What We Think

Last year, we published a newsletter commenting on possible estate planning changes that might result from the 2020 elections.  See our August 2020 newsletter, “Pandemic and 2020 Election Estate Planning: Frequently Asked Questions.”  On March 25, 2021, Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) and Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA) introduced the “For the 99.5% Act.”  If enacted, the […]

As everyone is well-aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has left too many businesses either closed or gasping for air. Governmental lockdown orders, major supply chain interruptions, and spikes in COVID-19 cases have all left certain businesses unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.

A vexing problem for businesses whose products are criticized online has become more challenging. A federal appellate court recently held that a manufacturer did not defame a competitor with comparative advertising, reasoning “trade libel” should require more proof than defamation of persons (and perhaps corporations) but allowing that each state could differ.

On March 23, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1480 into law.  SB 1480 amends the Illinois Human Rights Act (the “IHRA”) to constrain employers’ use of criminal background checks.

As the pandemic continues, and unemployment benefits are extended and increased, a new type of identity theft and fraud has arisen.  Identity thieves will obtain key information about an employee – including social security number, workplace, and possibly even the employee’s salary.  The identity thief will then use the employee’s information to make a claim for unemployment benefits.

When it comes to preventing sexual and other harrassment, the board of directors of a corporation, association or other organization must set an appropriate tone for culture and conduct meaningful oversight.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has issued a new workplace safety guidance for employers during the COVID-19 pandemic titled “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace”

We wish our clients and friends a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2021. Our January Legal Update highlights new laws and amendments that may be of interest to Illinois businesses and individuals. We encourage all those potentially affected by these developments to consult with counsel to ensure that they are in compliance with, or consider taking advantage of, these new laws.

On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (the “Act”).  The Act is designed to (a) provide appropriations to keep the government running through September 2021, and (b) provide additional COVID-19 emergency response and relief to businesses and individuals.  This newsletter focuses on three of the key areas in the COVID-19 response and relief part of the Act.

Our January Legal Update highlights new laws and amendments that may be of interest to Illinois businesses and individuals.