In just two weeks, the Commission will host its annual Future Is Now: Legal Services conference, showcasing key issues at the forefront of legal professionalism.
If you are one of the more than 600 lawyers already registered for the virtual conference, we look forward to engaging with you on Thursday, April 24.
If you are not registered but would like to attend, please register at: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/the-future-is-now-legal-services-conference-2025.
Here are five key issues we will explore during the conference’s sessions.
1. Navigating generational differences in colleagues and clients
The legal workforce is now comprised of five distinct generations, with people from across these generations (and beyond) in need of legal representation.
Each of these generations has been shaped by unique life experiences and has sometimes differing expectations around communication preferences, work/life boundaries, and use of digital applications, to name just a few.
How can lawyers from across generations best interact with colleagues and serve clients, leveraging the strengths of each generation and moving from potential tension to teamwork?
2. Exploring GenAI opportunities for all lawyers
Many lawyers have begun integrating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools into their practices, while many others are still assessing this emerging technology.
As GenAI continues to be a subject of robust discussion among clients, colleagues, and the courts, what do all lawyers (from frequent GenAI users to cautious adopters) need to know to incorporate GenAI into their workflows, ensuring they are utilizing these tools effectively and ethically and maximizing efficiency for clients and their legal practice?
3. Developing ‘soft skills’ for improved client service
With the preferences and demands of clients and potential clients changing post-pandemic, how can lawyers center their clients’ perspectives and use “soft skills” to foster more transparent, engaged, and long-term attorney-client relationships?
4. Recognizing how vicarious trauma impacts lawyers
While lawyers often focus on helping clients navigate emotionally challenging and oftentimes traumatic circumstances, they may not recognize the impact these matters can have on their own mental, physical, and professional health.
How can lawyers recognize and address vicarious trauma they experience so they can continue to serve as dedicated client advocates while preserving their own well-being?
5. Preventing bullying in legal workplaces
With 1 in 4 Illinois lawyers reporting having experienced bullying in the past year while practicing law, what are practical strategies lawyers can employ when they experience or witness bullying by opposing counsel, colleagues, or judges?
Our expert speakers and staff will explore these questions and more on Thursday, April 24, from 12 – 4:30 p.m. (CDT). Attendees will have the opportunity to submit their questions and comments to speakers during the event.
Attendees are eligible for 4 hours of professional responsibility CLE credit in Illinois, including 1 hour of diversity and inclusion credit and 1 hour of mental health and substance abuse credit.
The Future Is Now, and we invite you to help us shape it!
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Discuss GenAI Opportunities and Ethical Concerns with Fellow Lawyers at the Future Is Now Conference
https://www.2civility.org/unseen-scars-understanding-vicarious-trauma-in-the-legal-profession/