Two Illinois judges provided guidance on how to respond to incivility during the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s recent Future Is Now: Legal Services conference.
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce that it is a 2024 recipient of the Honorable William D. Missouri Civility Award, which is presented by the American Bar Association Judicial Division.
The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 17, to hear comments on proposed amendments to several Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (IRPC) related to lawyers’ cognitive impairment as a result of alcohol or substance use or mental, cognitive, emotional, or psychological reasons.
Law has been named the most stressful and loneliest profession. Other research into lawyer well-being has found lawyers are prone to chronic stress, problem drinking and substance abuse, and mental health challenges. In a profession where well-being seems rarely attainable, where can lawyers find practical and realistic strategies to support their mental health and well-being?
On July 1, 2024, two significant amendments to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (IRPC) addressing harassment and discrimination became effective. The Illinois Supreme Court amended IRPC 8.4, which addresses lawyer misconduct, and IRPC 5.1, which addresses the responsibilities of partners, managers, and supervisory attorneys.
As the Commission’s Jumpstart coordinator, I have been collaborating with representatives from Illinois law schools to develop a curriculum for our 2024 session, which kicks off on August 6. Part of this includes reflecting on how the program has supported former Jumpstart students, as they graduate from law school and embark on impressive legal careers. I recently checked in with three such students, to see where they are now and to ask for their advice for 2024 1Ls.
