The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) are accepting proposals for the new Reducing Barriers to Meaningful Access in Court Grant.
The grant encourages new programming that increases the public’s ability to participate in the court system. Organizations like administrative agencies, universities, foundations, legal aid organizations, community-based organizations, and social service organizations are eligible to apply.
The press release notes that projects must be aimed at connecting self-represented court users who are low-income, don’t speak English as a first language, are
Continue Reading Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission Accepting Proposals for New Grant Addressing Barriers for Court Users
Professionalism Spotlight: Hannah R. Lamore, Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC
Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers and a commitment to equitable, efficient, and effective justice.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Hannah R. Lamore, a partner at Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC in Joliet, Ill. Hannah concentrates her practice in municipal law and civil litigation.
Hannah is an active member of several bar associations. She is appointed to the Illinois State Bar Association Civil Practice and Procedures Section Council and serves as the Chair of the Young Lawyers Division. Hannah is involved with the Will County Bar Association and she…
Continue Reading Professionalism Spotlight: Hannah R. Lamore, Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC
Illinois Supreme Court Releases Policy on AI in State Courts
In December, the Illinois Supreme Court announced a policy governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Illinois courts.
The policy says that: “The use of AI by litigants, attorneys, judges, judicial clerks, research attorneys, and court staff providing similar support may be expected, should not be discouraged, and is authorized provided it complies with legal and ethical standards. Disclosure of AI use should not be required in a pleading.”
The policy took effect on January 1, 2025.
Studying AI’s impact on state courts
The policy follows the Court’s approval of a report from the Illinois Judicial Conference’s Task…
Continue Reading Illinois Supreme Court Releases Policy on AI in State Courts
Fiancé Visa to Green Card | O'Flaherty Law
Learn how to convert your fiancé visa to a green card with this step-by-step guide on filing forms I-130, I-129F, and I-485. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading Fiancé Visa to Green Card | O'Flaherty Law
Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Questions | O'Flaherty Law
Learn key marriage-based green card interview questions and tips to prove your marriage’s authenticity to USCIS. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Questions | O'Flaherty Law
I-130 Processing Time for Spouse of Green Card Holder | O'Flaherty Law
Explore the I-130 petition process for spouses of green card holders, including eligibility, required information, filing fees, and processing times. Learn how to expedite your spouse’s immigration to the U.S. and understand the impact of transitioning from a green card holder to a U.S. citizen on your application. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading I-130 Processing Time for Spouse of Green Card Holder | O'Flaherty Law
Tenant Vs Occupant: 6 Key Differences and 1 Important Similarity | O'Flaherty Law
Understand the crucial differences between being an occupant versus a tenant in a rented property, including rights, responsibilities, and legal status. Learn how these distinctions affect your relationship with landlords and your rights under the lease, highlighting both rights and limitations for each role. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading Tenant Vs Occupant: 6 Key Differences and 1 Important Similarity | O'Flaherty Law
I-30 Petition Denied: What To Do? | O'Flaherty Law
Learn how to address a denied I-130 petition with our comprehensive guide. Understand the reasons for rejection, explore options for refiling or appealing with Form EOIR-29, and discover alternative immigration pathways. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading I-30 Petition Denied: What To Do? | O'Flaherty Law
Understanding the Affidavit of Support | O'Flaherty Law
Learn about the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) requirements under U.S. immigration law, including sponsor responsibilities, necessary documentation, and filing instructions. This comprehensive guide details how to ensure financial support for immigrants seeking a green card. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading Understanding the Affidavit of Support | O'Flaherty Law
Three Things I Wish for Illinois Lawyers in 2025
Thank you for being part of the Commission’s legal professionalism community. It has been our privilege to engage with you this year and we hope it will continue!
In the tradition of holiday wish lists, I have compiled a list of three things I wish for each of you in 2025.
1. A sense of belonging.
During the year, the Commission collaborates with many legal and judicial organizations throughout Illinois. Whether through delivering CLEs, facilitating the lawyer-to-lawyer mentoring program, conducting judicial trainings, or participating in bar association events, we partner with others to promote civility, inclusion, and integrity.
Not only…
Continue Reading Three Things I Wish for Illinois Lawyers in 2025
4 Meaningful Conversations I Had as a DEI Manager in 2024
Year Two of my role as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager at the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism brought new and exciting opportunities to interact with a wide range of Illinois lawyers and judges.
I see these interactions as important to my ongoing education in DEI and a vital part of my effectiveness in developing programming that is relevant and addresses topics that legal professionals need to know.
From participating in webinars and CLE presentations to panels and events, I learned of lawyers’ lived experiences, barriers they have overcome in their careers and personal lives, and the perspective…
Continue Reading 4 Meaningful Conversations I Had as a DEI Manager in 2024
The Basics of Permanent Restraining Orders | O'Flaherty Law
Explore the types of restraining orders in Illinois, including emergency, interim, and plenary protective orders. Learn the steps to obtain a restraining order, what it prohibits, and how to renew or enforce it for continuous protection. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading The Basics of Permanent Restraining Orders | O'Flaherty Law
Legal Discovery Basics: A Step-by-Step Breakdown | O'Flaherty Law
Explore the essential stages of legal discovery in civil litigation with our detailed guide. Understand the tools like interrogatories, depositions, and motions, and learn how these methods help both parties prepare for trial and potentially determine the outcome of the case | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading Legal Discovery Basics: A Step-by-Step Breakdown | O'Flaherty Law
Civil Lawsuits 101: A Clear Path Through the Process | O'Flaherty Law
Understand the steps involved in filing a civil lawsuit from preparation and discovery to trial and appeal. Learn how to effectively navigate the civil litigation process with experienced guidance from O’Flaherty Law. | O’Flaherty Law – Learn About Law Legal Articles, Videos & Podcasts with O’Flaherty Law
Continue Reading Civil Lawsuits 101: A Clear Path Through the Process | O'Flaherty Law
Commission on Professionalism’s Most-Read Articles of 2024
In 2024, the Commission on Professionalism covered the issues making waves in the legal profession.
From addressing workplace bullying and diversity challenges to navigating what’s next for generative AI, we have been sharing legal professionalism news that is important to the practices of Illinois lawyers.
Here is a look at some of our most popular articles in 2024. Subscribe to our newsletter to get all of our articles delivered to your inbox weekly.
1. Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Releases Multifaceted Study on Bullying in the Illinois Legal Profession and Recommendations for Prevention
In October 2024, the Commission released…
Continue Reading Commission on Professionalism’s Most-Read Articles of 2024
Professionalism Spotlight: Judy Conway, Cooney & Conway LLP
Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers and a commitment to equitable, efficient, and effective justice.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Judith (Judy) Conway, an attorney at Cooney & Conway LLP in Chicago. Judy represents victims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases across the country. She also represents victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death.
Judy has received several awards for her legal work, including the Illinois State Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2024.
How do you remain civil in tense…
Continue Reading Professionalism Spotlight: Judy Conway, Cooney & Conway LLP