Zukowski Law Offices

Zukowski Law Offices Zukowski Law Office is located in Peru, IL . We offer reliable advice and representation in legal matters concerning a variety of disciplines.

Our attorneys offer legal assistance with a high degree of specialized knowledge. Years of experience and our in-depth knowledge guarantee tailor-made, targeted solutions. Learn more about our legal practice and the practice areas of law in which we specialize. Zukowski Law Offices has built its reputation in the representation of governmental bodies and transactional clients. The firm has for man

y years enjoyed a state-wide reputation. The firm is committed to furnishing experienced, aggressive, innovative and high quality legal representation that is cost effective. Our attention to detail and thoroughness in preparation has earned us a reputation for excellence. The firm engages in a comprehensive and technical approach generally associated with the practice of larger firms. The firm further distinguishes itself from larger specialized law firms in that Zukowski Law Offices possesses a local presence in north central Illinois. This allows us to build client relationships, which are characterized by flexibility, responsiveness, and continuity; qualities which are the strength of a focused, smaller firm. Unlike some other law firms, at Zukowski Law Offices, you are known by your name, not by your file number. We return most telephone calls the same business day, as well as maintain a certain number of hours every week for last minute appointments.

09/11/2021

PRESIDENT BIDEN’S COVID-19 ACTION PLAN AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

On September 9, 2021 President Joe Biden announced a range of federal initiatives to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to ameliorate its consequences. While we await the issuance of Executive Orders and/or federal regulations setting forth the exact parameters of these new rules, public schools will likely require guidance regarding many of the as-yet unclear aspects of these new requirements, and will need answers to the following questions regarding them:

1. Requirement that all employers with 100 or more employees ensure that their workers are vaccinated or tested weekly.

When will the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issue rules setting forth this requirement?

The White House website says this will affect “80 million workers and private sector businesses”. Will it also affect public school districts?

Who pays for the weekly testing?

When will such rules go into effect?

How will this requirement be enforced?

2. Requirement that employers with 100 or more employees provide paid time off for employees to get vaccinated and recover from vaccinations.

When will OSHA issue such rules and when will they take effect?

Will such rules be applied retroactively so as to require employers to reimburse employees who lost such pay earlier during the pandemic?

What are the TRS and IMRF implications, if any, of any such federal mandates?

3. Requirement that staff in Head Start programs be vaccinated.

When will the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issue rules placing this requirement into effect?

Will HHS announce a grace period for school personnel to come into compliance?

Will HHS allow these school personnel the alternative of weekly COVID-19 testing?

What consequences will school personnel or school districts face in the event of noncompliance?

We will continue to monitor the federal government’s implementation of the President’s new initiatives. Those with questions regarding the impact of these new requirements upon their School District are encouraged to call the Attorneys at Zukowski Law Offices.

09/09/2021

GOVERNOR DELAYS VACCINE/TESTING MANDATES AND MAKES OTHER CHANGES TO PRIOR EXECUTIVE ORDER

On September 3, 2021 Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a new Executive Order (E.O. 22) which replaces his Executive Order 20 issued eight (8) days earlier. As widely reported, E.O. 22 extends the implementation dates of the vaccine and testing mandates to September 19, 2021. However, the new E.O. 22 includes other noteworthy changes to the terms of his prior Order.

First, E.O. 22 includes a new Subsection 6(a) which directs parties to various available testing resources recognized by the State as valid.

Second, new Subsections 6(b) and 6(c) provide that “Nothing in this Executive Order prohibits any [public] entity,…” from requiring that personnel, contractors, students and visitors “… be fully vaccinated by a date sooner than required by this Executive Order” (6(a)); or “… be fully vaccinated without providing the alternative to test on a weekly basis, consistent with applicable law” (6(c)).

Notably E.O. 22 does not cite to any legal authority for a public body to take such actions. It merely states that the Order is not itself prohibiting such actions. Thus, if a School wishes to take any such action it may wish to first confer with its legal counsel as to whether or not there is any existing legal basis for such action. In addition, the District may need to negotiate with representatives of employees subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement prior to implementing any such action.

Finally, within new Subsection 6(f) E.O. 22 makes it clear that school districts may “…permit…, School Personnel,… to be present on premises while they are awaiting the results of a weekly COVID-19 test required by this Executive Order as long as they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 that warrant exclusion until the test result is received”.

