- PROGRAMS
- PUBLICATIONSCloseBack
- SUBSCRIPTIONS
- RESOURCE HUBCloseBack
- ABOUT US
- PROGRAMS
- PUBLICATIONSCloseBack
- SUBSCRIPTIONS
- RESOURCE HUBCloseBack
- ABOUT US
- You must be a paid subscriber to access the downloads
-
List of Forms by Chapter - Chapter 1 — Introduction
- Chapter 2 — Preserving Error for Review in Illinois Trial Proceedings
-
I. [2.1] Introduction - II. [2.4] Creating the Record on Appeal
- III. [2.10] Preservation of the Record
- [2.11] Objection
- [2.12] Timely Objections
- [2.13] Repeating Objections
- [2.14] Continuing Objections
- [2.15] Grounds for Objecting — Specificity Required
- [2.16] Objection Required — Exceptions
- [2.17] Plain Error Doctrine
- [2.18] Objection Would Be Futile
- [2.19] Judicial Misconduct
- [2.20] Ruling on Objection Required
- [2.21] Conditional Rulings and Limited Admissibility
- [2.22] Invited-Error Doctrine
- [2.23] Motions To Strike
- [2.24] Timing of the Motion To Strike
- [2.25] Motions To Strike — Specificity Required
- [2.26] Offers of Proof
- [2.27] Offer of Proof — Formality and Content
- [2.28] Offer of Proof — Waiver and Exceptions
- IV. [2.29] Special Considerations
- [2.30] Form of Judgment
- [2.31] Ensure That all Pleadings Are Filed
- [2.32] Ensure That all Motions Are Ruled On
- [2.33] Motions in Limine
- [2.34] Jury Instructions, Special Interrogatories, and Verdict Forms
- [2.35] Jury Instructions
- [2.36] Special Interrogatories
- [2.37] Verdict Forms
- Issues at Trial
- [2.38] Error in Opening or Closing Argument
- [2.39] Misconduct of Counsel
- [2.40] Judicial Misconduct
- [2.41] Mistrial
- Issues after Trial
- [2.42] Posttrial Motions
- [2.43] Notices of Appeal and Cross-Appeal
- [2.44] Jurisdiction
- Chapter 3 — Final Judgments
- Chapter 4 — Postjudgment Motions
- I. [4.1] Introduction
- II. [4.2] Purpose of Postjudgment Motions
- III. [4.3] Types of Postjudgment Motions and Grounds for Relief
- [4.4] Judgment as a Matter of Law
- [4.5] Illinois Procedure
- [4.6] Federal Procedure
- [4.7] Motions for New Trial
- [4.8] Verdict Is Against Manifest Weight of Evidence
- [4.9] Motion for New Trial Based on Procedural Errors
- [4.10] Defects in Conforming Proof to Pleadings
- [4.11] Errors in Rulings
- [4.12] Errors of Law
- [4.13] Evidentiary Error
- [4.14] Erroneous Jury Instructions
- [4.15] Attorney Misconduct
- [4.16] Juror Misconduct
- [4.17] Inadequate or Excessive Damages
- [4.18] Postjudgment Relief Regarding Amount of Damages
- [4.19] Remittitur
- [4.20] Additur
- Other Motions After Trial or Judgment
- [4.21] Setoffs
- [4.22] Motion for Penalties
- [4.23] Costs and Attorneys’ Fees
- [4.24] Relief from Judgments
- IV. [4.25] Postjudgment Motion Procedure — Timeliness
- V. Contents of Postjudgment Motions
- VI. [4.36] Disposition of Postjudgment Motions
- VII. [4.37] Conclusion
- Chapter 5 — Threshold Appellate Issues: Whether To Review and Standards of Review
- Chapter 6 — Standing To Appeal
- Chapter 7 — Notices of Appeal, Separate Appeal, and Cross-Appeal
- I. [7.1] Introduction
- II. [7.2] Time for Filing a Notice of Appeal
- General Rules for Timely Filing
- [7.3] Illinois Law
- [7.4] Federal Law
- Computation of Time To Appeal
- [7.5] Illinois Law
- [7.6] Federal Law
- Effect of Postjudgment Motions on Time To Appeal
- Illinois Law
- [7.7] Motions That Toll the Time To Appeal
- [7.8] Successive Postjudgment Motions
- [7.9] Revestment Doctrine
- [7.10] Federal Law
- Extensions of Time
- [7.11] Illinois Law
- [7.12] Federal Law
- III. Where To File a Notice of Appeal
- IV. How To File a Notice of Appeal
- V. [7.17] Form and Contents of Notice of Appeal
- VI. Service of Notice of Appeal
- VII. Amendment of Notice of Appeal
- VIII. [7.31] Conclusion
- Chapter 8 — Stays and Appeal Bonds
- I. [8.1] Introduction
- II. [8.2] Stays and Bonds in Illinois — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305
- III. [8.6] Procedures for Obtaining a Stay Under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 305(a) and 305(b)
- IV. Bond and Other Forms of Security
- [8.9] Appeal Bond
- [8.10] Surety
- [8.11] Amount of the Appeal Bond or Other Form of Security
- Other Forms of Security
- [8.12] Letters of Credit, Escrow Agreements, and Certificates of Deposit
- [8.13] Cash Deposits
- [8.14] Land Trust Bond — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(l)
- [8.15] Amendments to the Notice of Appeal — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(f)
- [8.16] Changing the Amount, Terms, and Security of the Bond — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(h)
- [8.17] Appeals by Public Agencies — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(i)
- [8.18] Insurance Policy as Bond — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(j)
- [8.19] In General
- [8.20] Insufficient Insurance Coverage
- [8.21] Coverage Disputes
- [8.22] Failure To Obtain Stay — Effect on Interests in Property
- [8.23] Condition of the Bond
- [8.24] Filing the Bond with the Circuit Court Clerk
- V. Other Aspects of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305
- [8.25] Extensions of Time — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(c)
- [8.26] Stays in the Reviewing Court — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(d)
- [8.27] Stays Terminating Parental Rights — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(e)
- Stays and Bonds in Various Types of Appeals
- [8.28] Stays During Permissive Interlocutory Appeals
- [8.29] Stays During the Pendency of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 315(a), Petition for Leave To Appeal
- [8.30] Stays During a Petition for Writ of Certiorari
- [8.31] Bonds in Workers’ Compensation Appeals
- [8.32] Challenging Bond Defects
- [8.33] Dismissal of the Appeal for Reasons Other than Disposition
- VI. Stays and Bonds in Federal Appeals
- [8.34] Stays in Federal Appeals
- [8.35] Stays in the District Court
- [8.36] Automatic Stay of Enforcement for 14 Days — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(a)
- [8.37] Stays Pending Disposition of Certain Motions — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(b)
- [8.38] Stay with Bond on Appeal — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(d)
- [8.39] Supersedeas Bonds
- [8.40] Setting the Amount of the Bond
- [8.41] Substitutes for Bonds
- [8.42] Stays in the Courts of Appeals — Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 8(a)(2)
- [8.43] Appeals from Injunctions — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(c)
- [8.44] Stays in Cases Involving the United States, Its Officers, or Its Agencies — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(e)
- [8.45] Stays for Charitable Entities — Same Treatment as the Government?
