CBA Record Sept. 2016

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10 SEPTEMBER 2016
participants thus far indicates that they not
only find the monthly programs interesting
and valuable, but many of themwould like
the two-hour sessions to last even longer.
We may accommodate this request for next
year’s class.
Second, and perhaps equally encourag-
ing, was the YLS Meet the Committees
Night that took place in early September
at the CBA. On that evening, after work,
more than 200 law students and young
lawyers came to the CBA to learn about
and sign up for the nearly 30 committees
that our Young Lawyers Section operates.
The energy from that event bodes well for
the future of the CBA.
Third, and as even further evidence
of the benefits of direct interaction, our
friends at Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth
are launching a one-on-one tutoring pro-
gram from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays
at the CBA. There is already great interest
in the program, but volunteers are needed.
If you can help out, please contact Execu-
tive Director KathrynMcCabe at 312/554-
2041 or .
So, as I conclude this column, we vow to
continue adapting and striving to help our
members and our legal system keep pace
with a rapidly changing society. Yet, at the
same time, we will never lose sight of the
importance and value of lawyers spending
time with one another in the same room.
To that end, we will continue to facilitate
and promote social, professional, and edu-
cational events at and around the CBA.
As mentioned above, on-line dispute
resolution faces Constitutional hurdles
because due process cannot be satisfied
by serving someone with a summons via
e-mail. Yet voluntary electronic dispute
resolutions is perfectly Constitutional, and
we are exploring this possibility with some
of our technology partners as well as with
the courts. Stay tuned.
These advancements in technology
are also impacting our daily involve-
ment and interactions at the Chicago Bar
Association. Each month, more and more
members are participating in committee
meetings on-line and attending seminars
remotely through videoconferencing.
These advancements have proven to be a
wonderful option for members, resulting
in unprecedented strong attendance at
committee meetings and record-breaking
success of our CLE programs.
Unfortunately, however, all of these
technological advances do not take place
without some collateral damage.
As a result of conducting so much of our
professional lives over our smart phones
and computers, our profession no longer
requires the face-to-face interactions which
give us, as practicing lawyers, opportuni-
ties to actually meet each other. For more
than 200 years, interpersonal, face-to-face
relationships have been fundamental to our
legal system. Not only do such interactions
facilitate dispute resolution and business
development, but they also promote col-
legiality and comradery in an otherwise
very stressful profession.
Although cynics may say that times are
changing and the days of lawyers interact-
ing with each other in the same room will
soon be a thing of the past, the Chicago Bar
Association rejects this premise, will con-
tinue to embrace these interactions, and
will always promote events that encourage
direct, in-person contact among lawyers.
On that note, I have observed three recent
events which support the conclusion that
lawyers still appreciate time spent together.
First, the CBA will soon be completing
its first year-long Leadership Institute. In
this program, a select group of law firm
associates participate in regular sessions
to learn necessary skills for leadership and
business development. Feedback from
Pro Bono Support
Are you looking for a pro bono opportunity that
fits your skills, interests and availability? The
CBF Pro Bono Support Program is here to help
connect you to meaningful pro bono volunteer
opportunities that are a good fit for learn
more about potential volunteer opportuni-
ties, go to
resources/pro-bono or Contact Angela Inzano
at 312/554-4952 for assistance getting involved.
The CBA Record would like to thank Amy Cook
for her years of service as Editor-in-Chief (2014-
16).With JusticeMichael B. Hyman returning to
the helm, Cookwill remain active in her position
as Managing Editor, joining Associate Editor
Anne Ellis and Publications Director David Beam
in the work of the CBA Record.
We welcome your ideas, submissions, and
feedback! Visit the CBARecord online at www.
to learn how to submit articles
and send your feedback to us at publications@
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