Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism and a commitment to equitable, efficient, and effective justice.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke with Sterling, Ill.-based attorney Trent Bush. Serving a rural area, Trent has experience in most civil practice areas but has primarily focused on litigation in the last several years.
He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Lee County Bar Association, and previously served as president of the Whiteside County Bar Association.
Trent served as Chair of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Technology and was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court’s Special Committee on E-Business, E-Business Policy Advisory Board, Remote Proceedings Task Force, and Commission on Access to Justice Remote Proceedings Committee.
How do you remain civil in tense situations?
That’s always a challenge. One of the blessings of working in a small legal community is that you work with many of the same lawyers and judges on many different matters over many years, so that helps to foster collegiality.
What is an attorney’s role in furthering public confidence in the rule of law?
I think the primary challenge is helping the public understand (or remember) what the “rule of law” means.
What is the biggest challenge impacting lawyers today?
For rural practitioners, one of the biggest challenges is attracting young professionals to the area to serve our very busy practices. That’s why I was particularly happy to help with the ISBA’s Rural Practice efforts.
What do you do for fun?
I bought some of my grandparents’ farm several years ago (rural Whiteside County in Northwest Illinois), so I spend most of my free time trying to restore that property and native habitats.
Our Professionalism Spotlight recognizes legal professionals throughout Illinois who are admired for their professionalism and civility. Check out more interviews here.
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