It’s been a year since President Trump was elected. As expected, as an outsider to politics, he is not conducting business as usual. And his style? Decidedly “unpresidential” some would say. Others would say downright uncivil. As Executive Director of an organization created to promote civility and professionalism, I tend to separate professionalism from politics, […]
An ethical conundrum exists for the bench and bar connecting through social media, let alone communicating on those platforms. The ethical waters are still just as muddy as the various states’ opinions across the nation. Many judges have made the decision to remain off of social media altogether – a “better safe than sorry approach.” […]
An ethical conundrum exists for the bench and bar connecting through social media, let alone communicating on those platforms. Yet, these waters are still just as muddy as the various states’ opinions across the nation. Many judges have made the decision to remain off of social media altogether – a “better safe than sorry approach.” […]
Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce the launch of a new free online CLE. Ending Harassment, Bullying and Incivility in the Legal Workplace explores challenges to civility in the legal profession from multiple fronts – societal, professional and personal. Lawyers taking the interactive eLearning will learn to (1) understand the forms […]
Each year on May 1, Law Day celebrates the role of law and the legal profession in our society. The Law Day 2020 theme commemorates the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to U.S. citizens on the basis […]
Things guaranteed to start an argument: Chicago style vs. New York-style pizza, Star Trek vs. Star Wars, Pepsi vs. Coke. In the world of learning design, these debates are joined by one more: course evaluation surveys. If the thought of course evaluation surveys – those questionnaires you fill out at the end of a CLE, often to receive CLE credit — causes anger, that’s understandable. But while these surveys aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, they do concern all of us indirectly. Course evaluation surveys often focus on how you enjoyed the presentation, whether […]
Pandemic aside, the legal profession has been exploring new ways of doing business for some time now. An example is the growing role of alternative legal service providers (ALSP) in the legal landscape.
A recent survey found differences between men and women attorneys concerning the prevalence of stress, substance misuse and attrition. Women are much more likely to report high-stress levels, risky drinking behavior, and a desire to change careers.
The Clio Legal Trends Report aims to equip lawyers and firms with the consumer and employee preferences they need to thrive in these difficult times. Or, as Clio CEO and Founder Jack Newton said during the annual Clio Cloud Conference, to become an “antifragile law firm.”
The Illinois Supreme Court Learning Center opened its doors to the public in a grand opening program on September 20, 2023. Located within the Supreme Court building in Springfield, the Learning Center is designed to enhance the visitor experience at the Supreme Court, inform visitors about the impact of the Court on our everyday lives, and demonstrate the ways we shape the court through elections, advocacy, or even joining the legal profession.
Lawyers can learn a lot about civility and sportsmanship from these student-athletes. Like athletes, attorneys often practice in inherently adversarial arenas. However, instead of resorting to uncivil tactics to overpower the opposition, lawyers should draw inspiration from the way sportsmanship is increasingly being elevated in college sports, even amid intense rivalry and competition.
Michelle Silverthorn, an attorney, author, and Founder & CEO of Inclusion Nation, describes allyship as “an active and consistent effort to use your privilege and power to support and advocate for people with less privilege.” Attorneys are presented with countless opportunities to be allies in their workplaces, courtrooms, and personal lives. But the challenge lies in moving from the intention of being a good ally to actually taking action to be one.
