In 2024, the Commission on Professionalism covered the issues making waves in the legal profession.
From addressing workplace bullying and diversity challenges to navigating what’s next for generative AI, we have been sharing legal professionalism news that is important to the practices of Illinois lawyers.
Here is a look at some of our most popular articles in 2024. Subscribe to our newsletter to get all of our articles delivered to your inbox weekly.
1. Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Releases Multifaceted Study on Bullying in the Illinois Legal Profession and Recommendations for Prevention
In October 2024, the Commission released a report on the prevalence and impact of bullying in the Illinois legal profession and recommended best practices for preventing it.
The report, titled “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change,” unveils data from a study of more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers. It is believed to be one of the first wide-scale research projects in the U.S. on the topic.
The data show that, while bullying impacts lawyers from all backgrounds, it disproportionately affects female attorneys, attorneys with disabilities, attorneys of color, younger attorneys, and LGBTQ+ attorneys.
Further, 18% of Illinois lawyers have left a legal job due to bullying.
Here are some other popular articles focused on incivility, high-conflict situations, and retention in the legal profession:
- What Women Lawyers in Illinois Really Want in a Legal Workplace
- Judges Share Three Strategies for Responding to Incivility in Litigation
- Ethically Dealing with Negative Online Attorney Reviews
2. Commission on Professionalism Releases Oral History Interview With Judge Edmond E. Chang, First Asian American Article III Federal Judge in Illinois
Our Profiles in Professionalism series provides in-depth conversations with Illinois lawyers and judges who are shaping the culture of the legal profession.
In 2024, we released an interview with Judge Edmond E. Chang, the first Asian American Article III federal judge in Illinois. He has served on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois since 2011.
Judge Chang shared his journey as the son of immigrants navigating the challenges of Big Law and the judiciary. His story underscores his perseverance, integrity, and dedication to the rule of law.
Here are some other profiles of prominent legal leaders in Illinois.
- Hispanic American Heritage Month Spotlights: Judge Araceli De La Cruz, Judge Martha-Victoria Jimenez, and Judge Diana E. López
- The ‘Madison Crusader’ Funnels Passion for Advocacy into Roosevelt University Legal Clinic
3. The AI Revolution in Legal and the Billable Hour: Is the End Near?
Generative AI continues to transform the legal profession. According to reports from Clio and Thomson Reuters, 79% of lawyers now use AI in their practice, but only 10% of firms have formal AI policies.
While the use of AI is increasing, many lawyers still have questions. AI remains a popular topic at legal conferences and our content on AI is highly read.
In this blog, Mark Palmer explains the AI efficiency paradox: While AI can boost productivity and allow firms to take on more cases, it could also disrupt traditional billable-hour models, challenging firms to rethink their revenue strategies.
Other popular AI content from our blog includes:
- Breaking Down the ABA’s Guidance on Using Generative AI in Legal Practice
- 3 Things Lawyers Should Be Doing Now with Generative AI
- How Future Lawyers Are Learning to Use AI
4. The Commission in the news
We want to share some of the articles and interviews news outlets published about the Commission’s work this year. Here are a few highlights:
- Bloomington’s John Kim is the first downstate lawyer to serve as Illinois Supreme Court’s chief civility czar (WGLT)
- Study estimates 1 in 4 Illinois lawyers has been bullied, with some choosing to quit jobs (Chicago Sun-Times)
- Change is hard: Better ways to boost mental health (Chicago Lawyer)
- Minnesota appeals judge, Illinois court commission to receive ABA civility awards (ABA)
- Civility in the Courtroom – interview with Erika Harold (WBBM Newsradio At Issue)
Many of these topics and more will be covered at our annual The Future Is Now: Legal Services conference, which will be held virtually on April 24, 2025. CLE credit will be available.
Sign up here to be notified when registration opens in January.
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Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism to Receive ABA Civility Award