News from 2024
Cook County court data reporting delayed, months behind other state circuit court systems
Court officials provided no reasons were provided for the delay in reporting 2023 data from the famously backlogged court system. The Cook County Circuit Clerk's office said 2023 statistics will be published when court officials can "ensure data is accurate and complies with record keeping standards.
Chambers USA Recognizes 139 Morgan Lewis Practices, 297 Lawyers in 2024 Edition
Morgan Lewis practices and lawyers have earned high rankings from Chambers and Partners in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA.
Disabled Instructor Sues Roosevelt University Over Discrimination Claims
Diane Field has filed a lawsuit against Roosevelt University alleging discrimination due to her disabilities. Filed on May 29th in federal court, the suit details numerous instances where necessary accommodations were denied affecting both her employment as an adjunct math instructor and as a student at the university.
Plaintiffs Accuse TriState Capital Bank of Financial Exploitation and Fraud
John and Peggy Thodos have filed a lawsuit against TriState Capital Bank alleging financial exploitation of the elderly among other charges after discovering over $10 million missing from their trust fund managed by advisor Richard Ceffalio.
Plaintiff Alleges Amazon.com Services LLC of Discrimination Based on Gender Identity
Ariana Ramp has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com Services LLC alleging sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex and gender identity under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint details instances of misgendering by a supervisor and retaliatory actions leading up to her termination.
Plaintiff accuses Procter & Gamble Company of deceptive marketing practices
Christy Borovoy has filed a class action lawsuit against The Procter & Gamble Company alleging deceptive marketing practices regarding its Tampax brand tampons' purity and environmental claims. The case was filed on May 28, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
IL Supreme Court says ambiguous language in insurance policies doesn't necessarily 'stack' liability limits in multi-vehicle accidents
Unanimous ruling affirms appeals court's stance to deny a bus driver's quest for $7M payout stemming from a multi-vehicle crash on I-74 in McLean County in 2018.
Grischow, judge who blocked Pritzker's school mask mandate, selected to serve on Springfield appeals court
The Illinois Supreme Court announced it would assign Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow to serve on the state's Fourth District Appellate Court. Grischow notably issued an order in 2022 declaring Gov. Pritzker had illegally issued 'emergency orders' requiring students wear masks in school
Former employee alleges Mech-Tronics violated ADA by failing to accommodate disability
Richard Hermosillo has filed a lawsuit against Mech-Tronics alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit claims failure to provide reasonable accommodations and retaliatory termination after Hermosillo asserted his rights under the ADA following surgery related to a disability.
Plaintiff accuses major tire manufacturers of illegal price-fixing scheme
Angela McMiller has filed a class action lawsuit against several leading tire manufacturers alleging a conspiracy to fix prices on replacement tires sold in the U.S., resulting in inflated costs for consumers. Filed in Illinois federal court on May 30th, McMiller seeks injunctive relief under federal antitrust laws as well as damages under state statutes.
Plaintiff alleges BioLife Plasma engaged in race and disability discrimination
Latanya Brown has filed a lawsuit against BioLife Plasma LLC alleging race-based pay disparities and retaliation after reporting discriminatory practices. The complaint also includes claims under ADA related to her physical and mental impairments leading to reduced job responsibilities.
Former employee alleges race discrimination against cannabis retailer
Thaddeus Kaszuba-Dias has filed a race discrimination lawsuit against Green Thumb Industries Inc., alleging wrongful termination based on racial bias. The suit details claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and seeks various forms of relief including lost wages and punitive damages.
Illinois Supreme Court Vacates Rental Assistance Orders Entered in Response to the Covid-19 Emergency
Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court announced it is vacating the COVID-era orders related to the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program.
Appeals court says CPS can close Urban Prep; Chicago school closing moratorium doesn't apply to charter schools
The state appeals panel said Cook County Judge Anna Loftus was wrong to block CPS from seizing control at Urban Prep by determining a state law blocking CPS from closing schools until a school board could be elected applied to charter schools, as well as traditional CPS-managed schools
Plaintiff alleges wrongful arrest by Chicago police officers
Kiyan Patrick has filed a civil rights lawsuit against several Chicago police officers and the City of Chicago alleging wrongful arrest among other charges stemming from an incident on May 29th last year. The suit claims multiple violations including false arrest and illegal search & seizure.
Plaintiff Alleges City Colleges of Chicago Failed to Accommodate Disabilities
Patricia Ramos has filed a lawsuit against City Colleges of Chicago alleging violations under the ADA for failing to accommodate her disabilities and retaliating against her requests. Filed on May 30th in Illinois federal court by attorney Frank Avila from Avila Law Firm.
High School Student Sues Chicago Police Officers Over Alleged False Arrest
Esteban Navarro has filed a lawsuit against several Chicago police officers alleging unlawful search and false arrest following an incident in July 2023. The case highlights claims of excessive force and seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.
Parents Allege ALDI's Baby Food Contains Dangerous Levels of Toxic Metals
Plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against ALDI alleging that its Little Journey baby food contains harmful levels of toxic metals like arsenic and lead. They seek damages for financial losses and an injunction against further sales of these products.
Plaintiff Alleges Race-Based Discrimination Against Staffing Agency and Employer
Olegario Banuelos has filed a lawsuit against Action Management Group LLC and Eastek International Corporation alleging race-based discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint includes detailed accounts of discriminatory remarks from a warehouse manager and claims wrongful termination after reporting these incidents.
Jacob Goldin Awarded 2024 Donald M. Ephraim Prize in Law and Economics
The second annual Donald M. Ephraim Prize in Law and Economics has been awarded to Jacob Goldin, Richard M. Lipton Professor of Tax Law at the University of Chicago Law School.