ISBA Rural Practice Section Council Member Profile: Casey Parker
Background and introduction
1. Full Name: Casey Parker
2. Hometown/Current Residence: Carbondale, IL
3. Law School Attended and Year of Graduation: SIU 2003
4. Year Admitted to the Illinois Bar: 2003
5. Current Role or Status (e.g., practicing attorney, judge, retired): Director of Career Services, SIU Simmons Law School
6. Brief overview of your current or most recent practice: I have worked for SIU in some capacity for 15 years.
Career path and practice
Q: What inspired you to pursue a legal career, particularly in a rural setting?
A: Grew up in a small town.
Q: What areas of law have you focused on throughout your career?
A: Criminal, municipal, and civil rights.
Q: Did you always intend to practice in a rural area?
A: Yes.
Q: Describe your typical client base and the community you serve.
A: I have always worked for the government.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your legal career?
A: Being able to do many different things.
Q: What aspects of the practice were most challenging or frustrating?
A: The politics (again, I’ve always worked a government job).
Q: Was there anything you actively worked to change or improve in the legal system or in your practice environment?
A: How students from regional universities are perceived.
Q: How has rural legal practice changed over the course of your career?
A: More important now as there are less attorneys.
Accomplishments and contributions
Q: What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: Being recognized for my public service work.
Q: Have you been involved in community service, local organizations, or bar association work? Please describe.
A: I have served on many boards and been involved in my local bar association for years.
Q: Are there any cases, projects, or experiences that stand out as especially meaningful or impactful?
A: No.
Looking ahead
Q: What advice would you give to young attorneys considering rural practice?
A: It will provide the best work/life balance and you will be considered a great asset to the community.
Q: What opportunities do you think exist today in rural law practice that didn’t exist earlier in your career?
A: When I graduated, the job market was much smaller.
Q: How can the Rural Practice Section Council better support attorneys in rural areas?
A: By helping to entice folks to small towns.
Q: Are there services, programs, or initiatives you'd like to see the Illinois State Bar Association expand or implement?
A: The RP Fellowship!