- [8.46] Stays in Multiparty and/or Multiclaim Litigation — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(h)
- [8.47] Appealability of Orders Denying or Posting a Bond
- Chapter 9 — Dismissal of Appeals by the Trial Court
- I. [9.1] Introduction
- II. Dismissals Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309
- [9.2] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309 Dismissals Must Be Voluntary
- [9.3] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309 Dismissals Must Precede Filing of the Record on Appeal or the Equivalent of the Record on Appeal
- [9.4] Because Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309 Does Not Expressly Require a Writing, a Timely Oral Motion by Appellant To Dismiss May Suffice
- Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309 Dismissal Vaporizes the Appeal But Leaves Related Proceedings Untouched
- [9.5] Effect of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309 Dismissal on the Circuit Court Proceedings
- [9.6] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 309 Dismissal Can Leave a Pending Cross-Appeal Intact
- III. Dismissals Under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 42(a)
- [9.7] Dismissal of Federal Appeals by United States District Courts Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 42(a) Is Limited to Voluntary Dismissals Shortly After the Filing of a Notice of Appeal
- [9.8] District Court May Have Some Measure of Discretion in Deciding Whether To Grant a Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 42(a) Motion To Dismiss
- IV. [9.9] Conclusion
- Chapter 10 — Appeals from Final Judgments That Do Not Dispose of an Entire Proceeding: Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304 and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b)
- I. [10.1] Introduction
- II. [10.2] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a)
- [10.3] History and Purposes of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a)
- [10.4] Necessity of a Final Judgment as to One or More but Not All Parties or Claims
- [10.5] Orders Granting Final Judgment as to a Party
- [10.6] Orders Granting Final Judgment on a Separate Claim
- [10.7] Discretionary Factors To Determine Whether There Is No Just Reason for Delaying Enforcement or Appeal or Both
- [10.8] Special Considerations: Voluntary Dismissal, Res Judicata, and Claim Splitting
- III. [10.9] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)
- [10.10] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)(1): Judgments Involving Estates, Guardianships, and Similar Proceedings
- [10.11] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)(2): Judgments Involving Receiverships, Rehabilitation, Liquidation, or Similar Proceedings
- [10.12] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)(3): Orders Granting or Denying Relief Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1401
- [10.13] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)(4): Final Judgments Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1402 (Supplementary Proceedings)
- [10.14] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)(5): Orders Finding a Person in Contempt With a Fine or Penalty
- [10.15] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b)(6): Custody or Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Judgment or Modification of Such Judgment
- IV. Mechanics of an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304 Appeal
- V. [10.18] Appeals Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b)
- VI. [10.19] Conclusion
- Chapter 11 — Interlocutory Appeals of Certain Orders
- I. [11.1] Introduction
- II. [11.2] Interlocutory Appeal of Certain Orders
- [11.3] Appeals from Orders Granting New Trials — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(1)
- [11.4] Failure To File Petition for Leave Waives Appeal of New Trial
- [11.5] Scope of Review of Order Granting New Trial
- [11.6] Standard for Reviewing the Circuit Court’s New Trial Order
- [11.7] Appeals from Orders Other than Those Granting New Trials
- [11.8] Forum Non Conveniens — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(2)
- [11.9] Personal Jurisdiction — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(3)
- [11.10] Venue — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(4)
- [11.11] Care and Custody of and Allocation of Parental Responsibilities for Unemancipated Minors — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(5)
- [11.12] De Novo Rehearing in Administrative Reviews — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(6)
- [11.13] Disqualification of Attorney — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(7)
- [11.14] Certification of Class Action — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(8)
- [11.15] Citizen Participation Act — Illinois Supreme Rule 306(a)(9)
- III. Time for Filing, Extensions, and Impact of Motions To Reconsider
- IV. Mechanics of Filing Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a)
- V. Standards for Granting and Scope of Appellate Review Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 306(a) for Cases Other than New Trials
- VI. [11.29] Conclusion
- Chapter 12 — Interlocutory Appeals as of Right
- I. [12.1] Introduction
- II. Interlocutory Appeals Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)
- [12.2] Injunctive Relief — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)(1)
- [12.3] Stay Orders — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)(1)
- [12.4] Receivership Cases — Illinois Supreme Court Rules 307(a)(2), 307(a)(3), and 307(a)(5)
- [12.5] Mortgage Cases — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)(4)
- [12.6] Parental Rights — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)(6)
- [12.7] Eminent Domain — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)(7)
- [12.8] Arbitration Orders
- [12.9] Orders Not Appealable Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a)
- III. Timing and Brief Requirements for Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(a) Appeals
- IV. [12.12] Ex Parte Interlocutory Orders — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(b)
- V. Appeals from Temporary Restraining Orders — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 307(d)
- VI. [12.15] Standard and Scope of Review
- VII. [12.16] Conclusion
- Chapter 13 — Interlocutory Appeals of Certified Questions
- I. [13.1] Introduction
- II. Procedures for Appealing Certified Questions
- [13.4] Motion in the Circuit Court
- [13.5] Filing in the Appellate Court
- [13.6] Timeliness of the Filing
- [13.7] Application for Leave To Appeal
- [13.8] Supporting Record and Docketing Statement
- [13.9] Filing an Answer
- [13.10] Oral Argument
- [13.11] Drafting the Certified Question
- [13.12] Questions Involving Discovery
- [13.13] Leave Allowed
- [13.14] Stays Pending Disposition
- [13.15] Denial of the Application in the Appellate Court
- [13.16] Failure to File an Application
- III. Scope of Review
- IV. [13.20] Conclusion
- Chapter 14 — Interlocutory Appeals in Federal Court Under 28 U.S.C. §1292
- I. [14.1] Introduction
- II. [14.2] 28 U.S.C. §1292(a) — Interlocutory Appeals as of Right
- [14.3] 28 U.S.C. §1292(a)(1) — Injunctions
- [14.4] What Is an “Injunction” for Purposes of the Rule?
