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
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,…
New School Lead Testing Law Also Amends School Code and Tort Immunity Act to Allow Expanded Use of Life Safety and Tort Funds
By Robbins Schwartz |
Public Act 99-922, effective January 17, 2017, primarily requires testing for lead in drinking water at schools and daycare facilities. In a gesture which may help schools pay the cost…
New Law Mandates Lead Testing Requirements For School Districts
By Robbins Schwartz |
With headline news concerning the presence of lead in school district water systems across the country, including Chicago, Governor Rauner recently signed P.A. 099-922 which requires testing for lead in…
Illinois Supreme Court Rules Open Meetings Act Does Not Require a Recital of “Key Terms” in a Settlement Agreement Prior to Taking Action
By Robbins Schwartz |
In Board of Educ. of Springfield School Dist. No. 186 v. The Atty. General of Illinois, 2017 IL 120343, the Illinois Supreme Court provided binding clarification of the Open Meetings Act…
Circuit Court Dismisses Declaratory Judgment and Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Action Brought Against School District Following Denial of Teacher’s Request to Use Paid Sick Leave Under Section 24-6 of the School Code
By Robbins Schwartz |
On February 1, 2017, a DuPage County Circuit Court judge dismissed a declaratory judgment and Illinois Wage Payment and Collection action brought by a tenured teacher against her employer, Naperville…