News
We cultivate a collaborative, inclusive culture where our team shares knowledge and stays informed on legal developments. We value diversity, as different perspectives strengthen our ability to solve problems and advocate effectively. Beyond our legal services, we prioritize building relationships through internal events that promote camaraderie and a positive environment. This culture empowers us to deliver exceptional legal services and contributions to our clients and communities.
News
Recent Amendments to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (“ANCRA”) Provide Guidance on School Districts and District Employees’ Rights During a DCFS Investigation
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 18, 2017, Public Acts 100-0176 and 100-0191 were signed into law amending certain provisions of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (“ANCRA”) and providing some clarity on…
Community College Board of Trustee Trainings
By Robbins Schwartz |
Robbins Schwartz is an approved Community College Trustee Training Provider. If you are interested in scheduling a training for your board or an individual trustee, please contact Nicole Clark at [email protected].
Circuit Court Rules that Community College Faculty Member Cannot Serve as a Member of the Board of Trustees
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Champaign County Circuit Court’s recent ruling in Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 505 (Parkland College), et al. v. Rochelle Harden further solidifies a well-established principle in Illinois law:…
Recent Amendments To The Illinois School Code Mandate New Training For School Personnel And Changes To How Certain Educators Obtain Licensure
By Robbins Schwartz |
Effective July 1, 2017, Public Acts 100-0014 and 100-0013 amended provisions of the School Code that affect in-service training and educator licensure requirements. Public Act 100-0014 amends the School Code…
Department of Labor Rescinds Its Guidance on Independent Contractors and Joint Employment
By Robbins Schwartz |
In 2015 and 2016, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued two “Administrator’s Interpretations” that emphasized its position on (1) misclassification of employees as independent contractors and (2) joint…
Court Issues Important Decision Addressing Recall Rights of Support Personnel
By Robbins Schwartz |
On May 9, 2017, the Illinois Appellate Court for the Third District issued a critical decision to inform school districts about the recall rights of support personnel following a reduction…
Court Rewards Employer’s Diligent Interactive Reasonable Accommodations Process Under the ADA
By Robbins Schwartz |
In evaluating the delicate balance between employers’ and employees’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“Seventh Circuit”) handed down an opinion on…
Appellate Court Rules that Records of a College’s Foundation are Subject to FOIA
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Illinois Appellate Court’s recent decision in The Chicago Tribune v. The College of DuPage, 2017 IL 160274, substantially expands the scope of records subject to public disclosure. The case concerns…
Court Extends Title VII Protections to Cover Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
By Robbins Schwartz |
In the ongoing battle for LGBT civil rights, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a landmark opinion on April 4, 2017 extending the protections of Title VII of…
Appellate Court Upholds Municipal Ordinance That Reduces Vacation Buy-Back Benefit For Retiring Employees
By Robbins Schwartz |
The 4th District Court of Appeals in Springfield has upheld a municipal ordinance discontinuing the opportunity for city employees to sell back unused vacation days several months before their retirement. In Pisani,…