The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism (2Civility.org) announced today the 2014 Law School Orientation program schedule for all nine Illinois law schools. Incoming students will be welcomed into the legal profession with early exposure to the foundations of the legal profession, including professionalism, ethics and civility."The Court believes it is important to impress upon entering law students that they are now entering a profession that requires high standards," said Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman. "We appreciate the involvement of attorney volunteers who help introduce the students to the ideals of our profession. It is hoped that the law students will incorporate these ideals into their academic careers and into their law practices upon graduation and admission to the bar."Justice Robert R. Thomas serves as the Illinois Supreme Court's liaison to the Commission on Professionalism and had recommended to his colleagues the creation of the Commission to encourage greater professionalism in the bench and bar."Professionalism is the touchstone of our legal community," said Justice Thomas. "It is essential to be introduced to the ideals of our profession early on for incoming law students. They can begin to incorporate and develop these ideals as students."The idea behind professionalism programs during orientation grew out of a belief among justices of the Supreme Court that one of the most effective ways of improving professionalism among attorneys is to begin at the earliest stages with law students. The program has had tremendous success over the past few years and is a highlight of both the law school year and the judicial year.

ISBA officers including (from left) President-elect Umberto S. Davi, 2nd Vice President Vincent F. Cornelius and President Richard D. Felice represented the ISBA at the recent American Bar Association Annual Meeting in Boston. ISBA Immediate Past President Paula H. Holderman began serving a three-year term as Illinois Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates. She succeeds Chicago attorney Robert A. Clifford.

Chief Judge John T. Elsner has announced that applications for the Office of Associate Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, DuPage County have been received from those on the list below.The vacancy is the result of the retirement of Associate Judge Thomas C. Dudgeon.As part of the review process conducted by the Circuit Judges, Chief Judge Elsner invites public comment by letter before Aug. 21, 2014 to:Chief Judge John T. Elsner18th Judicial Circuit Court505 N. County Farm Road, Room 2015Wheaton, IL 60187The applicants are:

ISBA Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reviews legislation in Springfield of interest to ISBA members. In this episode he covers Independent examination in mental health proceedings (Public Act 98-853), Transfer on death instrument (Public Act 98-821), Common Interest Community Association Act (Public Act 98-842) and Mechanics Lien Act (Public Act 98-764). More information on the bill is available below the video.