Many questions remain about the implementation of E.O. 22. We look forward to the issuance of guidance from the IDPH and the ISBE regarding answers to such questions.

Those with questions regarding the impact of this Executive Order upon their School District are encouraged to call the attorneys at Zukowski Law Offices.

08/29/2021

EXECUTIVE ORDER ADDRESSES VACCINATION/COVID TESTING OF PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

On August 26, 2021 Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an Executive Order (E.O. 20) which imposes a vaccination mandate for all “School Personnel”, defined to include “… any person who (1) is employed by, volunteers for, or is contracted to provide services for a School or school district serving students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, or who is employed by an entity that is contracted to provide services to a School, and (2) is in close contact (fewer than 6 feet) with other persons in the School for more than 15 minutes at least once a week on a regular basis as determined by the School”. All such persons must have their first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine by September 5, 2021 unless they meet the requirements for either the medical exemption or the religious exemption set forth in the Order.

All School Personnel receiving a two-dose vaccine must be fully vaccinated, as defined by the CDC, “… within 30 days following administration of their first dose…”. This requirement, which is more stringent than the CDC’s current allowance that a second dose may be administered within 42 days after the first dose[1], may require careful administrative oversight.

School Personnel must prove that they are fully vaccinated. They may do so by providing the school with “…one of the following: (1) a CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card or a photograph of the card; (2) documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider or electronic health record; or (3) state immunization records.”

With regard to COVID-19 testing E.O. 20 provides that, starting on September 5, 2021, in order “…to enter or work at or for a School, School Personnel who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must undergo testing for COVID-19, …, until they establish that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.” This requirement is more stringent than what the Governor said at his press conference yesterday, wherein he said a “first dose” by that date would suffice.

Such testing “… must be done using a test that either has Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA or be operating per the Laboratory Developed Test requirements by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services… [and] must be conducted on-site at the School or the School must obtain proof or confirmation from the School Personnel of a negative test result obtained elsewhere.”

Many questions remain regarding the implementation of E.O. 20, including but not limited to: (1) how and by whom (exactly) is such COVID-19 testing to be implemented; (2) who will pay for such testing; (3) what must be collectively bargained; (4) by what date must such matters be bargained; and (5) the manner in which districts may need to adjust their policies and handbooks. We look forward to the issuance of guidance from the IDPH and the ISBE on such matters.

Those with questions regarding the impact of this Executive Order upon their school district are encouraged to call the attorneys at Zukowski Law Offices.

[1] COVID-19 Vaccines that Require 2 Shots | CDC

08/29/2021

GOVERNOR PRITZKER ORDERS VACCINATION/COVID TESTING OF PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

On August 26, 2021 Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that, effective September 5, 2021, all public school employees must either have received their first vaccination shot or submit to periodic (at least weekly) COVID-19 testing.

While we await the issuance of an Executive Order and other State guidance setting forth the exact parameters of these new mandates, public schools will likely require guidance regarding many as-yet unanswered questions, including the following:



What proof of vaccination may a school district require of its employees?

How and by whom is such COVID-19 testing to be implemented?

Who will pay for such testing?

What terms and conditions of these mandates, if any, require collective-bargaining? [In a joint press release the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Education Association signaled their belief that such matters are subject to negotiation.]

What are the consequences, if any, of an inability to conclude such bargaining by September 5? The Governor stated that the collective bargaining negotiation deadline applicable to State Employees is October 4, 2021. Can schools likewise negotiate until that date prior to enforcing these mandates?

Must employees who receive the first shot of a two-dose vaccination regimen receive the second shot? If so, by what date must it be administered?

What are the consequences of employee non-compliance with these mandates?

How should Board policies and employee handbooks be adjusted to address these new requirements?

These questions and others will likely be addressed by the Executive Order, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois State Board of Education in the coming days. We will continue to monitor the state’s implementation of the Governor’s new mandates. Those with questions regarding the impact of the new mandates upon their school district are encouraged to call the attorneys at Zukowski Law Offices.

Upcoming speech! Good information.
10/25/2020

Upcoming speech! Good information.

