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
Compliance Reminder: Training Requirements for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and Elected Officials
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandate training for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and elected/appointed officials. With a new year on the horizon, the various training requirements are…
Court Rules on Attorney Fees and Civil Penalties under FOIA
By Robbins Schwartz |
Interpreting the attorney fees and civil penalty provisions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as amended in 2010, the Illinois Appellate Court for the Second District has opined that:…
SURS Return-To-Work: New Limits Affecting the Cost and Procedures to Employ SURS Annuitants
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 16, 2012, Governor Quinn signed HB 4996 into law as Public Act 97-968 (“Act”) after the bill passed both houses unanimously. The Act amends the SURS Article of…
New Law Furthers Religious Accommodations for College Students
By Robbins Schwartz |
Since January 1, 1996, Illinois’ University Religious Observances Act (the “Act”) has required public institutions of higher education to have a policy which reasonably accommodates individual students’ religious observances in…
The Illinois Supreme Court Holds That Students, Alleging That Pedophile Teacher’s Former School District Provided False Information to Students’ District, Can Proceed with Lawsuit
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Illinois Supreme Court this week held that Urbana School District students could pursue their lawsuit against the McLean County School District for providing Urbana with false information about the…
Taxing Districts Fighting Back
By Robbins Schwartz |
In a time of declining property values, it is growing easier and easier for taxpayers in tax appeals to obtain appraisals showing that a property’s actual value is below its…
NLRB Acting General Counsel Issues a Report on Employer Social Media Policies
By Robbins Schwartz |
Are you concerned about an employee’s post or tweet containing confidential business information or inappropriate comments related to their working conditions? If you are, can you lawfully discipline or discharge…
Public Act 97-0875: Illinois’ New “Facebook” Law
By Robbins Schwartz |
On August 1, 2012, Governor Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (“Workplace Privacy Act”) which prohibits employers from “requesting or requiring any…
Illinois Supreme Court to Hear Case Involving Contentious Arbitration Award Ordering Reinstatement of At-Will Paraprofessional
By Robbins Schwartz |
In Griggsville-Perry Community Unit School District No. 4 v. Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court addressed whether an arbitrator’s award ordering reinstatement of a paraprofessional…