- [14.5] Orders That Qualify as Granting, Continuing, Modifying, or Refusing Injunctions
- [14.6] Temporary Restraining Orders Are Not Appealable
- [14.7] Procedural Orders Are Not Immediately Appealable
- [14.8] The Perlman Rule Permits Nonparties To Bring Certain Interlocutory Appeals
- [14.9] Stays in Favor of Arbitration
- [14.10] The Irreparable Injury Requirement
- [14.11] 28 U.S.C. §1292(a)(2) — Receivership Orders
- [14.12] 28 U.S.C. §1292(a)(3) — Admiralty Cases
- [14.13] Timing of Appeal
- III. [14.14] 28 U.S.C. §1292(b) — Interlocutory Appeals by Permission
- IV. [14.20] Scope of Review on Appeal
- V. [14.21] Conclusion
- Chapter 15 — Workers’ Compensation Appeals
- I. [15.1] Introduction
- II. [15.2] Judicial Review from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Before the Circuit Court
- [15.3] Final or Interlocutory Orders
- [15.4] Common Interlocutory Problems
- [15.5] Vocational Rehabilitation
- [15.6] Medical Expenses
- [15.7] Motions To Dismiss That Are Denied
- [15.8] Confusing Language and Remands
- [15.9] Challenging Questionable Jurisdiction
- Petitions To Recall Under §19(f) of the Workers’ Compensation Act
- [15.10] In General
- [15.11] Types of Error Subject to Recall
- [15.12] Who Can Recall and When
- [15.13] Impact of Recall
- [15.14] What if Arbitrator or Commission Refuses To Rule?
- [15.15] The Judicial Review Process
- [15.16] Parties
- [15.17] Venue
- [15.18] Forum Non Conveniens and Transfer
- [15.19] Multiple Proceedings
- [15.20] Time To File
- [15.21] Timeliness Must Appear on Face of Pleading
- [15.22] Appeals After Remand
- [15.23] Documents Needed To Perfect Review
- [15.24] Written Request To Commence Proceedings
- [15.25] Notice of Intent To File Review in Circuit Court
- [15.26] Summons
- [15.27] Certificate of Service
- [15.28] Appeal Bond
- [15.29] Who Must File a Bond
- [15.30] Who May Sign the Bond
- [15.31] Counsel Must Have Written Authority Within 20-Day Period To Sign Bond
- [15.32] Identity of Bond Signatory May Be Shown After Expiration of 20 Days
- [15.33] Fax Copy of Otherwise Proper Bond May Be Filed
- [15.34] Bond Must Have Employer/Principal Signature When Filed
- [15.35] Insurer Cannot Sign Appeal Bond for Employer
- [15.36] Sureties
- [15.37] Amount of the Bond
- [15.38] Releasing the Bond
- [15.39] Can an Escrow Account Be Used in Lieu of a Bond?