03/22/2020

Zukowski Law Offices Functioning During “Shelter in Place” Order

Governor Pritzker‘s recent order exempted “essential services”. The work of lawyers was so designated. Thus, our office will remain available to address client needs. While some of our employees are working offsite, others will be available in our office to provide core services. We are following CDC guidance for health and safety. If you have any questions, please contact us.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSThe uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus has people making unusual preparationsHere is what we ...
03/21/2020

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus has people making unusual preparations

Here is what we suggest organizing to make sure that you have needed information together in case you or a loved one contract the virus – or have any other health or emergency to contend with.

Medical Information: Medical information is critical to have easy access to. Make sure that you have organized your medical history, medicines and other key medical information for your loved ones.

Legal Documents: You should have a will or trust in place. You and your loved ones should also have in place a property power of attorney, in case you need a loved one to make a decision for you, should you or your loved ones become unable to make decisions about healthcare or assets. A healthcare power of attorney is also important if you have adult children (at college or out of the house); otherwise, you won’t be given access to their medical information or be able to weigh in on your children’s treatments, once they are legally adults.

Personal Accounts and Information: Getting a list of bills and accounts together, and providing access to any online accounts to a trusted loved one, is important in case someone gets quarantined and may not have access to take care of day-to-day activities, bills and the like. Make sure that they also have access to keys and alarm codes for your home and office that they can access in case you end up in the hospital and you need a loved one to water plants, feed pets, access work files, etc.

Getting your information and wishes together can help ensure that if something happens, you aren’t left without key information and documents that you need.

03/17/2020

CONTINUED SERVICE

We at Zukowski Law Offices are trying to keep employees and clients healthy and safe while managing day-to-day operations under these unusual circumstances. Our office remains open and our services remain readily available to all of our clients.

If you have been directly affected by the COVID-19 virus, we offer prayers and support. Like you, we are monitoring events as they unfold.
We have implemented a number of steps and precautions.

• Observing CDC and other governmental guidance for countering the spread of the illness.
• Disinfecting surfaces and rooms.
• Allowing certain employees to work from home with secure equipment and established protocol.
• Communicating regularly with staff and independent contractors.

Our lawyers are actively engaged with clients on numerous topics. We have implemented plans to better enable our clients to rely on the availability of lawyers to manage their matter. We are committed to minimizing any service disruptions for our clients.

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Estate PlanningIn November I am conducting an evening program at the college talking about wills and a variety of trusts...
10/21/2019

Estate Planning

In November I am conducting an evening program at the college talking about wills and a variety of trusts, especially in light of the new Illinois Trust Code going into effect in January. Anyone interested please contact IVCC.

Local Attorney Receives RecognitionPeru Attorney Walt Zukowski recently finished his sixth and final year as a member of...
10/14/2019

Local Attorney Receives Recognition

Peru Attorney Walt Zukowski recently finished his sixth and final year as a member of Notre Dame’s Mendoza Graduate Alumni Board. Presenting the plaque for service is the new Dean Martijn Cremers. The board advises the University on the needs of private industry. It is composed of 24 graduates from among the 13,000 alumni worldwide.

Last Spring I put on a one night class at IVCC. It was very well received. I have been asked to do it again. If you have...
09/20/2019

Last Spring I put on a one night class at IVCC. It was very well received. I have been asked to do it again. If you have questions, or have been procrastinating, this is a good opportunity to get a lot of great legal advice inexpensively. If you are interested, contact IVCC as indicated on the screenshot.

Attorney Walt Zukowski Addresses New Teachers Walt Zukowski recently addressed over 35 new teachers from various countie...
08/23/2019

Attorney Walt Zukowski Addresses New Teachers
Walt Zukowski recently addressed over 35 new teachers from various counties in North Central Illinois. The program was sponsored by the LaSalle County Regional Office of Education. Zukowski spoke on: student free-speech rights, bullying, tenure, RIFs, evaluations, new student discipline statute, due process procedures, special education discipline, 504 plans, DCFS investigations, concussion protocols, protocols for dealing with sexting, and professionalism. This is the 12th year Walt has been asked to present. He is the senior attorney at Zukowski Law Offices in Peru.

Address

817 Peoria Street
Peru, IL
61354

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18152233434

Website

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