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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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