Law Alerts

Robbins Schwartz has pioneered defining the practice of education law as a singular discipline. As we continue to expand our services, we stay involved in the ongoing development and evolution of the law.

Law Alerts

Student/Special Education Law Update

Amendment to Illinois School Code for Accelerated Placement On August 25, 2017, Governor Rauner signed Public Act number 100-0421 into law, effective July 1, 2018. This new law amends Section…

Labor/Employment Law Update

Local Governments Required to Adopt Resolution or Ordinance Approving Sexual Harassment Policy On November 16, 2017, Governor Rauner signed Public Act 100-0554 into law. This new law amends Section 70-5…

Public Act 100-0411 and IMRF Pension “Spiking”

For those employees participating in IMRF, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund has treated accrued sick time and vacation time payments to retirees as pension “spikes” and has required local governments…

Reminder – Volunteer Sex Offender Status Disclosures Now Required

Prospective Park District Volunteers Must Now Separately Disclose Whether They Have Been Convicted Of Or Found To Be A Child Sex Offender Prior To Engagement — Volunteers Convicted Of Or…

Seventh Circuit Strikes Death Blow to Extended Medical Leave as an ADA Accommodation

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals was called upon to decide whether an employee’s request for extended medical leave (5-6 months) constituted a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities…

Recent Amendments to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (“ANCRA”) Provide Guidance on School Districts and District Employees’ Rights During a DCFS Investigation

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…

Circuit Court Rules that Community College Faculty Member Cannot Serve as a Member of the Board of Trustees

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

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

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

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…