- [15.40] Establishing Compliance/Noncompliance with §19(f) of the Workers’ Compensation Act
- [15.41] Cross-Appeals
- [15.42] Arbitrator to Commission
- [15.43] Commission to Circuit Court
- [15.44] Circuit Court to Appellate Court
- [15.45] The Brief and the Standard of Review
- [15.46] Rehearing Before Circuit Court
- [15.47] Avoiding Penalties on Appeal
- III. Appeals to the Appellate Court
- [15.48] Origins of the Workers’ Compensation Commission Division of the Illinois Appellate Court — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 22(i)
- [15.49] Composition of the Workers’ Compensation Commission Division of the Illinois Appellate Court
- [15.50] Process
- [15.51] Appeals from Final Orders
- [15.52] Interlocutory Appeals Under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 306(a)(6) and 308(a)
- [15.53] Appeals Under 820 ILCS 305/18.1
- [15.54] Briefs
- [15.55] Oral Argument
- [15.56] Petitions for Rehearing
- IV. [15.57] Appeals to the Illinois Supreme Court
- V. [15.60] Conclusion
- VI. Appendix — Sample Forms
- Chapter 16 — Family Law and Child Custody Appeals
- I. [16.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. Special Filing Requirements for Child Custody Cases
- III. Appeals of Rulings Concerning Abused, Neglected, or Dependent Minors
- [16.7] Introduction
- Procedural Rules
- [16.8] Time for Filing Notice of Appeal
- [16.9] Final Orders
- [16.10] Interlocutory Appeals by Permission
- [16.11] Interlocutory Appeals as of Right
- [16.12] Consolidating Cases on Appeal
- Hearings
- Temporary Custody or Shelter-Care Hearings
- [16.13] Overview
- [16.14] Issues Before the Trial Court
- [16.15] Appealing a Temporary Custody Order
- Adjudication Hearings
- [16.16] Overview
- [16.17] Issues Before the Trial Court
- [16.18] Appealing an Adjudication Order
- [16.19] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 662
- Dispositional Hearings
- [16.20] Overview
- [16.21] Issues Before the Trial Court
- [16.22] Appealing a Dispositional Order
- [16.23] Amended Dispositional Orders
- Permanency Hearings
- [16.24] Overview
- [16.25] Issues Before the Trial Court
- [16.26] Appealing a Permanency Hearing Order
- Termination of Parental Rights Hearings
- [16.27] Overview
- [16.28] Issues Before the Trial Court
- [16.29] Appealing Orders Terminating Parental Rights
- Stay of Proceedings
- [16.30] Interlocutory and Final Orders
- [16.31] Automatic Stay of Order Terminating Parental Rights
- [16.32] Appointment of Guardian with Right To Consent
- [16.33] Termination of Wardship of Dependent Minor
- IV. Appeals of Delinquency Proceedings
- [16.34] Introduction
- Appellate Rules for Juvenile Delinquency Cases
- [16.35] Appellate Rules for Criminal Appeals Apply
- [16.36] Time for Filing Notices of Appeal
- [16.37] Preserving Issues for Appeal
- [16.38] Court-Appointed Counsel Available on Appeal
- [16.39] Appeals Accelerated
- [16.40] Juvenile Proceeds Anonymously
- [16.41] Special Captions
- [16.42] Notification to the Circuit Court
- [16.43] Circuit Court Retains Limited Jurisdiction
- Hearings
- [16.44] Detention or Shelter-Care Hearings
- Hearings on Pretrial Motions
- [16.45] Dismissing Charges
- [16.46] Motions To Suppress Evidence or Quash Arrest
- [16.47] Transfers to Adult Court
- [16.48] Fitness To Stand Trial or Be Sentenced
- [16.49] Former Jeopardy
- [16.50] Disqualifying Defendant’s Counsel
- [16.51] Appealing a Guilty Plea
- [16.52] Adjudication of Delinquency
- [16.53] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 662 — Adjudication of Wardship
- [16.54] Dispositional, or Sentencing, Hearing
- [16.55] Probation and Probation Revocation
- [16.56] Supervision and Revocation of Supervision
- [16.57] Postconviction Petitions
- V. Appeals of Orders Entered Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
- [16.58] Introduction
- Procedural Matters
- Notice of Appeal
- [16.59] Time To File
- [16.60] Sufficiency of Notice
- Preparing the Record and Preserving Issues for Appeal
- [16.61] Preparing the Record
- [16.62] Preserving Issues for Appeal
- Final and Appealable Orders
- [16.63] Definition
- [16.64] Bifurcated Judgments
- [16.65] Trial Court Reserving Jurisdiction
- [16.66] Postdissolution Petitions
- [16.67] Interlocutory Appeals
- Interlocutory Appeals as of Right
- [16.68] Custody Judgments
- [16.69] Injunctions
- Interlocutory Appeals by Permission
- [16.70] Orders Affecting the Care and Custody of Unemancipated Minors
- [16.71] Declaratory Judgments
- [16.72] Standards of Review
- [16.73] Abuse of Discretion
- [16.74] Against the Manifest Weight of the Evidence
- [16.75] De Novo
- [16.76] Orders Not Appealable
- VI. [16.77] Conclusion
- Chapter 17 — Preliminary Conferences
- Chapter 18 — Expedited Appeals
- Chapter 19 — Record on Appeal
- I. [19.1] Introduction
- II. [19.2] Procedure for Filing the Record on Appeal and Docketing Statement in Appeals as a Matter of Right from a Final Judgment
- Initiating Preparation of the Record on Appeal
- [19.3] Record on Appeal
- [19.4] Report of Proceedings
- [19.5] Docketing Statement
- [19.6] Transmission of the Record on Appeal
- [19.7] Time for Filing the Record on Appeal
- [19.8] Supplementing the Record on Appeal
- [19.9] Electronic Filing Considerations
- [19.10] Comparison Between State and Federal Courts of Review
- III. [19.11] Contents of Record on Appeal
- IV. [19.18] Procedure for Filing the Supporting Record in Discretionary and Interlocutory Appeals
- V. [19.19] Conclusion
- VI. Appendix
- Chapter 20 — Motion Practice
- I. [20.1] Introduction
- II. Motions in the Illinois Reviewing Courts — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 361
- [20.2] In General
- [20.3] Contents of Motion
- [20.4] Responses and Objections
- [20.5] Supporting Record
- [20.6] How, When, and Where To File
- [20.7] Electronic Filing of Motions in the Reviewing Courts
- [20.8] Additional Requirements for Motions Filed in the Illinois Supreme Court
- [20.9] Specific Types of Motions
- [20.10] Motions for Extension of Time — Illinois Supreme Court Rules 361(f) and 343(c)
- [20.11] Dispositive Motions — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 361(h)
- [20.12] Emergency Motions — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 361(g)
- [20.13] Motion To Publish — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 23(f)
- [20.14] Motions for Stay of Enforcement — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(d)
