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2024IDC Files Amicus Brief in Martin v. Goodrich CorporationThe IDC recently filed an amicus brief in the case of Martin v. Goodrich Corporation seeking to invalidate the Illinois legislature’s enactment of 820 ILCS 310/1.1. MORE IDC Issues Position StatementA position statement on House Bill 4916 has been issued. This legislation seeks to amends 735 ILCS 5/2-2301 to expand its scope to all private causes of action, whether in suit or not. MORE Board Nominations Being SoughtNominations for six persons to be elected to the IDC Board of Directors are now being solicited from the general membership. MORE 2023IDC Submits Amicus in Fausett v. Walgreen Co.The IDC filed an amicus brief in Fausett v. Walgreen Co., pending in the Illinois Supreme Court supporting appellant Walgreen Co. and their motion to deny class certification for a class action claim brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The issue addressed on the appeal is whether the court can certify a class of members to bring a FCRA action against Walgreens when, contrary to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in TransUnion v. Ramirez, none of the class members suffered any “concrete injury” independent of the penalties imposed by the statute. MORE IDC Submits Amicus in Passafiume v. JurakThe IDC filed an amicus brief in Passafiume v. Jurak, pending in the Illinois Supreme Court supporting appellant Daniel Jurak, D.O. and his practice in a medical malpractice case arising out of the death of the plaintiff's decedent. The issue argued in the amicus brief is that the plaintiff cannot recover for loss of spousal services separate from other loss of consortium damages. MORE Expert Witness Profiler Partnership AnnouncedIDC announces its its relationship with Expert Witness Profiler, a leading provider of expert witness research and reporting services. As part of this new agreement, Expert Witness Profiler now offers fast, affordable access to extensive expert witness background reporting services to the IDC membership. MORE Position Papers IssuedIDC has issued position papers on House Bill 1065 (Workers' Compensation), House Bill 1137 (Health Care Records), Senate Bill 208 (Joint & Several Liability), Senate Bill 239 (Amendment to 2-1115), and Senate Bill 1748 (Discovery, Trial Dates). MORE Amicus Announcement - Cleeton v. SIU Healthcare, Inc.The IDC filed an amicus brief in the Illinois Supreme Court supporting appellee SIU Healthcare, Inc., in a dispute concerning the conversion of a respondent in discovery to a defendant under section 2-402 of the Code of Civil Procedure. IDC Hosts Judicial ReceptionsIDC hosted a Judicial Reception in Chicago June and recognized Hon. Debra Walker with the Distinguished Service Award. A reception was also held in Edwardsville in October. Hon. Stephen Stobbs was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award. Navigating Today's Litigation LandscapeIDC hosted a conference for In House and Outside Counsel in April in Chicago. Presentations included social inflation, anchoring, non-economic damages, 206(a) witnesses, In House Counsel and Outside Counsel partnerships, implicit bias, and understanding today’s jurors and plaintiff’s tactics. Awards PresentedWilliam K. McVisk of Tressler LLP was presented the 2023 IDC Distinguished Member Award; Jonathan Federman of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP is the 2023 recipient of the IDC Rising Star Award; Eugena Whitson-Owen of
Zurich North America was recognized as the 2023 IDC Volunteer of the Year; and Tyler Pratt of Pavlov Media was honored by 2022-2023 President Terry Fox with the IDC President's Award. MORE 2022Public Interest Law InitiativeMembers of the IDC participated in a Day of Service for the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI). Learn more about PILI and volunteer today. IDC Holds Town Hall Meeting on the Sustainable Practice of Law2022-2023 IDC President Terry Fox of Flaherty & Youngerman, P.C., together with Christopher Gallinari of Flaherty & Youngerman, P.C., Darren Perconte of Perconte Law, and John E. Thies of Webber & Thies, P.C., facilitated a discussion of the Chicago Bar Association(CBA) / Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) Task Force Report on the Sustainable Practice of Law. Gen Z and Millennial Members Focus GroupIDC held a Focus Group to discuss the needs and expectations of Gen Z and Millennial members. IDC Hosts Two Judicial ReceptionsIDC hosted Judicial Receptions in Belleville and Chicago this spring. We were proud to recognize Hon. Richard A. Brown and Hon. Andrew J. Gleeson, Chief Judge, of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit at the Belleville reception. In addition, IDC partnered with the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association for the Chicago reception. IDC Talks Diversity: African Americans in the LawSt. Clair County Judge Zina Cruse joined Branden Brooks, IDC Past President Rick Hammond, Shannon King, and IDC Board Member and Diversity & Inclusivity Committee Chair Untress "Trez" Quinn, Sr. for a frank discussion on being an African American in the law. Follow this link to view the video. 2021IDC Talks Diversity: Women in the LawSt. Clair County Judge Julia Gomric joined IDC Diversity & Inclusivity Committee Vice Chair Elaina Valtierra-Doherty and IDC President Laura Beasley for a frank discussion on what it means to be a woman in the law today. This first video in IDC's series "IDC Talks Diversity" is facilitated by Untress "Trez" Quinn, Sr. Follow this link to view the short video. IDC Issues Position Paper on New Cook County HIPAA OrderThe Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) has issued a position paper regarding the new Cook County HIPAA Order, arguing that the new order adopted by the Law Division in GAO 21-3 includes provisions that are wholly unrelated to the requirements actually imposed by the HIPAA Privacy Rule and are based on commonly held misbeliefs in Cook County as to exactly what HIPAA does and does not require. Further, IDC argues that the order bars discovery, which has long been approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. MORE IDC Partners with Public Entities to Address Amendment to Circuit Court of Cook County Rules
