The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce that Executive Director Jayne R. Reardon has been selected as a 2021 Legal Rebel by the ABA Journal and the ABA Center for Innovation. Reardon was recognized for her advancement of civility in the legal profession and dedication to the future of law.
“I’m honored to be recognized by the ABA Journal and ABA Center for Innovation,” said Reardon. “As our profession embraces more efficient and effective ways to serve the public, it’s essential that civility and professionalism remain at the heart of all that we do. Civility, when exercised, can save attorney time and client costs, as well as improve attorney well-being and public trust in the profession. At the Commission on Professionalism, we are dedicated to instilling these principles in lawyers and judges, with the goal of advancing the administration of justice for all.”
The ABA launched the Legal Rebels franchise in 2009 to highlight individuals and groups that are thinking outside the box and transforming the practice of law, often through technology. The ABA Journal’s annual Legal Rebels feature profiles lawyers, judges, and legal innovators who are finding new ways to practice law, represent their clients, adjudicate cases, and train the next generation of lawyers.
“Jayne spearheads legal education that makes the principles of civility and professionalism accessible to lawyers and judges, while challenging the profession to innovate and embrace the future of legal services,” said Martin Sinclair, Chair of the Commission on Professionalism. “Under Jayne’s leadership, the Commission has grown into one of the nation’s premier professionalism organizations. On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I congratulate Jayne on this well-deserved honor.”
Reardon joined the Commission on Professionalism in 2006 shortly after it was created by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 799 and was named Executive Director in 2009. At the Commission, Reardon oversees programming focused on increasing civility and professionalism in lawyers and judges, creating inclusiveness in the profession, and promoting increased service to the public.
Earlier in her career, Reardon practiced as a trial lawyer, worked on diversity, well-being, and recruiting initiatives, and managed attorney regulatory and discipline cases as counsel to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission Review Board.
Reardon is a member of numerous bar associations including the Association for Professional Responsibility Lawyers Future of Lawyering Committee and the steering committee of the National Lawyer Mentoring Consortium. She’s active in the ABA Consortium of Professionalism Initiatives, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, Illinois State Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and the Chicago Bar Association. Reardon was past-Chair of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Professionalism.
Reardon was one of the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center’s 2020 Women of Legal Tech and named to the 2019 Fastcase 50. She was also awarded the Distinguished Service to Law and Society Award from the Illinois Bar Foundation in 2017. Reardon holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame.
A complete list of the 2021 ABA Legal Rebels can be found on the ABA Journal’s 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