Last week, over 400 legal professionals attended The Future Is Now 2.018 conference. These lawyers registered to learn more about the future practice of law, but also wanted to take action. Over the course of their careers, they each have seen the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities in our profession and even within their individual practices. Those in attendance were encouraged to open their minds to new ideas and perspectives and challenged to be innovators.
However, these lawyers weren’t the only ones choosing to take action. In the last month, lawyers in Illinois and across the state have taken steps to streamline their practices and create greater access to our legal system. Here’s what they are up to:
The Time is Now – Lawyers Take Action
- Want to speak about the profession to citizens in your local community? Join the ISBA Speakers Bureau. ISBA Launches Speakers Bureau Initiative
- The number of self-represented litigants continues to rise. In fact, this Illinois circuit court saw 30% of divorces cases include at least one SRL. To increase efficiency and transparency of their courtroom experience, the 22nd Circuit decided to take action. 22nd Circuit in McHenry County Launches ERP Pilot Program
- Following in Illinois’s footsteps, West Virginia Forms Task Force on Lawyer Wellness.
- Illinois lawyer? No excuses. Here are 7 Ways Illinois Lawyers Are Celebrating Law Day.
- As the incoming president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, this month’s 2Civility Lawyer Spotlight plans to make 2018 a year of change for the legal profession. Meet Karie Valentino: Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLC.
- From her Reggie Fellowship to her service on the bench, this Commissioner continues to take action, driving change in the Illinois legal community. Meet Commissioner Spotlight: Judge Diane Shelley.
Content That Inspires Change:
- Too much is at stake to embrace technology as a panacea. We need to deliberate and intentional about innovating in the legal profession. Blindly adopting legal technology won’t suffice. Innovation is More than Having an App
- Streamlining your practice has never been so simple. Here’s what you need to know: Technology Can Drive Law Firm Efficiency Without Being Complicated.
- A little creativity and some user-friendly technology may be all we need. Here’s How to Close the Access to Justice Gap
- Everyone can make a difference. We should focus on the verb lead, rather than the noun, being a leader. When we lead, we can make an impact. The Path Forward Begins with Engagement
- In the legal profession, we are presented with novel tools to better meet the needs of our clients and change the way legal services are delivered. But can computers communicate any better? Or is the real question can computers help us communicate better? Can Technology Facilitate Clear Communication?
- In 2018, female enrollment in law schools continues to rise. More women are enrolled in law school than men. Will this ensure more women get a seat at the table? Will A Growing Female Enrollment Change the Face of Leadership?
- Formalized mentoring programs are taking the profession by storm. Just ask Mark Palmer, He’s speaking to it at this Year’s Lawyernomics Conference in May. Lawyernomics Taps Commission to Talk Mentoring