Over the next couple of months, hundreds of law students across Illinois will commit to upholding the highest ideals of the legal profession through annual professionalism orientations.
Professionalism orientations are designed to introduce first-year law students to the core concepts of attorney professionalism. The programs are held in conjunction with broader law school orientation activities. For the 14th year, the Commission on Professionalism is assisting with professionalism orientations at each of Illinois’s nine law schools.
At many Illinois law schools, the typical in-person orientation has gone virtual, with video remarks from Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., and Judge Edmond E. Chang of the Northern District of Illinois. During their remarks, Justice Neville and Judge Chang welcome students to the profession, define a lawyer’s obligation to professionalism, and outline a lawyer’s role in the delivery of justice to all Americans.
These remarks are followed by the administration of the Pledge of Professionalism, in which law students commit to service without prejudice, integrity without compromise, and to civility and professionalism in all their interactions.
“Our annual professionalism orientations lay the groundwork for a legal career built on civility, professionalism, and respect – respect for our colleagues, our clients, and the rule of law,” said Martin Sinclair, Chair of the Commission on Professionalism. “Though health guidelines have changed the way many Illinois law schools are conducting orientation, the Commission is honored to have worked with the law schools, Justice Neville, Jr., and Judge Chang to adapt to our present virtual reality and continue to administer this important program.”
Virtual and in-person professionalism orientations will be held at the following law schools: Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology, DePaul University College of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Northern Illinois University College of Law, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, Southern Illinois University School of Law, UIC John Marshall Law School, University of Chicago Law School, and the University of Illinois College of Law.
More information on the Commission’s law school professionalism programs can be found on its website.
About the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
The Illinois Supreme Court established the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism under Supreme Court Rule 799(c) to foster increased civility, professionalism, and inclusiveness among lawyers and judges in Illinois. By advancing the highest standards of conduct among lawyers and judges, the Commission on Professionalism works to better serve clients and society alike. For more information, please visit 2Civility.org and follow us on Twitter @2CivilityOrg.
Press Contact
Laura Bagby, Communications Director
312-363-6209
laura.bagby@2civility.org