Tressler attorney James K. Borcia’s recent article, “Seventh Circuit Court Reverses Order Enforcing Settlement Agreement,” is featured in Volume 36, Issue 1 of the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) Quarterly. Jim explores the evolving standards that govern the enforcement of settlement agreements in commercial law.

The IDC Quarterly is an award-winning publication distributed to over 2,100 people each quarter. The scholarly legal journal features columns on current tort topics and matters of interest to the defense bar.

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The Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently reversed a district court ruling enforcing a settlement agreement, finding that despite the parties’ agreement in principle to settle and the dollar amount of that settlement, material terms of the settlement were left open that precluded it from being enforced. Carina Ventures LLC v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, No. 25-1110, 2026 WL 310790, *1 (7th Cir. Feb. 5, 2026).

In Carina Ventures LLC, the parties entered into settlement negotiations involving multi-district antitrust actions alleging price-fixing in the sales of broiler chickens. Carina Ventures, 2026 WL 310790, at *1. The plaintiff in the actions, Sysco Corporation, bought chicken, beef, and pork from the defendant, Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation. Id. Sysco obtained litigation funding for the lawsuits from Burford Capital. Id.

Click here to read the full article.

About James K. Borcia

James K. Borcia is a partner in the firm’s Chicago office. He serves as an active trial attorney and works in the Commercial Litigation Group with an emphasis on bankruptcy, intellectual property, and professional liability matters.  He has extensive experience representing creditors and third parties in bankruptcy proceedings, primarily representing companies and insurers.

About Illinois Defense Counsel

The Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC) is an exceptional community of defense attorneys, dedicated to improving the judicial system and the practice of law. Membership is essential for every trial lawyer who makes a living representing defense interests in Illinois. Learn more at https://www.idc.law.