CBA Record July-August 2018

ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT COMMISSION ON PROFESSIONALISM LOOKS AT THE FUTURE OF LEGAL SERVICES Data, Delivery, and Diversity By John Levin Editorial Board Member O n May 2, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Profes- sionalism held an all day program CBA Record Editorial Board Needs Members!

impact the provision of legal services to the underserved community. To the extent that technology reduces the time a lawyer needs to spend on a matter, or provides legal service directly to the user, the cost of legal services becomes more affordable to more people. Of interest to the individual lawyer was a discussion on whether Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 and 1.3 require a lawyer to use advanced technology when providing services to clients, and whether the use of artificial intelligence might be considered the unauthorized practice of law. Neither question had a definitive answer. There were also presentations on open- ing the practice of law to more diverse groups–particularly when distinctions are based on sex, race and sexual preference. Suggested remedies focused on people taking individual action–mentoring, giving constructive feedback, and, in general, giving people the benefit of the doubt.

in Chicago entitled: The Future is Now: Legal Services 2.018. This was the third annual day-long program presented by the Commission on Professionalism. As stated by Jayne Reardon, Executive Director of the Commission, the main themes of the programwere “data, delivery and diversity.” The presenters spoke on the major contemporary issues of: (i) the impact of technology on the practice of law, (ii) access to justice by the underserved community, and (iii) increasing diversity within the legal profession. The roster of twelve speakers was led-off by Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier who greeted the sold- out audience and discussed developments in Illinois regarding improving access to justice, including the work of the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. Other speakers discussed programs nation- ally and in Illinois that also seek solutions to this problem. Many of the remaining speakers focused on issues of technology and the law, especially the impact of big data and use of artificial intelligence. The efficien- cies generated by technology directly Th i s wo r t hwh i l e p r o g r am was approved for 5 hours of professional responsibility CLE credit in Illinois. The Commission hopes to hold a similar program next year.

The Editorial Board of The Chicago Bar Associa- tion's flagship publication, The CBA Record, is currently looking for CBA members with excel- lent writing skills to serve as volunteer members of its Editiorial Board. The board meets monthly throughout the bar year, and members are expected to contribute to the Record by writing features, columns, and book reviews; editing articles submitted for publication; taking on special projects, and further duties as assigned. Attorneys with dual backgrounds in law and journalism are especially useful. If interested, please contact CBA Publications Director David M. Beam (with three writing samples) at dbeam@chicagobar.org. For more information, contact Beam at 312/554-2042.

CBAResources forNewLawyers

Looking for Affordable

Just getting started in the practice of law in Chica-

Meeting Space in the Loop?

go? The CBA offers many resources and programs

The CBA has a variety of meeting rooms and can

to help new lawyers. Go to www.chicagobar.org

to see our comprehensive list and links including

provide catering and audio/visual services for cli-

MCLE requirements, start up law firm boot camp,

ent conferences, firmmeetings, social gatherings

career services, mentoring programs, seminars

etc. Call Michele Spodarek, CBA Conference Center

for new lawyers, practice area pointer videos,

volunteer opportunities and more.

Manager at 312/554-2124 for details.

20  