- [20.15] Motions Affecting Briefs — Illinois Supreme Court Rules 341and 343
- [20.16] Motions Affecting Oral Argument — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 352
- [20.17] Motion To Supplement Authority — No Governing Rule
- [20.18] Motions Affecting the Record on Appeal — Illinois Supreme Court Rules 323, 326, and 329
- [20.19] Motions for Leave To File Brief Amicus Curiae — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 345
- [20.20] Motions To Expedite — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 311
- III. Motions in Federal Court — Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 27
- [20.21] In General
- [20.22] Motion Contents
- [20.23] Grounds and Relief Sought
- [20.24] Supporting Documents
- [20.25] Responses and Replies
- [20.26] Motions for a Procedural Order
- [20.27] Form of Motions
- [20.28] Specific Motions
- [20.29] Motions for Extension of Time
- [20.30] Single Judge Motions
- [20.31] Emergency Motions
- [20.32] Motions for Stay or Injunction Pending Appeal
- [20.33] Stay Pending Review of Agency Rulings
- Chapter 21 — Appellate Briefs
- I. [21.1] Introduction
- II. Contents of the Brief on Appeal
- [21.2] Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts
- [21.3] Format and Length
- [21.4] Cover
- [21.5] Points and Authorities
- [21.6] Nature of the Case
- [21.7] Issues Presented for Review
- [21.8] Jurisdictional Statement
- [21.9] Statutes, Constitutional Provisions, Treaties, Ordinances, and Regulations Involved
- [21.10] Statement of Facts
- [21.11] Argument and Standard of Review
- [21.12] Conclusion
- [21.13] Appendix
- [21.14] Certificate of Compliance
- [21.15] Appellee Brief
- [21.16] Reply Brief
- [21.17] United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- [21.18] Format and Length
- [21.19] Cover
- [21.20] Corporate Disclosure Statement
- [21.21] Table of Contents
- [21.22] Table of Authorities
- [21.23] Jurisdictional Statement
- [21.24] Statement of the Issues
- [21.25] Statement of the Case
- [21.26] Summary of the Argument
- [21.27] Argument, Including Standard of Review
- [21.28] Conclusion
- [21.29] Appendix
- [21.30] Certificate of Compliance
- [21.31] Appellee Briefs
- [21.32] Reply Briefs
- III. Filing and Service
- [21.33] Filing and Service of Briefs in the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts
- Timing
- [21.34] One Appellant and One Appellee
- [21.35] Multiple Appellants or Appellees
- [21.36] Cross-Appeals
- [21.37] Separate Appeals
- [21.38] Extending or Shortening Time
- [21.39] Filing and Service
- [21.40] Filing and Service of Federal Court Briefs
- [21.41] Timing
- [21.42] Extending Time
- [21.43] Filing and Service of Hard Copies
- [21.44] Failure To File a Brief
- IV. [21.45] Motions To Strike
- V. [21.46] Supplemental Submissions
- VI. [21.47] Suggestions for Drafting an Effective Brief
- VII. [21.54] Conclusion
- Chapter 22 — Oral Argument
- I. [22.1] Introduction
- II. Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts
- III. United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- IV. Suggestions for Effective Oral Advocacy
- [22.10] Argument Preparation
- [22.11] Argument May Change the Court’s Reasoning, Even When It Does Not Affect the Outcome
- [22.12] The Record and the Client’s Day-to-Day Operations
- [22.13] The Arguments and the Law
- [22.14] The Precise Legal Rule Counsel Wishes the Court To Adopt
- [22.15] The List of Points To Address at Argument
- [22.16] Developing and Practicing the Argument
- [22.17] Questions and Answers
- [22.18] Moot Courts
- [22.19] Material for Use at Argument
- [22.20] Knowing the Court
- Argument Presentation
- [22.21] Morning of Argument Considerations
- [22.22] Settling in at the Podium
- [22.23] Presentation and Demeanor
- [22.24] Opening
- [22.25] Addressing Facts
- [22.26] Responding to Questions
- [22.27] Whether and How To Use Rebuttal as Appellant
- [22.28] Time Limits
- [22.29] Concluding the Argument
- V. [22.30] Conclusion
- Chapter 23 — The Appendix
- Chapter 24 — Summary Affirmance on Appeal
- Chapter 25 — Petitions for Rehearing
- I. [25.1] Introduction
- II. Rehearing Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 367
- III. Rehearing and Rehearing En Banc Under Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure 40 and 35
- [25.9] Content of the Petition
- [25.10] Timing
- [25.11] Form of the Petition and Mechanics of Filing
- [25.12] Petitions for Hearing En Banc
- [25.13] Answers and Oral Argument
- [25.14] Deciding Whether To Grant an En Banc Petition
- [25.15] Effect on Appellate Proceedings and Possible Actions by the Court if Rehearing Is Granted
- [25.16] Sua Sponte Proceedings En Banc
- IV. [25.17] Conclusion
- Chapter 26 — Participation as Amicus Curiae
- Chapter 27 — Direct Appeals
- I. [27.1] Introduction
- II. Types of Direct Appeals Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302
- [27.2] Mandatory Direct Appeals from Final Judgments — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302(a)
- [27.3] Cases in Which a Statute Is Declared Invalid — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302(a)(1)
- [27.4] From Proceedings Commenced Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 21 — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302(a)(2)
- [27.5] Cases in Which Public Interest Requires Expeditious Determination — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302(b)
- [27.6] Grounds for Discretionary Direct Appeal
- [27.7] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302(b) Appeals and the Public Interest Exception to the Mootness Doctrine
- [27.8] The Determination of Expeditiousness
- III. [27.9] Procedures for Handling Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302 Appeals
- IV. [27.12] Summary Disposition — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 302(c)
- V. [27.13] Conclusion
- Chapter 28 — Original Actions in the Illinois Supreme Court
- I. [28.1] Introduction
- II. [28.2] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 381 Actions for Mandamus and Prohibition
- III. [28.7] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 382 Actions Relating to Redistricting or the Governor’s Ability To Serve or Resume Office
- IV. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 383 Motions for Supervisory Orders
- V. [28.10] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 384 Proceedings for Transfer and Consolidation of Multi-Circuit Actions
