News
Illinois Supreme Court Launches Pro Bono Pilot to Address Criminal Appeals Backlog
The Illinois Supreme Court has launched a pro bono pilot program to reduce the backlog of criminal appeals in the state. During the six-month pilot, which was announced on Feb. 11, volunteer pro bono attorneys will substitute as counsel for lawyers in the Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD) in certain criminal appeals. The pilot will i...Read More
ABA Votes for Revised Resolution Encouraging Legal Innovation
On Monday, the ABA House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt Resolution 115 encouraging the exploration of regulatory innovation to expand civil legal services. But many say the last-minute addition of a clause stating the resolution wouldn’t alter the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct diminishes its impact. Background on Resolution...Read More
Press
Commissioner Hon. Diane Shelley to be Honored with CBA Earl B. Dickerson Award
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce that The Chicago Bar Association will honor Commissioner Hon. Diane Shelley, Circuit Court of Cook County, with the Earl B. Dickerson Award. An award reception and luncheon will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27, at The Standard Club in Chicago. The Dickerson Award was es...Read More
Commissioner Spotlight
Commissioner Spotlight: Cynthia Fountaine
Cynthia Fountaine is a professor of law at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, where she focuses on issues relating to the powers of government and access to justice, with particular emphasis on the federal courts' role in enforcing individual rights. She was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism in...Read More
Lawyer Spotlight
Lawyer Spotlight: Maria Berger of Berger Law Firm, LLC
Maria Berger is the founder of Berger Law Firm, LLC. What’s your primary practice area? Family law, including mediations. How has your practice evolved over the last few years? I began mediating family law cases about five years ago. The perspective I have gained from being a mediator has really helped my overall ability to problem-solve for ...Read More
