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

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

The Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) Remote Access Task Force is asking attorneys to participate in a survey on the implementation of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45, Remote Appearances in Circuit Court Proceedings.
The survey explores Rule 45 and its role in lawyers’ practices and communities, including local rules, administrative orders, and standing orders related

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

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 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

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) have opened applications for the 2026–2027 Access to Justice (ATJ) Improvement Grant Program.
Courts across Illinois are encouraged to apply for funding to support innovative

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

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

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism presented a new judicial training on preventing and addressing bullying in courtrooms at the 2026 Judicial Education Conference.
The interactive training equips judges with skills to prevent and diffuse bullying behavior in courtrooms by lawyers toward other lawyers and/or court staff. The training also highlights tools judges can use to maintain their composure

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, celebrated in May, is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans today and throughout history.
Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States

On May 29, the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) will bring trial lawyers and judges together for its inaugural Trial Master Symposium and Larry R. Rogers, Sr., Awards Ceremony.
According to CCBA President Antonio C. Lee, the one-day CLE will “equip attorneys and law students with skills in civil trial advocacy, advanced litigation