Clerkships: An Insider’s PerspectiveBy Emma G. OvertonYoung Lawyers Division, February 2026An in-depth look at clerkships that allow attorneys early in their careers to sharpen their legal writing and analysis skills, gain meaningful insight into the inner workings of the judicial process, and help shape their future careers. Learn more about the application and interview process, as well as advice for a successful clerkship.
Confessions of a Young AttorneyBy Deborah CainYoung Lawyers Division, February 2026A reflection of the practice of law from a young attorney on doing your best.
The Double-Edged Sword: Artificial Intelligence in Illinois Litigation PracticeBy Matthew WilgerYoung Lawyers Division, February 2026As we navigate through 2026, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly prevalent tool in legal practice, fundamentally transforming how attorneys approach litigation. Be sure you familiarize yourself with the advantages and pitfalls of AI prior to utilizing in your practice!
Income Shares Model: Progress, Not PerfectionBy Lacey K. BoulwareYoung Lawyers Division, January 2026A look at the current child support scheme in family law and suggestions for improvements to increase calculation flexibility to best serve children of all families.
What Elegant Legal Writing Gets Right About Legal WritingBy Jake A. LeahyYoung Lawyers Division, January 2026Elegant Legal Writing by Ryan McCarl offers several valuable, insightful tips that can be employed by young lawyers to take your legal writing to the next level.
A Young Lawyer’s Guide to Karina’s LawBy Olivia K. BasuYoung Lawyers Division, January 2026Karina's Law brings changes to orders of protection in Illinois, particularly as it relates to relinquishment of respondent's firearms.
Direct Examination: Letting Your Client’s Story ShineBy Lauren E. ParkYoung Lawyers Division, November 2025Direct examination of your client at trial is important to allow the jury to connect with your client and to ensure the record is properly preserved for any subsequent appeals. Incorporate these tips into your next direct examination to effectively tell your client's story.
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannYoung Lawyers Division, 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!
Why I Seek Out Rooms Without Lawyers—And Why You Might TooBy Ricardo SantiagoFederal Taxation, November 2025Learn about the benefits of networking outside of your usual professional circles and challenge yourself to network with non-attorneys to grow your practice.
Is Social Media Worth It for Lawyers?By Rizwan M. AliYoung Lawyers Division, October 2025A look into social media and how you can leverage popular apps to expand your practice.
Practical Tips for New Lawyers: Insights From a Young LawyerBy Taylor TylerYoung Lawyers Division, October 2025Five tips that you can implement into your schedule to help ease the adjustment from law school to practice and set the foundation for long-term success.
Toronto ABA RecapBy Patrick M. CollinsYoung Lawyers Division, October 2025A summary of the ABA Young Lawyers' Division Assembly that was held in Toronto this summer, including details about resolutions concerning public service loan forgiveness, legal resource hubs in public libraries, paid public interest legal internships, and community justice workers.
2025 Young Lawyer of the Year RecipientsYoung Lawyers Division, September 2025Congratulations to our 2025 Young Lawyer of the Year Recipients: Genevieve E. Miller, Cook County, and Paloma Holloman, Outside Cook County!
Keeping Calm Waiting for Bar ResultsBy Violet KonopkaYoung Lawyers Division, September 2025Some tips to help you get by while you wait for the July 2025 bar exam results.
Why I Seek Out Rooms Without Lawyers—And Why You Might TooBy Ricardo SantiagoYoung Lawyers Division, September 2025Learn about the benefits of networking outside of your usual professional circles and challenge yourself to network with non-attorneys to grow your practice.
Chair’s ColumnBy Jason R. BlumenthalYoung Lawyers Division, August 2025A note from the Chair of the Young Lawyers Division Section Council.
Inspiring Community Engagement at DePaul LawYoung Lawyers Division, August 2025ISBA Young Lawyer Representative, Genevieve E. Miller, recently spoke on a panel at DePaul Law, "Engaging Your Community."
Voir Dire: Setting the Tone for Trial SuccessBy Courtney A. BerlinYoung Lawyers Division, August 2025It is often said that you cannot win a case in voir dire, but you can lose one there. Make sure you're prepared for voir dire in your next jury trial!
24 Legal Practice TipsBy Colleen L. SahlasEmployee Benefits, July 2025Tips learned from 24 years in legal practice.
Meeting the Special Responsibilities of a Noble ProfessionBy Michael CortinaYoung Lawyers Division, May 2025The practice of law is a business. It matters not if a lawyer is on the bench, works in the public interest sector, is an in-house attorney, or is engaged in private practice. All of us make our living in the practice of law, and that means, by default, all of us are also engaged in the business of law. We sometimes need reminding, however, of the other obligations that we have to society.
Prioritizing Health in a Digital WorldBy Kashwal KaurYoung Lawyers Division, May 2025In today’s hyper-connected world, we are constantly online in an effort to be aware of trending news, viral videos, and even the latest TikTok dances. The benefits of digital accessibility are vast. However, it is crucial to take deliberate, conscious steps to prioritize our health in order to prevent digital burnout.
The Work of a GAL and Lessons LearnedBy Judge Maureen SchuetteYoung Lawyers Division, May 2025Judge Schuette provides insight and guidance from her days as a Guardian Ad Litem.
YLD Speed Networking Event 2025Young Lawyers Division, May 2025The YLD Speed Networking event provided an opportunity for young lawyers and law students to meet and connect with colleagues.
YLD Wine Tasting Event 2025Young Lawyers Division, May 2025Proceeds from the annual Wine Tasting event benefited the YLD’s Children’s Assistance Fund, which provides grants to organizations across the state related to children and law.
ABA’s February 2025 House Resolutions and Their Intersection with Family LawBy Olivia K. BasuYoung Lawyers Division, April 2025ABA’s House of Delegates held its February 2025 Midyear Conference in Phoenix. During the meeting, the ABA House of Delegates passed several key resolutions that intersect with the field of family law. The most influential resolutions are explored in this article.
