In March, the Census Bureau released new data in honor of Women’s History Month. Once again, among full-time, year-round civilian workers across all occupations, women were reported as earning 78.8 cents to every dollar earned by men. The new data, compiled by the 2013 American Community Survey, organized the 2010 census data by occupation, including […]
For the past two years, I have had the honor of managing the Commission on Professionalism’s Statewide Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program. Rather than being just another part of the job, it has truly been an honor. To have played a small part in connecting lawyers around the state, with the ultimate goal of transferring knowledge to […]
While my work has varied from higher education and the nonprofit world to government and the legal profession, my role as Executive Director of Macon County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) may have taught me the most when it comes to remaining calm under pressure.
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is calling on lawyers and bar associations to stand up to bullying in the legal profession.
As a lawyer, time is one of your most valuable assets – but it’s also a limited resource. Between client meetings, court appearances, research, drafting, and managing your practice, the demands on your work schedule can feel overwhelming.
A Council of the American Bar Association will soon seek public comment regarding proposed revisions of an accreditation standard governing diversity and inclusion in ABA-approved law schools.
When assessing the effectiveness of a social media platform, a few clarifying questions can help you decide if it is worth the time needed to nurture an impactful social media presence.
As the Commission’s Jumpstart coordinator, I have been collaborating with representatives from Illinois law schools to develop a curriculum for our 2024 session, which kicks off on August 6. Part of this includes reflecting on how the program has supported former Jumpstart students, as they graduate from law school and embark on impressive legal careers. I recently checked in with three such students, to see where they are now and to ask for their advice for 2024 1Ls.
On July 1, 2024, two significant amendments to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (IRPC) addressing harassment and discrimination became effective. The Illinois Supreme Court amended IRPC 8.4, which addresses lawyer misconduct, and IRPC 5.1, which addresses the responsibilities of partners, managers, and supervisory attorneys.
Law has been named the most stressful and loneliest profession. Other research into lawyer well-being has found lawyers are prone to chronic stress, problem drinking and substance abuse, and mental health challenges. In a profession where well-being seems rarely attainable, where can lawyers find practical and realistic strategies to support their mental health and well-being?
The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 17, to hear comments on proposed amendments to several Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (IRPC) related to lawyers’ cognitive impairment as a result of alcohol or substance use or mental, cognitive, emotional, or psychological reasons.
