Section Newsletters

Articles on Civility

Fighting Bullying in the Legal Profession: An Opportunity for Change By Eli Goldstein Young Lawyers Division, November 2023 Uncivil behavior and bullying tarnish the legal profession’s reputation and deter diversity in the field.
Fighting Bullying in the Legal Profession: An Opportunity for Change By Eli Goldstein Bench and Bar, October 2023 Uncivil behavior and bullying tarnish the legal profession’s reputation and deter diversity in the field.
The Three C’s When Dealing With Professionalism Issues: Calm, Cool, and Collected By Kayla M. Hickey Young Lawyers Division, February 2023 Cook County Circuit Court's local rule regarding civility may serve as a mdoel for every circuit court in Illinois.
Civility, Sincerity, and Other Compelling Negotiation Concepts: Tips From an American President By Edward Casmere Bench and Bar, October 2020 Kennedy’s inaugural address as president of the United States in 1961 provided a number of timeless insights on negotiation.
The Case for Civility: My Perspective By Robert Fioretti Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, March 2020 Three lessons in civility that you can learn in the courtroom.
The Case for Civility: My Perspective By Robert Fioretti Bench and Bar, January 2020 Three lessons in civility that you can learn in the courtroom.
1 comment (Most recent January 16, 2020)
Civility matters By Jayne Reardon Bench and Bar, November 2017 Our democracy is complex and challenged regularly by controversies, complications. We should not allow the natural tendency to grab a headline or obtain a click, a retweet or retort, to undermine the need for thoughtful and respectful problem-solving.
Chair’s column: Be kind, rewind By Tamika Walker Family Law, October 2017 Family law is emotional. It is draining. And it is hard work. Regardless of the challenges of family law, we have a responsibility to be civil to one another.
No Pudd’nhead By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, July 2017 The author imagines conversing with Mark Twain using his own words.
Law practice civility in the wake of a vitriolic election cycle By Michael Alkaraki Young Lawyers Division, December 2016 Without conflict, the legal system is irrelevant. But without civility, it is impossible.
Are young lawyers less civilized? By Marie K. Sarantakis Young Lawyers Division, April 2016 Numerous jurisdictions are recognizing and lamenting the deterioration of civility in the legal profession. However, incivility is not a new problem nor is it unique to professionals under the age of 35. This article addresses some of the reasons a young lawyer might be perceived as being less than civil.
Chair column By Matthew A. Kirsh Family Law, September 2015 A message from Section Chair Matt Kirsh.
2 comments (Most recent September 11, 2015)
“Strive mightily”: Some thoughts on civility and the Illinois bar By David W. Inlander & Ronald D. Menna, Jr. Bench and Bar, May 2013 It is time for our profession to return to being held out as an admirable model to follow, rather than one to ridicule.
Don’t! By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Government Lawyers, October 2012 Author and Judge Michael Hyman provides his list of DOs and DONTs that apply equally to proceedings in court and everyday life at the office.
Don’t! By Hon. Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, September 2012 Author and Judge Michael Hyman provides his list of DOs and DONTs that apply equally to proceedings in court and everyday life at the office.
The best compliment I ever received By Heather Pfeffer Young Lawyers Division, August 2012 The author reminds that being a good litigator and being a nice person are not mutually exclusive.
Can’t we all play nice? By Tiffany Alexander Family Law, April 2012 Just like a college basketball team can play a clean game without fouling, it is possible to adequately represent a client without resorting to unprofessional tactics against your opponent.
Is nice a four-letter word? By Annemarie E. Kill Women and the Law, May 2010 Does being considered a nice person mean you can't also be a successful, effective attorney?
1 comment (Most recent April 23, 2010)
Win with civility By Sandra Blake Bench and Bar, October 2009 In 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court established the Illinois Commission on Professionalism, making Illinois one of only 14 states that have a formal body working to promote professionalism and civility.
Win with civility By Sandra Blake Women and the Law, September 2009 In 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court established the Illinois Commission on Professionalism, making Illinois one of only 14 states that have a formal body working to promote professionalism and civility.
Civility and religious sensitivity By Andrea M. Schleifer Bench and Bar, April 2009 Almost 75 years ago, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers was created to among other things, confront anti-Semitism and discrimination encountered by Jewish attorneys in the Courts. Unfortunately, at that time, many judges would knowingly schedule trials on Jewish holidays without compunction. That rarely happens today, when most judges respect the religious requirements of litigants and lawyers.
Whose side are you on? By Jamie L. Bas Young Lawyers Division, December 2008 Like everyone, I had an image of what I thought my life would be like when I became a lawyer.
Who should speak on civility in civil litigation? By Kimball R. Anderson Civil Practice and Procedure, June 2008 In September 2005, the Supreme Court of Illinois announced two new programs aimed at promoting lawyer civility.
The taming of the rude By Michael B. Hyman Bench and Bar, July 2006 Lack of civility concerns every judge and lawyer who takes pride in our profession.
Professionalism and the need for civility By Justin Heather Young Lawyers Division, April 2006 Have you heard the one about the priest, the rabbi, and the lawyer stranded in a raft in shark-infested waters?
Sage advice By Judge William J. Bauer Bench and Bar, April 2006 The pressures of large caseloads, the duties of running the courtroom day-to-day and all the other juggling of priorities that goes into the judicial business sometimes causes us to lose patience, to be less than kind.
Another look at civility and professionalism: The American Inns of Court By Lloyd A. Karmeier Bench and Bar, March 2004 When I began my legal career in the Southern Illinois town of Nashville in 1964, there was not a "mentoring" program for young lawyers as is now being developed by the ISBA.
Civil orders for uncivil behavior By Barbara Crowder Bench and Bar, March 2004 The Civil No Contact Order Act went into effect on January 1, 2004, and allows for entries of protective orders on behalf of any petitioner who is the victim of a non-consensual sexual conduct or penetration.
Blueprint for civility By Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr. Bench and Bar, January 2004 John was a brand new lawyer. His client was pursuing a worker's disability claim. A prominent trial attorney, Joel Boyden, was defending the employer.
Civility in daily life: Give ‘em the finger By Michael W. Raridon Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, December 2003 I was driving back to my office, loudly grooving on my Three Dog Night's Greatest Hits CD, when this guy in a pickup truck gave me the finger.

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