).
Lake County judge rejects dance studio owner's defamation claim vs Buffalo Grove LGBTQ activist
The judge found Facebook comments posted by local activist Carolyn Pinta attacking dance teacher Louise Taitz for "hate" speech that leads to LGBTQ suicide, and encouraging people to take their business elsewhere could be "innocently construed" as protected opinion
Illinois Sheriff's Association seeks to file opposition to gun ban in federal court suits
EAST ST. LOUIS – Gun owners and dealers suing in U. S. district court for an injunction against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s gun law found a friend in the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association.
Alejandro Caffarelli Named to Super Lawyers Top 100
The Firm is proud to have attorney Alejandro Caffarelli named as one of the 2023 top 100 Illinois lawyers in all practice areas by Super Lawyers, for the second consecutive year.