State court caseloads are slowly increasing toward pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent analysis of 2022 data from the Court Statistics Project (CSP).
The study found that state courts managed 64.6 million incoming cases in 2022, two percent more than in 2021. In comparison, state courts managed 83.2 million cases in 2019.
While case types
2Civility Blog
The 2Civility Blog is a thought-provoking platform of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. It is a forum that provides the space to dive deeply into key issues impacting the legal profession.
Through the blog, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism advances its mission to promote a culture of civility and inclusion within the following topics: civility, diversity and inclusion, ethics, future law, justice, law school, leadership, legal profession, mentoring, professionalism, technology, and wellness. These topics demonstrate that the law can be both a rewarding and challenging vocation.
The 2Civility Blog is a tool to think critically about and navigate the straight lines, curves, and detours of the legal profession. Our intent is to foster an open and ongoing dialogue. Don’t delay. Join the 2Civility Blog community and conversation.
Blog Authors
Latest from 2Civility Blog
Commission Announces Speaker Lineup for April 18 Future Is Now: Legal Services Conference
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is pleased to announce the speaker lineup for its annual Future Is Now: Legal Services conference, which will be held virtually from 12 – 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18.
Conference attendees will learn to innovate and thrive in their legal practice while creating a culture of civility…
New Chicago Bar Foundation, IAALS Network Aims to Help Middle-Class Find Affordable Legal Help
While most access to justice initiatives connect low-income individuals to legal help, the new Above the Line Network (ATLN) from the Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) and the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) is focused on the “vastly underserved market” of more than 100 million middle-class Americans.
The CBF and IAALS…
ATJ Commission Requests Public Comment on Six Illinois Standardized Form Sets
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) is requesting public comment on six Illinois Supreme Court form sets.
The following draft forms are available to review on the Illinois Supreme Court website:
…
What Women Lawyers in Illinois Really Want in a Legal Workplace
The number of women lawyers in the legal profession is growing, albeit slowly. Women currently make up 39% of attorneys in the U.S., up just 5% in 10 years, according to the ABA. However, that may be changing. In 2023, for the first time, women associates outnumbered men at U.S. law firms (50.3%).
While…
What is the JD-Next Admissions Test? ABA Votes on How LSAT Alternative Will Be Used in College Admissions
An American Bar Association council recently voted that an alternative law school admissions test called JD-Next will not be granted “test parity” with the LSAT or GRE, citing the need for more data to determine its reliability in predicting success in law school.
The vote by the ABA Council of the Section of Legal…
Professionalism Spotlight: Nikki Ticknor, Deputy Court Administrator, 17th Judicial Circuit
Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who are demonstrating the ideals of professionalism in their daily lives.
These lawyers, paralegals, court clerks, legal assistants, trial court administrators, law school personnel, and other legal and court professionals are essential in the delivery of equitable, efficient, and effective justice in Illinois.
In this Professionalism Spotlight,…
3 Things Lawyers Should Be Doing Now with Generative AI
As a lawyer, maintaining the knowledge and skills required to practice law in today’s environment while meeting daily practice demands is no small task. Throw in maintaining competency in emerging technologies and understanding how to use them effectively, and the practice of law can be overwhelming.
Over the past several decades, lawyers have slowly—but surely—embraced…
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Attorneys Saved More Than 633 Hours from Remote Court Appearances, Access to Justice Commission Found
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) recently issued a report documenting the cost and time savings of remote court appearances in southern Illinois’ First Judicial Circuit.
The report, which was written by Sarah Song of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, stems from a pilot project aimed at reducing…
Erika Harold’s Black History Month Playlist
Our Executive Director Erika Harold has assembled a Black History Month playlist, including songs that capture the strength, perseverance, hope, and beauty of the Black experience in America.
Along with the book recommendations we shared from Black leaders in the legal community, this Black History Month playlist recognizes the contributions, sacrifices, and legacy of Black…