Judge Law, LLC

05/15/2026

If you visited the MAY edition of Pren 4 this morning, you just MAY have found some referrals, you MAY have learned about financial planning and you MAY have left inspired…even on this cloudy DAY, at least that’s what I’d SAY, but I felt like the meeting really went our WAY. 😉Thanks Shawn Cook Advocate Wealth Management for the informative session!

05/08/2026

Great afternoon presenting on drainage law at the Engineering Society of Illinois Spring Seminar in Bloomington. Thanks to the Engineering Society of Illinois for the opportunity to speak with such a knowledgeable group.

Nothing says “riveting legal update” quite like easements, stormwater, and the occasional flood detention dispute!

05/03/2026

When heavy rains flood basements and overload storm systems, public officials often face more than cleanup. They face liability questions. My new post breaks down Billie v. Village of Channahon and what causation means for local governments. Read the full analysis: https://wix.to/bRwMXKT

Township officials know that when heavy rains arrive, the calls often follow. Across Illinois, intense rain events, overloaded drainage systems, rising groundwater, and flooded basements can quickly become more than public works concerns. They can become demands for answers, requests for repairs, cl...

05/02/2026

Congratulations to the City of Park Ridge and the Park Ridge Fire Department on the opening of the new Southside Fire Station!

This is an important investment in public safety and in the men and women who serve our community every day. As a Park Ridge resident and business owner, I’m grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of our firefighters and paramedics.

I’m also proud to support them in my role as a Park Ridge Firefighters Pension Fund Board Trustee, where I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the commitment these public servants bring to our community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this new station a reality, and most importantly, thank you to the firefighters who continue to protect and serve Park Ridge.

04/02/2026

Not all drainage issues can be solved with a bigger pipe… sometimes you need a lawyer.

Looking forward to presenting at the 2026 ESI Spring Seminar alongside Dale Rasmussen on Illinois Court Cases Related to Drainage Improvements. We’ll be breaking down key decisions impacting engineers, infrastructure projects, and how to avoid legal headaches before they start flowing downstream.

If your work involves drainage design or public infrastructure, this session will help you stay ahead of the curve (and out of court).

Stay informed on legal decisions impacting drainage and infrastructure projects in Illinois.
Join Dale Rasmussen, PE, PLS, MBA, Stephenson County Highway Department, and Steve Judge, Judge Law, LLC, for Illinois Court Cases Related to Drainage Improvements at the ESI 2026 Spring Seminar. This session will explore relevant court cases, legal considerations, and real-world implications for engineers involved in drainage design and project planning.
Gain valuable insights to help navigate legal challenges, reduce risk, and make informed decisions on drainage improvements and infrastructure projects.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your understanding of how Illinois court decisions may impact your engineering work.
Learn more & register:
https://members.illinoisengineer.com/events/ESI-2026-Spring-Seminar-4195/details

03/29/2026

When Cities, Contracts, and Developers Collide: lessons from Houbolt Rd. Extension JV, LLC v. City of Joliet. A clear reminder that precise contract language matters in intergovernmental agreements and public-private infrastructure projects. Read the full analysis and actionable takeaways for municipalities and developers:

A recent decision from the Illinois Appellate Court provides a compelling look into how carefully courts scrutinize contracts between governmental entities and private developers. In Houbolt Rd. Extension JV, LLC v. City of Joliet, the court addressed a dispute that, at first glance, may have seemed...

03/01/2026

Honored to receive a Community Star Award last night at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce Night of Stars.

I was also sworn in for my final two-year term on the Chamber Board as Of Counsel – Legal. Grateful to serve the Park Ridge business community and proud to call this town home.

02/06/2026

If you happen to be in Springfield and attending the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association Conference (admittedly possibly a small niche), you’re in for a real treat this morning!

02/06/2026

We went to Springfield to get Abe’s blessing before our Abrewham Drinkin’ Fundraiser Event. He graciously let us tour his home, and I can confirm he did not object.

Join us Thursday, February 12 at Une Année and Hubbard’s Cave. Beer, food, raffles, and a great cause for Pennies for Pennyville. Visit penniesforpennyville.org to register.

02/01/2026

Congratulations to our favorite Highway Commissioner, Ed Beauvais, on winning the Park Ridge Professionals Fantasy Football League. Ed navigated injuries, bye weeks, and waiver-wire chaos with the same steady hand he brings to our roads. A well-earned win and a season that will be talked about until next year’s draft!

02/01/2026

We were happy to join Marty Maloney, Mayor, City of Park Ridge and the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Nothing Bundt Cakes to Park Ridge for their official ribbon cutting. It is always great to see new businesses open their doors and add even more energy to Uptown.

We appreciate Nothing Bundt Cakes’ thoughtful approach to their menu, including gluten free options, and can confirm that the Cookies and Cream selection has already earned high marks with the younger demographic.

Best wishes to the Nothing Bundt Cakes team on a sweet start in Park Ridge! We are glad to have you in town and look forward to supporting another great local business.