For Lawyers Generally

Q. How do I join ISBA and its sections?

Join the ISBA or an ISBA section online, or call the ISBA Administrative Services Department at (217)525-1760 or (800)252-8908 for more information.

Q. Can you answer my questions about the bar exam, admission to practice, or reciprocity?

No, but the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar can. Visit their website.

Q. I have an ethics question; where can I go for guidance?

Your first resort, of course, should be to the Rules of Professional Conduct and ISBA ethics opinions. If you need more guidance, call an ISBA ethics attorney at (217)525-1760 or (312)726-8775 or send your written inquiry to the Committee on Professional Conduct, Attn: Mary McDermott, 424 S. Second St. Springfield, IL 62701. Your name, address and telephone number will be kept confidential. If your question has been answered by earlier opinions, copies will be forwarded to you. If not, the Committee on Professional Conduct may take up your inquiry. The committee usually takes six months or more to issue a published opinion. If the facts discussed in your inquiry are before a court or the ARDC, the committee will not comment. Note that ISBA advisory opinions do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice.

Q. I’m an out-of-state lawyer – can I be admitted to practice in Illinois on motion (pro hac vice)?

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 707 allows for admission on motion. "Anything in these rules to the contrary notwithstanding, an attorney and counselor-at-law from any other jurisdiction in the United States or foreign country, may in the discretion of any court of this State be permitted to participate before the court in the trial or argument of any particular cause in which, for the time being, he or she is employed." Id. Because the Rules do not specify a format for pro hac vice admission, we suggest that you submit a motion to the judge and attach a certified copy of a certificate of good standing from your home state or jurisdiction. Lawyers admitted on motion do not need local counsel.

Q: I need to pay my law license registration fee and get my attorney registration card – whom do I contact?

The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Visit their website.

Q: How do I obtain a certificate of good standing?

Submit a written request (include $1 fee, along with your ARDC registration number and admission date) to Clerk of the Supreme Court, Supreme Court Building, Springfield, IL 62701. Call (217)782-2035 for more information.

Q. I’m looking for an article that appeared in an ISBA publication – how can I find it?

Recent Illinois Bar Journal indexes are online. If you don’t find what you need or you want to place an order, call the ISBA Publications Department at (217)525-1760.

Q. How do I register for a Law Ed Series program?

Use our online registration form under the Law Ed Series.

Q. What needs to be done when a lawyer dies?

Read a detailed article here.