- Chapter 29 — Discretionary Review and Appeals as of Right in the Illinois Supreme Court
- I. [29.1] Introduction
- II. [29.2] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 315: Discretionary Review
- [29.3] Content of the Petition
- [29.4] Factors the Court Considers
- [29.5] General Importance
- [29.6] Conflict
- [29.7] Need for Exercise of Supervisory Authority
- [29.8] Finality of Decision
- [29.9] Sections of the Petition
- [29.10] Prayer for Leave To Appeal
- [29.11] Statement Regarding Judgment and Rehearing
- [29.12] Points Relied on in Seeking Review
- [29.13] Statement of Facts
- [29.14] Argument
- [29.15] Conclusion
- [29.16] Appendix
- [29.17] Preservation of Issues for Supreme Court Review
- [29.18] Timing
- [29.19] Record
- [29.20] Appeals from the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Appellate Court
- [29.21] Answers
- [29.22] Disposition of Petitions for Leave To Appeal
- III. [29.23] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 317: Certain Constitutional Rulings
- IV. [29.24] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 316: Certificates of Importance
- V. [29.25] Conclusion
- Chapter 30 — Certification of State Law Questions from the Seventh Circuit to the Illinois Supreme Court
- Chapter 31 — Issuance and Effect of Mandate
- I. [31.1] Introduction
- II. Issuance of the Mandate
- III. [31.4] Effective Date of the Appellate Judgment in Illinois
- IV. [31.5] Jurisdiction of the Circuit Court
- V. Proceedings on Remand in Illinois
- VI. [31.8] Reversal Without Remand in Illinois Courts
- VII. [31.9] Proceedings on Remand in Illinois Courts — Reinstating the Matter
- VIII. [31.10] Conclusion
- Chapter 32 — Sanctions in the Reviewing Court
- I. [32.1] Introduction
- II. [32.2] Sanctions in Illinois Reviewing Courts — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 375
- Illinois Supreme Court Rule 375(a) — Failure To Comply with Appellate Rules
- [32.3] What Constitutes a Failure To Comply?
- [32.4] What Sanctions Are Available?
- [32.5] Illinois Supreme Court Rule 375(b) — Frivolous Appeals
- [32.6] What Constitutes Frivolous?
- [32.7] What Sanctions Are Available for Frivolous Behavior?
- [32.8] How Are Sanctions Sought?
- III. [32.9] Sanctions in Federal Courts of Review — Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 38
- IV. [32.15] Conclusion
- Chapter 33 — Costs on Appeal
- Chapter 34 — Administrative Reviews
- I. [34.1] Nature of Actions Under the Administrative Review Law
- II. Purpose, Scope, and Applicability of the Administrative Review Law
- [34.2] Applicability and Scope
- [34.3] Applicability of Administrative Review Law
- [34.4] Common-Law Forms of Review
- [34.5] Exceptions to Administrative Review Law as Exclusive Means of Review
- [34.6] Injunctions and Declaratory Actions as a Means of Administrative Review
- [34.7] Payment Under Protest Actions as a Means of Administrative Review in Tax Proceedings
- III. [34.8] “Final” Administrative Decisions
- IV. Time for and Manner of Commencing Action
- V. Parties Plaintiff and Defendant
- VI. [34.18] Jurisdiction and Venue of Actions
- VII. [34.19] Review of Certain Administrative Orders by the Appellate Court
- VIII. [34.20] Form and Method of Serving Summons
- IX. Requirements and Form of Complaint
- X. Defendant’s Appearance and Answer or Other Pleading; Preparation and Filing of Record
- XI. Scope of Review
- [34.30] Provisions of Administrative Review Law
- [34.31] Caselaw on Scope of Review
- [34.32] Scope of Review Limited to Administrative Record
- [34.33] Review of Findings and Conclusions of Fact
- [34.34] Review of Questions of Law
- [34.35] Review of Mixed Questions of Fact and Law
- [34.36] Review of the Agency’s Conduct of the Administrative Proceedings; Provisions of Administrative Procedure Act, Including Attorneys’ Fees Awards Against Agency
- XII. [34.37] Power To Grant Stay and Other Powers of Trial Court; Requirement To Post Bond
- XIII. Procedure in the Trial Court
- XIV. [34.46] Appeals from the Circuit Court
- Karl R. Barnickol
Karl R. Barnickol
Karl R. Barnickol is a Partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, in Chicago, where he concentrates in litigation with a focus on complex antitrust, securities, consumer fraud, and healthcare class and mass actions. Barnickol received his A.B. cum laude from Georgetown University and his J.D., Order of the Coif, from Washington University St. Louis School of Law, where he was an associate editor of the Washington University Law Quarterly.
- Jennifer T. Beach
Jennifer T. Beach
Jennifer T. Beach is Special Counsel at Jenner & Block LLP, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on business and ERISA litigation. Ms. Beach is a Law360 Editorial Advisory Board Member, Benefits, and is coeditor of her firm’s ERISA litigation handbook. She was a judicial clerk for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Ms. Beach earned her J.D. magna cum laude from Washington University School of Law, where she was Order of the Coif, Executive Editor for the Washington Law Review, and a teaching assistant for Legal Writing; her M.S. from Washington University George Warren Brown School of Social Work; and her B.A. summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Washington University.
- Nicole C. Berg
Nicole C. Berg
Nicole C. Berg is a Partner at Keller Postman LLC, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on products liability and mass torts. Berg has been named to the Best Lawyers list by Best Lawyers in America, was selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers list (2023 – 2025), and is a member of the American Association for Justice. She earned her B.S. from the University of California at Santa Barbera, her M.S. from the University of Chicago, and her J.D. summa cum laude from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Laura C. Bishop
Laura C. Bishop
Laura C. Bishop is a Chicago attorney who focuses her practice on litigation. Ms. Bishop is a Board Member of the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and a Member of the American and Chicago Bar Associations. She earned her B.A. from the University of Chicago and her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served as a Managing Editor of the Harvard Environmental Law Review. Prior to law school, she served as the Chief Research Assistant to Hon. Richard A. Posner at the University of Chicago Law School.
