News from February 2024
Fourth District: Constitutional challenge to Pritzker's COVID-19 emergency orders declared moot
The Fourth District Appellate Court affirmed Sangamon County Associate Judge Jennifer M. Ascher’s order finding a lawsuit filed by a group of Illinois educators moot because the COVID-19 emergency orders they were challenging are no longer in effect.
Baird & Warner accused in class action of allegedly conspiring to force home sellers to pay buyers' agents, brokers
The class action accuses Baird & Warner of allegedly violating Illinois' state antitrust and consumer fraud laws.
Judge slams door on class action vs. city over impounded cars
The lawsuit had claimed the city should face the class action because plaintiffs still faced a risk of having their cars impounded, unless the city's policies are undone. A federal judge said that is not enough to allow them to move forward with the class action now.
Class action accuses trucking companies of alleged federal Truth In Leasing, state wage law violations
The lawsuit targets trucking companies Unlimited Carrier Inc., Trans Quality Inc. and ES Express Lines Inc.
Benesch Partner J. Erik Connolly Recognized as “Stand-Out Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters
Benesch is pleased to share that Partner J. Erik Connolly has been named a “Stand-Out Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters and will be included in the organization’s database of client-nominated, stand-out attorneys.
Three Chicago Women Partners Named to 2024 Notable Women in Law List
Chicago office managing partner Liisa Thomas and partners Carolyn Metnick and Katherine Gillespie have been named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2024 Notable Women in Law.
Cook County judge says Colorado got it right, says Trump should be kicked off IL ballot
Cook County Judge Tracie Porter, a Democrat, said she agreed that Trump engaged in "insurrection" and should be removed from the Illinois ballot. She placed her decision on hold, however, leaving it appeals courts, and perhaps the U.S. Supreme Court, to have the final say
Chicago man sues Krazy Dan's fireworks stand after he was injured by firecracker
The lawsuit says the well-known fireworks stand, which operate just across the Illinois-Indiana border, knowingly sold a firecracker rocket they knew was too dangerous, leading to a man's injuries when it allegedly exploded too quickly.
Jewish music teacher says Elmhurst University engaged in antisemitism, discrimination by firing him
Jewish musician and songwriter, Louis Yoelin, claims he was abruptly fired from his teaching position at Elmhurst University due to his online activism, allegedly against antisemitism.
IL's federal chief judge declines to answer senators' questions about S. IL judges' alleged discriminatory orders
Senators Cruz and Kennedy had sought answers from Seventh Circuit Chief Judge Diane Sykes about the courts' response to a complaint over orders issued by three southern Illinois federal judges which establish a preference to hear oral arguments from "newer, female and minority" lawyers
Cook County State's Attorney race offers voters stark choice in approach to prosecuting crime
Retired Appellate Justice Eileen O'Burke says she will restore strong prosecution of gun crimes and retail theft in Chicago and elsewhere. Clayton Harris III, who is endorsed by Chicago political bosses, says he believes current State's Attorney Foxx has earned top grades and he will continue many of her policies and goals
Gender-affirming Benefits: Best Practices for Group Health Plans on February 29, 2024
Employers and plan sponsors are facing growing – and often conflicting – pressures related to the coverage of gender-affirming care.
Dana Armagno, Michelle Olson and Shelby Parnes Named to Crain's Chicago Business' Notable Women in Law List
Vedder Price is pleased to announce that Operating Shareholder Dana Armagno and Shareholders Michelle Olson and Shelby Parnes have been honored and recognized in Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2024 Notable Women in Law List.
BFKN Partner Recognized Among Crain’s 2024 Notable Women in Law
BFKN is pleased to announce that Crain’s Chicago – a top source of news, analysis, and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors – has recognized partner Megan Ratia as a 2024 Notable Women in Law.
Katriina McGuire Named Notable Woman in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business
Thompson Coburn partner Katriina McGuire was named to the 2024 list of Notable Women in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Crain’s Chicago Business Names Troutman Pepper Partner Molly DiRago Among Notable Women in Law
Molly DiRago, a partner in Troutman Pepper’s Business Litigation and Privacy + Cyber practices, has been recognized among the 2024 Notable Women in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Jeffrey Cummings (JD ’87), U.S. District Judge, to Deliver 2024 Convocation Address
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is excited to announce that Judge Jeffrey Cummings will deliver the convocation address to the Class of 2024.
Chicago Board of Elections, City Hall each seek to appeal ruling invalidating Chicago tax hike referendum
Both the Chicago Board of Elections and city of Chicago will argue a Cook County judge was wrong to block the city from intervening in the court fight over the so-called Bring Chicago Home referendum. The judge ruled the ballot question is illegally drafted, and votes should not be counted.
Affinity Fraud: Scams, Scoundrels, and Receiverships on February 28, 2024
Ira Bodenstein will present “Affinity Fraud: Scams, Scoundrels, and Receiverships” at the National Association of Federal Equity Receiver (NAFER)’s first Receivers’ Huddle of 2024.
Benesch Partners Bryna Dahlin, Caitlin Kovacs and Nicole Wrigley Recognized Among Crain’s Chicago Notable Women in Law 2024
AmLaw 200 law firm Benesch is pleased to announce that Crain’s Chicago Business has selected Partners Bryan Dahlin, Caitlin Kovacs and Nicole Wrigley as 2024 Notable Women in Law honorees.