Best snitches: Illinois lawyers; Land of Lincoln leads the nation in attorneys turning in their peers

Article Abstract:

Illinois attorneys lead the nation in whistleblowing on their colleagues, and information from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission confirms that the phenomenon, often leading to suspension or disbarment, continues at a high rate. The reason may be because the state became unique in 1988 in sustaining the suspension of a legal license for failure to report a colleague's misconduct and this significantly narrowed the state's common law attorney-client privilege rule. This was the In re Himmel case, which has inspired other states to look for new ways of prosecuting unethical lawyers.

Attorneys, Discipline, Illinois, states

---

A time to disrobe to save your honor

Article Abstract:

Former judges who have entered private practice of law should not continue to use or allow others to use the title of Judge because such use can be unfair to opponents, and misleading to the public. The American Bar Assn's committee on ethics issued an excellent opinion, 95-391, prohibiting this use of the title in written or oral communication, recognizing its essentially unethical nature. The opinion also expressly endorses factual statements of a former judge's experience and credentials.

Legislative Bodies, Judiciary, Ethical aspects, Retired judges

---

President-elect will seek to revive professional standards, civility and pro bono commitments

Article Abstract:

The ABA must seek to help the standards of the entire legal profession. Areas to be addressed include pro bono services, continuing education, client service, legal ethics, civility in legal practice, and improvements in the administration of justice. The Ethics 2000 committee of the ABA plans to begin work on a revised version of the professional conduct rules. Attacks on the independence of judges, the justice system and the Legal Services Corp. are destructive and must be countered.

Officials and employees, Justice, Administration of, Administration of justice, A.B.A.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Zealous civil lawyers now fear prosecution. Lawyers begin the post-vote exodus. New explorers hope for riches in India; U.S. lawyers see opportunity as the world's largest democracy modernizes
• Abstracts: SEC, lawyers spar over derivative restrictions. A place in the sun
• Abstracts: Legal marketing on the Information Superhighway; how to attract new business online without attracting controversy
• Abstracts: Poor people skills can collapse firms. Laterals: the profession's blind dates; firms need to get nosier in order to protect themselves
• Abstracts: Riding the brain train: many intellectual property lawyers are making the move from boutiques to full-service megafirms

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.