- Elizabeth P. Butler
Elizabeth P. Butler
Elizabeth P. Butler is a litigation attorney with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago. Ms. Butler serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association, and she is a member of Chicago Bar Association, where she is Legislative Liaison for the Juvenile Law Committee. She received her J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.
- Stacy E. Crabtree
Stacy E. Crabtree
Stacy E. Crabtree is an attorney with Caterpillar Inc., in Peoria. During law school, Ms. Crabtree served as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Corrigan and interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. She also participated on the school’s mock trial team and was an editor for the Florida Coastal Law Review. Ms. Crabtree earned her B.A. summa cum laude from Bradley University and her J.D. summa cum laude from Florida Coastal School of Law.
- Patrick E. Dwyer III
Patrick E. Dwyer III
Patrick E. Dwyer III is an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, in Chicago, where he focuses on municipal and general litigation and advice.Dwyer is a member of the Appellate Lawyer’s Association, the St. Ignatius Law Society, and the Chicago Bar Association. He earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He has been adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago.
- Brad A. Elward
Brad A. Elward
Brad A. Elward is currently a law clerk with the Appellate Court, Fourth District. He is a former Partner with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., in Peoria, where he concentrated his appellate work on handling appeals in workers’ compensation cases before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, circuit court, Appellate Court, Workers’ Compensation Commission Division, and Illinois Supreme Court. He has authored more than 325 appellate briefs and argued more than 225 appellate court cases, resulting in more than 100 published decisions, and numerous unpublished appellate court orders. Mr. Elward is a Past President of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association (2013 – 2014) and Past Chair of the Peoria County Bar Association CLE Committee. He has been named as an Illinois Super Lawyer for appellate practice from 2008 through 2020 and an Illinois Leading Lawyer from 2014 – 2020. He worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Law teaching advanced appellate practice. Mr. Elward received his B.S. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his J.D. magna cum laude from the Southern Illinois University School of Law, where he was the Survey Editor of the Southern Illinois University Law Journal and a teaching assistant for legal writing and legal research. The opinions and comments expressed herein and within Mr. Elward's chapters are his and are not those of the Appellate Court.
- Gregory G. Forfa
Gregory G. Forfa
Gregory G. Forfa is an associate at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, in Chicago, where he is in the firm’s securities and commodities litigation group. Mr. Forfa is a Member of the ACLU Next Generation Board and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers. He received his J.D. cum laude from Chicago-Kent College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
- William P. Hardy
William P. Hardy
William P. Hardy is an attorney at law, in Springfield, where he focuses his practice on appellate matters. Hardy was the President of the Appellate Lawyers Association from 2011 – 2012, was named in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America for appellate practice, and served as an Administrative Law Judge from 1994 – 2002. He earned his J.D. cum laude from Southern Illinois University School of Law, where he served as Lead Articles Editor at the Southern Illinois University Law Journal, served as President of the Moot Court Board, and worked as a teaching assistant.
- Kara L. Kapp
Kara L. Kapp
Kara L. Kapp is a Partner with Cozen O’Connor, in Chicago, where she concentrates her practice in white collar and civil and criminal appeals. Ms. Kapp has been honored with a National Law Journal’s Rising Stars Award, her firm’s Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award, and the Seventh Circuit Bar Association’s Pro Bono and Public Service Award. She earned her J.D. from Stanford Law School, her M.A. from Stanford University, and her B.A. summa cum laude from Dartmouth College.
- Jason F. Krigel
Jason F. Krigel
Jason F. Krigel is an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, in Chicago. Mr. Krigel is a member of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers and the Chicago Bar Associations. He served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Joan B. Gottschall in the Northern District of Illinois, and he received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
- Brett E. Legner
Brett E. Legner
Brett E. Legner is Counsel in the Supreme Court and Appellate Practice at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago. Legner has presented over 100 oral arguments to Supreme Court and appellate courts at the federal and state level, including to the United States and Illinois Supreme Court, federal circuit courts, and every Illinois appellate district. Legner is an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Lecturer in Law at the University of Chicago Law School. He earned his B.A. with honors from Northwestern University and his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coil.
- Barry Levenstam
Barry Levenstam
Barry Levenstam is a Partner at Jenner & Block LLP, in Chicago, where his practice emphasizes civil and criminal appellate litigation, as well as complex civil litigation. He has served as counsel for parties or amici in more than 100 appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals across the country, the Illinois Supreme Court and appellate courts, and various other states’ appellate and supreme courts. During law school, Mr. Levenstam served as a judicial extern for the Hon. Robert J. Steigmann. Mr. Levenstam clerked for Judge Philip W. Tone on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Mr. Levenstam is AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer recognition for ethical standards and legal ability. He maintains an active pro bono practice and undertakes appointments from the Seventh Circuit frequently. The Federal Bar Association recognized Mr. Levenstam with the Walter J. Cummings Award “for excellence in advocacy on the part of appointed counsel” before the Seventh Circuit (1995), and the Seventh Circuit Bar Association honored him with its First Annual Justice John Paul Stevens Pro Bono Award (2010). Mr. Levenstam has lectured for the Seventh Circuit Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, and the DuPage County Bar Association on preserving error for appeal and on appellate practice generally.
- Owen E. MacBride
Owen E. MacBride
Owen E. MacBride is a Partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in energy, pipelines, and utilities. He is a member of the American, Illinois State, and Chicago Associations. Mr. MacBride received his B.A. from the University of Michigan, attended the University of Michigan Law School, and received his J.D. from Yale Law School.