IDC has partnered with several public entities in asking Cook County judges to reconsider the recent amendment to Part 25 of the Local Rules of the Circuit Court of Cook County regarding mandatory arbitration of Law Division cases. MORE Beasley Testifies Before Illinois Supreme Court Rules CommitteeIDC President Laura Beasley testified July 21, 2021before the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee in opposition to proposed amendment to Rule 206(h)(3) that would make the April 29, 2020 amendment permanent. MORE IDC Submits Amicus in Armstead v. National Freight
On July 13, 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court allowed the IDC’s Motion for Leave to File an Amicus Brief in the case of Armstead v. National Freight, Inc., No. 126730, on appeal from Armstead v. Nat'l Freight, Inc., 2020 IL App (3d) 170777. MORE IDC Officers and Directors Elected, AppointedThe 2021-2022 IDC officers and directors have been announced. MORE DRI Recognizes MilosDRI has recognized 2020-2021 IDC President Nicole Milos. MORE Distinguished Member Award Presented to Adam C. CarterAdam C. Carter, Esp Kruezer Cores, LLP, Wheaton, has been selected to receive the 2021 Distinguished Member Award. The award was announced during the Annual Meeting on June 18, 2021. MORE Danielle Luisi Honored with Rising Star AwardDanielle Luisi of Husch Blackwell, LLP, Chicago is the 2021 recipient of the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) Rising Star Award. The award was announced during the IDC Annual Meeting. MORE Britta Sahlstrom Named IDC Volunteer of the YearBritta Sahlstrom of SmithAmundsen, LLC in Chicago has been named the 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Ms. Sahlstrom was recognized for her many contributions to the IDC. MOREJennifer Groszek and William K. McVisk Honored with the 2021 President’s AwardJennifer Groszek of ProQuest, Chicago, and William K. McVisk of Tressler LLP, Chicago were honored by 2020-2021 Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) President Nicole Milos with the President’s Award. MORE COVID-19 and Membership Task Forces HonoredIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Supreme Court formed a Task Force on Court Operations During COVID-19. IDC Past President Rick Hammond was appointed to serve on the task force as a voice of the defense bar. In response, IDC formed its own COVID-19 task force with direction to provide support to Rick and the Supreme Court Task Force, as needed. MORE IDC Issues Statement of Opposition to Pre-Judgment Interest LegislationThough a substantial improvement over HB3360, the IDC continues to oppose Senate Bill 72 as it continues to apply in a one-sided fashion, applies an arbitrary and unreasonable interest rate unmoored from economic reality, applies interest prior to liability being determined, does not account for delays other than voluntary dismissal caused by plaintiffs in litigation, and applies interest to future damages that are reduced to present value, non-economic damages, and to medical bills that were not likely satisfied for the amount awarded. MORE Supreme Court Ruling in Steed v. Rezin Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, S.C., 2021 IL 125150The Illinois Supreme Court today issued its opinion in Steed v. Rezin Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, S.C., 2021 IL 125150, reversing the appellate court judgment and affirming a defense jury verdict. Glenn Steed suffered an Achilles tendon tear, sought treatment at Rezin, and was told to return in two weeks. Rezin’s receptionist scheduled the follow-up more than three weeks from the initial appointment; Steed passed away from a pulmonary embolism more than two weeks later, but before his follow-up appointment. His estate alleged institutional negligence against Rezin for its failure to schedule as the physician had directed. MORE IDC Opposes Pre-Judgment Interest Legislation Just as they did previously with the six-person jury bill several years ago, the Illinois General Assembly, at the behest of the plaintiff’s bar, considered Senate Amendment 1 to HB3360 during the January 2021 Veto Session. This bill, as amended subjects personal injury actions in Illinois to 9% per annum pre-judgment interest accruing “on the date the defendant has notice of the injury from the incident itself or a written notice." MORE Longfield Appointed to Board of DirectorsEric Longfield of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP in Chicago has been appointed to the IDC Board of Directors. MORE
Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force: Supreme Court Adopts Proposals submitted on Remote Jury SelectionAt the onset of the global pandemic, the Illinois Supreme Court approved the creation of the Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force. This committee was charged with making recommendations to the court regarding the continuing challenges for the administration of justice resultant from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force focused on three subject areas: (a) logistics of maintaining safety for court personnel, litigants, juries, and the public; (b) use of remote proceedings in criminal cases; and (c) remote jury selection in civil cases. MORE Whitlock-Glave Appointed to Board of DirectorsHolly Whitlock-Glave of HeplerBroom, LLC in Crystal Lake has been appointed to the IDC Board of Directors. MORE IDC Past President Rick Hammond Appointed to Illinois Supreme Court Task Force on Court Operations During COVID-19Rick Hammond, Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) past president and partner with HeplerBroom LLC, has been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the newly formed Task Force on Court Operations During COVID-19. Rick will act as the voice for IDC and the defense bar on the task force. MORE Statement on Equality, Racism, and InjusticeIDC has long stood for the rights of all people to have fair access to the civil justice system. We have long recognized and pushed for fairness, integrity and civility in the civil justice system. In the current time, though, we recognize that fairness in the civil justice system is not enough. We recognize and support those who peacefully seek fairness in all aspects of life, and we support all those, regardless of their race, nationality, ethnic origin, gender or sexual identity, who are seeking to be treated with respect, dignity, and be afforded all of the protections of the law. IDC stands in solidarity and peace with all those who are peacefully demanding equality and those who are speaking out against racism and injustice. MORE Nicole D. Milos Becomes PresidentNicole D. Milos, Assistant Counsel at AAIS, American Association of Insurance Services, was installed as President of the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) at the organization’s Annual Meeting, held June 19, 2020. MORE Denise Baker-Seal Elected Secretary/TreasurerDenise Baker-Seal of Brown & James, P.C. in Belleville was elected Secretary/Treasurer and to a position on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) at the organization’s Annual Meeting, held June 19, 2020. Ms. Baker-Seal will progress through the positions in the Executive Committee to become president in June 2025. MORE Distinguished Member Award Presented to Donald Patrick EcklerDonald Patrick Eckler of Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered in Chicago, was presented with the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) 2020 Distinguished Member Award. The award was presented during the organization’s Annual Meeting, held June 19, 2020. MORE Jessica Holliday Receives Rising Star Award; Appointed to Board of DirectorsJessica Holliday of Brown & James, P.C., Belleville is the 2020 recipient of the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) Rising Star Award and has also been appointed to serve as a member of the IDC Board of Directors. Both the award and Ms. Holliday’s appointment were announced during the organization’s Annual Meeting, held June 19, 2020. MORE Steve Grossi Receives 2020 President’s AwardSteve Grossi of Bruce Farrel Dorn & Associates in Chicago was honored by 2019-2020 Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) President William K. McVisk with the President’s Award. MORE R. Mark Cosimini Named IDC Volunteer of the YearR. Mark Cosimini of Rusin & Maciorowski in Champaign has been named the 2020 Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Defense Counsel. Mr. Cosimini was recognized for his many contributions to the IDC. MORE Craig L. Unrath and John F. Watson Recognized with IDC President’s CommendationCraig L. Unrath of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, Peoria, and John F. Watson of Craig & Craig, LLC, Mattoon, were honored by 2019-2020 IDC President William K. McVisk with the President’s Commendation. MORE Members-Only Online Community Launched
We are pleased to announce the launch of IDC Network, our exclusive members-only online community, which promises to be one of the most powerful benefits of IDC membership. Network is your connection to an incredible resource - hundreds of your colleagues who share your challenges, uncertainties and successes. MORE Supreme Court Ruling in Crim v. Dietrich, No. 124318
The appeal arose from a jury trial involving claims of failure to obtain informed consent and professional negligence. At the close of Plaintiffs’ case, the trial court directed a verdict on the claim for lack of informed consent. The case proceeded on the remaining claim of professional negligence and the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Defendant. MORE COVID-19: IDC Response to ITLA Proposal re Conduct of Discovery
IDC was asked to respond to letters from ITLA concerning the conduct of discovery during the COVID-19 crisis. While we agree that parties should work together to avoid disruption of the progress of cases during this crisis, we do not agree with the proposals made by ITLA. Follow this link to view our response. MORE New IDC Website LaunchedWe are thrilled to announce that the IDC website has been redesigned and updated. The site is hosted at a new domain address, www.IDC.law, and features the association's efforts to educate, advocate, and engage our members. MORE Legislative Alert: HB5044 Proposes to Eliminate Intrastate Forum Non Conveniens
The IDC will be strongly opposing HB5044, which proposes to amend 735 ILCS 5/2-108 to eliminate the doctrine of intrastate forum non conveniens. HB5044, if passed, would also require that every lawsuit is tried in the county where it is commenced. MORE |
12/10/2024
Practice Development Committee Meeting
12/12/2024
Executive Committee Meeting
Andrew Kopon Jr. Wins Appeal Before U.S. Seventh Circuit
Adrian Mendoza and Edward R. Sherman Obtain Summary Judgment Ruling
Smith and Chaddock Obtain Directed Verdict for Hospital
Linda Hay and Susan Wagener Secure Defense Verdict in Med Mal/LTC Trial
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