American Bar Association Annual Meeting Recap: Proposed Resolutions Related to Internet-Dependent Bar ExamsBy Kassandra R. MorfinYoung Lawyers Division, September 2026Earlier this summer, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division reconvened in Chicago to consider and vote on various proposed resolutions, including addressing safeguards for jurisdictions administering the NextGen UBE or other internet-dependent bar examinations in light of the cancellation of the July 2026 Washington State bar exam due to severe technical and Wi-Fi bandwidth issues.
Chair’s ColumnBy Joe SouligneYoung Lawyers Division, September 2026A note from the Chair of the Young Lawyers Division, introducing the efforts of YLD and how you can become involved.
Conversation StartersBy Audrey StallingsYoung Lawyers Division, September 2026It’s no secret that legal professionals are experiencing mental health challenges at rates far higher than that of the average U.S. adult. While the profession has made strides in addressing these mental health challenges and raising awareness, it is important that practitioners are able to implement these changes in their day-to-day lives. One part of creating a mental-health focused profession that is often overlooked is giving attorneys the tools they need to start honest conversations about mental health with one another.
YLD Kicks off Another Bar Year in St. LouisBy Emma G. OvertonYoung Lawyers Division, September 2026If you missed ISBA's 2026 Annual Meeting, keep an eye out for future events, including YLD Wine Tasting and Speed Networking, the 2026 Joint Midyear Meeting, and other opportunities for YLD members to connect!
Anticipatory Discovery: Predicting Issues in LitigationBy Devin J. Piper & Mary DalenbergCommercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, June 2026Anticipatory discovery is not about expanding the scope of litigation, it is about ensuring your access to relevant evidence, and making sure you have what you need to best advocate for your client. By framing targeted early discovery, and sequencing strategically, counsel can optimize their position and set their case up for fair resolution.
Overview of Proper Witness Disclosures Under Illinois Rule 213By Gregory R. JonesYoung Lawyers Division, May 2026In Illinois, it is incumbent on practitioners to know how to make proper witness disclosures to avoid witness or testimony exclusions at or before trial. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213 sets forth various requirements for different types of witness disclosures in civil litigation, as well as the limitations on testimony resulting from disclosures. This article examines the applicable rules and requirements.
A Refresher on Personal Injury Settlements for MinorsBy Josephine ShaneYoung Lawyers Division, May 2026Resolving a personal injury settlement for an adult client is usually very straightforward. However, for individuals under 18 years old involved in a personal injury matter, additional steps are required to ensure the minor’s settlement is fair and reasonable, which means court approval must be obtained.
Three Smart Phone Applications for Young Lawyers’ Mental WellbeingBy Maura AsheYoung Lawyers Division, May 2026It's important for lawyers to prioritize their mental health, which may include taking frequent breaks, finding time to exercise, and focusing on nutritious meals. While it may not always be feasible for a young attorney to expend the time required for those activities, a re-set can easily be found through apps available to smart phones, including the How We Feel app, the Insight Timer app, and the Calm app.
Anticipatory Discovery: Predicting Issues in LitigationBy Devin J. Piper & Mary DalenbergYoung Lawyers Division, April 2026Anticipatory discovery is not about expanding the scope of litigation, it is about ensuring your access to relevant evidence, and making sure you have what you need to best advocate for your client. By framing targeted early discovery, and sequencing strategically, counsel can optimize their position and set their case up for fair resolution.
From Appointment to Action: ISBA YLD’s Proposed Resolution for Language Equity in Legal PracticeBy Kassandra MorfinYoung Lawyers Division, April 2026While Rule 1.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct require an attorney reasonably communicate with his or her client to aid the client to effectively participate in the legal matter, guidelines regarding language barriers and interpreters are lacking. The ISBA YLD Section Council is conducting research in an effort to influence an amendment to Rule 1.4, clarifying requirements for adequate representation of native foreign language litigants.
A Young Lawyer’s Thoughts on the Multigenerational Law OfficeBy David GuerraYoung Lawyers Division, April 2026A multigenerational law practice can be beneficial for all involved, from instilling wisdom after decades of law practice to younger generations, to upgrading or teaching seasoned generations about technological advancements, and everything in between.
Smaller Estates Are Not Always Simpler To AdministerBy Hayden R. EarlYoung Lawyers Division, March 2026For many attorneys who are new to estate administration, it may be tempting to gravitate towards working on smaller estates, under the guise that probate will be simpler. Though, at first, it may seem intuitive that an estate with a single, easily identifiable asset would be easy to administer, smaller does not always mean simpler.
A Taste of NetworkingBy Molly Anne KrebsYoung Lawyers Division, March 2026A recap of the YLD Speed Networking and Wine Tasting event, held on February 27, 2026, at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office!
YLD Speed Networking and Wine Tasting 2026Young Lawyers Division, March 2026The YLD Speed Networking and Wine Tasting events on February 27 provided an opportunity for young lawyers and law students to meet and connect with colleagues. Proceeds from the Wine Tasting benefited the YLD’s Children’s Assistance Fund, which provides grants to organizations across the state related to children and law.
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.
