LAWYERS, JUDGES AS LEADERS Polarization and hostility on social media almost trains people to react in ways that are harsh and vitriolic. Careers can be torpedoed by online behavior outside work as well. The Com- mission on Professionalism has tackled these modern issues in its training. “Lawyers are part of the wider society, and everyone is being impacted by this becoming a norm,” Harold said. Yet lawyers, as trained problem solvers and advocates, should be equipped to be leaders in increasing civil dialogue, not just within the pro - fession but in society as a whole. The commission encourages lawyers to embrace that role. “It's so important when they are on social media, even if they're not talking about their practice or the law, to still con- duct themselves in ways that exemplify civility and being a vig- orous advocate without crossing that line into incivility,” Harold said. “Lawyers have an opportunity, at a time right now of great polarization and toxicity, to be part of the solution that's des- perately needed.”
Justice Jesse Reyes
to include a little more warmth in online interactions — perhaps a Zoom breakroom to substitute for casual hallway conversa- tion — or more effort to show up in person at events designed for networking. Reyes is known to place great importance on being present at industry events, which he credits for giving him a “hands on the ground” awareness of issues in the community. So- cial occasions also allow for judges and attorneys to break bread together, which he believes can further promote civility in courtrooms. His busy schedule leaves him optimistic about the essential good nature of most people in the profession. And for those otherwise inclined, some would say Chicago is a big city with a small legal community. Ensconced behind a screen or not, there will likely always be someone nearby — watching or listening — who knows someone. “You never want to be disrespectful to someone who might be a friend of a friend, or a relative of a relative,” Reyes said. “I'm a firm believer in what goes around comes around. I think that the sense of a small-town community in a large city is very helpful towards making sure that people treat each other with civility.” Illinois 1st District appellate justice Jesse G. Reyes swore in a mentee, Alejandro Cuautli, to practice law. Cuautli is now an assistant public defender in Winnebago County. — Photo courtesy Jesse G. Reyes.
Indeed, maintaining a civil legal profession requires a degree of self-awareness and initiative by all parties — and a firm hand from court leaders. Lorna E. Propes, a mediator with ADR Systems and recently retired Cook County circuit judge, con - siders it a judge's “absolute primary responsibility” to manage a courtroom. “It's the judges' role to make sure that the court-
Lorna E. Propes
room is a place of decency and appropriate behavior and com- fort for the people that are there to participate in the judicial system,” Propes said. “So, if the judge doesn't do that … then all is lost, because no one else can do it.” Outside the courtroom, finding new ways to counteract shifts in daily contact may help. That might mean finding ways
14 LAW DAY 2023 • CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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