Section Newsletters

Articles on Professionalism

A commitment to truth By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, August 2017 Author Michael Hyman suggests that the recent assault on the concept of truth is also an assault on our legal system.
No Pudd’nhead By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, July 2017 The author imagines conversing with Mark Twain using his own words.
Broadening our horizons By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, April 2017 While the legal systems of other countries may differ, the way people react to the legal system and lawyers is often similar to our own. By considering how our peers from around the world have dealt with some common issues we may learn something about ourselves.
Chair’s column By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, October 2016 Just because 'weasels'-- habitually confrontational and mean-spirited attorneys-- abandon professionalism is no excuse for your joining their herd.  Here are three ways to respond when you encounter one.
Courthouse professionalism: Not just for judges and lawyers By Hon. Debra B. Walker & Jayne Reardon Bench and Bar, July 2016 The Courthouse Cross-Disciplinary Training program brings together representatives from every type of person who works in the courthouse, challenging them to consider ways they can increase their professionalism and service to those who access our judicial system.
Building a working wardrobe By Priscilla Singer Young Lawyers Division, April 2016 Your work wardrobe should make you feel confident, comfortable, professional, and ready to take on the day. Here are a few tips for the young attorney’s closet.
E-mail etiquette at work By Kathy Xiahou Young Lawyers Division, February 2016 Some helpful tips for those who communicate electronically.
Communication etiquette as a young lawyer—Responsiveness By Vincent A. Oppedisano Young Lawyers Division, October 2015 Developing a good sense of how to best reply to different communications will help you in your practice in a number of ways. Here are a few rules and general guidelines that should help.
Pennsylvania judge takes a bold stand against unprofessional conduct By David W. Inlander & Ronald D. Menna, Jr. Civil Practice and Procedure, October 2015 Recently Judge Paul Panepinto, presiding over a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, medical malpractice action, imposed a sanction of almost $1 million upon an attorney due to her expert witness’ violation of an agreed order in limine. Could such a sanction be imposed in Illinois to promote attorney professionalism?
Pennsylvania judge takes a bold stand against unprofessional conduct By David W. Inlander & Ronald D. Menna, Jr. Bench and Bar, September 2015 Recently Judge Paul Panepinto, presiding over a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, medical malpractice action, imposed a sanction of almost $1 million upon an attorney due to her expert witness’ violation of an agreed order in limine. Could such a sanction be imposed in Illinois to promote attorney professionalism?
A primer on professionalism By Lyndsay Markley Tort Law, September 2015 The author shares several of the lessons she's learned about maintaining professionalism in the law.
Judges, advocates, and litigants: Why we all matter By Patrick M. Kinnally Bench and Bar, December 2014 The author shares his thoughts for how we can work together to make the system of justice even better.
Domestic relations judges offer practical advice—Good for all litigation By Jewel N. Klein General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, August 2014 Judicial insights culled from the third annual Domestic Relations Roundtable, which was held in May of this year.
Ten rules for being human while practicing law By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, May 2013 10 guidelines worth remembering.
1 comment (Most recent May 14, 2013)
Professionalism on tap on April 18 By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Bench and Bar, March 2013 On April 18, 2013, the Bench and Bar Section of the Illinois State Bar Association will provide members of the Illinois bar with a unique opportunity to obtain the six hours of professionalism credit they need through Civility and Professionalism in 2013.
Professionalism: The spirit of the 17th Judicial Circuit By Jayne Reardon Bench and Bar, January 2013 The American Bar Association’s Committee on Professionalism awarded the 17th Judicial Circuit the prestigious Gambrell Professionalism Award at the ABA’s 2012 Annual Meeting.
Don’t! By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Government Lawyers, October 2012 Author and Judge Michael Hyman provides his list of DOs and DONTs that apply equally to proceedings in court and everyday life at the office.
Don’t! By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, September 2012 Author and Judge Michael Hyman provides his list of DOs and DONTs that apply equally to proceedings in court and everyday life at the office.
Chair’s column: Developing “practice-ready” lawyers By Timothy J. Storm General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, October 2011 Section Chair Timothy Storm poses the questions, Are new law graduates 'practice ready'? Who is responsible for assuring that they are? and Should established lawyers care?
1 comment (Most recent October 10, 2011)
Editor’s column: Developing “practice-ready” lawyers By John T. Phipps General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, October 2011 Newsletter Editor John Phipps shares his thoughts in response to the Chair's column.
3 comments (Most recent October 10, 2011)
Letter to the Editor By Bob Markoff International and Immigration Law, August 2010 A call for "attorney pride."
Carrying on Lincoln’s legacy: Lawyers who are making a difference today Diversity Leadership Council, June 2010 Four distinguished Illinois attorneys shared their stories as part of the ISBA’s Midyear Meeting program, “Lincoln’s Legacy: Lawyers Protecting Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Letter to the Editor By Bob Markoff Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, June 2010 A call for "attorney pride."
Lessons from a life in the law By Hon. Warren D. Wolfson Bench and Bar, December 2009 Editor’s note: Judge Wolfson gave this talk as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jewish Judges Association at its annual dinner on November 15, 2009. Justice Anne Burke received the Association’s Seymour Simon Justice Award.
Guard your reputation By Jamie L. Bas Young Lawyers Division, October 2009  A lawyer’s word, contrary to numerous bad lawyer jokes, is one of his most valuable assets.
The DOs and DON’Ts on how to treat your law clerk By Crystal Sava Women and the Law, September 2009 The author has created a short, practical list of the DOs and DON’Ts on how a law clerk should be treated.
Win with civility By Sandra Blake Women and the Law, September 2009 In 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court established the Illinois Commission on Professionalism, making Illinois one of only 14 states that have a formal body working to promote professionalism and civility.
Editor’s column: Being a lawyer means something By John T. Phipps General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, March 2009 Lincoln-the-Lawyer is still the model for Illinois lawyers to aspire to. Lincoln is ranked as one of the U.S.’ best presidents, but his Illinois legal career is no less exceptional.
Professional service as an in-house attorney By Peter S. Trotter Corporate Law Departments, July 2008 Professionalism and civility are considered to be important characteristics of an attorney. In order for in-house counsel to act with professionalism and civility in the performance of their duties, certain challenges and special circumstances must be addressed.
Lawyers as peacemakers—An opportunity to learn and explore By Sandra Crawford Women and the Law, March 2008 Are you a warrior? Are you a peacemaker? Or, are you something other? Through answering these threshold questions we may be able to open broader dialogues which will lead us to answering the ultimate question of “what’s the better public image for our profession?”

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