Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism

Our Mission To promote a culture of civility and inclusion, in which Illinois lawyers and judges embody the ideals of the legal profession in service to the administration of justice in our democratic society.

Website: https://www.2civility.org/
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Tingey Injury Law Firm, Unsplash

access to justice commission complaint or petition forms

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice recently announced the publication of a new statewide standardized court form set: Complaint or Petition.

The form titles include:

  • How to File a Complaint or Petition
  • Complaint or Petition
  • Additional Defendant Information
  • Additional Reasons for Lawsuit

The forms can be found on the “Approved Standardized Statewide Forms” page of the Illinois Supreme Court’s website, under the “Forms” tab.

Please note that the Access to Justice Commission does not immediately announce minor updates made to forms. Therefore, it recommends that court users be directed to the forms on the

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Continue Reading Access to Justice Commission Releases New Statewide Complaint or Petition Standardized Court Form Set

Joan A. Akalaonu, President of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA)
Joan A. Akalaonu, President of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago (Source: Joan A. Akalaonu).

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism works to promote civility and inclusion in the legal profession, to ensure the equitable delivery of justice for the people of Illinois.
In honor of Black History Month, the Commission on Professionalism is highlighting inspiring leaders of some of the state’s predominantly Black bar associations. Through their work, these leaders are creating a more diverse profession in which all attorneys feel valued.
In this Q&A, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Julia Roundtree Livingston spoke to

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Continue Reading Building an ‘Enduring Legacy’: Q&A with BWLA President Joan Akalaonu

Early bird registration is open for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s 10th annual Future Is Now: Legal Services conference. The conference will be held virtually from 12 – 4:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Over the past 10 years, the Future Is Now has become one of the country’s premier legal professionalism conferences, helping lawyers navigate the evolving cultural, technological, and client environment while advancing legal excellence and adhering to ethical rules.
Early bird tickets are available for $49 through March 1. The price will increase on March 2.
Attendees are eligible for 4.0 hours of professional responsibility

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Continue Reading Early Bird Registration is Open for 2026 Future Is Now: Legal Services Conference

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism works to promote civility and inclusion in the legal profession, to ensure the equitable delivery of justice for the people of Illinois.In honor of Black History Month, the Commission on Professionalism is highlighting inspiring leaders of some of the state’s predominantly Black bar associations.

Through their work, these leaders are creating a more diverse profession in which all attorneys feel valued.

In this Q&A, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Julia Roundtree Livingston spoke to Jerry King, a criminal defense trial attorney and Founder and Partner at King & Bondi, LLC, where

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Continue Reading Bridging the Gap Between Lawyer and Community: How the Black Bar Association of Will County is Advancing Justice

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The public continues to place more trust in state courts than in other government institutions, according to a recent public opinion survey by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). At the same time, concerns about equal justice, the use of AI, and judicial security shape public perceptions.

The annual State of the State Courts survey explores public sentiment about the courts to understand the types of administrative reforms and improvements that might enhance public support. The survey polled 1,000 registered voters nationwide in November 2025.

The survey was developed by a subcommittee of the Conferences of Chief Justices

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Continue Reading NCSC Survey Finds Public Trust in State Courts Remains Strong Amid Emerging Concerns About AI, Equal Justice

Mentors and mentees attending a fundraiser for The Posse Foundation
Mentors and mentees attending a fundraiser

When Chicago attorney Lisa M. Kpor was asked to capture her experience mentoring new attorneys, she noted the song “For Good” from the movie musical “Wicked: For Good.”

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return… Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

Kpor, who is litigation counsel

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Continue Reading ‘Changed for Good’: How ‘Wicked’ Applies to Lawyer Mentoring

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(From L to R): Executive Director Erika Harold, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford, and President of the Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF), First District Appellate Court Justice Jesse G. Reyes, at the 2026 DSF Gala.
(From L to R): Executive Director Erika Harold, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford, and President of the Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF), First District Appellate Court Justice Jesse G. Reyes, at the 2026 Unity Gala.

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s Supreme Court Liaison, Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford, and Executive Director Erika Harold were honored by the Diversity Scholarship Foundation, NFP, at its 2026 Annual Unity Gala on Thursday, January 22.

Justice Rochford was the recipient of the 2026 Unity Award, which recognizes leaders who exemplify integrity, service, and a deep commitment to bringing the legal community together. Recipients

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Continue Reading Commission on Professionalism Supreme Court Liaison Justice Elizabeth Rochford and Executive Director Erika Harold Honored by Diversity Scholarship Foundation

Erika Harold giving keynote address at the Springfield Frontiers International Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Erika Harold providing keynote address at the Springfield Frontiers International Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast. Photo credit: University of Illinois Springfield.

Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Executive Director Erika Harold served as the keynote speaker at the 51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast presented by the Frontiers International – Springfield, Ill. Club.  
The breakfast was held on Monday, January 19, at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center in Springfield. Roughly 850 people attended the event.  
Harold’s remarks explored Dr. King’s legacy, the actions organizations and individuals must take to further his dream, and how the work of the Commission on Professionalism furthers the principles for which he advocated. She

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Continue Reading Executive Director Erika Harold Provides Keynote Address at Springfield Frontiers International Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast 

michelle m. kohut
Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Michelle M. Kohut, a Partner at Corboy & Demetrio in Chicago.
Michelle’s primary practice area is plaintiff’s personal injury and workers’ compensation.
Michelle is active in several bar associations, including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, where she has previously held leadership positions.
How do you remain civil in tense situations?
Remaining civil in tense situations can be challenging at times, but I remind myself to take a step back

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Continue Reading Professionalism Spotlight: Michelle M. Kohut, Corboy & Demetrio

People signing documents for a wedding
Romain Dancre, Unsplash

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce the appointment of three new commissioners. The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Hon. Sierra D. Senor-Moore, Daniel R. Hernandez, and Alan G. Pirtle to three-year terms, expiring December 31, 2028.

In addition, the Illinois Supreme Court has reappointed Commissioners Heather B. Kroencke and Azam Nizamuddin to terms expiring December 31, 2028.

“We are thrilled to welcome Judge Senor-Moore, Daniel Hernandez, and Alan Pirtle as commissioners,” said John K. Kim, chair of the Commission on Professionalism. “We look forward to leveraging their diverse backgrounds and experiences to advance integrity, professionalism,

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Continue Reading Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Three Commissioners to Commission on Professionalism

2026 future is now
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce that it will hold its 10th annual Future Is Now: Legal Services conference on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The virtual event will take place from 12 – 4:30 p.m. CDT.
The Future Is Now will explore how professionalism impacts legal excellence and a justice system that works for everyone. A speaker list will be announced soon.
Lawyers across all practice areas, judges, law students, law school faculty and staff, court professionals, paralegals, law librarians, other legal professionals, and anyone interested in the legal and judicial systems are invited to attend.

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Continue Reading Save the Date for 10th Annual Future Is Now: Legal Services Conference

Members of the WBAI and me with therapy animals from SOUL Harbour Ranch.
Members of the WBAI and me with therapy animals from SOUL Harbour Ranch.

I was recently asked by the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois to deliver a CLE focused on helping lawyers build resilience after having been bullied.
While I often deliver CLEs on similar topics, the venue was particularly special this time.
The CLE was held at SOUL Harbour Ranch, which provides animal therapy in Chicago and its suburbs. Take a look at its website, and you will see miniature therapy horses, therapy dogs, and therapy cats providing love and support to those in need.
As I

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Continue Reading Miniature Horses, Piano-Playing Pigs, and Lessons in Professionalism

evolution of legal professionalism trisha rich judge alicia washington kathy pine
Our Commissioner Spotlight series highlights the Illinois judges, lawyers, and educators who have been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as Commissioners for the Commission on Professionalism.
These individuals are selected for their commitment to professionalism and contributions to the bar and their communities. During their term, they provide essential support and guidance for the Commission’s work.
This special spotlight celebrates three Commissioners who will complete their terms this year:

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Continue Reading Three Commissioners on the Evolution of Legal Professionalism, Generational Change, and the Enduring Power of a Lawyer’s Word

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The number of lawyers in the U.S. is growing. For the first time since 2020, the population of U.S. lawyers increased, jumping to 1,374,720 in 2025, up from 1,355,963 in 2024, according to the American Bar Association’s 2025 Profile of the Legal Profession.

After steadily growing to 1,363,017 in 2020, the lawyer population remained stagnant before dropping in 2024.

This 1.38% increase in 2025 is fueled by huge law school graduating classes and high rates of employment. The National Association of Law Placement (NALP) reported that the graduating class of 2024 was 12% larger than any class since

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Continue Reading U.S. Lawyer Population Grows for First Time Since 2020, Fueled By Huge Law School Classes

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Scott Graham, Unsplash

illinois NextGen Bar Exam Photo of pinned Springfield on a map of USA. May be used as illustration for traveling theme.

The Illinois Supreme Court has approved an order confirming that Illinois will accept transferred scores from the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination (NextGen UBE) beginning with the exam’s July 2026 administration.

This means that, effective July 2026, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar (IBAB) will accept transfer passing scores attained on the NextGen UBE as well as the current Uniform Bar Exam, known as the Legacy UBE, which will expire in 2028.

IBAB will submit a recommended passing score in Illinois for the NextGen UBE on or before July 31, 2026, which the Court will endeavor to act upon

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Continue Reading Illinois Will Accept Transferred Scores from the New NextGen Bar Exam

Woman in a hat and coat looking at her phone in front of a lake
Law school education covers writing and thinking like a lawyer, but focuses less time on building future lawyers’ professional identity. I had the good fortune of addressing 64 newly licensed attorneys earlier this month at the Fourth Judicial District Bar Admission Ceremony, which was presided over by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White.
The ceremony took place at the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield. Justice Holder White organized a thoughtful and uplifting ceremony that provided the new admittees with a warm welcome to the Illinois legal profession.
I was asked to speak about professionalism. My goal was to galvanize

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Continue Reading 4 Steps to Uncovering Your Professional Identity as a Lawyer