News from May 2024
IL Supreme Court rewrites attorney 'discrimination' rule; Critics predict court challenges forthcoming
Supporters say the rule change will create a stronger 'deterrent' to discriminatory and harassing behavior by lawyers in the state. Opponents say the new rule imposes an unconstitutional 'speech code' on Illinois lawyers, and likely will be challenged in court
Environmental actions brought by private parties must first go through Pollution Control, Supreme Court rules
SPRINGFIELD - Supreme Court Justices reversed Fifth District appellate judges who found Tri-Plex Technical Services of Freeburg could rely on environmental law to pursue a fraud claim against its competitors.
Belleville attorney disbarred over theft of $375K in client funds
SPRINGFIELD - Supreme Court Justices disbarred Jason Caraway of Belleville on May 23, finding he dishonestly appropriated more than $375,000 from clients.
Attorney General Raoul’s Legislation to Expand Worker Protections Against Retaliation Headed to Governor’s Desk
Attorney General Kwame Raoul applauded the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of legislation that would protect workers from retaliatory conduct by employers, strengthen current protections under state law and codify the authority of Raoul’s Workplace Rights Bureau to investigate and hold employers who retaliate or threaten to retaliate accountable.
Appeals court says man who told police he would kill his father must be released pending trial
A man was charged with assault for allegedly attempting to burn down his elderly father's home amid a dispute over disability payments. The appeals court said a Christian County judge can't order him held pretrial because he wasn't charged with a crime included on a list of "detainable offenses" in the SAFE-T Act
Acting secretary Julie A. Su accuses Gordo Corporation of violating Fair Labor Standards Act
Julie A. Su has filed a lawsuit against Gordo Corporation (El Gordito) alleging violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act for failing to pay minimum wage and overtime wages among other accusations involving improper payroll practices during a two-year investigation period.
Plaintiff alleges United States Steel Corp violated disability rights under ADA
Brian Gold has filed a lawsuit against United States Steel Corporation alleging violations under ADA due to discrimination related to his diabetic neuropathy condition.
He seeks compensatory damages along with punitive measures against U.S steel corp aiming at preventing such future occurrences.
Attorney General Raoul Files Brief to Defend Protections for Pregnant Workers
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general, is defending a rule issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) of 2022.
Family of woman hurt in laundry room gas vapor explosion can't use IL enviro law to sue gas station owners
The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled the Illinois Environmental Protection Act doesn't empower individuals to sue gas station owners for injuries caused by leaking underground fuel tanks. A woman had sued the owner of a Willowbrook Speedway station over a 2017 explosion in her laundry room caused by vapors that traveled through the sewer
Plaintiff alleges attorney Andrew Flynn and Law Firm Tetzlaff & Associates committed legal malpractice
DeAngelo Cowper has accused attorney Andrew Flynn and Tetzlaff & Associates of unethical legal representation leading to a coerced settlement while he was incarcerated and medicated heavily at Saline County Jail back in October 2016.
Plaintiffs allege mismanagement against family members over estate
Edward V. Callio and Vincent G.Callio have filed an appeal against family members over alleged mismanagement related to an estate matter involving several claims including conversion and fraudulent deceit.The case highlights procedural issues leading up to dismissal by Appellate Court Of Illinois
St. Clair County litigation targets removing suits to federal court at rapid pace
EAST ST. LOUIS - In 12 days defendants removed eight civil suits from St. Clair County circuit court to U.S. district court.
Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Third Judicial Circuit
Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced that the Third Judicial Circuit judges voted to select John P. Hackett as an associate judge of the Third Judicial Circuit.
McGlynn sets trial date over state weapon ban in September
EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois leaders and citizens suing to block the state’s weapon ban agreed to set their trial for the week of Sept. 16 to 20.
Grandfather of mixed-race family voluntarily dismisses suit alleging retaliation for reporting racist comments
BENTON - Gregory Clark, a white grandfather of black grandchildren, dismissed a suit claiming American Legion Post 365 in Collinsville fired him for reporting racist comments.
John Hackett Appointed Associate Judge for Third Judicial Circuit of Illinois’ Madison and Bond Counties
Lewis Brisbois is pleased to announce that Madison County, Illinois Attorney John Hackett has been appointed to the bench as an Associate Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, Madison and Bond Counties, Illinois.
Devon Archer to get new hearing on prison sentence for fraud, conspiracy
NEW YORK CITY - U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, who sentenced Hunter Biden’s former partner Devon Archer for a year when guidelines ranged from 81 to 135 months, plans to further soften his punishment.
Attorney General Raoul Charges St. Clair County Man With Sexual Assault, Manufacturing and Disseminating Child Pornography
Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Mascoutah man with sexual assault and manufacturing and disseminating child pornography.
Access to Justice Commission Accepting Applications for Grant Initiative
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission), and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) have launched the application process for a grant initiative and are extending invitations to join their network of court personnel who assist self-represented litigants (SRLs) and advance access to justice.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Police Week
In observance of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois recognize the service and sacrifice of local, state and federal law enforcement partners and pay tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty.