ARDC Intermediary ProgramBy Hon. James M. Radcliffe, (ret.)General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2026The ARDC Intermediary Program is a response to the experience of the ARDC that very often lawyers who do not respond to ARDC suffer from underlying substance abuse and/or mental health or cognitive decline issues attributed to aging. The goal for attorneys facing cognitive impairment issues is typically to facilitate transfering the attorney to permanent retirement status or another inactive status, rather than facing disciplinary action.
Still Skeptical About Using AI in Your Law Practice? You Don’t Need to Use It for Legal Work to Benefit From ItBy Kimberly DudaGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2026Artificial intelligence has become one of the most discussed topics in the legal profession, particularly in conversations about legal research, contract review, and document drafting. For many solo practitioners and small-firm lawyers, however, the most practical use of AI may be far less ambitious—and far more immediately useful: helping lawyers run their practices more efficiently without being used for substantive legal work.
Still Skeptical About Using AI in Your Law Practice? You Don’t Need to Use It for Legal Work to Benefit From ItBy Kimberly DudaBench and Bar, May 2026Artificial intelligence has become one of the most discussed topics in the legal profession, particularly in conversations about legal research, contract review, and document drafting. For many solo practitioners and small-firm lawyers, however, the most practical use of AI may be far less ambitious—and far more immediately useful: helping lawyers run their practices more efficiently without being used for substantive legal work.
Teaching an AI to Do Your Busywork: A Practical GuideBy Elisabeth A. RitterGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2026AI can be a powerful tool for solo or small firm practitioners who would like to automate administrative tasks and increase the amount of hours available to spend on client matters. Find the task you like least. Describe it clearly. See what happens.
The Value of NetworkingBy Nichol BensonGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2026Networking can be the best investment for solo or small firms. Whether traditional methods of networking, such as becoming a member of a bar association, or through social media, it's never too early or too late to make a new connection in life.
How to Successfully Manage a Remote Law PracticeBy Marie SarantakisTraffic Laws and Courts, April 2026Tips for attorneys who want to run a profitable practice that operates as a virtual, remote office.
AI and Law: An Opportunity to Improve Legal PracticeBy Damien RiehlGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2025Recent exponential leaps in advanced large language models have presented both opportunities and challenges that have the capacity to reshape the legal landscape.
How to Successfully Manage a Remote Law PracticeBy Marie SarantakisGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2025Tips for attorneys who want to run a profitable practice that operates as a virtual, remote office.
Matt Maloney—A Passion for the LawBy John T. PhippsGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2025Remembering Matt Maloney, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Day in 2007.
Nominate a Deserving Lawyer for the Matthew Maloney Tradition of Excellence AwardBy Ashanti Madlock HendersonGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2025It is ISBA award nomination season: If you know someone that should be recognized, nominate them (or self-nominate) for the Matthew Maloney Tradition of Excellence Award!
Responding To Work-From-Home Accommodation Requests in a Post-Covid EnvironmentBy Josh HeidelmanIntellectual Property, December 2025In the wake of the pandemic, it may be more difficult for employers to argue remote work is not a reasonable accommodation. Learn more about developing case law on the topic and steps employers can take to strengthen their positions in court.
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2025The Joint Midyear Meeting, hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association, is a can't-miss event, offering CLE programs on democracy preservation and the ethical use of AI; a Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo and prizes; the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast; the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon; and a Holiday Reception honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois. Register today!
Responding To Work-From-Home Accommodation Requests in a Post-Covid EnvironmentBy Josh HeidelmanGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2025In the wake of the pandemic, it may be more difficult for employers to argue remote work is not a reasonable accommodation. Learn more about developing case law on the topic and steps employers can take to strengthen their positions in court.
Thirteen Red Flags for Spotting Problem ClientsBy Matthew BensonGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2025The purpose of this article is to provide a list of phrases that problematic or regrettable clients say or make reference to in initial consultations, or "red flags," so that they can be spotted early and encouraged to find counsel more suited to their disposition. If a client exhibits any of the following, it might be wise to question the wisdom of allowing them to hire you.
What Is Mediation and ADR: History, Models, and PrinciplesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2025An overview on the origins of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, different models of mediation, and the core principles of mediating disputes.
E-Filing: Waiting Until the Last-Minute May Be Too LateBy Michael K. MuldoonGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, July 2025This article provides a summary of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 9 and the historical evolution of e-filing.
Reflections on 50 Years of PracticeBy Malcolm C. McPhersonGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, January 2025A significant concern that looms large over our profession is the dwindling number of lawyers willing to practice in rural areas. Many of my early colleagues have retired or passed on, and we see fewer young lawyers stepping in to fill those vital roles. This decline isn't just a rural issue; it affects the entire legal fabric of our state.
ARDC Intermediary ProgramBy Hon. James M. Radcliffe, (ret.)Intellectual Property, September 2023An overview of the ARDC's Intermediary Program.
The Impacts of Economic Realities on the Legal ProfessionBy Roza Gossage & Abdulah AbrahimIntellectual Property, September 2023Economic downturns, advancements in technology, consumer sentiments, and modern day advertising initiatives require that firms become more elastic in a broader, more convoluted marketplace.
The Impacts of Economic Realities on the Legal ProfessionBy Roza Gossage & Abdulah AbrahimLegal Technology, Standing Committee on, May 2023Economic downturns, advancements in technology, consumer sentiments, and modern day advertising initiatives require that firms become more elastic in a broader, more convoluted marketplace.
Postjudgment—Appellate Traps and ChecklistsBy Carl R. DraperGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2023It is important for attorneys involved in civil litigation to know and properly evaluate the options for review and remedies for correcting an adverse decision.
ARDC Intermediary ProgramBy Hon. James M. Radcliffe, (ret.)Alternative Dispute Resolution, January 2023An overview of the ARDC's Intermediary Program.
ARDC Intermediary ProgramBy Hon. James M. Radcliffe, (ret.)Human and Civil Rights, December 2022An overview of the ARDC's Intermediary Program.
