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If you feel the desire to write a book, what would it be about?
Glenn Carstens-Peters, Unsplash

The Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) created the Remote Access Task Force pursuant to the core values and goals set forth in the 2026-2028 Illinois Judicial Branch Strategic Agenda. The IJC believes remote court appearances increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of the courts while building trust and confidence in the judicial branch. The IJC further believes that greater access to justice will be achieved by improving and standardizing remote court appearances.

As part of its work, the IJC Remote Access Task Force is studying the implementation of Supreme Court Rule 45, Remote Appearances in Circuit Court Proceedings.

The…
Continue Reading Participate in the IJC Remote Access Task Force’s Survey

Lady Justice.
Tingey Injury Law Firm, Unsplash

The Illinois Supreme Court invites applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointed member of the Illinois State Public Defender Commission (Commission). The Commission plays a vital role in overseeing and supporting the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD), ensuring the delivery of quality legal representation to those in need throughout Illinois.

Public Act 104-0300, also known as the Funded Advocacy and Independent Representation or “FAIR” Act was signed into law in August 2025, creating a new statewide oversight structure for the delivery of indigent defense services. The FAIR Act was developed following a 2021 report from the…
Continue Reading Illinois Supreme Court Seeks Applicants for Illinois State Public Defender Commission

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Tingey Injury Law Firm, Unsplash

The names of seven new associate judges, selected in a vote of Cook County Circuit Court judges, were announced by Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

Ballots listing the names of 14 finalists, chosen from 74 interviewed applicants, were distributed to 265 circuit judges. Ballots were due on April 27.

The Alliance of Bar Associations and the Chicago Bar Association evaluated the candidates. Each candidate was interviewed by an 11-member Nominating Committee comprised of Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II of the Circuit Court of Cook County and 10 members of his leadership team.
Continue Reading Seven New Cook County Associate Judges Named

Lady Justice background.
Tingey Injury Law Firm, Unsplash

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Illinois State Bar Association formally filled its comment in opposition to the Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) Proposed Rule concerning “Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys.”

The Proposed Rule, which was filed by the DOJ last week, relates to state disciplinary agencies’ investigations and prosecutions of DOJ attorneys. It would establish a process for the DOJ to review bar complaints and allegations against its attorneys. Under the Proposed Rule, before a current or former DOJ attorney could participate in any disciplinary investigation by a state disciplinary authority,…
Continue Reading ISBA Files Comment Opposing Proposed Department of Justice (DOJ) Rule Seeking To Interfere With State Disciplinary Investigations Involving DOJ Attorneys

Die kleine Kammer. The small chamber.
Hansjörg Keller, Unsplash

At its meeting on Feb. 27, 2026, the ISBA Board of Governors adopted the following statement on behalf of the Association:

The President of the United States recently admonished the U.S. Supreme Court Justices who ruled against his tariffs, describing the six justices as a “disgrace to our nation.” He further attacked the justices who ruled against his tariffs in personal terms, suggesting that they hated our country, were “disloyal to the Constitution,” and were motivated by foreign powers. Two justices who were appointed by this president, were singled out and attacked as “an embarrassment to their families.” These statements

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Continue Reading Illinois State Bar Association Statement Concerning Attacks on the Judiciary and the Erosion of Institutional Respect

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View Illinois State Bar Associations’ judicial ratings by county for March 17’s primary election.
Methods ISBA uses to rate candidates
All candidates for Illinois judicial office (outside of Cook County) who are running in the March 17 primary election have been rated by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Judicial Evaluations Committee, or in a poll of lawyers conducted by the ISBA. The results were made available February 3 on ISBA’s Judicial Elections page.

Candidates seeking election to the supreme court or the appellate court are reviewed in a comprehensive evaluation process. This involves a detailed background investigation…
Continue Reading You Be the Judge: Ratings for Illinois Judicial Primary Candidates (Outside Cook)