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HeplerBroom

Exploring today’s most pressing legal issues—backed by over a century of experience.

Legal Insights

Get professional legal analysis and practical insights from our experienced attorneys. We’ll help you stay updated on the latest developments in law, emerging trends, and strategic perspectives.

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Stranger Things and Harry Potter Under One Roof: Status of Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition

As Netflix moves to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at $82.7 billion, the implications are stirring significant controversy. HBO Max subscriber Michelle Fendelander has filed a class-action lawsuit, claiming the merger could stifle competition and lead to higher prices for consumers. Meanwhile, industry voices, including Cinema United, warn of dire consequences for movie theaters. With both the U.S. Department of Justice and lawmakers scrutinizing the merger, the stakes are high. What does this mean for the future of streaming and cinema? Dive into the unfolding drama surrounding this monumental acquisition.

Netflix/Warner Brothers Merger

January 6, 2026
Mallory R. Barrett, Anton J. Marqui

When Helping Hurts: Illinois Federal Court Finds Retailer May Have Assumed a Legal Duty by Assisting Customer

A recent ruling from the Northern District of Illinois highlights a critical risk for retailers: when employees assist customers, they may inadvertently assume a legal duty. In the case of Swayka v. Menard, Inc., a customer was injured while receiving help transporting heavy merchandise. The court emphasized that the employee's actions transformed the situation from a simple premises liability claim to one of ordinary negligence. This decision serves as a vital reminder for retailers and insurers that even well-intentioned assistance can lead to significant legal responsibilities. Discover the implications of this case for retail operations and insurance coverage.

Duty Arising from Employee Assistance, Voluntary Assistance Liability, Voluntary Undertaking Doctrine

December 23, 2025
Gabrielle A. Deimeke, Charles N. Insler

5 Keys to Crafting Non-Compete Agreements in Missouri After FTC Abandons Its Nationwide Ban

After the FTC abandoned its nationwide ban on non-compete agreements, employers are once again navigating a shifting legal landscape. This post outlines five key considerations for drafting enforceable non-compete agreements in Missouri, including recent court rulings, evolving FTC guidance, and practical tips to help employers protect legitimate business interests while remaining compliant with Missouri law and emerging national trends.

FTC Non-Compete Rule, Non-Compete Employee Agreements in Missouri

December 16, 2025
George A. Kiser

What to Know About Asbestos Litigation in Cook County, Illinois

Asbestos litigation in Cook County, Illinois, is on the rise, with a staggering 33.8% increase in filings from 2023 to 2024. This surge is accompanied by significant verdicts, including recent cases totaling $24.4 million and $45 million linked to contaminated talcum powder. Navigating the complexities of Cook County's unique legal landscape requires an understanding of its Standing Order and case management practices. With in-person hearings becoming the norm, attorneys must adapt to these changes. Discover the critical deadlines and strategies that can make or break an asbestos case in this pivotal jurisdiction.

Cook County (Illinois) Asbestos Litigation, Cook County Case Management Order 19

December 9, 2025
Sarah M. Jolley, Anne M. Oldenburg

Sequestration Slip-Ups: Why Illinois’ Rule of Evidence 615 Matters in Medical Malpractice Trials

The Illinois Fifth District Court of Appeals upheld a ruling on witness sequestration in medical malpractice trials. The defendant's attorneys violated Illinois Rule of Evidence 615 by discussing prior testimony with another witness, resulting in a directed verdict for the plaintiff and a $3.31 million award. This case underscores the importance of Rule 615 in maintaining witness integrity. Discover why this rule is crucial for medical professionals' credibility in court.

Illinois Rule of Evidence 615, Witness Sequestration

December 2, 2025
Briana J. Leatherberry, Stephanie W. Weiner

Tort Immunity Act Protects Illinois Park District in Badminton Injury Appeal

In a recent case, Amanda Wright's badminton game took a turn when she tripped over a hidden tree stump at Gurnee Park. The court ruled in favor of the district, citing the Tort Immunity Act, stating that Wright was not an intended user and the stump was an obvious hazard. Discover how local ordinances influenced the court's decision and park safety implications.

Illinois Tort Immunity Act and Local Government Liability, Intended User Doctrine in Illinois Governmental Liability Cases, Premises Liability and Open and Obvious Hazards in Illinois

November 25, 2025
Brittany D. Shoaff, Kelly M. Libbra

Fake Law, Real Trouble: How One Illinois Court is Responding to Chat GPT’s Hallucinated Cases

In a groundbreaking case, attorneys for the Chicago Housing Authority cited a non-existent Illinois Supreme Court case, leading to serious legal repercussions. This incident highlights the dangers of relying on AI tools like ChatGPT in the legal profession, where accuracy is paramount. As AI-generated "hallucinations" become more common, the Illinois Supreme Court has implemented new policies to ensure ethical standards are upheld. Discover how one judge's innovative guidelines aim to navigate the complexities of AI in the courtroom and what this means for the future of legal practice. Read on to learn more about this pressing issue!

An Illinois Court's Response to Hallucinated Cases, Avoiding Use of Hallucinated Legal Cases

November 19, 2025
Glenn E. Davis

Cyber Insurance Subrogation Claims: Understanding a Growing Risk Management Imperative

In today's digital landscape, the rise of cyber threats has made understanding cyber insurance subrogation claims a critical risk management imperative. As insurers grapple with significant ransomware payouts, they are increasingly pursuing subrogation actions against third parties responsible for these losses. This article delves into recent high-profile cases, such as the Blackbaud and Accellion incidents, highlighting the complexities of subrogation in the cyber insurance realm. Discover how insurers can leverage subrogation to mitigate risks and what insureds need to know to protect their interests in this evolving landscape.

Cyber Insurance & Subrogation Claims, Ransomware Subrogation Claims

November 17, 2025
M. Brendhan Flynn, Joseph A. Fay

Artificial Intelligence: An Unlikely Culprit in Insurance Fraud

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries, it also poses a new threat in the realm of insurance fraud. Gone are the days when fraudsters relied on technical skills to create fake evidence; now, with just a few keystrokes, they can generate convincing fake receipts, videos, and documents. As insurance companies ramp up their use of AI to combat these sophisticated schemes, the battle between insurers and fraudsters intensifies. Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape of insurance fraud detection and what it means for the future of claims management.

AI Database for Detecting Insurance Fraud, Industry-Wide Insurance Carrier AI Database

November 6, 2025
Peter A. Houser, Michael Reda

Why the Trucking Industry Is More Concerned Than Ever About Lawsuit Abuse—and Why That Concern Is Justified

The trucking industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to the alarming rise in nuclear verdicts and the influence of third-party litigation funding. With some verdicts exceeding $100 million, the stakes have never been higher. This article delves into the factors driving these concerns and outlines three key strategies the industry is advocating for to combat lawsuit abuse. From legislative damage caps to the elimination of phantom damages, discover how these reforms could reshape the legal landscape for trucking companies in states like Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. Read on to learn more about the urgent need for change.