Our world is changing. Technology continues to transform the way we do work, especially the way we interact with clients and colleagues in and outside of the office. As technology integrates its way into the legal profession, ethics questions and opinions have started to arise.
With a lawyer’s obligation to remain abreast of the changes in legal technology, our team at the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has made a point to address the risks and benefits of the new forms of technology that we continually adopt in our practices.
Last year, we implemented a new section of the blog dedicated solely to technology in the profession. Since then, we have addressed ethics questions tied to our relationships on social media, electronic filing (e-filing), jury research, and many more.
As these and new conundrums leave lawyers perplexed, we will continue to offer guidance and support. Below are insights into several of the latest concerns in the legal profession, as well as posts that inspired our team to think differently:
Recent Ethics Questions and Opinions Impacting Our Profession
- New technology arises daily, yet the Model Rules surrounding lawyer advertising have not been significantly changed since they were adopted by the ABA in 1983. Are we due for an upgrade? Lawyer Advertising Rules: Overhaul Needed
- Want to streamline the rules governing lawyer advertising? Now’s the time to speak up. ABA Advertising Rules Open for Public Comment
- With the dawn of mandatory e-filing in Illinois, more ethics opinions surrounding email technology continue to rise. Here’s the latest one via the ISBA: Secret Email Tracking Is Unethical, Says ISBA Opinion
- Due to variance in search results, are attorneys ethically obligated to use more than one database for legal research? Interest in Future Law Grows: The Future Is Now 2.018
Content That Inspires Change
- With an enhanced awareness of issues around modern identity, how do we support and mentor first generation lawyers? First Generation Lawyers: The Next Frontier
- “I grew up with an appreciation of how important it was for lawyers to lead based upon what happened in Cuba.” Cuban Immigrant and Commissioner, Judge Jorge Alonso, shares his journey from law school to the bench. Commission Spotlight: Hon. Jorge Alonso
- With proposals amending consumer debt collection, foreclose, and eviction cases, collaborative law, discovery and more up for discussion, major changes are being considered in Illinois. Here’s what you need to know. Supreme Court Rules To Hold Public Hearing in March
- The word is out. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is hosting its Third Annual The Future Is Now Conference This May. Registration is Open: “The Future Is Now” is Back
- Will positive PR save law schools as enrollment numbers fail to rise? Can A Law School Social Media Campaign Boost Enrollment?
- This Illinois lawyers is using podcasts, radio, and other forms of social media to share insight in IP law and grow her own business. Meet this month’s Lawyer Spotlight: Christina Martini.