Illinois ARDC Seeks New Administrator

Jerome E. Larkin, the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois (ARDC), the administrative agency that regulates Illinois lawyers, is retiring at the end of 2023. The ARDC is working in conjunction with global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry to fill that vacancy.   

The ARDC recognizes Jerry’s 45 years of service to the organization, including his 16 years as Administrator. His exemplary, creative, and collaborative leadership has skillfully managed and guided the ARDC forward under the direction of the Illinois Supreme Court and the Commission. He will leave behind an organization with talented constituents, and one that is ready and able to continue its important role in lawyer regulation. 

The primary responsibilities of the Administrator include:

•    Leading by example in order to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with internal agency staff, judicial staff, the public, and other organizations.
•    Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to set agency mission-driven strategic direction, allowing for constantly changing environments while assuring that the ARDC is moving consistently to realize long-term goals.
•    Managing the recruitment, employment, and development of ARDC personnel consistent with the ARDC’s ongoing commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable working environment.
•    Creating innovative ways to better serve the legal profession and the public.
•    Working closely with agency staff in preparing budgets, setting budget guidelines, and ensuring all internal systems work effectively and within budget parameters.

•    Representing the ARDC as chief spokesperson, promoting initiatives (including those that may create controversy), and leveraging opportunities. Maintaining a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in lawyer ethics and regulation of the legal profession.

•    Maintaining effective allocation of management, staffing, resources, and workstreams to optimize organizational effectiveness and retention.

Requirements for the position are as follows:

•    Have Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degrees from accredited universities.
•    Have a current Illinois law license or the ability to expeditiously obtain one.
•    Be a passionate, progressive, and empathetic executive leader with demonstrated management experience and solid business sense.
•    Have a minimum of 10 years’ legal practice experience in a governmental or administrative agency, law firm, bar association, or similar setting.
•    Have an elevated level of executive presence, business acumen, and demonstrated ability to engage and inspire through public speaking.

The anticipated salary range for the position is $200,000 to $225,000. The ARDC’s primary office is located in Chicago, Illinois. There is a second office in Springfield, Illinois.   

Please send a resume and cover letter on or before May 1, 2023, to ARDCAdministrator@kornferry.com.