Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Michelle Sanders, Chief Public Defender for the Macon County Public Defender’s Office.
When Michelle began practicing law in 2007, she served as an Assistant Public Defender in Macon County, handling criminal felonies.
She then served as a law clerk to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, who served on the Fourth District Appellate Court at the time.
In 2018, Michelle returned to the Macon County Public Defender’s Office. She was appointed as the Chief Public Defender in 2021.
How do you remain civil in tense situations?
The first thing I try to do in a tense situation is breathe.
I’m not perfect by any means, but taking one moment (or several moments) to process is key to staying calm and civil. An immediate emotional response rarely accomplishes anything and instead makes the situation even more tense and difficult to overcome.
I’ve found that a calm, practical response is more effective than attempting to match emotional or tense energies.
Honestly, that’s something I discovered useful in parenting, so I transitioned it to my work environment.
What is an attorney’s role in furthering public confidence in the rule of law?
Attorneys have a tough role in society, and it can be so difficult to build public confidence. Just turn on any TV show and the depiction of attorneys is not typically flattering.
Attorneys are often identified as extensions of their clients, whether it’s by representing someone charged with murder or assisting a family that’s suing for the wrongful death of their child. The judgment that goes along with this perceived identity is felt acutely by public defenders across the country.
This is why it is so important that we remain professional in court and in our general interactions in society. It means that we must refrain from responding on social media when we see “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” inserting their personal opinions about cases they know nothing about.
It means gently educating society about how the law works. The best way to counteract floundering public confidence is by being professional, knowledgeable, prepared, and empathetic.
What is the biggest challenge impacting lawyers today?
While it may not be the biggest challenge we face, a new challenge we are facing is the integration of AI into the profession.
First, our clients are now turning to AI services for basic legal advice that is often inaccurate or incomplete. And when the client is more willing to trust AI, this leads to a rift in the attorney-client relationship.
Second, AI can be so easily misused within the legal profession. It can be a wonderful tool if used correctly (such as a starting point for research), but attorneys need to be trained on how to use AI professionally and ethically.
What do you do for fun?
The law is such a central part of who I am that I often use my spare time to educate the next generation of lawyers, whether it’s by teaching at Millikin University, visiting classrooms to speak about our field, or assisting with mock trials.
But I’m also lucky to have a wonderful family that keeps me busy. My two daughters are fully immersed in dance and theater through the Decatur Park District, and my husband and I volunteer our time planning, fundraising, and just being available for whatever is needed for the Arts program.
I also enjoy attending live theater productions, reading, and baking. I’ve always said that if I don’t make it as an attorney, I’d love to open my own small bakery!
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