Legal News & Updates

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.

Latest Updates & News

Catherine R. Locallo Named 1st Vice President of the Justinian Society of Lawyers

Robbins Schwartz is pleased to announce our newest Associate Attorneys.

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Title IX Amendments Released, Effective August 1, 2024

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued its final Title IX regulations, which will go into effect on August 1, 2024. Read more about their guidance in our recent law alert.

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Robbins Schwartz is Pleased to Announce New Associate Attorneys

Robbins Schwartz is pleased to announce our newest Associate Attorneys.

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PAC Provides Further Guidance on Unduly Burdensome FOIA Requests

On March 5, 2024, the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC) issued a non-binding determination letter offering additional guidance to public bodies regarding the designation of requests as unduly burdensome. Read more about their guidance in our recent law alert.

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Schools and Park Districts Only Granted More Time to Comply with Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance

The Board of Commissioners recently passed a revised version of the Paid Leave Ordinance amendment exempting school districts and park districts from the ordinance’s requirements. Read more about the update in our latest law alert.

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International Women’s Day

Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women making a difference worldwide! Your courage, determination, and compassion inspire us all.

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Illinois Supreme Court Rejects Latest Challenge to the Illinois Public School Funding System

In February 2012, we issued a Law Alert regarding the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to hear an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s education funding system. On November…

Public Act 97-1134 Relieves Local Government Clerks and School and College Board Secretaries of Election Duties on Christmas Eve

On December 3, 2012, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 97-1134, amending Section 1-4 of the Illinois Election Code to provide much sought-after relief to school and college board…

Robbins Schwartz Named to 2013 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for Construction Law

Robbins Schwartz’s has received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2013 Edition of the U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for Construction Law. This ranking was derived from…

“Addressing Students Facing Criminal Charges for Off-Campus Misconduct”

Maryam T. Brontine authored “Addressing Students Facing Criminal Charges for Off-Campus Misconduct” published in the November 2012 issue of National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Inquiry & Analysis. Maryam discusses that…

Maryam Brotine Authors Article Published in ISBA November Newsletter

Maryam T. Brotine authored the article “Will someone please think about the children: Where can divorced parents with joint custody send their children to school?” published in the Illinois State…

Compliance Reminder: Training Requirements for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and Elected Officials

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

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

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

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…