- Andrew G. May
Andrew G. May
Andrew G. May is a Partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on commercial litigation and insurance coverage. May has been featured in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty to Watch. He earned his B.S. from Colgate University and his J.D. from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
- Anne Mergen
Anne Mergen
Anne Mergen is an attorney with Robert Riffle Esq., in Morton. Ms. Mergen received her LL.B. from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where she was a Taylor Mattis Fellow, and her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Brij B. Patnaik
Brij B. Patnaik
Brij B. Patnaik is an associate in Jenner & Block LLP’s litigation department, in Chicago, where he has represented clients in complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, internal investigations, and a variety of appeals. He graduated from Grinnell College and the University of Iowa College of Law with distinction.
- Emily Perkins
Emily Perkins
Emily Perkins is an associate at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, in Peoria, where she concentrates on employment/labor law, governmental law, Section 1983 civil rights litigation, and medical malpractice. Ms. Perkins was named to the Law Bulletin Publishing Company's list of Illinois Emerging Lawyers (2018) and has won the Winter National Law Review 2014 Writing Competition. She is received her J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law, her M.B.A. from Bradley University, and her B.S. from Illinois State University.
- Steven F. Pflaum
Steven F. Pflaum
Steven F. Pflaum is a Partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on complex litigation and appeals, including constitutional and hospital property tax exemption controversies. Pflaum is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, where he was given the Justice John Paul Stevens Award and CBA/CBF Edward J. Lewiss II Pro Bono Award; was President of the Appellate Lawyers Association; and was recommended in Litigation — General Commercial by Chamber’s USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. He earned his B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and was editor at the Michigan Law Review.
- Geoffrey M. Pipoly
Geoffrey M. Pipoly
Geoffrey M. Pipoly is a Senior Associate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on appeals. He earned his MPA and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Dayton and his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was Order of the Coif, Student Managing Editor of the Constitutional Commentary, and a member of the Minnesota Law Review.
- Hon. Clare J. Quish
Hon. Clare J. Quish
Hon. Clare J. Quish is a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge Quish is a member of the Appellate Lawyers Association and the Illinois Judges Association. She is also on the Illinois Supreme Court Commission Rules and Policy Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Access to Justice Committee. Judge Quish received her B.A. from Northwestern University and her J.D. cum laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was Executive Publications Editor of the Loyola University Chicago Law Journal.
- Jessica R. Sarff
Jessica R. Sarff
Jessica R. Sarff is an associate at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., in Peoria, where she focuses on appellate advocacy, business and commercial litigation, railroad litigation, trucking, and insurance coverage. Ms. Sarff is a member of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, the Appellate Lawyers Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Peoria County Bar Association, where she is a member of the Young Lawyers Committee and Cochair of the Legal Mentoring Program. She earned her J.D. summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University School of Law and her B.S. from Illinois State University.
- Michael A. Scodro
Michael A. Scodro
Michael A. Scodro is a Partner in the Supreme Court and Appellate Practice at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago. Scodro is a member of the American Law Institute, a member of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and the Past President of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association. Scodro previously clerked for the Hon. Sandra Day O’Connor for the U.S. Supreme Court and for the Hon. José A. Cabrenes for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He earned his B.A. summa cum laude from Dartmouth College, and his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he was Executive Editor for the Yale Law Journal.
- Brian M. Smith
Brian M. Smith
Brian M. Smith is a Partner at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., in Urbana, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of civil rights, professional liability, employment law, education, and trucking/motor carrier litigation. Mr. Smith has been named to the Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s list of Illinois Emerging Lawyers (2015 – 2018) and as an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star (2012 – 2017). He received his B.A. from the University of Illinois and his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.
- Gretchen Harris Sperry
Gretchen Harris Sperry
Gretchen Harris Sperry is a Partner and a Cochair of the appellate practice group at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP in Chicago. Sperry is Past President of the Appellate Lawyers Association, is a member of Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s Alumni Board of Governors, and is Past Chair of the American Bar Association Council of Appellate Lawyers. She was named to the Best Lawyers in America list for Appellate Practice in 2025 and to the Super Lawyers list from 2020 – 2024. She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was Publication Editor for the Annals of Health Law.
- Henry C. Thomas
Henry C. Thomas
Henry C. Thomas is an associate at Jenner & Block, LLP, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on litigation. Mr. Thomas represents companies in a broad range of litigation matters, including patent disputes and Lanham Act claims. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his B.S. from Indiana University.
- Craig L. Unrath
Craig L. Unrath
Craig L. Unrath is a Partner at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., in Peoria, and is Chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group and Vice Chair of the Professional Regulation/Licensure Practice Group. Mr. Unrath is Chair of the Amicus Committee for the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and has been named to the Illinois Super Lawyers list (2008 – 2018). He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois and his B.A. from Shimer College.
- Nadine Jean Wichern
Nadine Jean Wichern
Nadine Jean Wichern has been a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County since April 2024. Before that, she was an appellate litigator for 23 years. Between 2015 and 2024, she served as Chief of the Civil Appeals Division in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, overseeing 24 attorneys who handle civil appeals on behalf of the State of Illinois. She also was an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Appeals Division of the City of Chicago Department of Law. After graduating from DePaul University College of Law in 2000, she served as a clerk to the Hon. William J. Bauer on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She was later chosen by the National Association of Attorneys General to serve as a United States Supreme Court Fellow in Washington, D.C. She taught legal writing courses at local law schools for 11 years, has presented at many continuing legal education programs, is a contributor to legal treatises, and is a committed mentor and volunteer.
Civil Appeals: State and Federal (ARCHIVED 2018 EDITION)
An IICLE® Online Library subscription is required to view this content. For more information or to subscribe, click here.
Free monthly e-updates in 15 practice areas