Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke with Howard Ankin, a partner at Ankin Law, the Chicago-based firm he owns with his father and fellow partner, Paul B. Ankin.
Howard focuses his practice on plaintiff’s personal injury and petitioner’s workers’ compensation matters.
Beyond his legal work, he serves on the Board of Directors of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and is actively involved with the American Association for Justice, Illinois Bar Foundation, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and his alma mater, University

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce that Executive Director Erika Harold received the Cook County Bar Association’s (CCBA) Donald Hubert Historical Award. The award was presented on Friday, June 26, at the CCBA’s 112th Installation and Awards Banquet.
The award recognizes a lawyer or layperson for outstanding leadership in developing or promoting CCBA legal ethics and professionalism programming. It honors the accomplishments and legacy of lawyer Donald Hubert, who created a mentoring program through the CCBA to train new lawyers.

Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Katherine (Kathy) Keefe, Circuit Clerk for McHenry County, Illinois, where she oversees an office of 53 Deputy Clerks.
Prior to being elected Circuit Clerk in 2008, Kathy had worked in the McHenry County Circuit Clerk’s office for 21 years. She served in variety of roles, including developing the office’s accounting system and later serving as Chief Deputy.
Kathy was a member of the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) from 2018 through 2025, and currently serves on

Key points

• Summer internships can help law students gain practical experience while exploring different legal career paths and work environments.
• Illinois legal professionals share recommendations for getting the most out of summer internships, including leaning into curiosity, honing professional communication skills, and learning from peers.
• Lawyers emphasize that taking advantage of every opportunity, including those beyond what is expected, can help students discover unexpected career paths and build professional connections.
• Attorneys reflect on memorable experiences from their own summer internships, including experiences that cannot be replicated in law school.

Internships, externships, and summer associate positions are a

Key Points

• Empathy is more than feeling—it can involve thinking about and understanding others’ thoughts and emotions
• Lawyers can better serve clients and support colleagues by knowing when to exercise different types of empathy, including emotional, cognitive, and stoic empathy
• Different practice and workplace situations will call for lawyers to balance both emotional awareness and analytical thought
• In an increasingly AI-driven world, lawyers can use empathy to distinguish themselves and enhance their relationships

When you hear the word empathy, does feeling or thinking come to mind?
If you

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced a new Policy on Transparency, providing the public with more data and information on the judicial branch.
The new policy furthers the Illinois Supreme Court’s commitment to transparency, while formalizing and standardizing existing information-sharing practices.
“Transparency means making data, budgets, and financial reports accessible to the public. It is the judiciary’s strongest bridge to public trust and to the restoration of confidence in our courts,” Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. said in the press release.
What the Policy on Transparency covers
By July 1, 2026, and annually

The Illinois Judges Foundation (IJF) has opened applications for the Harold Sullivan Scholarship Program.
The scholarship program recognizes Illinois law students who demonstrate a commitment to service, integrity, and the pursuit of justice. The scholarship funds may be applied toward law school tuition and fees.
In addition, the IJF has launched a new award under the Harold Sullivan Scholarship Program: The Justice Mary Jane Theis Scholarship, which honors Justice Theis (Ret.), her legacy of leadership, and dedication to the judiciary.
Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. on June 26, 2026. Applications and questions

Our Commissioner Spotlight series highlights the judges and lawyers from across Illinois who have been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as our Commissioners.
These individuals are known for their commitment to professionalism and contributions to the bar and their communities.
This Commissioner Spotlight highlights Daniel Hernandez. Daniel is the Founder, CEO, and Principal Attorney at NextLevel Law, P.C., where he practices family law, real estate, and LGBTQ rights.
Daniel is also an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, where he teaches family law and has instructed courses on courtroom techniques

Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Miranda L. Soucie, a Partner at Spiros Law, P.C., in Kankakee, Champaign, Danville, and Mattoon.
Miranda represents individuals and families in serious personal injury matters, including medical malpractice, birth injury, trucking and automobile collisions, and other catastrophic injury cases.
Outside of her practice, Miranda serves on the Board of Managers for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and is a Past President of the East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association. She is a